Ema recently became a favorite place to meet my friends after work and recommend to my family to try when they are in Chicago. Ema's location makes it easy for me and my two best friends to meet up as we are coming from three different parts of the city. Also, being close to downtown makes it easy for visitors to find in the city.
I picked Ema for a weekday get-together because the food is light but satisfying. The menu is set up for each person to order a few plates and share. Do not miss ordering the hummus and crispy potatoes.
The cocktail Fog Over Rio impressed me and I was delighted to share a bottle of wine from Lebanon (I am part Lebanese) with my friends. The atmosphere is bright and laid back. Reservations are recommended as I was here on a Monday night and we waited 15 minutes with a reservation. This is also a "Lettuce Entertain You" restaurant, so you can earn points.
If you do not know what "Lettuce Entertain You" is and you live in or visit Chicago often, sign up for an account. The staff at Ema can help you and you will be on your way to earn $ off your next dinner out.
Find your way with 114 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The food here is prepared by Moses Sake, chef and co-owner of Tesfa, who learned how to cook from his mother. He runs Tesfa with his brother, Samuel Sake.
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I recommend getting the traditional breakfast combo, a sampler with three dishes, that comes with complimentary warm, crispy bread!
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The star of the show is De Luna's "volcano" taco, made with spicy poblano pepper and melted cheese. It may be one of the best tacos I've eaten in my life!
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Although this street is dominated by Vietnamese eateries, Nhà Hàng is a quieter, no-frills joint as opposed to the touristy, upscale restaurants nearby.
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Here diners sit in the naturally lit patio while enjoying traditional homemade Costa Rican food: sweet plantains, grilled veggies, rice and beans.
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My favorite thing to order here is the vegetarian arepa, which is stuffed with black beans, a generous portion of avocado, and sweet plantains.
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Founded in 1948, "Superdawg" is THE quintessential Chicago hot dog place - they'll bring your order right to your car, like they did in the '50s!
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Architecture lovers - if you are in Chicago, make sure to grab a ticket and get ready to explore "Frank Lloyd Wright's Home & Studio"...
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The lentils are filling and creamy; the veggies are lightly cooked and nourishing; the injera bread is the perfect balance of slightly tangy and spongey.
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OMI has many good menu options, but their Japanese dessert toast is their all-star. Think of it as a fluffy French toast served with vanilla ice cream.
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Choose from multigrain sourdough, their house sourdough and miso rye sourdough; pastry choices include croissants, morning buns, and fruit danishes.
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Momos are bite-sized dumplings from Nepal and Tibet, usually filled with meat that is seasoned with spices like turmeric, garlic, cumin, and chili peppers.
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114 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
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