Mediterranean Small Plates

Ēma is a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago’s River North and Glenview neighborhoods, showcasing Chef Partner CJ Jacobson’s lighter California style of cooking.

The menu features a selection of mezze, Mediterranean small plates, with an emphasis on Hummus & Spreads, Raw, Vegetable and Kebabs. Signature dishes include Moroccan Onion Dip, Tahini Caesar Salad, Octopus Carpaccio and Spicy Brisket Kefta Kebab.

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Meet CJ Jacobson

Orange County-born, Chef CJ Jacobson’s craft revolves around hyper-seasonal, local California ingredients, where foraging plays a main part in the flavor profiles he creates in the kitchen.

After traveling the world and discovering his true passion for food while playing professional volleyball, he attended Le Cordon Bleu-affiliated College of Culinary Arts in Pasadena to hone his organic skills.

Since his culinary career launch in 2004, he has starred in two seasons of Bravo’s Top Chef, won 2014 Top Chef Duels and spent ample time cooking with acclaimed chefs in many notable kitchens across California and Chicago.

Jacobson is now the Chef Partner at Ema and Aba, Lettuce Entertain You restaurant concepts focused on light, Mediterranean-style cooking.