Plates of mezze from Ēma Glenview
The newest restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants and chef-partner CJ Jacobson has just arrived in Glenview, bringing California-inspired Mediterranean fare to the local dining scene.
Following the success of its River North location, Ēma Glenview features a signature mezze-style menu with all-new menu staples—from spicy brisket kefta to tender harissa-crusted halibut.
“We are thrilled to bring Ēma’s lighter style of cooking to Chicago’s North Shore suburbs,” says Marc Jacobs, executive partner and divisional president of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants. “I am excited to offer Ema’s dining experience right here in my own backyard and to be part of the welcoming community.”
Moroccan onion dip with Medjool dates and tamarind chutney
With an emphasis on hummus and spreads, the culinary program features several newly introduced small bites, including Moroccan onion dip with Medjool dates and tamarind chutney, spinach and feta spread with crispy kale and octopus carpaccio with calamansi vinaigrette.
The restaurants’ Glenview-exclusive entrees span Moroccan chicken, tahini Caesar salad, brown butter dates with cippolini onions and marinated sweet peppers with sherry vinegar.
The hibiscus cosmo with Grey Goose, Appel’s hibiscus grenadine and lemon
The menu is complemented by over 70 globally sourced wines curated by sommelier John C. Slatter, many of which are crafted by Mediterranean wineries practicing organic and natural production, featuring grape varietals from Greece, Lebanon and Italy.
Cocktails incorporate Mediterranean ingredients and spirits with offerings like the “Mango For Broke” with Casamigos Reposado, Chinola mango and lime, the hibiscus cosmo with Grey Goose, Appel’s hibiscus grenadine and lemon and the Barrel Select old fashioned, featuring an exclusive private label bourbon from Koval Distillery.
Zero-proof libations include the “Say Less” with a Ritual tequila substitute and passion fruit and the cucumber jalapeño refresher with ginger, mint, cilantro, lime and pineapple compote.
Ēma Glenview’s Mediterranean-inspired dining area
The eatery’s Mediterranean influence carries through to its design, with lush ivy, potted trees, greenery, sun-drenched interiors and textured accents, including natural stone, reclaimed wood and ivory brick.
Designed by Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants’ in-house design team, helmed by director of interior design Avril Zayas and director of architecture John Cinelli, in collaboration with Jacobs, the dining establishment features over 230 seats, including a private dining space for up to 52 guests with built-in AV and Bluetooth capabilities.
Ēma will be open daily for lunch and dinner with carryout, weekend brunch, delivery and large group event bookings to follow later this fall. Reservations are now available and can be made via OpenTable or by calling 847-262-9500. Ēma is located at 1320 Patriot Blvd., Glenview, IL 60026.
See also: The Hottest New Restaurants In Chicago, September 2024
Photography by: Photography by Jeff Marini, courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants
