Meet us where Chicago’s “Tapas King” reigns!
Emilio’s Tapas is well known around Chicago for serving shareable plates and “peerless paella” with an authentic taste of Spain.
But it’s right here in Hillside where the original Emilio’s Tapas was built by Chef Emilio himself.
You won’t want to miss the dates wrapped in applewood-smoked bacon and served in red-pepper butter sauce or the Patatas Bravas (Spanish-style potatoes served in garlic-tomato almond sauce and aged Spanish cheese).
From the cold tapas menu, the tomato bread with Serrano ham and Manchego cheese is perfect for sharing alongside the Gambas Frias Tres Salsas (chilled shrimp with three sauces of tomato, garlic cumin, and aioli).
Of course, you will want to indulge in the experience of sharing Emilio’s famous paellas with the table. You can choose from a variety of different mixtures and proteins, but the classic Paella a La Mariscos with shrimp, mussels, clams, and scallops in saffron rice is our recommendation!
Emilio’s Tapas is open Wednesday and Thursday from 4:30pm to 9:30pm, Friday and Saturday from 11:30am to 10pm, and Sunday from 4:30 to 9pm. (Closed Monday and Tuesday.)
Don’t miss Happy Hour tapas on weekdays from 4:30-6:30pm!
Be sure to check the website and Facebook page for special events like Flamenco shows, live Spanish music, themed dinners and wine tastings, and even cooking classes with Chef Emilio!
Shareable tapas plates range in price from about $8 to about $20. The dishes of decadent paellas (also shareable) range in price from $17 to $28.
Chef Emilio Gervilla was born in Grenada, Spain where he learned his passion for cooking in his Grandfather’s bakery and tapas shop. He went on to cook in restaurants across Spain, soaking up the regional recipes and flavors.
Chef Emilio moved to the United States in 1973 and started working with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises soon after. In 1985, Café Ba-Ba-Reeba opened with Emilio as Partner and Chef.
It was in 1988 that Chef Emilio opened a restaurant of his very own in Hillside. Soon after, the Chicago press called Emilio the “Tapas King”!
Emilio’s Tapas is located at 4100 Roosevelt Road in Hillside. It’s just 14 miles west of downtown Chicago.
