About us top left
In 1988, Emilio Gervilla opened the first Emilio's Tapas in Hillside, a suburb just west of Chicago. It was named one of Chicago Magazine's 10 best new restaurants and has never looked back. Ten more restaurants would follow to similar critical acclaim as Emilio was soon titled the "Tapas King" by the Chicago press. Annually, Emilio's Tapas restaurants have graced the top 25 restaurants throughout Chicago, and have also received awards and accolades from Zagat, Chicago Magazine, Food Industry News, along with a myriad of other publications and more importantly, an ardent following of regular customers.
Emilio’s Tapas Restaurants
The atmosphere is fun, casual, and sophisticated, with vibrant and colorful settings, where friendly, well-informed professionals are eager to serve.
The wonderful Spanish cuisine is made up of small plates of hot and cold tapas and a variety of peerless paellas inspired by Mediterranean and New World cultures. These are Emilio's own recipes honed over a lifetime, growing up and working his way through restaurants in Spain, and coming to the US to work and share his creations and passion for his homeland.
Events are regularly hosted, including flamenco demonstrations, live Spanish music, wine tastings and special dinners, plus wine classes with the winemakers themselves.
Dining options include al fresco on the patios, in the open dining rooms which can also accommodate private and semi-private parties, or feel free to sample tapas while enjoying sangria or your favorite beverage at the bar with friends and family.
Emilio's can also bring this wonderful and unique cuisine to your home, office, or other preferred location.
The Story of Emilio's Tapas
Born and raised in Granada, Spain, Emilio Gervilla began his culinary career as a boy in his grandfather's bakery and tapas bar. He later completed chef apprenticeships throughout Spain, gaining experience with the culinary traditions and flavors of different regions.
In 1973, Emilio brought his appreciation for Spanish cuisine to the United States. In 1980, he began working with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and, in 1985, opened Café Ba-Ba-Reeba as Partner and Chef, introducing Chicago to its first Spanish tapas bar.
In 1988, Emilio founded and opened the original Emilio's Tapas in Hillside. The restaurant became known for Spanish and Mediterranean-inspired small plates and paella, and Emilio was subsequently recognized in the press as the "Tapas King." The success of the Hillside restaurant led to the opening of additional Emilio's Tapas locations throughout the Chicagoland area.
During his career, Emilio also mentored aspiring chefs and helped introduce diners throughout Chicagoland to Spanish tapas and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.
The original Emilio's Tapas in Hillside, founded in 1988, remains an important part of the restaurant's history and the story of Spanish tapas in Chicagoland.