Welcome to original Emilio’s Tapas, opened in 1988
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 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.
More About Emilio’s Restaurants
Events are regularly hosted, including flamenco demonstrations, live Spanish music, wine tastings and special dinners, plus cooking and wine classes with Emilio himself.
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.
Chef Emilio
Born and bred in Granada Spain, Emilio started his culinary journey and foundation as a boy in his Grandfather’s bakery and tapas bar. He then moved on to several chef apprenticeships throughout Spain, while adapting and honing recipes from each region as he worked to create his own unique version of tapas.
In 1973, Emilio brought his love of his homeland cuisine to the US, looking to blend Spanish flavors with American tastes. In 1980, he began working with Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, opening Café Ba-Ba-Reeba in 1985 as Partner and Chef, and introducing Chicago to its first Spanish tapas bar. This also fulfilled his dream of heading his own restaurant and introducing people to his personalized style of Spanish cooking.
In 1988, Emilio stepped out to fulfill another dream; opening his own tapas bar. Emilio’s Tapas Restaurant in Hillside was soon packing in crowds to savor his complex Mediterranean and New World flavor profiles offered in small plates and peerless paella. The press donned him the “Tapas King” as another ten restaurants would follow.
Today, the Chicagoland culinary scene is rich with Emilio’s influence as he has shared his love of food and mentored many chefs in the making. His philosophy has not changed, as he is dedicated to providing guests a unique experience, with fresh, delicately blended flavors, created from the finest ingredients, and served in a friendly and professional atmosphere.
And his high profile does not affect his love of his daily routine of working the kitchen line.
Emilio welcomes you to Emilio’s Tapas, to share their flavors, and passion for food and hospitality.
