If you’re looking for a culinary adventure in Chicago, you can’t go wrong with Indian cuisine. The city is home to some of the best Indian restaurants in the region, offering a variety of dishes from different regions of India. Whether you crave spicy curries, fragrant biryanis, or crispy samosas, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds at these amazing eateries.
In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of the 10 best Indian restaurants in Chicago, where you can enjoy authentic flavors, friendly service, and a cozy ambiance. These restaurants are perfect for any occasion, whether you want a quick bite, a romantic date night, or a family feast. So, get ready to spice up your life with these delicious Indian restaurants in Chicago.
10 Best Indian Restaurants in Chicago
Below are the best Indian restaurants in Chicago.
1. Indian Garden Restaurant
Indian Garden Restaurant is one of the most popular and highly-rated Indian restaurants in Chicago. Located on the second floor of a building on Ontario Street, this restaurant offers a stunning view of downtown Chicago along with mouthwatering dishes. The menu features classic North Indian dishes like chicken tikka masala, lamb rogan josh, and palak paneer, as well as South Indian specialties like dosas and idlis. You can also try their lunch buffet for an affordable and satisfying meal.
- Address: 247 E Ontario St 2nd Floor, Chicago IL 60611
- Website: http://www.indiangardenchicago.com/
- Operating Hours: Mon-Thu 11 am – 2:30 pm & 5 pm – 10 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am – 2:30 pm & 5 pm-10:30 pm; Sun 11 am-3 pm & 5 pm-10 pm
2. India House Restaurant – Chicago
India House Restaurant is another great option for Indian food lovers in Chicago. This restaurant has been serving authentic and diverse dishes from various regions of India since 1993. You can find everything from tandoori specialties to seafood delicacies to vegetarian options on their extensive menu. The restaurant also has a full bar with an impressive selection of wines and cocktails. If you’re looking for a fine dining experience with impeccable service and ambiance, India House Restaurant is the place to go.
- Address: 59 W Grand Ave., Chicago IL 60654
- Website: http://indiahousechicago.com/
- Operating Hours: Mon-Thu 5 pm-9 pm; Fri-Sat 11 am-2:30 pm & 5 pm-9:30 pm; Sun 11 am-2:30 pm & 5 pm-9 pm
3. Gaylord India Restaurant
Gaylord India Restaurant is one of the oldest and most established Indian restaurants in Chicago. It has been serving delicious and authentic dishes since 1972, earning rave reviews from customers and critics alike. The restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine, with dishes like butter chicken, dal makhani, and naan bread being some of their signature items. You can also enjoy their lunch buffet or order online for delivery or takeout.
- Address: 100 E Walton St., Chicago IL 60611
- Website: http://www.gaylordil.com/
- Operating Hours: Mon-Fri 11 am-3 pm & Sun-Thur Dinner -4 pm -9 pm; Fri-Sat Dinner -4 pm -10 pm
4. Sabri Nihari
Sabri Nihari is a hidden gem for Pakistani and Indian food lovers in Chicago. Located on Devon Avenue, this restaurant serves some of the best nihari (slow-cooked beef stew) in town, along with other dishes like biryani (rice pilaf), kebabs (grilled meat), and chaat (snacks). The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable, making this restaurant a great value for money.
- Address: 2502 W Devon Ave., Chicago IL
- Website: http://sabrinihari.com/
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun Lunch – 12 pm – 4 pm; Dinner – 6 pm – 12 am
5. Cumin
Cumin is a cozy and casual restaurant that serves both Indian and Nepali cuisine. You can find a variety of dishes on their menu, from tandoori chicken to momos (dumplings) to thukpa (noodle soup). The restaurant also offers vegan, gluten-free, and halal options for customers with dietary restrictions. Cumin is a great place to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying meal with friends or family.
- Address: 1414 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago IL 60622
- Website: http://www.cumin-chicago.com/
- Operating Hours: Mon-Thu 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 5 pm -10 pm; Fri-Sat 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 5 pm-10:30 pm; Sun 12 pm-3 pm & 5 pm-10 pm
6. Himalayan Restaurant
Himalayan Restaurant is another spot where you can taste both Indian and Nepali dishes. The restaurant has two locations in Chicago, one in Niles and one in Gurnee. The menu features dishes like chicken tikka masala, lamb vindaloo, and saag paneer, as well as Nepali specialties like dal bhat (rice and lentils), gundruk (fermented greens), and sel roti (rice flour doughnuts). The restaurant also has a lunch buffet and a catering service.
- Address: Niles – 8265 W Golf Rd., Niles IL 60714; Gurnee – 3747 Grand Ave., Gurnee IL 60031
- Website: http://himalayanrestaurant.com/
- Operating Hours: Niles – Mon-Sun Lunch – 11 am – 3 pm; Dinner – 4 pm – 10 pm; Gurnee – Tue-Sun Lunch – 11 am – 3 pm; Dinner – 4 pm -9 pm
7. Chicago Curry House
Chicago Curry House is one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago for those who love spicy food. The restaurant serves Indian and Nepali cuisine, with dishes like chicken chettinad, goat curry, and dal tadka being some of their specialties. You can also try their lunch buffet or order online for delivery or takeout. The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere, with colorful decor and friendly staff.
- Address: 899 S Plymouth Ct., Chicago IL 60605
- Website: http://www.curryhouseonline.com/
- Operating Hours: Mon-Fri Lunch – 11 am – 2:30 pm; Dinner – 5 pm – 10 pm; Sat-Sun Lunch – 11 am – 3:30 pm; Dinner – 5 pm -10:30 pm
8. ROOH Chicago
ROOH Chicago is a modern and upscale restaurant that offers a creative twist on traditional Indian cuisine. The restaurant uses local ingredients and seasonal flavors to create dishes that are both innovative and delicious. Some of their signature dishes include duck keema pav (minced duck with brioche buns), paneer pinwheel (spinach stuffed cheese with tomato sauce), and gulab jamun cheesecake (rose-flavored cheesecake with pistachio crumble). The restaurant also has an extensive cocktail menu that features drinks inspired by Indian spices and herbs.
- Address: 736 W Randolph St., Chicago IL
- Website: http://www.roohchicago.com/
- Operating Hours: Tue-Thur Dinner – 5:00 PM –9:00 PM; Fri-Sat Dinner – 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Sun Brunch – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM; Sun Dinner – 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
9. Vermilion
Vermilion is another fine dining option for Indian food lovers in Chicago. The restaurant specializes in Latin-Indian fusion cuisine, combining the flavors of India, Spain, Portugal, and Brazil. The menu features dishes like lobster Portuguese (lobster tail with coconut curry), tandoori skirt steak (grilled steak with chimichurri sauce), and date fig olive naan (flatbread with sweet and savory toppings). You can also choose from their tapas, fusion-style entrees, or four-course tasting menus.
- Address: 10 W Hubbard St., Chicago IL
- Website: http://www.thevermilionrestaurant.com/
- Operating Hours: Tue-Thur Dinner – 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM; Fri-Sat Dinner – 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
10. Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant
Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant is one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago for those who are looking for cheap eats and huge portions. This restaurant serves Pakistani and Indian cuisine, with dishes like nihari (beef stew), biryani (rice pilaf), kebabs (grilled meat), and paratha (flatbread) being some of their favorites. You can get a full meal for less than $10 at this restaurant, which is open 24 hours a day.
- Address: 2032 W Devon Ave., Chicago IL
- Website: http://ghareebnawazonline.com/
- Operating Hours: Mon-Sun Open 24 hours
These are some of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago that you can try on your next trip to the Windy City. Whether you want to experience authentic flavors, fusion dishes, or spicy curries, you’ll find something to suit your palate at these amazing eateries. So don’t hesitate to spice up your life with these delicious Indian restaurants in Chicago. You won’t regret it!