Besides being home to an eclectic cultural potpourri and a vibrant film industry, India plays host to perhaps one of the most exotic cuisines in the world. While Indian food is typically associated with strong and bold flavors, it also packs an irresistible subtlety. If you are from Chicago, then you are already a step closer to relishing this experience than the rest. Known for its lip-smacking pizzas, the city also houses an impressive assortment of Indian restaurants. And if you’ve been looking for the best Indian restaurants in Chicago, then your hunt ends here. Go through our list, and book your seats, ASAP!
The Spice Room
Hands down, among the best Indian restaurants in Chicago, the philosophy of “spicy doesn’t always mean hot” lies at the core of the Spice Room. As a result, the food at this restaurant is a perfect blend of spice and elegance. Paneer butter masala, Gobi Manchurian, and cauliflower, and okra appetizers are undisputable crowd-pleasers.
Address: 2906 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, US| Timing: Monday to Thursday: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday: 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Tuesday: Closed, Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/t5hLgfQDEaVDHPJ36 | Phone Number: +17733608689
Ghareeb Nawaz
If you are on a limited budget, but still want to treat yourself to some delicious food at a restaurant, then Ghareeb Nawaz is the place to be. From serving fresh, hot aloo parathas at breakfast to flavorful chili chicken biryani at lunch and dinner, Ghareeb Nawaz strives to make every item special. The place serves as many as 23 types of paratha sandwiches and also has a generous veg thali.
Address: 2032 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, US | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 8:00 am to 2:00 am | Google Map Location: https://g.page/ghareebnawazrestaurant?share | Phone Number: +17737615300
Indian Garden Restaurant
A quick survey among the locals would tell you that Indian Garden’s self-claim of offering “culinary nirvana” to its customers holds its ground. The food served in this restaurant is regarded by many to be the best Indian food in Chicago. This eatery attempts to take its customers on a culinary voyage to the exotic tastes and textures of Indian cuisine.
Address: 247 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, US | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/indian-garden-restaurant-chicago?share | Phone Number: +13122804910
Bombay Chopsticks
Helmed by celebrated chefs C.S. Rawat and Jagmohan Jayara, Bombay Chopsticks is particularly famous for its Indo-Chinese food such as Kung Pao chicken, sweet corn soup, and the vegetarian spring roll. Equally delightful are this restaurant’s vegetarian offerings of tofu in a tangy sauce and sapo vegetables. The restaurant’s sophisticated and charming ambiance makes it the perfect spot for family and corporate dining alike.
Address: 721 W Golf Rd, Hoffman Estates, IL 60169, US | Timing: Monday to Thursday: 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Saturday: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/bombaychopstickschicago?share | Phone Number: +18473805775
Naansense
Naansense is a Chipotle-style restaurant largely known for its Indian street food, prepared fresh on-site every day. What’s more, Naansense allows you to create your own bowl! All you need to do is pick the base, protein, veggies, and sauce of your choosing. While you’re here, do not forget to try out its samosa chaat and naan pizza. Oh, and it has a roaming food van too.
Address: 171 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606, US | Timing: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 8:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/YEhoEJwVkaKXkLwPA | Phone Number: +13122557268
Tandoor Char House
Tandoor Char House combines the best Indian and Pakistani cuisine elements to present a highly distilled form of South-Indian fusion in its offerings. Run by brothers Fahim and Faraz Sardharia, Tandoor Char House is a tribute to their rich cultural heritage. Some of the most popular fusion dishes include rib-eye steak, tamarind wings, fajitas, penne tikka masala, cajun tandoori chicken boti, and tikka masala tacos.
Address: 2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, US | Phone Number: Monday to Friday: 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am to 10:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/tandoorcharhouse?share | Phone Number: +17733272652
Tiffin The Indian Kitchen
No place in Chicago serves better authentic savory desi food than Tiffin The Indian Kitchen. Tasked with fixing a spot for your first date? Tiffin The Indian Kitchen has your back. Need a place for an important corporate lunch? Tiffin The Indian Kitchen comes to your rescue, yet again! The head chef and staff, fondly referred to as Tiffin “Wallallahs”, make the most of this beautiful ambiance by leading you on an exotic journey of spices and flavors.
Address: 2536 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, US | Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm, Monday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://g.page/TiffinIndianRestaurantChicago?share | Phone Number: +17733382143
Mango Pickle
Run by chef-owners Marisa and Greg, Mango Pickle offers a diverse spread. Popular picks at the restaurant are feni-beef stir fry, cashew rick cake, and lamb khichda. However, for the rest of 2021, the bistro has dedicated itself to doing 21 Days of Thali supper events. Marisa’s love for Indian cuisine can be traced back to her time in Mumbai, where she is said to have found her calling for the culinary arts.
Address: 5842 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60660, US | Timing: Saturday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UAWEhoEwiBLpLjxC9 | Phone Number: +17739445555
Pub Royale
Fusing the best of a bar and restaurant together, Pub Royale delights with its untraditional and eclectic menu that it proudly claims is “built to share”. If you’re a draft beer connoisseur, then you’ll have a grand time here. And if you’re not, you’ll still have a gala time, nonetheless courtesy of its diverse cocktails and cuisine choices.
Address: 2049 W Division St, Chicago, IL 60622, US | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 pm to 12:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/kqk49UbhZyhbiH2y6 | Phone Number: +17736616874
Rooh Chicago
Rooh Chicago isn’t your average Indian restaurant. It has a reputation for serving progressive food in a vibrant atmosphere. Rooh presents the quintessential amalgamation of regional flavors and modern gastronomic techniques. From jackfruit kofta to classics like butter chicken, Rooh’s menu is a mix of modern and traditional. The restaurant’s elegant vibe makes it an ideal fit for dining experiences and cocktail parties alike.
Address: 736 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661, US| Timing: Tuesday to Thursday: 5:00 pm to 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday: 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm, Sunday: 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm| Google Map Location: https://g.page/roohchicago?share| Phone Number: +13127308495
Cumin Chicago
Cumin is a modern Nepalese and Indian restaurant that provides a complete South Asian culinary experience. Cumin’s assorted menu caters to both the rich Indian palate and the comparatively mild Nepali palate. It contains perennial Indian hits like chicken tikka masala, vindaloo, and paneer aloo gobi chili masala, and Nepali favorites such as gorkhali Khasi, chhoela, aloo tama ra bodi, Namche bazako sekuwa, etc.
Address: 1414 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, US | Timing: Monday to Friday: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm and 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CEEnrQ122RY2ZaJv8 | Phone Number: +17733421414
Uru-Swati
Uru-Swati is popular for its delicious food, friendly staff, and top-notch service. This restaurant is best known for its modern interpretation of classic dishes and emphasis on the usage of high-quality fresh ingredients. Oh, and if you were wondering about the unique name of the restaurant, it means “morning star of peace”. Definitely, a place to frequent with your family and friends. Its enviable chai needs a special mention.
Address: 2629 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, US| Timing: Monday to Sunday: 11:30 am to 9:30 pm, Tuesday: Closed| Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/GQNoXxRKp234Hq1G8| Phone Number: +17733811010
Annapurna Simply Vegetarian
Since a sizable Indian population is vegetarian, the country invests equally in its meat delicacies as it does in its animal-free food options. Annapurna Simply Vegetarian bears ample testimony to that. From ravishing South Indian and Gujarati thalis to a wide array of snacks and a hypnotic spread of desserts (think gulab jamun, rasgulla, and rasmalai), Annapurna Simply Vegetarian has it all. Equally popular is its piping hot cup of chai.
Address: 2600 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, US| Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Tuesday: Closed| Google Map Location: https://g.page/annapurnachicago?share| Phone Number: +17737641858
Indian Clay Pot
Indian Clay Pot owes its name to the fact that its patron saint, Chef Sai, cooks the majority of its dishes in actual clay pots imported from India. Talk about being true to your name! The extensive menu has plenty of options for meat-eaters and vegetarians alike — ranging from mushroom masala and paneer tikka to Kerala shrimp curry and the classic butter chicken.
Address: 1804 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613, US | Timing: Tuesday to Saturday: 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Sunday: 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/F4MHkdx3H7mAjRsJ6 | Phone Number: +17738570473
Udupi Palace
If you’ve a soft corner for South Indian food, then you need not look beyond Udupi Palace. Likewise, if you haven’t been initiated into this kind of food yet, then few other restaurants can induct you as gracefully into this rich heritage as Udupi Palace. Located in the heart of Little India on Devon Ave, this restaurant serves the crispiest vadas, the fluffiest idlis, and the most delicious dosas in Chicago.
Address: 2543 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, US | Timing: Sunday to Friday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday: 11:0 am to 9:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/pqp3B8PykjLiJSse6 | Phone Number: +17733382152
Vajra
Vajra is home to arguably the most delicious plate of momo in Chicago. But it is more popular for its tender goat chops, served alongside a refreshing yogurt marinade. This restaurant makes use of the freshest and liveliest ingredients out there to provide its visitors with an uncompromising blend of Indian and Nepali food. Additionally, the imaginative cocktails at its full bar will ensure that your thirst remains quenched at all times.
Address: 1329 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642, US | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/vajrachicago?share | Phone Number: +13129294990
Rangoli Indian Cuisine
Featuring among the best Indian restaurants in Chicago isn’t Rangoli Indian Cuisine’s sole claim to fame. Its aesthetically pleasing interiors make a pretty compelling case for it as well. Dedicated to creating memorable dining experiences, Rangoli offers its visitors an assortment of mouth-watering dishes. Some of the choicest items at this restaurant are shrimp malai, lamb rogan josh, and kofta makhani. Don’t miss the gajar ka halwa.
Address: 2421 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, US | Timing: Tuesday to Friday: 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/7udpgWyQMwTEdvro6 | Phone Number: +17736977114
Mild 2 Spicy
From sizzling appetizers to scrumptious full-fledged meals, Mild 2 Spicy’s wide range of menu has it all. Start your meal with a bowl of piping hot mixed vegetable soup and warm up your palate with a succulent serving of Chicken 65.
Next, dive deep into its delicious chicken vindaloo alongside a bowl of cumin rice or some truly fresh naan. It also has a dedicated vegan section that serves toothsome dishes like tofu Kadai, gobi paratha, and malai kofta.
Address: 714 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, US | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZqoxoWWrNnmLJjgF6 | Phone Number: +17736616778
Namaste Chicago
Namaste Chicago takes the freshest ingredients from the highlands of India and Nepal and turns it into a series of ravishing and healthy South Asian dishes. The authenticity of its servings has helped Namaste Chicago establish itself as a sanctuary for curry lovers in the region. Additionally, its pronounced shunning of artificial coloring and junk ingredients makes it a haven for health-conscious folks, too.
Address: 2515 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, US | Timing: Tuesday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/PAZmnNGizZRX1AeF7 | Phone Number: +17739047072
MOMO Factory
Serving some of the finest momos in town, MOMO Factory doesn’t disappoint on any account. The head chef at the MOMO factory uses his 20-year experience to leave you spellbound with his chicken and vegetarian bowls, choila, dojar bowl, thukpa, lamb biryani, and more. The restaurant also provides catering services for private events like weddings, cocktail receptions, dinners, and business lunches.
Address: 3202 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657, US | Timing: Sunday to Wednesday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/JgMvn6MizGdcrF157 | Phone Number: +17736612970
Looking for sugar, spice, and everything nice? Well, then your hunt certainly ends at the restaurants that we listed in this article. Besides serving the best Indian food in Chicago, these restaurants also give you a real shot at broadening your cultural horizons. Don’t know about you, but that sounds like a real clincher for us!
