Chicago isn’t just about deep-dish pizza and hot dogs — it’s a city where culinary traditions from around the world converge, and Indian cuisine has carved out a deliciously prominent space. Whether you’re craving rich North Indian curries, spicy coastal seafood, or inventive modern fusion, the city offers a spectrum of flavors to satisfy every palate.
From the bustling streets of Devon Avenue to the sleek fine-dining spaces downtown, Indian restaurants in Chicago offer both authenticity and innovation. This guide takes you list of 10 of the best Indian restaurants in the city, each with its own story, style, and specialties.
1. Indienne – Chicago’s Michelin-Starred Gem
Location: River North, Downtown Chicago
Famous Dishes: Regional tasting menus, modern takes on paneer, refined lamb curries, seasonal vegetable creations.
Indienne redefines Indian dining with an upscale tasting menu approach, blending regional flavors from across India with French-inspired plating and modern cooking techniques. The chef’s attention to detail is evident in every dish — from the delicate spicing of a lentil soup to the artistry of a perfectly seared scallop with curry sauce.
The dining room is minimalist yet warm, allowing the food to take center stage. It’s a place where you can explore the complexity of Indian cuisine in a structured, fine-dining experience without losing the soul of the original flavors.
2. Nadu – A Regional Culinary Journey
Location: Lincoln Park
Famous Dishes: Meen gassi (fish curry), vegetable moilee, coastal-style chicken, ghee rice.
Nadu offers a culinary road trip across India, but its specialty lies in the coastal cuisines of the south. Expect dishes infused with coconut milk, curry leaves, mustard seeds, and subtle spice blends. The meen gassi is tangy and aromatic, while the vegetable moilee provides a lighter, fragrant option for vegetarians.
Its intimate setting makes it ideal for a quiet dinner where you can appreciate the balance of flavors and learn about less-common regional recipes.
3. Thattu – Kerala’s Coastal Comfort
Location: Avondale
Famous Dishes: Kerala beef curry, egg roast, parotta bread, coconut-based fish curry.
Thattu has quickly become a favorite for those seeking the vibrant, tropical flavors of Kerala. Its menu celebrates bold spices like black pepper, cloves, and cardamom, paired with the richness of coconut oil and fresh herbs.
Parotta with beef curry is a must-try — flaky, buttery bread soaking up slow-cooked meat in a dark, spicy sauce. For seafood lovers, the fish curry here is bright with tamarind and mellowed by coconut milk.
4. Rooh – Modern Indian Artistry
Location: West Loop
Famous Dishes: Smoked butter chicken, avocado-chickpea bhel, lamb shank with Kerala spices, thandai rose ice cream.
Rooh’s philosophy is simple: respect tradition while embracing creativity. This restaurant is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds. The smoked butter chicken is a modern twist on a classic — smoky, creamy, and intensely flavorful.
Starters like the avocado-chickpea bhel bring a playful touch to street-food favorites, while desserts such as thandai rose ice cream offer a fragrant, cooling finish to a spice-rich meal.
5. The Spice Room – Cozy Neighborhood Favorite
Location: Logan Square
Famous Dishes: Lamb rogan josh, paneer butter masala, chicken tikka masala, garlic naan.
Tucked into Logan Square, The Spice Room delivers hearty, homestyle Indian cooking in a warm, casual setting. Portions are generous, and the flavors are consistent, making it a go-to spot for locals.
The lamb rogan josh is slow-cooked until tender in a deep red sauce rich with Kashmiri chili, while the paneer butter masala balances creamy tomato gravy with the freshness of handmade cheese.
6. Cumin – Indian and Nepalese Harmony
Location: Wicker Park
Famous Dishes: Tandoori goat, momo dumplings, aloo tama bodi, mango kulfi.
Cumin bridges two culinary worlds — India and Nepal — offering a menu where tandoori meats meet steamed Himalayan dumplings. The tandoori goat is smoky and succulent, while the momo dumplings are served with a tangy tomato-chili dipping sauce.
For something hearty and comforting, try aloo tama bodi — a Nepalese stew with bamboo shoots, potatoes, and black-eyed peas. Finish with mango kulfi, a frozen dessert rich with cardamom.
7. Chicago Curry House – South Loop Staple
Location: South Loop
Famous Dishes: Goat curry, butter chicken, vegetable pakoras, lunch buffet specialties.
Chicago Curry House has built a loyal following with its mix of Indian and Nepalese dishes. Its goat curry is a standout — deeply spiced, slightly peppery, and slow-cooked to perfection. The butter chicken is another crowd-pleaser, pairing well with their soft, buttery naan.
The lunch buffet is an affordable way to sample a variety of dishes without committing to just one.
8. Udupi Palace – South Indian Vegetarian Heaven
Location: Devon Avenue (Little India)
Famous Dishes: Masala dosa, onion uttapam, sambar, thali meals.
For South Indian vegetarian cuisine, Udupi Palace is a Chicago classic. The masala dosa — a crisp rice crepe filled with spiced potatoes — comes with sambar and chutneys that are vibrant and fresh. The onion uttapam, a thick pancake-like dish, is equally satisfying.
Their thali plates offer a little bit of everything: rice, curries, chutneys, and dessert, served on a single tray.
9. Gaylord Fine Indian Cuisine – Elegant Tradition
Location: Gold Coast
Famous Dishes: Shrimp biryani, seekh kebab, saag paneer, chicken karahi.
Gaylord has been serving Chicago diners for decades, blending traditional North Indian recipes with a refined, upscale setting. The shrimp biryani is fragrant with saffron and whole spices, while the seekh kebabs are juicy and perfectly seasoned.
Vegetarians will appreciate the saag paneer — creamy spinach with tender cubes of paneer — while meat lovers can indulge in the sizzling chicken karahi.
10. Sabri Nihari – Devon Avenue Legend
Location: West Ridge (Devon Avenue)
Famous Dishes: Beef nihari, chicken boti, karahi gosht, brain masala.
Sabri Nihari is a beloved institution for Pakistani and North Indian flavors. The beef nihari is its crown jewel — slow-cooked in a spiced gravy until the meat nearly dissolves. Served with fresh naan, it’s a comforting, stick-to-your-ribs kind of meal.
The chicken boti is smoky and tender, while the brain masala offers a rich, unique delicacy for adventurous eaters.
Quick Comparison Table
| Rank | Restaurant | Location | Best Known For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indienne | River North | Michelin-starred modern Indian |
| 2 | Nadu | Lincoln Park | Coastal curries |
| 3 | Thattu | Avondale | Kerala-style comfort food |
| 4 | Rooh | West Loop | Creative fusion |
| 5 | The Spice Room | Logan Square | Cozy North Indian classics |
| 6 | Cumin | Wicker Park | Indian-Nepalese mix |
| 7 | Chicago Curry House | South Loop | Buffet & goat curry |
| 8 | Udupi Palace | Devon Avenue | South Indian vegetarian |
| 9 | Gaylord | Gold Coast | Elegant North Indian dishes |
| 10 | Sabri Nihari | Devon Avenue | Pakistani-North Indian specialties |
Why Chicago’s Indian Food Scene Stands Out
-
Diversity of Regions Represented: From Kerala’s coconut-based curries to Punjab’s tandoori meats and Gujarat’s vegetarian delicacies, Chicago offers a wide cross-section of Indian flavors.
-
Range of Dining Experiences: You can enjoy a casual dosa for lunch in Devon Avenue or dress up for a tasting menu downtown.
-
Fusion and Innovation: Restaurants like Indienne and Rooh prove that Indian cuisine adapts beautifully to contemporary dining trends without losing authenticity.
-
Cultural Hubs: Devon Avenue remains a cornerstone for South Asian culture, offering groceries, sweets, clothing, and restaurants all in one place.
Final Thoughts
Indian cuisine in Chicago is thriving — a testament to the city’s multicultural spirit and appreciation for bold, diverse flavors. Whether you want to savor a refined multi-course dinner or tuck into a hearty curry with naan, these 10 restaurants represent the very best of what the city has to offer.
From the artistry of Indienne to the street-style comfort of Sabri Nihari, each spot brings its own personality, history, and flavor profile. No matter your taste, Chicago’s Indian dining scene will keep you coming back for more.
FAQs
Indienne is currently one of the most famous Indian restaurants in Chicago, known for its Michelin-starred modern Indian tasting menus that blend tradition with fine dining artistry.
Devon Avenue in the West Ridge neighborhood is Chicago’s “Little India,” home to a dense collection of Indian and Pakistani restaurants, grocery stores, and sweet shops.
Yes, Udupi Palace on Devon Avenue is a South Indian vegetarian favorite, offering dosas, uttapams, and thali meals. Many other restaurants also have extensive vegetarian options.
For street food-inspired dishes, Rooh’s avocado-chickpea bhel and Sabri Nihari’s chaat-style appetizers are popular choices.
Yes, Chicago Curry House in the South Loop offers a popular lunch buffet, featuring a rotating selection of curries, appetizers, and desserts.
Some must-try dishes include smoked butter chicken at Rooh, beef nihari at Sabri Nihari, masala dosa at Udupi Palace, and shrimp biryani at Gaylord.
Yes, Indienne and Rooh are standout fine dining Indian restaurants in Chicago, offering multi-course menus with modern presentation.
Absolutely. Udupi Palace and Thattu are great places for South Indian cuisine, featuring dishes from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.