Indian food is characterized by spices and herbs and features vegetarian dishes, but also lamb, chicken and other meats. Try these seven Indian restaurants in the Chicago area.
Essence of India
Neighborhood: Lincoln Square
Address: 4601 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, IL 60625, 773-506-0002
Hours – Monday, Wednesday, Thursday – 5:00 PM -9:30 PM/Friday and Saturday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM/ Sunday 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM/ Closed Tuesday.
Price Range – Under $16
Dress Code – Casual
Everything in the Essence of India dining room is imported from India, so that guests can enjoy the feel of an authentic Indian restaurant. Try the vegetable samosas as an appetizer for $ 3.95. They are crispy pastries stuffed with potatoes and peas. Essence of India is open for lunch and dinner and reservations are accepted.
India House
Neighborhood: Downtown Chicago
Address: 59 West Grand Ave., Chicago, IL 60610, 312-645-9500
Hours – Monday to Thursdays and Sunday 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM/Friday and Saturday 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Price Range – Under $40
Dress Code – Dressy casual
Vegetarianism and mixtures of spices and herbs are most important to India House. Food cooked in the Tandoor oven, such as lamb chops, represent some of the specialties. India House is open for lunch and dinner and reservations are accepted.
Indian Garden
Neighborhood – Streeterville
Address: 247 East Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60611, 312-280-4910
Hours – Lunch 11:30 PM to 3:00 PM/ Dinner – Sunday to Thursday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM/Friday and Saturday 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price Range – Under $20
Dress Code – Casual
Indian Garden is a popular place for lunch. Try the diverse lunch buffet. Try also the Tandoori Lamb Chops for $19.95 or the Seekh Kabab for $15.95. Besides lunch, Indian Garden is open for dinner and reservations are accepted.
Viceroy of India
Neighborhood – Andersonville/Rogers Park
Address: 2520 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, 773-743-4100
Hours – 11:30AM-10PM
Price Range – Under $15
Dress Code – Casual
Enjoy Viceroy of India’s lunch buffet as well as dinner options. Try the Chicken Vindaloo for $10.95. It is chicken cubes cooked in spicy hot tomato, onion sauce and potatoes. Open for lunch and dinner with reservations accepted.
Tiffin, The Indian Kitchen
Neighborhood – Andersonville/Rogers Park
Address: 2536 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60659, 773-338-2143
Hours – Sunday to Thursday 11:30 AM-3:30 PM, 5:30-10 PM/Friday to Saturday 11:30 AM-3:30 PM, 5:30-10:30 PM
Price Range – Under $20
Dress Code – Dressy casual
This is an upscale Indian restaurant favorite with affordable prices. One of the specialties is the appetizer platter. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted.
Arya Bhavan
Neighborhood – Andersonville/Rogers Park
Address: 2508 W. Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60659, 773-274-5800
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM/ Friday 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM /Saturday & Sunday: 12:00 PM- 9:30 PM
Price Range – Under $10
Dress Code – Casual
Vegetarian lovers will enjoy Arya Bhavan. Arya Bhavan specialties include Uttappam pancakes. Open for lunch and dinner, reservations accepted.
Vermillion
Neighborhood – River North
Address: 10 West Hubbard, Chicago, IL 60610, 312-527-4060
Hours: Lunch: Monday – Friday: 11:30AM – 2:30PM/ Dinner: Sunday – Thursday: 5:00PM – 10:00PM, Friday – Saturday: 5:00PM – 11:00PM
Price Range – Under $50
Dress Code – Dressy Casual
Vermillion is a fusion of Latin American/Indian. It has received many positive reviews in major magazines such as Town and Country and Bon Appetit. The Latin Indian small plates are definitely worth the try.
