When Chicago’s famous wind picks up and chills you to the bone, a spicy curry or order of expertly charred tandoori chicken will warm you right up. Regardless of the season, you can find fare from all parts of the country at a top Indian restaurant in Chicago—choices range from a MICHELIN-Starred hotspot to a lively, beachside-inspired bar.
Feast on Indian favorites at an all-you-can-eat buffet in River North or sample Kerala Street foods at a trendy restaurant in Avondale. From Rajasthan to Goa to New Delhi, the best Indian restaurants in Chicago will take you on a flavor tour across the subcontinent.
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For progressive Indian dishes in a swanky setting – try ROOH Chicago (West Loop)
Swanky ROOH Chicago is where you go for refined takes on familiar Indian favorites that incorporate premium ingredients. Fenugreek butter powder adds extra richness to the paneer pasanda, while sweet potato transforms the house chaat. Exposed vents and high ceilings add an industrial touch, while plush velvet chairs and elaborate murals complement the beautifully plated dishes. For the ultimate experience, try the eight-course tasting menu with wine pairings from chef Mike Cornelissen.
For Kerala street bites and South Indian dishes – book a table at Thattu (Avondale)
With a curated menu of Kerala-inspired small plates and South Indian specialties, Thattu is a go-to in laidback Avondale. The huge windows and high ceilings create an airy atmosphere for enjoying dishes so comforting they feel homemade. Start with the malayali manhattan (with Goan single malt), then share the kadala curry and pork chop peralan in a tangy gravy. Don’t miss the appam—soft and spongy on the inside and crunchy on the edges.
For live Bollywood DJs and Goan flavors at a top Indian restaurant Chicago – visit Bar Goa (River North)
Step into Bar Goa and let the DJ transport you to the lively beach clubs and social restaurants of coastal Goa. Bollywood classics and tropical décor set the mood while the bar keeps the cocktails coming—try the Born in Madhya (a riff on the margarita). Expect Goan staples like chicken curry and the mushroom fried rice with Madras curry aioli along with an upbeat ambiance and happy hour promotions.
For contemporary Indian dishes and clever cocktails– try KAMA (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
At KAMA, chef Vikram Singh gives Indian dishes a modern, sophisticated spin— think lobster bisque with ginger and fenugreek and paneer ravioli. However, you can also find a rich array of classic Indian dishes like braised lamb roganjosh or spicy vindaloo with ghost peppers. Don’t miss the clever cocktails, which incorporate Indian ingredients like cardamon.
For over 250 menu items at a top Indian restaurant Chicago – grab a table at India House (River North)
Come to India House for an extensive menu of vegetarian and meat-centric Indian classics at the huge lunch buffet, including palak paneer, chana masala, dal makhani, and butter chicken curry. The interior is modern and neat, ideal for a business lunch or family dinner, with padded booths and unobtrusive decorations. Order a cocktail from the full-service bar or ask your server about the wines.
For reinventions of classic Indian dishes from an experimental chef – try Basant Modern Indian (North Center)
From fragrant biryanis to Punjabi-style chole bhature, Basant Modern Indian is a destination for chef Jeet Singh’s modern takes on nostalgic Indian dishes. Try standout dishes like fried chicken with a 22-ingredient Chettinad marinade and a pork belly tonkatsu with plum murabba. Matte black paint and sleek leather chairs bring unpretentious elegance to the dining room, while warm lighting creates an intimate feel. Don’t miss the happy hour menu.
For an impressive Indian lunch buffet at one of the elegant restaurants in Chicago – find a table at The Indian Garden (Gold Coast/Streeterville)
When it comes to generous lunch and brunch buffet spreads, The Indian Garden takes guests on a tour from Bombay to Goa to New Delhi. Enjoy all-you-can-eat tandoori, biryani, curries, naan, samosas, and more in a spacious, two-story dining room with hanging lamps, brilliant murals, and décor reminiscent of a Rajasthani palace. Order regional dishes from the à la carte menu, including the tender nawabi goat curry and the fan-favorite chicken tikka masala for dinner.
For fine Indian dining at a MICHELIN–Starred restaurant – reserve a table at Indienne (River North)
Helmed by Kolkata-born chef Sujan Sarkar, Indienne transforms a 19th-century warehouse into one of the fanciest Indian restaurants in Chicago. Combining punchy Indian recipes with French culinary techniques, this upscale restaurant delivers dishes as beautiful as they are flavor-packed. Expect impeccable service as you savor ever-evolving vegetarian, vegan, or non-vegetarian tasting menus—the seasonal pani puri is always a treat.
For Indian Pakistani fusion fare in a laid-back setting – visit Tandoor Char House (Lincoln Park)
At Tandoor Char House, Fahim and Faraz Sardhariaonly serve up Indian Pakistani mashups in a laid-back setting. Inspired by dishes created by their Pakistani mother and Indian father, menu highlights include the lamb boti kabob slow-roasted in the tandoori and the boneless lamb karahi in a rich onion sauce. Bring a crew and BYOB for a festive night out.
For clever Indian and Chinese mashups in a sophisticated setting – try Vermilion (River North)
Vermilion’s menu goes on all in on clever, Indian-Chinese mashups. Try playful dishes like What’s your Beef, with Szechwan beef or paneer with tamarind noodles. The dining room is sleek and sophisticated, with dramatic light fixtures, red curtains, and mood lighting—perfect for a date-night and group dinner.
From spicy vindaloo to appam with just the right crunch, you can find a top Indian restaurant Chicago for dishes from Punjab, Mumbai, Goa, and beyond. Share a huge tray of charred mixed grill at a family-friendly restaurant or savor each bite of an eight-course tasting menu in an intimate dining room. Whether you’re looking for home-cooked flavor or a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience, the best Indian restaurants in Chicago will check all your boxes.
