The Best Indian Restaurants in Chicago

With sizable populations of a diverse group of immigrants, the food scene in Chicago brings in flavors and inspirations from across the globe. The best Indian restaurants in Chicago are standouts in this crowded scene, delivering all the tastes of the subcontinent in the middle of the Windy City. But where are the Second City's smartest, savviest diners eating out when they have a craving for Indian food? Welcome to our Tastemakers List. Here, we've gathered information from thousands of restaurants and OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners to pull together this list of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. With the sizable Indian population of Chicago bringing traditional tastes alongside exciting new influences, Chicago's Indian dining scene is one of the best in America. From neighborhood favorites to elegant sit-down restaurants, there is something for everyone in Chicago. Peruse our list, find a table, and enjoy a great meal in the Windy City tonight!

The OpenTable Team

7 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	India House, Chicago, The Indian Garden - Chicago, Tandoor Char House…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	Indian…
Neighborhoods:	River North (Chicago), Gold Coast / Streeterville, Lincoln Park…

India House, Chicago

$$$$

Indian

River North (Chicago)

4.5

831 reviews

The celebrated India House is one of the best options for Indian cuisine in downtown Chicago. Variety is on the menu at the India House. The restaurant offers Bombay, Delhi, street fare, and home-style Tandoori cuisines, among others. It also provides a fine dining atmosphere, with a dining room full of Indian arts and decorations. Highlights on the menu include the bhel poori. This is a Bombay-style street fare dish of crispy rice noodles with onions, tomatoes, and chutneys. For a spicy, filling dish, go for the "Chicken '65", a boneless, deep-fried chicken marinated in red chilis and sauteed in red onions.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Indian Garden - Chicago

$$$$

Indian

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.4

668 reviews

The second-floor interior of this Streeterville Indian restaurant is something to behold. Diners can enjoy the fine dishes at The Indian Garden against a lush backdrop. It includes intricate paintings and royal-style interior design. The restaurant's windows also offer a fantastic view of Chicago daily life. Stop on to The Indian Garden's famed buffet lunch, a huge spread of favorites with plenty of vegetarian options. For a starter course, try some of the Garden's Bombay specials like the dahi Bhalla, ground lentil dumplings served in yogurt. There's also the papdi chaat, crisp fried dough with potatoes and chickpeas alongside mint and tamarind chutney. For the full meal, try the Tandoori mixed grill special, with chicken, shrimp, and much more served with rice and naan.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tandoor Char House

$$$$

Indian

Lincoln Park

4.6

466 reviews

Tandoor Char House is one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. The unique fusion menu of the Tandoor Char House brings a new twist to Indian favorites and dishes from around the world. The penne tikka masala features pasta sauteed in homemade buttery sauce cream, with tandoori chicken or shrimp. Tamarind chicken wings come marinated in house spices, fried, and topped with homemade tamarind chutney. A Tandoor char burger features an Indian-seasoned burger with American cheese, tomatoes, onions, and a side of fries. Speaking of fries, the Chaat fries are a must-get for a starter here. The curly fries with Indian spices make for a tasty appetizer. Of course, there are plenty of signature and classic Tandoor dishes, sides, and breads to enjoy on the menu too. This always-hopping hot spot is on North Halsted in Chicago.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Takeout available

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Kama Bistro

$$$$

Indian

La Grange

4.7

1214 reviews

The La Grange favorite called Kama Bistro is a sleek, upscale restaurant that is one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. The cuisine at Kama is a mixture of traditional and creative fusion experiments. For fusion, try something off of the "American Fare & Indian Flair" menu. It features chicken vindaloo tacos and a chicken tikka naanwich, a sandwich with grilled chicken breast and mint chutney. Try one of the curry combos for a more traditional dish. The chicken, lamb, paneer, or veggie saag spinach masala boasts chopped, simmered, and pureed spinach and garlic. Grab one of Kama's signature cocktails to go with dinner, like the spicy cucumber chili martini with vodka and homemade chili syrup.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Marigold Maison Lincolnshire

$$$$

Indian

Deerfield

4.5

374 reviews

This upscale restaurant offers up a finely-decorated and lush interior. It comes along a menu of straightforward Indian classics. The Marigold's clay-oven dishes come marinated in yogurt, ginger, garlic, and tandoori spices. A long vegetarian menu includes favorites like creamy lentils and eggplant bharta. Marigold also offers some unique Indo-Chinese dishes. Try the Hakka noodles with paneer, chicken, or shrimp. There's also a hearty Indo-Chinese chili dish, with onions, bell peppers, and broccoli in a roasted chili sauce. Don't forget something from Marigold's exceptional list of naans. These include aldo naan stuffed with potato and peas or Mirchi naan with chili, cilantro, and spices.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Vermilion

$$$$

Fusion / Eclectic

River North (Chicago)

3.8

2007 reviews

The upscale River North restaurant called Vermilion blends Indian and Latin American cuisines into something celebrated and new. The result is one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. Head in for lunch for one of Vermilion's exceptional naan bread sandwiches. These come layered with vegetables and spices and served with mango-dusted fries. Dinner offers a wide selection of creative Indian-Latin tapas. Highlights include blue corn crusted scallops, eggplant-filled banana peppers, and cilantro tamarind peppers. The Indian-Latin street menu boasts empanadas with tandoori sour cream and duck vindaloo arepas brushed with pomegranate molasses. This is one of the most creative restaurants in all Chicago.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Mantra Restaurant

$$$$

Indian

Schiller Park

4.5

275 reviews

The sister restaurant to The Indian Garden is an acclaimed, regal spot for fine Indian cuisine in a quiet place by Schiller Woods. Grab one of the outdoor tables to enjoy Mantra's fine Indian entrees, like stir-fried fish with spinach or grilled fish cooked in Masala sauce. Grab one of Mantra's naan breads to go with the meal. The bullet naan comes spiced with chili, and the Kashmiri naan comes leavened with nuts and candied fruits.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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The Best Indian Restaurants