Chicago is a city of culinary diversity, and Indian cuisine has carved out a strong presence with flavors as bold and vibrant as the neighborhoods they’re found in. Whether you’re craving rich butter chicken, flavorful biryani, or spicy street food, the best indian restaurants in chicago offer a perfect mix of tradition, variety, and innovation.
1. ROOH Chicago – West Loop
A modern Indian restaurant with a global flair, ROOH redefines Indian dining with its contemporary presentation and artfully crafted dishes. Their Kashmiri lamb shank and butter chicken with chili oil are customer favorites. A must-visit for foodies seeking an upscale twist on traditional fare.
2. Tandoor Char House – Lincoln Park & River North
This family-owned gem blends Indian and Pakistani influences to create flavorful, satisfying meals. Known for their smoky tandoori meats, creamy chicken tikka masala, and garlic naan, Tandoor Char House balances authenticity with accessibility in a casual yet stylish setting.
3. Sabri Nihari – Devon Avenue
If you’re looking for hearty, traditional Pakistani-Indian comfort food, Sabri Nihari on Devon is unbeatable. Their beef nihari, palak gosht, and haleem are rich in flavor and history, making this a go-to spot for anyone craving bold, slow-cooked dishes.
4. Udupi Palace – West Rogers Park
For South Indian vegetarian fare, Udupi Palace is a standout. Crispy dosas, tangy sambar, and fragrant rice dishes deliver satisfying, spicy flavors that keep vegetarians and meat-eaters alike coming back. The thali platters are perfect for sampling a bit of everything.
5. Superkhana International – Logan Square
Quirky, inventive, and packed with flavor, Superkhana is for those who like Indian food with a creative twist. Think butter chicken calzones, Indian-ish burgers, and street-style chaat with a modern flair. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters and casual nights out.
6. India House – River North
A long-time favorite, India House offers an extensive menu of both North and South Indian classics in a refined, elegant setting. Whether you’re enjoying their weekday lunch buffet or indulging in specialties like lamb vindaloo or shrimp curry, you’re in for a satisfying experience.
A Culinary Journey Through India – In Chicago
From the comforting warmth of homemade dal to the vibrant zest of street snacks, Chicago’s Indian restaurants reflect the country’s diverse regional cuisines. Whether you’re after authentic flavors or contemporary fusion, you’ll find options that suit every taste and dietary preference — vegetarian, vegan, halal, and gluten-free included.
So next time you’re hungry for something flavorful, skip the ordinary. Discover the best indian food in chicago and let your taste buds take a delicious journey through one of the world’s richest culinary traditions.
