Best Chana Masala in Chicago, Illinois

Address: 4601 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625

Essence of India in Chicago, Illinois offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian cuisine in a warmly decorated space featuring Indian art objects. The restaurant is known for its extensive selection of classic dishes like garlic naan, butter chicken, and biryani, along with a thoughtfully curated wine and cocktail list. While portion sizes tend to run small, the friendly staff and cozy atmosphere make it a neighborhood favorite for both dine-in and takeout options.

Price Range: $$

Address: 736 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

ROOP Chicago Innovative Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar in Chicago, Illinois offers a modern take on traditional Indian cuisine with innovative cocktails and an upscale dining atmosphere. The restaurant's creative menu features both classic dishes like butter chicken and contemporary fusion items, though portions tend to run small for the premium prices charged. The attentive staff and sophisticated ambiance make it a popular special occasion destination, though some diners note the spice levels are toned down compared to more traditional Indian establishments.

Price Range: $$$

Address: 2906 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

The Spice Room in Chicago, Illinois, is a bustling Indian restaurant known for its vibrant curry dishes and freshly baked naan bread. The establishment has earned a reputation for delivering authentic flavors with varying spice levels, though portion sizes can be inconsistent depending on dine-in versus takeout orders. While their extensive menu features both vegetarian and meat options, they particularly excel at classics like butter chicken and their signature garlic naan, making them a popular choice for both local dining and delivery service.

Price Range: $$

Address: 1804 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60613

Indian Clay Pot in Chicago, Illinois offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian dishes in a cozy, recently remodeled setting with both indoor and outdoor seating options. The restaurant is known for its aromatic curries and variety of naan breads, though portion sizes tend to be modest relative to the price point. The establishment provides a welcoming atmosphere with attentive service, making it a viable option for both dine-in and takeout experiences in the city's Ravenswood neighborhood.

Price Range: $$

Address: 2039 W North Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Vajra in Chicago, Illinois stands out as a sophisticated Indian dining destination that expertly balances traditional flavors with modern presentation. The establishment features an elegant bar space where skilled staff craft innovative cocktails alongside their extensive menu of authentic Indian dishes. The restaurant has earned a reputation for its consistently high-quality fare, from their perfectly spiced curries to their freshly baked naan, though some patrons note the prices reflect its upscale positioning in the market.

Price Range: $$

Address: 2652 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Tandoor Char House in Chicago, Illinois offers an inviting dining experience with a fusion of Indian and Pakistani flavors in their cozy Lincoln Park location. The restaurant is known for their generous portions and diverse menu featuring both traditional dishes and creative fusion items like tandoori chicken empanadas and chaat fries. The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service create a warm environment where both regulars and newcomers can explore their extensive selection of curries, grilled meats, and vegetarian options.

Price Range: $$

Address: 330 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Bombay Eats / Bombay Wraps serves up quick and flavorful Indian street food in a casual counter-service setting. The restaurant specializes in customizable wraps, bowls and rolls featuring popular fillings like chicken tikka, paneer, and samosas, with the ability to adjust spice levels to taste. The friendly staff delivers prompt service in a clean, no-frills environment perfect for grabbing a satisfying meal on the go, though seating can be limited during peak hours.

Price Range: $

Address: 2308 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

King Sweets Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois, is a beloved establishment on Devon Avenue specializing in authentic Indian and Pakistani cuisine, particularly known for their traditional sweets, savory snacks, and signature Kashmiri chai. The restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring popular breakfast items like halwa puri and paratha, along with an extensive selection of samosas, biryanis, and homestyle curries that keep locals coming back. The casual eatery maintains a warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff, though during peak hours the wait times can stretch longer as hungry patrons queue up for their favorite South Asian comfort foods.

Price Range: $

Address: 122 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60606

Bombay Eats / Bombay Wraps in Chicago, Illinois, offers a fast-casual dining experience specializing in Indian-inspired wraps, bowls, and street food favorites. The restaurant is known for their unique take on traditional dishes, featuring everything from chicken tikka masala wraps to messy samosas, all served in a modern, quick-service setting. The establishment stands out for its fusion approach to Indian cuisine, combining authentic flavors with convenient formats perfect for Loop workers and downtown visitors looking for a quick yet flavorful meal.

Price Range: $

Address: 1414 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, Cumin Restaurant serves up a flavorful blend of Indian and Nepalese cuisine in a casual, art-adorned setting. The menu features classic dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and various curry options, though some diners note that rice is charged separately from entrées. While the restaurant earns praise for its aromatic spices and friendly service, the portions and pricing can be a point of contention for some customers seeking more value.

Price Range: $$

Address: 2032 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Ghareeb Nawaz Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois serves up generous portions of authentic Indian cuisine at remarkably affordable prices in a casual, cafeteria-style setting. The menu features a wide variety of dishes from butter chicken to biryani, with most customers praising the flavorful curries and fresh naan bread despite the no-frills atmosphere. While the cash-only establishment maintains a busy environment with quick service, visitors particularly appreciate the value-driven pricing that makes this Devon Avenue spot a popular choice for both dine-in and takeout options.

Price Range: $

Address: 606 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

Himalayan Restaurant in Chicago, Illinois offers an authentic blend of Indian and Nepali cuisine in a cozy, casual setting in the heart of the city. Their extensive menu features crowd favorites like perfectly spiced chicken tikka masala, freshly baked garlic naan, and traditional momos, all served with warm hospitality from their attentive staff. The restaurant prides itself on generous portions and reasonable prices, making it a reliable spot for both dine-in and takeout experiences in the South Loop area.

Price Range: $$

Address: 247 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Indian Garden Restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience with authentic North Indian cuisine served in an elegant setting. The carefully curated menu features both traditional favorites and innovative dishes, with standouts including their signature butter chicken, freshly baked naan bread, and an extensive selection of vegetarian options. The restaurant's warm ambiance and attentive staff create a welcoming atmosphere where guests can enjoy flavorful Indian fare while taking in views of downtown Chicago from their upper-level dining room.

Price Range: $$

Address: 1520 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Siri Indian Restaurant offers an authentic taste of both North and South Indian cuisine with their extensive menu of flavorful dishes. The restaurant specializes in fresh, made-to-order items like crispy dosas, tender tandoori meats, and aromatic biryanis served in generous portions. While the modest storefront setting is simple, the attentive staff and reasonable prices make this a popular neighborhood spot for both dine-in and takeout service.

Price Range: $

Address: 2536 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Located in Chicago, Illinois, Serena Restaurant offers a diverse menu of Pakistani and Indian cuisine with a particular emphasis on their weekend buffet service. The establishment serves up a variety of meat-focused dishes including their standout nihari, biryani, and karahi preparations, complemented by fresh naan and puri bread served throughout meals. While specializing in traditional Pakistani fare, the restaurant maintains a welcoming atmosphere with attentive service and a commitment to serving authentic flavors, though some diners note inconsistency in certain dishes.

Price Range: $$

Address: 807 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608

Ghareeb Nawaz UIC in Chicago, Illinois serves up generous portions of affordable Indian cuisine in a casual counter-service setting. The restaurant is known for its extensive menu featuring popular dishes like butter chicken, biryani, and chili chicken paratha, consistently drawing students and locals looking for hearty meals at budget-friendly prices. The quick-service establishment maintains a no-frills atmosphere while the friendly staff efficiently handles the steady stream of dine-in and takeout customers throughout the day.

Price Range: $

Address: 2629 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

Uru-Swati in Chicago, Illinois is a well-established vegetarian Indian restaurant specializing in a diverse menu of regional cuisines including South Indian dosas, Gujarati specialties, and popular street food items like chaat. The casual eatery serves up generous portions of traditional dishes in a no-frills setting, with their crispy dosas and authentic samosas being particular crowd favorites. While service can be hit-or-miss and the ambiance is basic, the restaurant maintains a loyal following for its affordable prices and extensive vegetarian offerings that span multiple Indian regional cuisines.

Price Range: $

Address: 1030 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607

Curry On Fire Indian Cuisine in Chicago, Illinois, offers a diverse menu of traditional Indian dishes with particularly noteworthy biryani and curry options that have earned loyal local followers. The restaurant specializes in flavorful dishes like butter chicken, lamb vindaloo, and various vegetarian options, though portion sizes can be inconsistent. While primarily operating as a takeout establishment with limited parking, they maintain competitive prices for the area and deliver consistently spicy and aromatic preparations that keep customers coming back.

Price Range: $$