Essence of India

“The ambience alone makes me want to come back: Indian art objects decorate the walls setting a beautiful atmosphere.”

The ambience alone makes me want to come back: Indian art objects decorate the walls setting a beautiful atmosphere. The staff is polite and efficient, the service is prompt. Large selection of domestic and imported spirits. The extensive menu features something for every palate. The food is delicious. And all at a very reasonable price. Definitely a restaurant I will go to again and again.

EstherSylvia Firlej-Perisin

Sep 2025

“Everyone is so nice.”

Everyone is so nice! Whether we dine in or get take out, it’s always hot and delicious.

Jennifer Dey

Mar 2025

“The Essence of India serves amazing food.”

The Essence of India serves amazing food! I love this restaurant, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. We usually order vegetable biryani, vegetable korma curry, garlic naan, and samosas—everything is always delicious. The wine selection is good too. The owner is very welcoming, and the staff is friendly as well. Highly recommended!

Olesia Danchuk

Feb 2025

“Phenomenal service, great food and great location.”

Phenomenal service, great food and great location. Very fair prices and good bar selection. Will be returning!

Ryan Thomas

Sep 2024

“Delicious. Truly the best Indian food I’ve had in years.”

E E J

Aug 2024

“We enjoyed our Naan, Malai Kofta, and Lamb Vindaloo.”

We enjoyed our Naan, Malai Kofta, and Lamb Vindaloo. I definitely would recommend the Vindaloo most highly. The malai Kofta portion felt a little small (two pieces and sauce). The warm atmosphere was perfect for a late afternoon meal. They also have a nice selection of wine and beer.

Caleb Ingegneri

Nov 2023

“OMG I enjoyed every bite.We ordered Keenan Samosas,Lamb Pasanda and Yogurt Fish.”

OMG I enjoyed every bite.We ordered Keenan Samosas,Lamb Pasanda and Yogurt Fish. Love it,definitely come back again. Onion Kulcha so good. After all we ordered Lassi ,it’s very refreshing drink!

Debby Hsieh

Mar 2023

“I lived my whole life in Lincoln Square 36 years.”

I lived my whole life in Lincoln Square 36 years. I never had this place before tonight. Amazing food. Great little busy corner of Lincoln Ave. Open until 9pm but Tues. I am coming back! Perfect.

THE REDREAPER

Dec 2022

“Stopped by for dinner as a result of a long wait at a nearby restaurant.”

Stopped by for dinner as a result of a long wait at a nearby restaurant. Indian restaurant located on the corner so we decided to stop by. The restaurant was not crowded for a Saturday night and we were seated right away. The menu was really extensive and had the classic Indian staples. Ordered lamb samosas, garlic naan? butter chicken, and shrimp biryani. Absolutely amazing. Everything was phenomenal and so well seasoned. Perfect flavor. Fast service. I can’t wait to return. The flavors were authentic and I’m so appreciative for this serendipitous.

Lena Jennings

Oct 2022

“Delicious food and knowledgeable service.”

Delicious food and knowledgeable service. Will come back. My friends didn’t enjoy their food, because it was too much coconut in it. (And too little spices) But my chicken and nan were perfect. I am very curious to try their other menu items.

Maxim Yakuba

Jul 2021

“A tasty little spot close to home.”

A tasty little spot close to home. Great food at a decent price. Service was excellent!

Brad Bern

Sep 2020

“We absolutely adore Essence of India- especially during these COVID times.”

We absolutely adore Essence of India- especially during these COVID times! Tonight’s dinner (butter chicken, tikka masala, garlic naan, and rice) was just delicious. Perfectly spiced, delivered early; we really couldn’t ask for more- especially for delivery. Meant to get a before photo but we couldn’t stop ourselves from diving in!

Ali Beaulieu

Sep 2020