Sabri Nihari Restaurant
Mahjabeen Rahman · 217 Google reviewsSabri Nihari Restaurant — indian in Devon Avenue worth a stop for the Nihari. Walk in and you know immediately: this place is real. Flavors stay true to the source. "The lamb chops were tender, juicy, and perfectly spiced" — Mahjabeen Rahman [$$]
What 4,409 diners keep saying
What 4,409 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“If you’re a Nihari lover, Sabri Nihari is a must-visit! We tried the Bong Nihari (boneless beef shank), and it was absolutely outstanding. The nihari was rich, deeply flavorful, perfectly cooked, and incredibly satisfying. In my opinion, this is the best Nihari I’ve had in North America. What made the experience even better was that the nihari was served with freshly sliced ginger, chopped green chilies, and lemon on the side. These classic accompaniments added the perfect freshness and kick, making every bite even more enjoyable. I also appreciated that they offer a variety of nihari options, including beef stew, brain (bheja), nalli (bone marrow), and bong (beef shank), so there’s something for every nihari enthusiast. I highly recommend pairing it with their regular naan, as it complements the rich, authentic gravy much better. While they also offer options like garlic naan, I don’t think they match the traditional flavor of the nihari as well. We also tried the Chicken Biryani, which was decent but fairly average compared to the exceptional nihari. Overall, if you’re looking for authentic, flavorful nihari, this place is well worth the visit. I would definitely come back and highly recommend it to anyone craving a proper bowl of nihari.”
“Pleasantly surprised. Excellent food. Authentic taste. Need to come back again”
“After trying Pakistani restaurants from coast to coast across both Canada and the United States over the years, I can confidently say that Sabri Nihari serves the best nihari I have had in North America. I ordered the Nalli Nihari, and from the very first bite it was clear why this place has earned such an outstanding reputation. The gravy was rich, silky, and deeply flavorful without being overly oily. The spices were perfectly balanced, allowing every ingredient to shine rather than overwhelming the palate. The slow-cooked beef was exceptionally tender, while the marrow inside the bone was the perfect finishing touch that elevated an already incredible dish. Every bite reminded me of the authentic nihari you would hope to find in Pakistan. We also ordered the biryani, which was equally impressive. The rice was fragrant, fluffy, and well-seasoned, with generous portions and authentic flavors. While the nihari was undoubtedly the star of the meal, the biryani easily stood on its own and complemented the experience beautifully. One thing I’ve noticed at many South Asian restaurants is that, more often than not, the food tends to outshine the service. That’s what made Sabri Nihari such a pleasant surprise. From the moment we walked in, the staff was welcoming, courteous, and genuinely friendly. Our food arrived quickly despite the restaurant being busy, and the team checked in regularly to make sure everything was just right. Their hospitality matched the quality of the food, making the overall dining experience even more memorable. Another pleasant surprise was the extensive selection of desserts and mocktails. Whether you’re finishing your meal with a traditional Pakistani dessert or looking for a refreshing drink, there are plenty of excellent choices. It’s clear that Sabri Nihari isn’t just focused on one signature dish—they’ve built a menu that offers something for everyone. The restaurant itself was clean, lively, and full of families enjoying authentic Pakistani cuisine. It had the atmosphere of a place that locals return to again and again, and after this visit, I completely understand why. For anyone visiting Chicago, especially Devon Avenue, this restaurant deserves to be at the top of your list. If you’re debating where to eat, don’t overthink it—order the Nalli Nihari, add a biryani for the table, and save room for dessert. It’s a meal you’ll remember long after you’ve left. I’ve enjoyed Pakistani food in many cities across North America, and very few restaurants have left an impression like this one. Sabri Nihari exceeded my expectations in every category: exceptional food, authentic flavors, generous portions, outstanding service, and excellent value. It’s rare to find a restaurant where both the cuisine and the hospitality are equally exceptional. This has become my benchmark for nihari in North America, and I’ll absolutely be back the next time I’m in Chicago.”
“Best Nihari I had in US by Sabri Nihari on Davon street Chicago. Had to wait little to get a table but was worth it. Staff is nice and friendly. Food overall is great and highly recommended. Restaurant embiance is also good for families. They also have prayer area”
“I love the nihari, authentic Karachi style nehari, a must to try. Paya and butter chicken were also good. Friendly staff. Tried again on 6/12 and same tasty taste of nihari.”
“Huge quantity, excellent quality, nominal pricing, Tasty food. We ordered 1 mutton biriyani and 1 fallooda. We had left overs and couldn't finish as enormous quantity was given. Restrooms were clean. They had prayer mats to pray inside. Kids friendly. Cons: * Wish the service providers knew English, otherwise they were great. * Parking was a problem-we paid for Parking and walked to the restaurant.”
“Sabri Nihari definitely stands out in its quality, taste and generous servings size. The first time I entered the place I couldn’t ignore its ambience and great manner of service. We ordered beef haleem and Nalli nihari with naan to go. Each of the dishes were enough for two people. Taste was extraordinary and flavorful. Their food has authenticity and would definitely visit again.”
“Best halal & Pakistani food in the area! Great pricing, fast service and you can’t go wrong with any dish off the menu. Had to return the following day to try different dishes. Must try!”
“Food is pricey for a reason. Large portions, delicious and spicy! They picture below is now much we took home After dinner! My wife had thr signature Sabri Nihari and I had the Aloo Palak. We had Kheer for dessert.”
“Formal Complaint Regarding Odor Spray Smell in Restaurant: To Whom It May Concern, First of all I would like to say I Love the nehari here and I think it’s the best in town hands down. I am writing to formally complain about the overpowering smell of odor spray that has been present during my recent visits to your restaurant. I have been a loyal customer for many years, and this is the first time I have felt compelled to raise such a concern. The intensity of the scent from what appears to be a Chicago Odor unit in the dining area made it very difficult to enjoy my meal, as it overwhelmed the natural aromas of the food and caused noticeable discomfort. This is particularly concerning for patrons with asthma or allergies, for whom strong scents can trigger serious respiratory issues, please be advised. I would urge management to take immediate steps to address this matter, whether by limiting the use of scented dispensers, improving ventilation, or reviewing any air freshening units currently in use. As a long-standing patron, I hope this feedback is received constructively, and I trust that appropriate action will be taken swiftly to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all guests going forward.”
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