Essence of India

Welcome to Essence of India, a vibrant Indian restaurant located in Chicago, IL. This restaurant offers a wide range of authentic Indian dishes, from appetizers to desserts, that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Known for its flavorful and aromatic cuisine, Essence of India takes pride in providing a diverse menu that caters to different dietary preferences. Whether you're a vegan looking for plant-based options or a meat lover craving some Tandoori specialties, this restaurant has something for everyone.

One standout dish at Essence of India is the Vegetable Korma, a rich and creamy curry made with a blend of vegetables and aromatic spices. Another favorite is the Gosht Korma, featuring tender pieces of lamb cooked in a sweet saffron sauce with raisins and almonds.

For those who enjoy seafood, the Goan Fish Curry and Jhinga Masala are must-try dishes that showcase the flavors of coastal India. Pair your meal with a traditional Indian beverage like Masala Tea or Mango Lassi for a complete dining experience.

With a cozy atmosphere and friendly service, Essence of India is the perfect place to enjoy a delicious meal with friends and family. Whether you're a seasoned Indian food enthusiast or trying it for the first time, this restaurant will exceed your expectations and leave you craving for more.

  • Location: 4601 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625
  • Phone Number: (773) 506-0002
  • Highlights: Outdoor seating, good for groups, full bar, vegan options
  • Customer Reviews:
  • "I am a serious Indian food lover. This place blew me away. The food is excellent, very authentic, the service is top-notch." - Mariah R.
  • "The vegetable korma is divine, and the staff was very friendly. Will definitely be coming back!" - Emmy B.
  • "The gosht korma was genuinely some of the best food I've had in a while. The lamb was tender and cooked to perfection." - Isaac J.
  • "Delicious Indian food that hits the spot. The goan lamb and chicken vindaloo were excellent. Will definitely come back for more." - Helen H.

Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of curry or looking to explore new flavors, Essence of India is the ideal destination for a culinary journey through the vibrant tastes of India.

Essence of India Menu

Location

Address: 4601 N Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL 60625
Phone: (773) 506-0002

🕓 Work Hours
MON 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
TUE Closed
WED 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
THU 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM
FRI 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
SAT 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
SUN 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Business info

  • Takes Reservations
    Yes
  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeout
    Yes
  • Vegan Options
    Yes
  • Many Vegetarian Options
    Yes
  • Accepts Credit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts Android Pay
    No
  • Accepts Apple Pay
    No
  • Accepts Cryptocurrency
    No
  • Outdoor Seating
    Yes
  • Casual
    Yes
  • Moderate Noise
    Yes
  • Offers Catering
    Yes
  • Good for Groups
    Yes
  • Good For Kids
    Yes
  • Good for Dinner
    Yes
  • Street Parking
    Yes
  • Full Bar
    Yes
  • TV
    Yes
  • Wi-Fi
    No
  • Bike Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Mariah R.

    18 May 2024

    I'm in Chicago for the weekend for a workshop and I stumbled upon this Indian restaurant. I am a serious Indian food lover. This place blew me away. The food is excellent, very authentic, the service is top notch and the ambience is simply charming. if you're in the area, you must stop by. Will not be disappointed.

  • Author: Emmy B.

    04 March 2024

    My boyfriend and I walked by this restaurant about a week ago and remarked on how great the food smelled. We came here last night and had the most delicious meal! I got the vegetable korma, which is divine, and I will update later what boyfriend got because I am blanking right now. We also shared an Elephant Ride cocktail which was also amazing and very unique. The staff was very friendly as well. Will definitely be coming back!

  • Author: Isaac J.

    23 November 2023

    This was a cute little spot with a low energy sort of vibe. In other words, not great if you are wanting to have a conversation above a whisper level, but absolutely great if you are wanting to people watch and eve's drop in the awkward first date happening across the room. The server was super friendly and gave me a few recommendations; I got the gosht korma, garlic naan, and vegetable biriyani. The gosht korma was genuinely some of the best food I've had in a while - slow cooked lamb swimming in a sweet saffron, raisin, and almond sauce. Yum! Nothing special about the naan. The biriyani had tons of extra yakhni in it, which is my favorite, but was a little bland other than that. Also, none of the curries come with rice, which makes this much more expensive than most other Indian restaurants.

  • Author: Helen H.

    30 August 2023

    Delicious Indian food that hits the spot. We came right when it opened for lunch on Saturday so there was no wait. We ordered the Goan Lamb, chicken vindaloo, 1 order of butter naan, 1 order of rice, and the Masala Bloody Mary. I was pleasantly surprised that the lamb and chicken meat were excellent. They were tender and not dry. There was a good amount in it too. It was my first time trying goan lamb specifically because the menu said it was spicy. The server asked for the spiciness level. For the spicy lovers out there, medium heat isn't hot enough. Next time, I'll be asking for a bit spicier than medium. The chicken vindaloo was a more tomato-based vindaloo. Both dishes were delicious. I was a little disappointed in the Masala Bloody Mary. I thought I would be able to pick out the the Indian spices, but I guess my taste buds weren't refined enough. Otherwise, it was felt like a standard Bloody Mary. I would definitely come back to fulfill my Indian food cravings. I just wish the rice was included with the entrees as needed.

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