Essence of India

Indian Restaurant $$ 4.3 (401)


Essence of India is widely appreciated for its authentic Indian cuisine, drawing praise for dishes that remind many of traditional Indian flavors. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, making it a great choice for diners looking to enjoy a true Indian dining experience.

Overall:

4.5

(332 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.3

Atmosphere:

4.2

Service:

4.1


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (773) 506-0002

Address: 4601 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Thursday: 4:30 – 9:00 PM
Friday: 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Saturday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:30 PM
Sunday: 12:00 – 3:00 PM, 4:00 – 9:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Wine
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee
  • Vegetarian Options Available

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I had visited Essence of India several times, and my last visit was a big disappointment. The food was not up to their usual standard—my chicken tikka masala was watery and lacked flavor, and the naan was overly thick. I hope they can improve their food consistency, as I had previously enjoyed their meals very much. The service was still good, but unfortunately, the food didn’t match. " (*Curated Review*)

" I was a bit disappointed after my visit to Essence of India. While the service was friendly and attentive, the food did not have the authenticity I hoped for. My chicken curry lacked the complex flavors I associate with Indian food, and it was on the sweeter side. The restaurant was clean and had a nice atmosphere, but overall, I don’t think I will return. " (*Curated Review*)

" Essence of India has been a staple for my family! We're always greeted with warmth each time we visit. The food is consistently good and the portions are generous. My personal favorite is the chicken butter masala. It’s rich, creamy, and simply divine. Special mention to the ambiance, which is lovely and adds to the experience. Highly recommend! " (*Curated Review*)

" I've been a regular at Essence of India for quite some time now, and the consistency in quality truly impresses me. I've tried various dishes over the years, but I keep returning for their butter chicken. It’s saucy, creamy, and bursting with flavor. The lamb biryani is also a personal favorite—it's packed with spices and always cooked to perfection. The ambiance is warm and inviting, and the staff are always friendly and responsive. Whether it's a casual meal or a special occasion, this place never disappoints! " (*Curated Review*)

" I tried Essence of India for the first time on a friend's recommendation. The decoration was vibrant and welcoming, enhancing the overall dining experience. I ordered the shrimp masala and coconut rice. However, I found the shrimp dish to be too creamy for my taste, drowning out the spices. The coconut rice was a lovely touch, though. Service was quite slow during peak hours which was disappointing. I would consider giving another try as I saw several appealing items on the menu. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (322)

" I regret to say my experience here was below par. The chicken biryani I ordered was quite under-seasoned, and lacked the richness I had expected from a good biryani. While the atmosphere was lively and inviting, the food needs some work. Maybe I just ordered the wrong dish—I'll think about giving it another chance. " (*Curated Review*)

" If you're looking for authentic Indian cuisine, Essence of India is where it's at! The menu is extensive, and everything we tried was bursting with flavor. The chicken tikka was perfectly marinated and grilled, and their garlic naan is to die for! The staff was friendly and accommodating. The atmosphere is vibrant yet cozy, perfect for a nice dinner out. I will definitely be returning! " (*Curated Review*)

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