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'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*)

" My experience at Essence of India left something to be desired. I was disappointed with the blandness of the chicken curry I ordered. There wasn’t much depth or complexity in the flavors, which is unusual for Indian cuisine. The naan was good, but overall, I expected much more from this place based on the reviews. Service was decent but nothing exceptional. I might give them another shot in the future, but I’m definitely wary after this visit. " (*Curated Review*)

" Essence of India has become my go-to restaurant! Everything I’ve tried has been delicious and authentic. The stuffed parathas are a must-try, packed with flavor and perfectly crispy. The chicken curry has a comforting and rich flavor with just the right amount of spice. I’ve always had friendly and fast service, making it a great option for both dining in and takeout. I can't recommend this place enough; you won’t regret your visit! " (*Curated Review*)

" A lovely experience overall; good food, and good ambiance! We ordered a selection of appetizers and the samosas were particularly enjoyable. They had a delightful crunch and were filled with spices. The entrees did not disappoint either, particularly the chicken korma. However, I did think the service could be quicker as we waited a while for our main course, but our waiter was very friendly and attentive. " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (322)

" I had high expectations based on the previous reviews, but my visit was rather average. While the ambiance was nice and the service attentive, the food didn't quite meet the mark. I opted for the chicken tikka masala, but it was overly sweet and lacked the depth of flavor I associate with authentic Indian curry. The naan was good but nothing to write home about. I might consider giving it another shot, but I would certainly order differently next time. Overall, a decent experience but not what I was hoping for. " (*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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