Essence of India

While you are here, our wish is that you experience a culinary and cultural passage to India. From the multiple Indian spices used in our dishes to the dining room decor that represents the distinctive regions and artwork of India, our goal is to surround you with the "Essence of India".

Save Money: A lunch buffet is offered daily and features about 10 dishes, from vegetable pakoras and lentil plates to lamb curry and tandoori chicken.

What to Drink: Liquor license is pending; for now, you can bring your own wine or beer with no corkage fee. Nonalcoholic options include sweet, chilled mango lassi (yogurt shake).

Though “south of Devon”, this Lincoln Square subcontinental “does a good job” with its “traditional Indian dishes” (you can even “choose your own spice level”) in a “cozy”, “pleasing” setting hung with tapestries; quibblers peg it “on the pricier side for the portions”, but on the plus side it serves beer and wine and has a summer patio.

If you don't want to schlep to Devon Avenue, head to this steadfast contemporary Indian spot spicily swimming in a sea of Lincoln Square's German and Italian eateries. Although those looking to sear their taste buds may consider the dishes here bland or Americanized, the naan, vindaloo, samosas and veggie dishes continue to get rave reviews. Great lunch buffet and good selection of imported...

The Scene
At the lively intersection of Wilson and Lincoln avenues, an all-ages, neighborhood mix of couples and friends fill this bright, intimate room. Framed embroidery and Indian...

Located on the Lincoln Square Corner of Wilson and Montrose, Essence of India brings you contemporary yet authentic food with over 80 different items on the menu for meat lovers and vegans in Chicago. Mainly from Northern Indian, some of the most popular dishes at our Lincoln Square restaurant include The Naan, Vindaloo, Samosas and Veggie dishes. Stocked with a full bar and the World's #1...