Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

Name: The Indian Garden
Address: 247 E Ontario St,Ste 2, Chicago, IL, 60611
Telephone: (312) 280-4910
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.51

The Indian Garden

247 E Ontario St,Ste 2, Chicago, IL, 60611

(312) 280-4910
Store is closed

The Indian Garden Menu

Appetizer

Batata Vada (aloo Bonda)

Pakora (spinach Onion Potatoes Chilli Or Mix)

Mirchi Pakora

Samosa (2 Pieces)

Papad Rolls

Paneer Pakora

Cashewnut Rolls

Aloo Tikka (4 Pieces)
Non-veg Appetizer

Chicken Til Tilka

Chicken Samosa

Keema Samosa

Chicken Pakora

Tandoori Pesh Kash

Shami Kabab

House Special Shrimp

Assorted Appetizer
Shorbe (soup)

Dal Ka Shorba

Mulligattawny
Basmati Rice Specialties

Steamed Basmati Rice

Kesari Pulav

Khumbi Mattar Pulav

Vegetable Dum Biryani

Chicken Dum Biryani
Tandoor Specialties - Seafood

Tandoori Shrimp

Fish Tikka

Chefs Special Tandoori Lobster
Chicken Specialties

Chicken Korma

Murg Curry

Murg Makhani

Chefs Special Murg Tikka Masala

Murg Madras

Murg Badami

Murg Jalfreizi
Vegetable Specialties

Vegetable Curry

Kashmiri Aloo

Punjabi Chilli Paneer

Tadka Dal

Paneer Bhurji

Mattar Paneer

Saag Paneer

Malai Kofta
Tandoor Specialties - Desserts

Gulab Jamun

Rasmalai

Gajar Ka Halwa

Kulfi (pistachio Mango)

Kheer

Chum - Chum

Rasgulla

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Indian Garden

Appetizer

Batata Vada (aloo Bonda) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pakora (spinach Onion Potatoes Chilli Or Mix) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mirchi Pakora [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Samosa (2 Pieces) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Papad Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Pakora [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cashewnut Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Aloo Tikka (4 Pieces) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Non-veg Appetizer

Chicken Til Tilka [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Samosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Keema Samosa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Pakora [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tandoori Pesh Kash [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shami Kabab [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House Special Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Assorted Appetizer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Shorbe (soup)

Dal Ka Shorba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mulligattawny [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Basmati Rice Specialties

Steamed Basmati Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kesari Pulav [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Khumbi Mattar Pulav [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Dum Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Dum Biryani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tandoor Specialties - Seafood

Tandoori Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fish Tikka [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chefs Special Tandoori Lobster [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Chicken Specialties

Chicken Korma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Murg Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Murg Makhani [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chefs Special Murg Tikka Masala [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Murg Madras [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Murg Badami [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Murg Jalfreizi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Vegetable Specialties

Vegetable Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kashmiri Aloo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Punjabi Chilli Paneer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tadka Dal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Paneer Bhurji [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mattar Paneer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Saag Paneer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Malai Kofta [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Tandoor Specialties - Desserts

Gulab Jamun [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rasmalai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gajar Ka Halwa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kulfi (pistachio Mango) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kheer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chum - Chum [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rasgulla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.

Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.

Write An Anonymous Review

Joseph B.

I ordered in last night and was somewhat disappointed. The naan was fine as were the samosas. The entrees that we ordered weren't completely bland, but the spiciness was toned down from what I was expecting. The quality of the ingredients was pretty poor. It seemed like everything was frozen. It took some work to decipher some of the vegetables in one of our dishes. The brown, globular entities turned out to be chick peas, I think, although I've never seen them take on that shape or consistency. Overall, I would skip this place and make the trip up to Devon. (Please note that this review is based on the food only and not on the restaurant's ambiance or service.)
(2)
Ermelinda C.

Very tasty, authentic food!
(4)
Edwin Q.

Nice Indian restaurant in downtown! Price is rite and their menu is huge. I went there for dinner so I can't rate their lunch buffet. It is legendary!!! Wish the server asked if we wanted our food mild or spicy. I guess next time I'll have to ask them to add more spice on my dishes! The place has a very nice decoration. They have a full bar and the service is very attentive and nice. Did I forget to mention that their food is awesome??? Yes it is!!!
(4)
Sonali K.

I'd prefer to give Indian Garden 3.5 stars, but I really am a fan. The reason for taking off a 1/2 star, I have yet to go to their lunch buffet during the week and enjoy it. I have been let down every single time! I just don't get it. People rave about their buffet, so I gave it a second chance, a third, a fourth, a fifth, and this last time I was so disappointed that I couldn't even finish the food on my plate. Enough complaining though. Let me tell you why I am a fan. Every time I have ordered out from here or ordered from the menu while eating there, I have not been disappointed! They have some of the best Indian food in Chicago and whenever I miss home and need a good Indian food fix, this is the my go-to place. I'm lucky because my fiance and I have similar tastes so we get to order a bunch of stuff and share. Some of our favorites: the samosa! So big with a perfect flaky exterior and a delicious tasty interior. It goes great with both the sweet chutney and the slightly tangy green chutney. We follow this up with an order of the Paneer Makhani, Tadka Dal, Vegetable Biryani, an order of Rita, an order of pappadum, and a side of spicy green chilis and naan. This has to be one of my favorite dinners, or lunches if I get lucky and get work people to order it too. As several reviewers have stated, the entrance is a bit funny, but they just remodeled it and it looks much nicer, but be prepared to climb a lot of stairs. The decor in the restaurant itself is very nice. It's not tacky at all and they stay true to Indian roots. Overall, love the place and love the food (as long as it's not on the buffet).
(4)
Jai R.

Restaurant's in the third floor or so of the building. You have to walk up several flights of stairs (not sure if there's elevator available) to find it. When you're there, on the balance, the restaurant doesn't disappoint. Clean space, nice cozy interiors, and fairly good Indian food. Staff is generally friendly and helpful and they don't rush you.
(3)
Chris W.

The best indian food in the city! The owners are the nicest around and they make you feel welcome as soon as you step in. I would suggest this place to everyone and anyone.
(5)
Mary M.

The decor is nice and sets a nice ambiance. Our waitress was very rude an cold. The food was good, but not amazing. Therefore, it is not really worth the price. Lastly, you have to order a side of rice for your meal. That's one of my pet peeves!
(3)
Shelly M.

Five stars is based on their lunch buffet! I've been here a few times now, this last time the food was even better than I remember. The decor is very cool. So far my favorite lunch buffet in the city.
(5)
Marie K.

First off, the atmosphere and decor of this place are fantastic. Definitely not over the top. The waitstaff was attentive and friendly. alright that's it, i have to get to the food. amazing. i've never had chicken like that in my life. i'm not just talking about the way they cooked it or the rub/spices/etc. they may have used. i'm saying this was straight up the BEST chicken i've ever had in my life (Chicken Tikka). I wanted to make love to this chicken. Because we were feeling gluttonous (okay it was me, I was feeling gluttonous), we had the Samosa (2 ver large, very delicious samosas that went well with the dipping sauces they give you when you sit down) and the Paneer Pakora (honestly, just Indian mozzarella sticks and every bit as tasty). Then we ordered the Saag Paneer (one each, and a good thing, too - i ate all mine) and the Chicken Tikka (again, heavenly). Washed it all down with a bottle of Pino Grigio. I must say, the best Indian meal I've ever had in Chicago.
(4)
Craig R.

This is a solid Indian restaurant. My wife and i went here basically because we were walking by it and are always on the lookout for Indian places. The food was pretty good overall. We split garlic naan, alhoo gohbi and chicken tikka masala. THere was plenty of food and the price wasnt too bad for what we got. We didnt do dessert or drinks. The staff was efficient but wasnt overly friendly. They do a healthy take out business and the place was busy.
(3)
Varsha M.

We just went for lunch buffet. The food is not that great nor the service. I do not recommend this to people who want to try real Indian food.
(2)
Erin M.

I would definitely go back to Indian Garden restaurant, but mostly because they are cheaper than India House. The lunch buffet at Indian Garden is about 11.99 (per person) and the lunch buffet at India House is 15.99 (per person). To me, it is worth a couple blocks walk to save nearly $10 (8$ + extra tip) for two people during lunch. I really enjoyed all the vegetarian options in the lunch buffet; however I did not like the fact that they failed to rotate the food on the day I visited Indian Garden. Specifically, I saw the waitress add newly made rice ON TOP of the old rice. I thought it was "first in, first out?' I also did not like the chairs at Indian Gardens. They seemed really old and outdated, and I was actually worried the upholstery tacks were going to snag my pants. My husband wants to add: they should ask if we want chicken with our buffet prior to just bringing it out and setting it on the table. It's gross for people who do not eat chicken - us included. Finally, the wait staff was not very attentive. We had to ask for additional water at least two times and at the end of our meal we had to ask for the bill. PS: It's on the 2nd floor of a building - can't remember if I saw an elevator for wheelchair access...Also there are a few stairs inside of the restaurant in one seating section.
(3)
Kevin W.

I order the clay oven shrimp for 15 dollar and had to pay 3 dollar for rice or nam. Because I can't eat the yellow curry shrimp clay pot with out rice or nam. Restuarant will charge 3 dollar for name or rice. food is good but kind of spendy for a good restaurant.
(4)
Kim J.

After a fun night at the ER at Northwestern, the bf and I stopped here for dinner. Apparently, the buffet is the way to go here, but we were too late for it. Our a la carte items were tasty - nothing spectacular, mind you, but good. The mattar paneer was a bit spicier than I thought it would be, but the chicken vindaloo was a lot less spicier.....WTF? (Maybe the cook got the recipes backwards?) Service was a-ok, and the price was right. Though they charge extra for rice. Anywhere that doesnt include rice automatically goes down a star in my book.
(3)
An P.

So I had never really gone to an Indian restaurant before. I've had curry and random Indian food at various parties, but I have never gone out of my way to eat Indian. I once listened to NPR once and a piece describes that after age 47, most people that age stop exploring new food and new music. With that nugget of information, I was glad to pop my Indian restaurant cherry at Indian Garden. We had a table of about 10 or 12 people and the entire restaurant was very ornate with Indian art on the walls. In the waiting area there are plenty of seats, a coatcheck, along with a bar should you feel like imbibing. After being seated, we checked out the menu and ate the bread appetizer that they served up quickly. I ordered some Aloo Tikka and Seekh Kabob and a giant bottle of Kingfisher. The service was great and my water glass was never empty no matter how much water I drank. The Aloo Tikka is a fried potato dish and was so tasty that I did not bother to share any with anyone else at the table. Some other people at the table ordered some appetizer and ordered too much and I was able to dip my bread and eat some more. The Seekh Kabob was excellent and nicely charred. The meat wasn't chewy or bony and was marinated to a state of deliciousness that I must learn how to cook. I have a greater interest of learning how to cook Indian cuisine thanks to Indian Garden. Great place for groups, even though it is a bit pricey.
(4)
Melissa M.

I absolutely love Indian Garden. I think it's a bit expensive for Indian, but it's great quality and always consistently good. The Naan is fantastic and I always get the Chicken Tikka Masala. Check it out!
(4)
Lyndsey M.

A lot of times on Yelp I feel like I'm being too generous with my five-star ratings, but when I restaurant sticks with me this much, I've got to give them credit. I ate here with my dad once (he takes all of his clients regularly, but I'd never been) and I really loved the food. I had my birthday dinner here -- they were able to accommodate 14 of us on Valentines' Day night, despite the fact that I had called and changed the number of people coming twice in the previous week. The service was great (I got a teensy cake and everything). It made me wish I weren't a poor college student -- I would have forked a ton of cash on top of that gratuity if I could! I've never had the buffet, but the menu is really fantastic -- pages and pages of great stuff, and tons of vegetarian options. Most of the items are pretty reasonably priced, others (mango lassi, some of the breads) are a bit expensive.
(5)
T P.

I love this place! I have been here multiple times for both the lunch buffet and for dinner. The setting is beautiful, the owners are very friendly, and the food speaks for itself--delicious, with a broad and varied menu. I see that there are some pretty negative reviews of this place, but that has never been my experience over the course of several visits. This is my favorite Indian restaurant in Chicago!
(5)
Kelly S.

Chicken tikka masala with garlic naan - my favorite dish! Consistent quality and they deliver to my hotel.
(5)
Rajan L.

A good place to get Indian food. A little expensive. Good for casual dinners.
(4)
David W.

This place is great. Not sure what the complaint are about. I've been here at least 10-12 times in the last year as well as a number of Indian spots up on Devon. The food and service are great here. My wife and I went here so many times in the Spring that they knew who we were, but service was great even before this. Very comfy environment and great tasting, consistent food. Prices are better than India House and there are some great combo dinner choices if you really want to pinch pennies. Chicken Tikka Masala is phenom. I'll be going back here for a long time to come...
(5)
Jessica D.

IF I'm going to eat overpriced Indian food in River North, this is where I'm going to come. The tables by the window have a nice view of the street below, it feels upscale but not pretentious, the food is great, the options are plentiful, and the vibe is a balance of romantic and exotic without being awkward like some other places. Yes, it's expensive. I usually go up to Devon for that reason, despite Indian Garden being much closer to me. But it's a nice break from the real world and, once in a rare while, it's worth doing.
(4)
Diana T.

I must forewarn you. If you plan to embark on Indian buffet here during lunch time, don't plan on being productive for the rest of the afternoon. My coworkers and I try to pick certain days where productivity is not expected because we love coming here for buffet. My faves are the chicken tandoori, the chicken tikka masala, lentil curry, spinach paneer, crispy fried cheese things?, mango ice cream (so delishhhh), and naan. I try to limit myself to only 2 plates for fear of revealing my fat self to my coworkers. BUT IT'S REALLY HARD when the buffet is so good.
(4)
Todd C.

The food was quite good. I had the Chicken Tikka Masala. Unfortunately, the service is rather poor and for what we paid, should have been much better. There weren't many customers. But even though there was no shortage of staff, they were very slow. Our waiter was also short on good manners. I wouldn't rule out ordering take out from them, but I doubt I will dine with them again.
(2)
Johnny A.

For a cheap all you can eat Indian Buffet (on tuesdays there are lots of vegetarian options), and you're downtown-- go here! While the food may not be knock your socks off amazing, or be a little bland on the spicing, it's still tasty and will fill you up. Still looking for truly amazing Indian food in Chicago, though.
(3)
Andrea G.

This restaurant was great. The decor was very nice, not tacky like some Indian restaurants. An especially nice touch was the white girl hostess dressed in a sari :) Our waiter was great--very attentive but not hovering. When my husband ordered tea and the tea machine was broken, our waiter offered him chai on the house. The food was fantastic--really good amount of spice and flavor. I ordered saag paneer, which was not floating in cream like some places. It had a lot of spinach, which I liked, and they also did not skimp on the paneer. I asked for it spicy--at first bite I was disappointed and thought, "Oh, another tasteless Indian meal" but the heat definitely comes through in time... and not so much that you can't taste anything because your tongue is on fire! My husband ordered the vegetarian sampler meal, which came with baingan bartha (delicious), dhal makhni (pretty good), and saag paneer (perfect, as I said above), as well as rice, naan, and dessert. The prices are a bit steep for Indian, but that's what you get downtown. Also it seems to be a pattern that in Chicago, you pay extra for rice in Indian restaurants, which seems strange to me (all the Indian restaurants I've been to in other cities have offered unlimited rice for free). I mean, how much does it cost to make rice--probably pennies. But, oh well. All in all, great meal, nice setting. I will definitely be back.
(4)
Jennifer E.

Just ordered food through Grub Hub. I told the guy that the order was wrong and he tells me I just talked to you and told you if you wanted this or that. Funny thing is I never talked to anyone, I ordered my food online. So right there was a fight. The food I ordered was incorrect and he fought with me if it was wrong or not. I eat at the restaurant all the time and order the same thing so ordered online what I always get but was completely the wrong food. The person I was talking to said it was not their problem to call grub hub. but hello!!! the food comes from your restaurant so it is partially your problem. The guy was such an ass to me on the phone. Customer service is definitely not a priority for them. They just completely lost a loyal customer. I'm sure they will lose plenty more if that's how they treat their customers. and I have my own successful business and if I had a customer complaint I would just resend the correct food no matter whos fault. GET IT RIGHT INDIA GARDEN!
(1)
Richard C.

Best Indian lunch buffet I have ever had. Great vegetarian options. Wide variety of dishes. Will definitely return.
(4)
Ariana N.

This review is for the buffet only. MMMMMmmmmm. I love me some weekend indian buffet. The two tables of food are extensive and the various dishes are quite tasty - although they are definitely whitenized and not very spicey. also I will say their Dal Makhani seemed different from week to week (yah I've been here like 7 times and have only lived in the city 5 months). I like that they bring you the naan hot and fresh to your table instead of leaving it in one of the bins to get stale, which is a common enough occurrence at indian restaurants. The gulab jamuns, to quote flight of the conchords, are off the hook. Decorations are very elaborate and make it a nice venue for a parental visit dinner.
(4)
Gerry A.

Well, we just got back from lunch and for you Entertainment Booklet Fans, they do NOT EXCLUDE The lunch buffet in the booklet/menu like Restaurant.com does for those restaurants who exclude the lunch buffets; they just wait until you have finished and presented you the bill to inform you that "YES, YOU are Stupid" because even though it says dine anytime lunch or dinner, the KEY word is entree. (We EVEN had the Entertainment Book WITH us but hadn't decoded the entree jargon). They say "the lunch buffet is a Series of entrees" BUT "you can still use your card ANOTHER time". I said "NO, WE like to be kissed when somebody does that to us". Pros: VERY tasty. not overseasoned or over"fatty". Excellent tandoori chicken and medium curry catfish, plentiful hot naan. VERY Smiley Staff who smiles and says "yes" when you come in and ask if they take the Entertainment Card, and then $miles bigger and says "no" after you have ordered&eaten the $13 lunch buffet that they say is a "Series of entrees", not AN entree. (you fool). Cons: Pricey, up 2 steep flights of stairs, sticky table, Horrible "included" faux-diet coke? fine print jargon. Parking Nightmare DAY AND night. I felt talked down to and not kissed. Seeya.
(2)
Div M.

Tried this restaurant over the weekend and was shocked to see such a horrible service at an Indian restaurant .. There was a lady helping guests take seats etc .. She was not only rude but extremely disinterested in doing anything around there .. The food was jus average ..
(2)
Amanda Z.

FAB delivery option, espec in the winter when it's cold out and you are being lazy and need some curry to warm you up! They delivered right when promised and were very helpful in recommending things when ordering. We had: Chicken Pakora...like the best chicken nuggets you will EVER eat!! Dip it in the tangy red sauce it comes with (I have no idea what this actually is, but it's wondermous). Veggie Samosa...an Indian staple for me...good size portion and perfectly fried. I love the green sauce with these. Chef's Special Murg Tikka Masala...a classic and always my fave. Can't go wrong here...super delish over basmati rice. Spicy and good quality and plentiful amounts of chicken (unlike at Hema's Kitchen!). Khurmi Naan...with garlic, tomato and chili...YUMS! They aren't stingy on the naan and it was seasoned just wonderfully, and oh so soft! Indian Garden is now added to my regular delivery rotation! 4.5 stars...the only better Indian food I have had in the city is at India House on Grand, but that's more expensive and fancier (I doubt they deliver).
(4)
Jarede S.

Spectacular food, outstanding customer service!
(5)
Cam F.

From the moment we walked I'm the door the aroma of the spices had our mouths watering. The lunch buffet was to a high standard and great value. This review comes from two curry experts.
(5)
Springheeled J.

I feel like there's some kind of metaphysical rule that any upscale Indian restaurant is going to be 200% more worth it in the lunch buffet than the actual dinner. That's not an insult here! The lunch buffet is pretty rockin'. It has more or less anything you'd want to order during dinner anyway, +free tandoori chicken, +naan, +spongy sugary desserty shit -- I mean seriously, if you have stuff like saag paneer and dal and chicken tikka masala you've got about 99% of all whitey desires for Indian food covered. Plus you can eat all you want. Plus it costs a lot less. Plus you have to pay EXTRA for the RICE during dinner, I mean what?? (I recognize this is a common practice in some establishments, it's just not how they roll in Koreatowns okay. /nepotism) If you haaave to go here for dinner order the bhatoora. It's bad for your arteries and like the one thing worthwhile you can't get at the lunch buffet.
(4)
Arun R.

Took Indian relatives visiting from Canada to Indian Garden. Waited more than an hour for dinner at our table. When we requested the kebabs be served early with a few naans, we were told it was the restaurant rule that all dishes be served together. Absurd rule but we waited in quiet anticipation. When the food finally arrived it was a great disappointment. The kebabs looked like they had been re-heated, the chicken biryani had no chicken and had to be replaced. The paneer makhani at best was ordinary. With our food on the table, the maitre d' tried his best at selling us on another chicken dish. Nice try but we were not ready to wait another year. The only thing nice about this restaurant was the friendly service. If I need friendly service I'll go to the local fast food. For good Indian food in Chicago I would drive down to Devon Street - better food at much better prices. The ambience at Indian Garden is nice but they need to improve the food.
(2)
Robin W.

Ordered delivery and was a more than a bit disappointed. The driver had tude dropping off, even though I tipped him 30%. The masala was salty, not spicy. Totally bland compared to other local spots. Maybe things are different when dining in, but I was not impressed.
(2)
Sara B.

I wen there a few weeks ago for a friend's b-day. Sitting a table of 15 was no issue with a reservation. It's a neat place and the second floor location makes it feel tucked in and nice once inside. We tried so many different thigns off the menu I have trouble remembering all we got but of the 10 or so things i tried I LVOED them all! For desert the Mango ice cream is the way to go.
(5)
Justin B.

If you want to be sick go here and order the chicken vindaloo. Not only is it spicy but the chicken quality is terrible and is sure to disgust. Add in bad service and you have a crap restaurant. We will never return here even though the chai and vegetable appetizer were good.
(1)
Jef B.

Summary: I wanted to give Indian Garden 5 stars for the food and ambience, but I have to strike it back to 4 for lackluster service. Quick note: the only way to get to this restaurant is up several flights of stairs. May not be accessible to the handicapped, elderly or people with health issues. Ambience was of a quality I never see at a Devon Indian restaurant. Many ingenious uses of candles, great view from window-front tables, a very comfortable place to wait for your table with pillows and magazines to read. Indian nick-nacks and musical instruments everywhere, nice statuary. I felt instantly at ease. Food was all excellent: temperature hot, well prepared, and properly Indian spicy. We had mango lassi and masala chai to drink. Appetizers were amazing: mirchi pakora and paneer pakora, both pakoras are frequently not on other restaurants' menus. Our entrees where the Bombay Kadhai Gosht and Paneer Bhurji. Just delicious. Kudos to the kitchen. The downside was the service. We didn't seem to be assigned a single waiter. Somebody always came by to fill up on our water except for a long gap when we got no more water. A lady who appeared to be the owner or manager stopped by early in our meal to see how we were doing. Wait staff, whenever they came by, seemed lifeless and uninterested in what they were doing. Nobody smiled. They took my empty chai cup and never inquired if I might have wanted more chai. No wait staff ever seemed to want to stay at our table a single instant longer than they absolutely had to. Maybe the weird service has something to do with the credit card slips. There is no separate line for tips on the credit card printout. Maybe the waiters get stiffed on tips as a result? Bathrooms seem dirty and unmaintained, in contrast to the remainder of the restaurant. When we are at Navy Pier next and looking for an alternative to the usual boring chains at the Pier, we will come back to Indian Gardens, but for the food not the service. This would be a 3 star restaurant if it weren't for the ambience and the food.
(4)
Adjoa T.

Dear Indian Garden, I love you. You were my first real experience with Indian food and I've been in love with you and Indian food ever since. Since that first time, I've been back a handful of times. You were even open on Christmas, and made for a wonderful dinner even though I had to be at work. Your owners are super nice and always very cordial and hospitable. Your prices can be a little high at times for my tastes, but they're definitely worth it. I've never had a dish I haven't liked. You're just that awesome. I miss you now that I live in NYC, (but I'm not going to tell you that I may have found a replacement in Haveli ;X), but I promise I will visit soon! Love, Adjoa.
(5)
Janet I.

We've tried this restaurant a few times over the past year and each time has just been okay. We keep giving it a try as it's only a block from us and we want it to be good. We gave it a try again last night, as we had a groupon getting ready to expire. Apparently everyone else did too! It was very crowded and they had a hard time keeping up....service was very slow. We ordered salads, but they brought them out with our entrees. As for the food, it has been hit or miss the times we've dined there. Last night my husband really liked his entree but mine was just so-so. The quality of the chicken just didn't seem to be as good as other Indian restaurants we've tried in the city. But, we still really want to like this place...the staff are very friendly and it has a nice atmosphere. So, we will probably give it a try at some point again.
(3)
Ryan B.

I have never had real Indian food in my life. Ever. I had no clue what to expect. We looked at their restaurant week menu and liked it because it seemed you could get a good sampling of their dishes which seemed perfect for a first timer. Away we go! It's located across from Kamehachi and on the second floor next to West Egg Cafe and Tim O'Toole's. Very inviting dining room with a lot of colors, murals, and candles. We were seated promptly (without mentioning the reservation via Opentable) towards the back - the dining room is actually quite big and spans all the way to the corner of the building. We were greeted promptly and I asked for the restaurant week menu. Our server Dan (first three letters of his name, sorry!) hesitated before getting the menu. He came back and explained that the menu was so much food it could easily feed two to three, but he couldn't split it. He recommended the $16.95 House Specialty plate which included more entrees than the RW menu had. He said it would be a great way to try a lot of things - sold! We spent some time translating the RW menu from the regular menu, so we new what to expect. We had the #4 appetizer (fried potato and veggie rolls) and then a cart full of deliciousness. Lamb curry, chicken & mahi served on a steaming platter, this delicious pea/tomato sauce dish, naan, and basmati rice. Freaking perfect! I could not have asked for a better sampling of food. We took most of it home. We even ordered this orgasmicly sweet dessert - like hot doughnut balls in a saffron/honey sauce. AMAZING. We had two very full glasses of wine. All of this = $41 before tax. Without the wine it would have been only $25 and change...how can you beat that? I will be back and you should be too. Great first time impression. Good, helpful service, great food, and you can't beat the price!
(4)
Mrs. F.

Diner beware! Read the other reviews that indicate (1) this restaurant is not as good as it used to be; and (2) the "mistakes" made by the servers in charging more than the listed price and/or bringing more or different items than were ordered; and (3) not giving credit for my Open Table reservation and, instead, recording it as "cancelled." We've gone to Indian Garden several times over the course of the last 4 years and, although it was excellent previously, it now seems to have fallen under the spell of a disinterested chef and some less-than-scrupulous servers. Bringing four baskets of naan for four people, when asked if one order had four servings--and then standing there waiting for us to accept it--is manipulative. Did the server even consider that we would have ordered pricier appetizers if we weren't served so much naan? The servings of lamb were merely adequate in terms of seasoning and size, and it's the smallest "whole chicken" in the chicken tandoori in poultrydom. As for the Open Table reservation cancellation, it's just too hard dealing with this restaurant to correct it. I tried! So, as I said, diner beware!
(2)
Tera H.

This was a pleasant suprise... I was a little suspicious because it isn't on Devon Ave. and most of the other restaurants in the neighborhood are terrible, relying mostly on the tourist trade. However, the delivery I ordered was better than expected, hot and accurate. Chicken tikka masala- thumbs up. Dal makni- also great (could have used a wee more ghee though) It is a bit pricey but if you are craving Indian and can't drag yourself up to Devon, it's a great option.
(4)
Chad C.

This place is delicious. Definitely one of the best, if not the best Indian place I've ever eaten at. I've eaten at a smattering of places up on devon, and this place puts them all to shame in my book. Everything here is solid, I don't think you can go wrong with a single dish. Of course some things are better than others, and it also comes down to personal taste, but if you like Indian food, you'll love this place. Oh and not that it's that important in comparison to the food, but the atmosphere is very nice also. Quiet, peaceful, elaborate decorations, with a decently interesting view of the street below. As I said the food is pretty solid, I used to go with my standard chicken tikka masala and saag paneer, which are great here, but then started branching out to discover that the other dishes are just as good. In fact I think the chicken badami might be my new favorite dish. Soft, succulent chicken that practically melts in your mouth in an "almond sauce," which has a strong butter/cream flavor, not completely unlike Alfredo sauce. Possibly the best savory sauce I've ever tasted in my life. Also the gulab jamun (pastry soaked in syrup) is very good, and the rasmalai ("cottage cheese" soaked in a sweet milk/cream, my personal favorite) is the best I've ever had. And they give you plenty of the sauce in both of these dishes, which is of course the best part.
(5)
Meridith H.

I tried Indian Garden Restaurant again, this time for the lunch buffet. I ate two platefuls of the Saag Paneer. It was delicious. I could barely fit the equally delicious battered fried mushrooms into my stomach. During our meal a group of 4 came in, one of whom was Indian. I couldn't help but overhear him telling his companions how a particular dish should really be like this or really be like that. My guess is that Indian Garden Restaurant does not serve food as it is served by beloved mothers back in India, but this does not make its food any less delicious. Hang it up, you Indian Food Snobs! This place serves solid food! The waitstaff was attentive throughout the meal, and we received our check right as we were ready to go. I'll be back for this buffet again!
(4)
eileen b.

I was remembering the awesome Chicken Tikka Masala at my favorite San Francisco Indian spot, Mehfil, and became determined to find a comparable match in Chicago. So I went to Yelp (of course) and found Indian Garden, which has now become my official go-to Indian restaurant in downtown Chicago. Indian Garden is near the movie theatre and makes for a great dinner-movie night. The decor seems like it was imported directly from Mumbai, successfuly transporting to an exotic Indian destination. The waiter gave me great recommendations, including a mild coconut milk curry that I wanted to drink out of the bowl. And of course, the Tikka Masala. It was buttery and spicy and perfectly paired with my Mango Lassi. Mouth-watering. While I loved most of what I've eaten there, I recommend avoiding the free dips, especially the one that has garbanzo beans and olive-looking things. I expected it to taste quite different and was so disgusted that i had to spit it out in my napkin. Not very pleasant. Besides that, Indian Garden has an extensive menu and I plan to return for further exploration. I suggest you visit and do the same.
(4)
Reese F.

We enjoyed an early dinner at the Indian Garden. The food and service were both good. I had the saag paneer and the regular naan. The menu did seem a bit pricey and I don't think I'd necessarily make a point to return for dinner -- I do want to check out the lunch buffet. If we go back, we'd make a point to go with a group and split a variety of dishes, which would probably be more economical. It was pleasant, just not outstanding. Also, while we did not have a child with us, we did notice many other families dining -- appears to be quite kid-friendly.
(3)
Tatyana Z.

Wonderful restaurant, I have nothing but glowing praise. The food is delicious, I've never tried anything I didn't love, my favorites are the naan, the mango laasi, navratan korma, chicken tikka, and lamb saag. The decor is beautiful, the staff is hospitable, especially the owner Anu who is absolutely charming and gracious. She makes sure that you have a top notch experience, from the service to the food. My favorite Indian restaurant in Chicago hands down!
(5)
tatiana c.

While this may not be the best Indian food in the city, this restaurant holds a special place in my heart. My boyfriend and I come here for *date night* from time to time and I am always happy with the super service and staff. Hands down, the Murg Tikka Masala is the best I've had. Garlic Nann and Hariyali Tikka never disappoint. I always love leaving with a full belly and a handful of cardamom seeds & sugar crystals in hand to eat as we walk home....
(4)
Nastassia J.

I used to f 'ing love the Indian Garden. It was my GO TO place. I know its a chain, and I know there is probably much more authentic Indian places to go, but man I really loved their food. Murg Chili Masala was my fav and their Naan was to die for. All past tense now since I've left the neighborhood and feel it would be quite a shame to eat at a chain since I now live much closer to Devon (aka Nirvana.) Funny story though...they used to have this kinda wacky bartender who worked at this location. I once went in to order food to go...and he's trying to upsell me a liquor drink while I waited on the food. After saying "no thanks" a dozen or so times, he says, and I quote, "How about something light, like a Long Island Ice Tea?" Needless to say, my husband and I laughed about that for years...and apparently still find it funny to this day. anyways, thats neither here nor there...bottom line, the food is good, albiet a bit expensive.
(4)
Amanda A.

This restaurant has excellent food. My fiance and I eat their lunch buffet on a regular basis. My favorite dish is the Jaipuri Aloo. However, most everything I have tried there is very good. My fiance is a fan their lamb biryani, which I think is a regular item in the friday lunch buffet. The service is always good as well. The owner is regularly there with a welcoming smile!
(5)
Sonal R.

Its hit or miss with this place based on what you order. In my opinion these are the must try dishes from here: Chicken Biryani (a little on the oily side but amazing flavor) Palak Paneer Kheema
(3)
Y C.

I went to this place at the suggestion of my Chicago friends who happen to be Indian and vegetarian. I tried a lot of their vegetarian dishes and they were pretty good. The thalis (kind of like a combo meal) are a good option for people who want a little bit of everything and come with the most popular selections. Their saag paneer is fantastic, one of the better versions I've had. If you want Indian food in downtown Chicago, this would be a good option.
(3)
Jonny P.

Downtown just off Michigan Avenue, the lunch buffet is one of the best values for your dollar. It's also really good, however I've never ordered off the a la carte menu. Mostly a Saturday/Sunday afternoon thing for me...
(4)
Rachael S.

I brought a bunch of first time Indian food eaters here, and it was a great choice. Their buffet is huge with quite a variety, so we found something for everyone. The nan was fantastic! The servers were also really nice. I will definitely be back. FYI: it looks like the restaurant is in an office building, and you have to go up the stairs to get to it.
(5)
Danette M.

Am writing my review soley based from the lunchtime Buffet. LOVE THE VARIETY! LOVE the NAAN and I can pass on the tandoori chicken but I really enjoy this place and the decor is so inviting.
(4)
Amy K.

I placed a huge catering order (250 people) only a day or two in advance. Joseph called and talked me through the order, and really took the time to make sure I was getting what I needed. The service was spectacular, the food was outstanding.
(5)
Cookie M.

I had been craving Indian food for ages! I grew up with lots of neighbors and a strong Desi community in my area which meant for scrumptious Indian food and breads. Unfortunately after having moved away to the desert, great Indian food is impossible to find. I decided to try this place, the decor and overall environment is stunning. You can tell that most of the items came from India and/or neighboring countries. The waiters were extremely polite and courteous, unfortunately the party I was with wasn't as interested in the food as I was. Based on their fear of "heat" they mentioned repeatedly they wanted their food mild. Ha ha. I sampled the Murghi Makhani with chicken breast cubes and holy God, it tasted phenomenal, I ordered Tandoori Naan and ate happily. Unfortunately my other party members could barely down their food, they ordered the tikka chicken and chicken biryani- which I sampled, I must add delicious. I think a suggestion could be to add either a naan/roti or some basmati rice as a side to some of their main entrees, and possibly mention the heat factor of foods so customers aren't terrified or have a bad experience. I had lots of leftovers, didn't get a chance to sample the mango ice cream, next time indeed.
(5)
Drea E.

We met Sunday for brunch at Indian Garden. I am not usually thrilled by Indian Buffets, but I loved theirs. There was tons of variety, and it was all very tasty. Not a lot of filler. Don't try to order a mimosa with your brunch- they won't even know what you are talking about, try a King Fisher instead.
(3)
Lauren T.

Great lunch buffet - $12 - includes the buffet, bread, tandoori chicken and dessert options. I also liked that the buffet options had their names and ingredients. A great lunchtime choice in Streeterville.
(4)
Miss S.

Close to authentic Indian food. Nice newer decor. Good service. On the spicier side (perfect for me). Somewhat expensive for what you get, but nothing too outrageous considering Chicago downtown standards. We only had vegetarian entrees, so cannot comment on the rest but malai kofta, achari aloo and tandoori paneer tikka with naan were all excellent! Will definitely return and highly recommend for Indian food lovers to try.
(4)
Sandra T.

nice place with pretty Indian decor. we got there early and witnessed Hindu rituals using incense. this was cool to me because I had never seen anything like that being brought up Catholic on the south side of Chicago. I only ate very small portions. I am not use to spicy Indian food . I had Khurmi Naan and Gobhi Gulistan. They both were great and not very spicy.
(3)
Brett K.

If you frequent the top Indian spots in the loop you probably already know but the lunch specials are a must. I hardly ever find these places to be worth the prime time price tags but if were talking lunch buffet for 11.99, it's on. I will have to give indian garden a close second to india house lunch special a couple blocks away but at the lower price point it's definitely worth a shot. My main complaint with the lunch buffet is the same of almost every one I try, it's all geared towards white people. Granted, I fall directly in that category but where is my killer Vindaloo!? Sometimes a guy just wants to get his sweat on for lunch, oh well I guess I'll stick to the heavenly devil fire at Chicago Curry House.
(3)
Ben C.

Awesome chicken tikka masala and garlic naan. The tandori mixed grill was just ok. I will be going back again to try out something new.
(4)
Steve R.

Wow, does this place suck compared to India House. the buffet is disappointingly small, around the same price, service sucks, and the food is far lower quality. Some of the exact same dishes are offered here but are nowhere near as good as some other indian places. There's just too many other good ones to go here. On a couple different occasions here I have hit some REALLY poor quality chicken, like the knuckles were included. No thanks.
(2)
Kristen D.

They have a nice indian lunch buffet that's reasonably priced. Huge selection of items and the food is pretty good. Sit by the window for a nice view of the street below.
(4)
mary mikel m.

This was a bad experience. We waited and hour for a table for two (when we had been told 25 minutes) and then after another hour at the table still no service. We were never offered any food to hold us over. We had given our dinner order to our server and after an hour still no food. It was not a good experience all around. I cannot talk about the food because I never had an opportunity to experience it. I think it would be a good idea to offer something to your customers to eat when you know it will be awhile before their order will arrive. This is a thumbs down place.
(1)
Garett N.

I haven't had Indian food in a while, so this was a treat for lunch. For $12 at lunch, they have a buffet and it has a wide assortment of different dishes. I think this is especially good for a larger group of people since there's vegetarian dishes and meat dishes. The food and service were great. I'm definitely thinking about returning soon.
(4)
Stephan L.

Very nice people, reasonably priced, nice ambience.
(5)
Andrew T.

I've been going on and off here for over 8 years now. Wildcard discount is a plus. Only drawback compared to other indian buffets is that it's not unlimited chicken tandori (red chicken on black sizzling plate). They'll bring a couple pieces to your table based on the size of the party. Perhaps you could ask for more. Otherwise, the decor is pretty nice, you won't be embarrased to be seen here, and can get a window front view (not much to see besides dorky NU med students going to study). Food is typical indian-buffet, I like the spinach and cheese cubes, lamb, friend veggie balls, and any meat in sauce basically..
(4)
Chris L.

We've tried about 6 different Indian joints - include some on Devon, but we just keep coming back to Indian Garden. We're not super hardcore into the spicy food - but they have a few entrees that are mild, delicious, and decently priced for Indian food. Make sure you ask your waiter thought - the one time we ventured off we got burned. Great service too!
(4)
Bella D.

I haven't been here in years but did love eating here way back when a few years ago. Love my samosas, the roti/chapati, and spicy sauces. Hmm guess i should get my butt back here for some lunch since I'm a few blocks away!
(4)
natalie b.

I can not tell you how wonderful this place is! Everything I ate was amazing and so authentic! The owner was so sweet and welcoming. Best Indian Food in the City!!
(5)
Rebekah K.

It is kind of hard to validate these prices. I should not be paying $20 for a small peice of Naan, plain steamed rice, and Aloo Gobhi when it is this level of quality. Essence of India has similiar prices, but distinctly superior quality. I have also had Baigan Barta and it was just ok too. The lunch buffet is definitely the way to go here, otherwise it is too much for the quality level of the food. Carryout service is slow, but everyone is very polite.
(3)
Kamlyn C.

Honestly, the food was great!!! But what made me take the time to write this review was my server Victor. He was prompt, entertaining and knowledgable (plus he made the best drinks:)! I will return soon and I suggest you visit!
(5)
David S.

It looks like the masses agree with my rating. If I could have a wish today it would be for Yelp to let me choose half star increments. OK, my wish would be for a new 6 passenger Mooney (I was a pilot in another life) and my second wish would be for half star increments. I hate giving India Garden 3 stars but they didn't quite make it to 4. All the same I'd definitely be glad to return. Indeed as some reviewers point out their entrance is quiet. It's not a large store front marquee but after a quick set of stairs you enter a very welcoming Indian restaurant. The dÃ©cor was quite nice, authentic feeling but not cheesy which is easy to do. I saw everything from a shirt and tie to shorts and t-shirts. Their bathroom was very nice too. I don't like bowl sinks but I know they are classy. A nice decor and very clean. They even had a little seat you could put down for a child. The handle to get out of the bathroom was a bit odd though as it was just a small screw on handle from a hardware store. I'd like to warn you that they do not cater to American attitudes on service. Our waiter didn't bring us a check until we asked. Our first idea in America is that our server is poor. I'd remind you that in many parts of the world it's considered rude to rush a dinner guest. Our waiter was always nearby and all it took was a polite glance and he was at our table side. They have an extensive menu and I look forward to trying more in the future but here's three things my girlfriend and I tried along with a reasonably priced glass of wine. We tried the Papad Rolls from the appetizer menu. They had a wonderfully crispy yet not oily fried wrapper. The interior had a nice potato with other veggies. It wasn't land mark food but it was tasty and something different. It was great with the Raita from the accompaniments, a chilled yogurt with slices of tomato and cucumber. Alone it was a bit tart for my likes but worked great as a sauce. I guess that is why they call it an accompaniment. I saved the best for last; the house special shrimp. The rice wasn't cooked very well in my opinion but the sauce was good enough to buy and drink! The shrimp tasted of a marinade of fresh basil and bay leaf as they were added to the sauce fresh before serving. There were whole bay leaves that while you wouldn't normally eat were perfectly tasty. The shrimp weren't cooked perfectly or poorly but their flavor was fantastic. All in all India Garden offered a nice atmosphere, a huge menu, an authentic feel, and great prices. I'll certainly be back the next time I'm in the market for Indian food. Besides, I left way to much of that menu untasted (incidentally, I make up a lot of words) Prost, Cheers, Salud, Bon Appetit, and all those great wishes!
(3)
nith v.

Maybe they want Indians to start cooking more at home ;) When a restaurant serves cabbage as a part of buffet then I can really feel the troubled times. Very few veg choices(with cabbage among them) They have absolutely tasty saag paneer and paneer is always fresh without fail. When I dined in, they had 3 desserts in their buffet spread and none were upto the mark. Gajar Halwa lacked sugar. Rasgullas(or cham chams) were way too sweet.
(2)
sandra h.

This place is very close to home so we often go for the lunch buffet. It is not the greatest Indian food but it does satisfy my cravings. I think that it is about $10 for the buffet and it includes tandoori chicken and naan hot from the tandoor oven delivered to your table. All in all this is one of the better choices in the area . . . I pick Indian Oven any day over Potbelly sandwiches!
(3)
Karen P.

I almost hate to say it, but I think this is my favorite Indian Restaurant in Chicago. I have tried about 6 other Indian places and this one beats them all out. When I order something here, its much more flavorful and luscious than at other Indian restaurants. I normally order either the Malai Kofta or the Chana Dal and both are just excellent. The Samosas - OOO YUM! Now I want Indian food. BAH! I recommend this place - they are also very nice servers!
(4)
Clare D.

Not the best indian food I have had, but definitely not the worst. If you are into real indian and not the dumbed-down gringo-ized food then I wouldn't go here. Better go to Devon. However, this place is the best for Sat. or Sun morning brunch. Only $10.00 a person for all you can eat indian food. Amazingness. Plus it is a great way to try some of the dishes you might not normally order. They give you naan and tandoori chicken as well.
(3)
Stacy S.

Yuck, yuck, yuck! Why would anyone recommend anyone eat here. Well, if they recommend it to you...they must not like you very much. This place pretty much sucks and I should have known by the location! Stupid me!
(2)
Karen T.

The food itself was pretty good. I tried the chicken tikki malassa, garlic naan, samosas. I sauce in the tikki was amazing, I thought the chicken was kind of dry. I have two major compliants. One, they charge $4 for rice for dinner. Really? Who serves chiken tikki without rice? And 2nd, I ordered take out and for the portion size, I was disappointed with the prices. The somasa were kind of small and they were stingy on the garlic naan. So with that I give it a 3 instead of a 4 or 5.
(3)
Tanya J.

I rated this a little higher than I wanted to because of the manager. I am not very familiar with Indian food and the manager was kind enough to stop at our table an explain everything we ordered. This was a huge deal considering our server offered no assistance at all. We even asked for help and got none. In part this was my fault for trying something without someone with me who could help with my choices. Service aside the food was very good and I will be going back but perhaps I will do a little studying before returning. The atmosphere was also great!
(4)
M E.

Best Indian delivery available (through Dining In) to the Old Town area. The chef's special chicken murg makhani (with dark meat) and dal makni (sp?) are excellent. For something a little different, try the lamb in cashew sauce. The saag paneer is just OK. Yes, it is a little over-priced and it takes an hour to arrive, but it is oh-so-tasty.
(4)
Ravi Y.

Food is below standard but service is excellent. I wonder why they can't have more dishes for buffet. Felt food isn't fresh and Desserts tasted like they were brought from somewhere else ( Ex: Gulab Jamun)
(2)
Sarah B.

After my experience here, I felt I had to write a review. I went to Indian Garden with my parents for a late dinner while we were visiting Chicago. The food was absolutely delicious. Our waiter was very attentive. A woman, who I can only assume was an owner, sent us some delicious dessert to make up for having to rush our order (the kitchen was about to close). The place is clearly a mom and pop type establishment. My only regret is that there isn't an Indian Garden in my hometown.
(5)
Collin J.

Typical higher-end Indian joint downtown. It's a little expensive, but everything is pretty tasty. The naan was about as good as I have ever had, and the paneer makhani was also pretty outstanding.
(4)
Linda N.

went for the lunch buffet. all you can eat for $11.95, you can't beat that. food was good, service was a bit lacking. getting more naan bread proved to be a bit difficult. they were on it with the water refills though. you know its so that you get full off water and don't eat a lot.
(3)
Kristen W.

Great Indian food, spectacular service. Totally not expected! Man the portions were huge and the flavors were just fantastic! Highly recommended.
(4)
Gen S.

I've been to both the downtown location and the one on Devon and they're pretty much the same. I love their Murg Badami (chicken with an almond sauce) and samosas. Their naan is a bit greasy, as Christopher said earlier. I usually eat it with a side of mango chutney. The service is always quick and friendly. The restaurant atmosphere is very odd, but I can't put my finger on exactly why.
(4)
Chris S.

This is some of the finest Indian cuisine in Chicago (and I live near Devon Ave). I was introduced to this gem by an Indian friend who frequents it often. The food is buffet-style, and presentation is professional. The chicken makhani was delicious, although the naan bread was a bit greasy for my taste. The price was quite reasonable. I plan on making it one of my regular downtown spots.
(4)
B M.

I had been there on Christmas day for the lunch buffet, before we went to the AMC theatre. They had the best Indian lunch buffet I had ever had. I loved the uttapam with tamarind chutney. I couldn't believe they had gulab jamun & rasmali for dessert...YUM O!
(5)
Alexandra D.

I wish there was more Indian in Chicago (like in London or Dublin) because it is just so good. The Indian Garden makes the best chicken tikka masala I have ever had. I hated spicy food until I ate here a few years ago, and now I can't get enough. The lunch buffett can be hit or miss depending on what they are serving (obviously) but still a good value if you are very very hungry. Hema's Kitchen is still my fav.
(4)
Eric L.

Ive had dinner here and the lunch buffet. Lunch is whatevers...no chicken tikimasala...how can this be? Wait staff is also very slow. Dinner wasnt much better as the dishes dont have enough kick to them. So hard to find good indian in chicago.
(2)
k t.

Used to be my favorite Indian restaurant before I discovered India House. I've been to the locations downtown, Devon, Schaumburg and Westmont. It is very good, love the free papads and chutneys and chicken samosas. Recently, the food hasn't been as spectacular as it used to be.
(3)
Bernard Y.

I've tried this place a couple times with an Indian friend who ate here probably once a week because he was in Chicago for a project and his apartment was walking distance from this place. He's Jain so he's gotta be real selective at the restaurants he eats and also the restaurant has to accommodate his diet. I allowed him to order for the both of us because I wanted to try out how how food when made Jain tasted. To be honest I didn't taste anything different to me. Oh man did he order a great dish that I now love. People who go have to order the Paneer Bhurji. The paneer is broken up and looks pretty much like texture of cottage cheese, but it's the spices that are used to make the dish that's so tasty. It's full of the paneer so if you're counting caloric and fat intake don't even walk into this restaurant or for that matter eat Indian food. This place also has the lachcha parantha which is my favorite kind of breads. In 2nd would be the garlic naan and roti. I love those Indian breads when they come out smoking hot and you rip off a piece and dredge it through ththe delicious curry. I'll go back for more of the paneer bhurji when I'm back in Chicago.
(3)
Liza O.

I've been a few times with friends. It's got a nice wide variety of good food on the menu and a full bar. The service is always very polite. It's a little pricey, but the food is yummy. They have a lunch buffet, which would be great if I was ever available during lunch. I've been to better places though, and for better prices.
(3)
Mama L.

If you want food poisoning eat here. The food tastes like it was cooked in a garbage dumpster. The server screwed up my order, and finally when t arrived. It was cold and tasted like dog food. I should have never eaten that food. I had to miss work for 2 days. If you eat here, make sure you bring food poisoning medication and be prepared to miss work for a couple of days. Be forewarned.
(1)
P S.

The Best Indian in Chicago! We used to live across the street, but then moved, and now we drive downtown all the time just to order. Their food is great, and the lunch buffet is awesome. Minus one start for sometimes being cheap in the chicken in take out orders, but otherwise, the Chicken Tikki Masala, Naan, and Samosas rock! The tandoori chicken is really yummy too!
(4)
Jacob M.

Have gone here many times. Great service and amazing indian food. Best I've had in Chicago so far.
(5)
Ren H.

we got food delivered from here through Dining In and it was actually really good! I'm a huge tandoori chicken fan and their's is really good
(4)
Liliana S.

Great indian food in a great location. I love how they serve their food in those little copper dishes. The restaurant is clean and has a friendly and helpful waitstaff.
(4)
Mark P.

Eh. Could have been worse. Chicken makhni and saag paneer weren't bad, but weren't good either. Still can't believe that a side of plain basmati rice costs $4.
(2)
una g.

THe foood os okay they get a C+
(3)
Sayaka H.

This restaurant has some standard-fare Indian food. The prices are reasonable and the food is good. I really enjoyed the variety of food on the menu. I would try the samosas, tandoori chicken, chicken tikka masala and spinach paneer. I'd definitely come back here again.
(3)
Mani M.

I would give this restaurant 0 stars if possible. The language challenged serving staff was very rude. They took a long time getting our food. The waitstaff looked very overworked. No one came by after the server very rudely dropped off our dinner. Me and my girlfriend were completely ignored. After we finished our meal I flagged someone down and asked for our check and also let him how bad the service was. He said sorry and in the middle of the converstaion started to talk to one of the other servers and left. I left there laughing and appalled because I will never go back to this location. The food was mediocre to just ok quality. The atmosphere is old & stuffy and the restaurant is not well ventilated. Not worth the money at all. I believe they are getting away with this because there is virtually very little or no competition for indian food downtown. Spend your money elsewhere.
(1)
Takelya W.

the staff is really nice and make u feel like a real customer, unlike some establishments. nice, quaint place to get good indian cuisine
(3)
Leigh K.

This restaurant is a little odd. We spent the weekend in Chicago and were looking for places to eat near our hotel. We had trouble finding the restaurant because it is upstairs in an industrial building. Both my friend and I thought maybe it was a cooking school and not a restaurant, until we walked up the stairs and saw that it was an actual business. As far as the review, I'm basing it entirely on the food. Phenomenal. Enough said. We enjoyed every bite of our baigan barta (eggplant) and dal makhni (black lentil). The eggplant dish is something that is absolutely mouthwatering, and it makes me angry that I left our leftovers in the hotel refrigerator. Service is not particularly warm, but they do their job, and I had a nice visit with the person I was with. After all, I didn't come to eat with the servers. I would recommend the food here. They had some kind of Michelin recommendation, so that says something too. Very well priced and a nice atmosphere. Delicious food.
(5)
Luke D.

It has been said by others, average food and very expensive. 15$ for a dish and I had to order rice separate. Another thing that irked me is that I ordered the Chicken Korma and the chicken came with the bones in. This lead to me having to dig around bones and accidentally chomp down on one. This is seriously the only time that I have seen Korma made by this and it just feels lazy.
(3)
Nishan P.

My date spilled some of her food and sighed, "at least that's one less bite I'll have to eat." She wasn't impressed with our meal. Neither was I. The Paneer Makhani she ordered didn't taste like Paneer Makhani. Both it and the Rogan Josh I chose were quite flavorless. The portions were also small for the price. The service was attentive and our water glasses were promptly refilled. The restaurant was tastefully decorated with artwork from India. Though the service and decor may have been A-OK, I can't, in all good conscience, give this place three stars. The food left too much to be desired.
(2)
Shuang Z.

The food here is decent. I came here for lunch and they have lunch buffet. There were a variety of selections: lamb, chicken, spinach paneer, potato, beans, lentils, and salad. They taste pretty good for me as a Chinese however I can't tell if they are authentic or not. Most curries/dishes are spicy, which led me to eat lots of desserts to compensate. They have donut in syrup (hot) and fruit cream (cold) for desserts. I'm kinda disappointed for not finding kheer and mango ice cream for desserts which are offered at Gaylord on oak street. The lunch buffet is around $15-ish/person. Northwestern student can get a 10% off discount:)) The place is large and bright, which is better than Gaylord. However I do gave Gaylord a higher rating for the food.
(4)
Nish R.

I got take out so can't comment on the service. All I have to say about this place is average Indian food, inflated prices. EntrÃ©e didn't even come with a side of rice. Will not order their food again.
(2)
Sand+Pineapples ..

I love this place. It was my 3rd time dining at this restaurant and each time it's better than the previous. The atmosphere is "magical," decor is really nice. Food....amazing! I loved the dipping sauces (especially the mango one!). I ordered a lamb basmati rice and my boyfriend had the lamb in a spinach puree. We both had a bite of our food and looked at each other in an AWE moment. lol! We LOVED it!! Our waiter was superb!! recommended the garlic naan...which I HIGHLY would recommend as well! Amazing...amazing...will certainly be back very soon! =)
(5)
Katherine C.

Delicious indian food with good portions. The crab curry was my favorite but the eggplant and paneer, along with all the different breaks and briyani rice were all very well done. No complaints except the slightly slow waiter service.
(4)
Sumedha D.

Love this place!! ordered food multiple times and also for baby shower. Cordial staff, great ambience and spice level tailored according to request. Love kashmiri aloo.. Spicy !!! Not for the faint hearted
(5)
Daniel N.

FOOD: 2 stars I've been to many Indian lunch buffets. The food at this place wasn't very good. Even the dessert was subpar and that's typically good at every Indian buffet. The tandoori chicken and chicken salad were the highlights. SERVICE: 3 stars Good but not great. Plates were cleared and drinks refilled but was never asked if everything was ok. One server dropped food on the floor and just left it. Mon - Thurs prices $13.95 Fri - Sun $15.95 ATMOSPHERE: 4 stars Great decor and ambience. Beautiful place
(3)
Ben C.

I came there twice for dinner (vegetarian). Food is descent as well as the price. The first time I was a bit impressed but the second time, the charm was not there due to the behavior of some "butlers". Before you leave, take the seeds for the digestion, which is very good. Not too much noisy (thanks God!) and good for a romantic dinner but ask for a good spot.
(4)
Rasha H.

Best indian food i tried so far Lamb biryani is amazing A little bit pricey but it worth it
(5)
Mehran F.

Last two weeks I have been focusing on Indian food. Large, generic Indian restaurant. Food: OK. A bit Americanized. Too mild. Naan: good. Service. Nice. But i had to push them to get a larger table for six in a better part of the restaurant for us (4 people). They worried they would be full. Sure enough the restaurant remained more than half empty (or should i say "half full") Valet: good and $12 cheap for the location. $8 extra tip made it fair.
(2)
John M.

This is a good restaurant, but it has its quirks. However, if you are in the area and looking for Indian food, you will probably be happy with this choice. As a local, I am surprised there are not more Indian restaurants in the loop area. In fact, my normal "go to" place closed about six months ago. So I was interested to sample this again since I hadn't been here since many years ago. So here is my view. I ordered the Eggplant dish, Baigan Bharta, and it was just delicious. I found it mildly spicy, but very tasty. I would definitely order it again. My dining companion ordered Shrimp Bhuna, and I found it very tasty as well. The rice is a separate al a carte item here, so we ordered one rice between us and that was sufficient for us. However, you are missing something if you don't order the naan (bread). I had the garlic naan and I loved it. The other bread we ordered was Kandhari Naan which included pistachios and almonds - it was just as good. Truly, the food is good here and I think you will be pleased with it. The service is adequate and functional, but I would not call it warm. As one other reviewer commented, "They do the job." I agree with this assessment. The water person kept my glass full which is essential in a restaurant serving spicy food. You will do well with the water. I ordered Iced Tea and my dining companion ordered Mango Lassi. I was not offered a refil on my iced tea and I suspect they don't do refills - not sure on that. Therefore my recommendation would be that you forego the drinks and stick with water which will be in abundance. Now let's talk about the atmosphere. The restaurant is on the second floor and there are quite a few steps to climb to get up to The Indian Garden. I have bad knees and I really had to take my time but I made it and I would do it again. However, if you are handicapped or otherwise need assistance for stairs, you may want to make another choice. Also, it was 82 degrees outside and I was rather surprised they were dependent on open windows for ventilation. I suspect their air conditioning may not have been functional, but it was a humid evening and noticeable. One might observe that it added to the Asian subcontinent atmosphere through environment - but I am being nice. It was hot and I wish the air conditioning had been on. All in all, the most important thing, the food, was so good, any other shortcomings were worth being overlooked. If the restaurant would make some improvements in their experience through things they can control, e.g. more attentive service and air temperature, I think that I would have given them a higher rating. But it is a winner with respect for the food. So my line for this restaurant is "Go for the food, not the experience." ;-)
(4)
Frank O.

Tasty food, great atmosphere, location on River North but feels like you aren't, all at a reasonable price. What's not to love? The restaurant's on the 2nd floor, and that combined with the festive decor inside it doesn't feel like you are in downtown Chicago. At the end of the meal you do pay River North prices, but since the food and atmosphere are both better than average it's definitely worth it in my opinion. Chicken tikka masala was the star of the meal. Delicious on it's own and also excellent when paired with the garlic naan (I can't get enough of this stuff). The mango lassi was great, and seemed simple enough I've tried it at home (although not as good as made at the Garden). The gulab jamun and papdi chaat were both average. Since I was there at the same time as brunch I checked out the buffet, but wasn't feeling their offering at the time. I am interested to try the lunch buffet, as I've heard some good things about it.
(5)
Raju L.

My first time to this restaurant. The Interiors: Loved it. Can feel a high class feel to it as compared to Indian restaurants on Devon. Service: Terrific service. The best? No, far from best. Could use a lot of improvement but as compared to many other restaurants of this caliber (Indian or otherwise), I'm going to say it was pretty darn good. Food: GREAT selection of naans. Terrific naans. We ordered 3 veggies and 1 chicken dish. The chicken dish was OUT OF THIS WORLD. (Chicken Badaami.) Never seen this dish in another Indian restaurant (I've been to many around the country, overseas INCLUDING India.) This was a dish made up of an almond base. You could taste the almond flavor. This is a unique dish in my opinion (till I find other restaurants if and when they serve this dish.) Unlike most Indian restaurants where the chicken pieces are just too big and dried out, pieces were relatively large but the chicken was SOFT AND MOIST. The vegetarian dishes were not bad. Pretty good actually but the tandoori veggies need A LOT OF WORK. They were way below subpar. They weren't marinated long enough nor did they have a look like, "wow, I want to dig into that." I know for sure I'm doing a take out of the chicken badaami next week for sure.
(4)
Debra V.

Right off the Magnificent Mile within walking distance from our hotel and Water Works Mall. Lovely place. Lots of Indian decor. Large tables. Long window. Lots of variety on the Saturday buffet. Good service. We really liked the restaurant--a great find. I'm sure we'll be back during our next visit to Chicago.
(4)
Lucas W.

Ordered some delivery on Friday night. What a waste. Horrible experience, horrible food. Will not be ordering from again. No way. I ordered online and was told my food would be delivered in 45 minutes. Seemed rather long when the food was just going maybe 5 minutes away, but alright, we'll let that slide. 45 minutes comes and goes, no food. I called up after almost an hour and asked where my food was only for the individual on the other end to abruptly say "It's out the door" and hang up. I find it hard to believe it was in fact out the door because it did not arrive for another 30 minutes! Total wait time: 90 minutes, twice the expected wait time. Ridiculous. So I finally open up the bag of food, starving and am instantly disappointed. The naan has clearly been sitting around for a while and has become quite chewy. The korma sauce looks way too thin to be good korma sauce. But, MOST IMPORTANTLY, they got the order wrong. No samosas. It got worse, I started eating my chicken korma....no chicken. It's all bones. I took out what looked to be an entire wing of chicken (not breast meat like normally the case) and found there was maybe half a bite of edible chicken because of the bones. It was garbage. I threw out half of it. My mean consisted of rice and overly-liquidy korma sauce. Disappointed and upset.
(1)
Vinay K.

After weeks on the road, we were looking for some comfort food (Indian family if 4) and we landed at this place based on reviews. We found a restaurant with tasteful and clean ambience and the service prompt. Ordered pakoras and shami kebabs for starters. Pakoras were awesome, but the shami kebabs were a bit dry. Be careful with the spice levels as medium can be a bit on the high side. For main course we ordered navratan korma, shrimp curry and daal along with a bread basket and veg biryani. Everything tastes great and was cooked to our satisfaction. Highly recommend to anyone looking for some tasty Indian food at downtown Chicago
(4)
Prashant T.

Good ambience but average food!! I an disappointed with the food here. The service is okay but could be quicker. Food was very average. For example, paneer kadai had no flavor- I could fix a better version by throwing some paneer and tomato purÃ©e with some bell pepper. Shami kebab were decent though. Overall, not impressed.
(2)
Chet A.

Best Indian food Ive ever had. Also some of the best priced food in the Loop. Walk up the stairs and eat the good food.
(5)
JL J.

Located on the second floor of a small building on Ontario Street, you could walk right by the Indian Garden and miss this culinary treat. We have been here a few times and have never been disappointed. We like spicy and this place has got the fix. "Food of the God" and that is what this food is - pure, freshly cooked, vegetarian and vegan in most cases. The vegetables are grown fresh and pulled for cooking on the day. Truly delicious food made with love, served in a peaceful atmosphere by friendly smiling people, in a clean quiet venue. You must try the lunch buffet, which is served 7 days per week. The lunch buffet has a great variety for starters, main course and desserts. The quality of food is top-notch and you'll definitely be making lots of visits to the buffet line. There is so much to choose from that one is likely to get overwhelmed. However be calm, take your time and enjoy the delicacies. Cheers, Jordan & Marks
(5)
Siddhi T.

Not so flavourful. Went here for lunch buffet. Appetizers seemed chewy and cold. Vegetables lacked authentic flavours. Daal was just boiled - No flavour at all..The worst food ever had among all indian restaurants so far. Giving 1 star for food and 1 star for interiors as interiors are really good.
(2)
Jonathan B.

Many vegetarian options, but very little for vegans - which I find strange. We ordered a selection of items that came with rice. Our waiter told us that our food didn't come with rice, so we ordered more. It also came with bread, but he allowed us to order more bread also. The food wasn't that nice. I really like Indian food, but I won't be going back.
(1)
Shrikant S.

By far the best Indian food in chicago. I've tried a lot of places, but the vegetarian options always disappoints me.. BUT this place.. is ama-wait for it -zing.
(5)
Natalia K.

I've come here for their lunch buffets back when I was an unemployed bum, and enjoyed the experiences, but haven't been back until a groupon encouraged my return. And boy was I happy that I did so. I came for dinner and was on a low carb kick so I tried their tandoori pesh kash appetizer as a meal and it was perfect. None of the meat items were dry, though tandoori chicken sometimes can be, and their variety was excellent. I did not miss the rice and naan at all, though I remember their naan being quite good and it is usually my favorite thing to order at an Indian restaurant. My dinner companion had a great experience as well. The service was polite and attentive and the decor was comfortable and beautiful. And they passed my biggest test of strong flavored places: I did not smell of Indian food afterwards! Bravo Indian Garden, I will be back again and again and again...
(5)
Larry C.

Had the buffet here. Everything was very good. Just the right amount of spice to let you know it is there but not so much that your mouth is burning with every bite. Service was good. The atmosphere is very nice. Makes you think you escaped to a different place in time.
(5)
Daliah F.

We LOVE Indian Garden - mostly for take-out but we have also been for the buffet and for dinner once. It's a great sign when the place is PACKED on a Friday night with people of East Indian descent. The ambiance is great and it feels like you're in another country for dinner! Super cool. We also order take-out from IG about once a week...big fans! My boyfriend is a big fan of the samosa and says the naan is the freshest he's had outside of Asia. We also like the chicken tikka masala (perfect!) saag paneer, egg bhurji and we've had the Navratan korma....the sauce was great but we thought the veggies may have been frozen. I've had that dish at the same place with cauliflower and it was excellent. The food is always fresh and excellent. We are regulars!
(5)
Dave M.

Stopped here with a craving for some Indian food. I was greeted and seated immediately (was medium busy on a Monday night). Was brought water and chutneys and a basket of Papadum immediately. I ordered a large king Fisher (Indian Beer $9.00), and order of plain naan (a must, need to sop up all of that amazing sauce, $3.00, he asked if I wanted butter on it, YEAH!), and Murg Chilli Masala - Medium ($15.00) The server was very concerned about getting the heat right (I love HOT foods but he recommended medium, which was perfect, with sliced / chunks of hot peppers in the sauce). The chicken was fantastic--very tender, awesome flavor. The Naan was outrageous. Crispy and soft at the same time. Would recommend for sure.
(4)
Jason B.

We hiked up to the second story and were pleasantly surprised by the view and the food. Complimentary papadomps arrived with the sweet, mint, and smoky sauces... Soon thereafter another complimentary starter was delivered which consisted of potato cutlet covered in fresh spices and a riata-esque sauce which was very tasty. I ordered the house specialty which included an assortment of Indian favorites, and all 3 were enjoyable. Creamy peas and tofu had a wonderful consistency and flavor. The second was goat in a lovely red sauce, which happened to be my favorite. The last portion included chicken and lamb from a tandoori oven, and was delicious and tender. It came with basmati rice and plain naan. I was able to order Kingfisher beer, which takes me back to my India trip every time! My wife ordered the Dal and a side of garlic naan because we were unsure of the portion size... We quickly learned that portions are large so beware, and order accordingly... Good ambiance, good food, fair prices, and staff that aims to please add up to a wonderful experience... This one makes the list!
(4)
Rishabh H.

I ordered a take away recently. I specifically mentioned in the order to remove one of the ingredients but 2 out of 3 items had the same. Food is good but service is poor and waiters expect to tipped on a take away. Management need to change the restaurant manager otherwise they would have very few repeat customers. Very poor service. 2 stars because at least one of the item in the order was well made.
(2)
Faisal I.

I have been here many times, and I really like the food. The service is not that good though.
(4)
Jennifer B.

I consider myself somewhat of an Indian food expert...This place gets 5 stars from me. I've traveled in India Numerous times, And Eat Home Cooked Indian Food often. Although I'm not a huge buffet fan, the food quality was very impressive! The ambience and service was Excellent and reasonably priced as well. One of the best Indian restaurants I've been to in a very long time. Just excellent.
(5)
Norm J.

My friend and I went here for the lunch buffet on a Saturday afternoon and the place was empty (so glad I made that reservation). The buffet was pretty much the standard buffet you see at an Indian restaurant. The Tandoori Chicken and the Shrimp were the highlights. While the food was good, there were some negatives about this place: - There's another Indian restaurant that offers a buffet for similar price, but they provide free sofa drink, which Indian Garden does not. - The service could stand to be a little better. While everyone who works there was pleasant, they hardly ever came around to our table. Overall is give this place a other shot, but it's not a must try.
(3)
Shilpa U.

Loved the ambience. The service was also very good. Food was good too. We enjoyed the vegeterian spread there. Will visit again to try the non vegeterian spread.
(5)
Jigna S.

This review is just for the chicken biryani, which is all we ever get. Tried to venture out of our comfort zone one time and some other items...fail. The dahi raita (yogurt) that comes with the biryani is much too sour for my taste. But the biryani itself is pretty decent, good portions, and you can ask for mild or spicy. Just good ole comfort food on these cold Chicago nights! Also, the staff is friendly, they deliver quickly, and their restaurant has a nice ambience.
(3)
R B.

The place is beautiful. The staff vary in their attitudes. The vegetarian options were the best. The chicken was dry. The curries were very thin.
(2)
sushil n.

Walked in at 2 pm with a friend and was recommended the Buffet, and we said Okay. Bad choice ! Most items were cold, especially the tandoori chicken...by the time we were ready for desert they had already wound up their spread. Not bothered to even come and ask us if we wanted desert or if they can keep it aside for us. Zero customer service ! Cold food !! Pricey for the quality we got served !!!
(2)
Steve H.

My wife and I had dinner Friday night at the Indian Garden. We were seated at the window which gave us a great view of the street below. We started with the chicken pakora and soup and then had a main course of chicken murg makhmal E zafrani. It was served on a sizzling platter and was fantastic. We also added an order of baigan bharta. Everything was delicious. The only problem was the service was a little slow. Other than that we enjoyed our evening.
(4)
Jaylin S.

When you're cozy, in your pajamas, and in cold Chicago at the end of the winter season, when you feel hunger setting in you call a delivery service. The objective is to remain comfortable. I was surprised when I received the call that I needed to come down to get my food and even more surprised when the delivery person and I could not find each other for 10 minutes. When I finally got to my room to reveal my vegetable korma that I had been craving I found what looked like veggies from my grocer's freezer in a bright yellow sauce. Having had korma in many cities and on many occasions, I would venture to say this wasn't korma. I went to try it and realized I had no utensils or napkins which was enough for me to call back. Come on. I'm in a hotel, not a home and the rooms don't come with kitchen utensils. The order I made for almost $40 was not found in their system for some time and then the manager got on the line. He really did try to fix things, bless his heart. He sent the delivery woman back to my hotel and I met her downstairs after getting out of my pj's for the second time (I guess I could have gone Walmart style and worn them downstairs). This time she brought a napkin, a plate, and a fork. She was very kind and apologetic. I thanked her and asked to forward my thanks to the manager as well. I still didn't get korma but rather a tomato-like dish. By the time I had utensils (they did beat room service!) my basmati rice and naan were cold and the experience was pretty much unrepairable. I'm giving two stars because the staff were very kind and appeared sincere. I think that is important. Also, the basmati rice is quite flavorful and gets 5 stars on its own.
(2)
Marjorie J.

Indian Garden"s lunch buffet was amazing! I highly recommend the Murg Sagwala, Shrimp Curry, Chilli Mushroom and Zucchini Masala. Don't must out on this hidden gem.
(5)
Chris C.

I love this place. Don't be fooled by it being on the second floor of what appears to be an office building when you first walk in. Once you get up to the restaurant you forget you're even in Streeterviille. The ambiance and service are great. The food is fabulous. I would recommend the Chana Masala and the Chicken Tikka Masala. Get the garlic naan and chicken samosas for apps/sides. They have great coffee as well.
(5)
Mary K.

I put in an order for carry out and arrived 20 minutes later, as instructed. I paid for my order and was told to sit and wait. Another 20 minutes go by with others around me grumbling about how long it's taking for their carry out orders. I decide to ask about my order and it was sitting on the counter the entire time. Um, perhaps you should tell customers to check in periodically to see if their order is ready instead of being told to sit and having them assume you will notify us that it's ready to be taken home! That aside, I got the lamb vindaloo. While heavy on the lamb, I can tell it was very old and overcooked. I assume they were trying to get rid of the old meat and no better way to do that than in a spicy vindaloo sauce. Everything else was blah and likely would have been better had they not been sitting on the counter for 30 minutes. Nobody was friendly, nobody communicated with me other than when I paid. I stood at the counter to inquire about my order while 3 separate people looked everywhere but in my direction. Due to customer service, I will not go back.
(2)
Patrick D.

Hike up the stairs - it's worth it! I really like this place. It's become one of my neighborhood favorites. Quiet, usually not too crowded even one date nights. I typically get the chicken vindaloo and order it extra spicy and it does not disappoint. It's tangy and hot without being overpowering. Chicken has always been spot on...not too dry, not too rubbery. The breads are outstanding...garlic naan being my fav. I also typically order raita with the breads and it's good. Service has been good but not outstanding while I've been there - but I typically go on date nights so that's forgivable in my book. I have been to better Indian restaurants but not many...which is the only reason it's not a 5-star. But this is a great, dependable, consistent restaurant. Here's a tip - you have to order rice separately. Many Indian restaurants give you the first serving of rice along with your entree...here you need to order it with your meal.
(4)
Ali D.

Great decor, loved the old school Indian vibe. however the food was mixed: good vegetarian selection (reco the Paneer) but the meat / non vegetarian selection lacked the quality and breadth. + Service was average. The mango Kulfi was great too.
(3)
Nia A.

Great food with great ambience. Service is fast. Must try matter methi malai and bhindi masala. The laccha parantha is delicious with lots of layers and cooked to perfection.
(5)
Anshika A.

I love the Chicken Biriyani !!
(4)
Alok M.

This restaurant made me sign up for Yelp just to give a review. Unfortunately it's not a good one. Ordinarily I was a spectator on Yelp just surfing places to go. But I feel I needed to write this to forewarn people before they go to this place. Many Chicagoans and foreigners might like the food but what they are liking is the idea of Indian food which in it's essence is spectacular. However the execution of the idea by this restaurant has been appalling. If this food was an ambassador of India then people out here have been fed lies since it's inception. We tried 3 appetizers and one dessert. Let me begin with the Paneer Tikka (Cottage cheese). We paid $18 for something that tasted like an eraser, we could have got a cheaper one at staples. Paneer is supposed to be soft and melt in your mouth. The Chandni Chowk Aloo Tikki sounds and looks great in theory however in practice it was a mash of bullshit. The pattie was terrible and lazily prepared. The samosas were mediocre at best, however no where close to how it is supposed to be. I forgot about the poppadum, it was not fully cooked and had corners which were raw not roasted. However the cook was more generous with the Gulab Jamun (dessert.) Probably too generous because he burnt the dish. And the server had the audacity to bring the burnt dish to our table and place it there in a nonchalant manner. The service was alright. The only reason I gave this place one star is because the Bollywood music is good, but the melodious tunes only mask the disservice that the people in this place are doing to Indian food.
(1)
Matt C.

The fish curry was really, REALLY tasty - but I did not expect it to have bones in it. Maybe that's normal (I'm not exactly an Indian food connoisseur.
(4)
Sudeep B.

Better than average Indian joint. Decor is impressive and well planned. The buffet was diverse and delicious. Need to improve on service as you had to look out and get attention. We did wait for naan but it was hot fresh and soft. Great food good location and reasonable prices.
(4)
Fatima M.

Food is ok but their service and welcome was so so so mean the waiter was bad and snooty
(1)
Jeffie J.

The Indian restaurants I'm mostly familiar with are all located on east 6th St. in NY. They're all on the basement level, long narrow rooms, with low ceilings, no natural light, and cramped quarters. So imagine the relief entering Indian Garden, second floor, the length of a football field, big plate glass windows, lots of light streaming in, rustic decor, and lots of Indian accents. Points for that. The lunch buffet is above average and not expensive. A table of vegetarian options and another with meats, with most of the dishes better than average for an Indian lunch buffet. You can put together a decent lunch. Very good for trying things. I would never order goat, but here I tried it twice--some was tender, some was not, so don't know if I like it yet. The bread they serve you hot in a basket was delicious. They should rotate the rice a little more frequently so it doesn't dry out. The desserts were completely forgettable. Everything is labeled--that's really helpful. Staff is friendly. Choose wisely and you'll be fine. Vegetarians welcome.
(3)
Alex B.

Overall a decent lunch option. I'm vegetarian and gluten free and the options were--surprisingly--somewhat limited. The food is not overly spiced, clearly an American version of North Indian cuisine.
(3)
matthew S.

They may appear to have many vegetarian options, but everything is full of butter and cream. I told them I was allergic to dairy and I asked which of the dishes I could eat, first of all they directed me to a dish that was marked as having butter in it - I should have left at that point - then they assured me that two dishes were dairy free. Later that afternoon, it wasn't good. Even if you don't have health restrictions, all of the food is so very oily, and the tandoori chicken is so over-cooked it's almost inedible.
(1)
Yelp F.

Mediocre overpriced food.I ordered mattar peas and it too many peas. The prices are too expensive. Service was good though and the waiters were pleasant. Never again i'm going there.
(2)
Irene G.

I come here with my co-workers often for the lunch buffet and have always had a positive experience. There are plenty of options to pick from with three sections separated into Appetizers, main entrees, and dessert. My favorites are the tandoori chicken, chicken masala, and biryani- delicious! Great food and great service. One of the better Indian restaurants to try outside of Devon.
(4)
Jessica W.

Whenever I am in Streeterville and craving Indian food, this is where I go. The time to go is for their lunch buffet during the week or their brunch buffet on the weekends. The options offered in the buffet are always changing, which makes it nice to switch things up. The food is really tasty, nothing incredible but consistently good. I always finish off my meals here with a cup of their hot masala tea that is delicious and especially nice to warm up before heading out into the cold, Chicago weather.
(4)
Linda B.

The bathroom was super clean and smelled good. I always appreciate that! We came today for the lunch buffet and overall, it was fine. My favorites were the bhindi masala and a goat dish (can't remember the name). The saag paneer was disappointing, as it had no flavor and wasn't as warm as it should've been. The service was pleasant, although a little absent-minded (e,g, we were clearly finished but just sat there for while and ultimately had to ask for the check). I'm not opposed to coming back but if I were choosing, I'd probably go to India House instead.
(3)
Daniel W.

I come to Indian Garden for their lunch buffet on occasion and I highly recommend it to anybody. The place is nicely decorated, the staff friendly, and it is a unique restaurant as your one floor above ground level overlooking Ontario Street. I was reluctant to try it but the buffet does give you the opportunity to explore the cuisine as there are a wide verity of options to keep your taste buds entertained.
(4)
Jack S.

Their food quality and customer service has gone down lately . last few times i tried their food , made me think them as just an average restaurant. i have lost my interest in their food since then. Their new servers / waiters were ridiculous and rude . This lady who attended us was showing irritation as we were taking few minutes to discuss the menu. this lady wanted us to decide and order right away when she came to our table.
(3)
M L.

Don't EVER get takeout. What a ripoff. The food is not bad but the containers are so tiny. I ordered 5 entrees and even with only 4 girls we still went hungry.
(1)
Karen A.

The Indian Garden was so authentic. The food was delicious and the service was amazing. They have a lot (like a ton) of vegetarian options but trying to convey "vegan" was a little difficult. We hade it work and our meal was amazing!
(5)
Larry S.

I like Indian food and this has got rank up near the top of the various Indian restaurants I've eaten at across the country. Good naan, mixed grill, sag paneer, shrimp curry, sweet lassi and no room for dessert. Good atmosphere as well.
(4)
Jenny H.

I was hesitant to make the inevitable trip to Indian Garden. Many moons ago, I visited my friend and her family where her mother made the best Indian food of my life. I'd watch in amazement as she whizzed around with all of her kitchen accoutrements and arsenal of spices. It was at first bite that she was to be my Indian mama and I to be her Oriental daughter. It was to my dismay to return to find that I had a groupon collecting dust, soon to expire. From the get-go we were met by an indifferent and confused maitre'de. We were told a twenty-five minute wait, while ten minutes later, a fellow was told it was an hour. I'm sure our wait would've been substantially longer if people hadn't walked out in frustration. Once we were finally seated, our server was MIA after nibbling through all of our papadum. The only reason why this place gets bumped up to 3 stars is the food. My favorites were the murg sagwala and garlic naan. The tandoori chicken was a little too dry for my liking. If I have a hankering for Indian, I'll do carry-out. Don't think I'd want to go through another 2.5 hr slow dinner experience. If you choose to dine-in, get a reservation or find yourself in waiting area limbo.
(3)
M O.

I first came here for lunch on a weekend and I had a nice experience. The food was good as well as the service. I returned last week for lunch and I had a horrible experience! We did the buffet and there was hardly anything left. The meat dishes were mostly bones. The service was also bad! The server hardly ever came. We waited a while for our check but we realized it was never going to come. We got up to pay and the Indian guy working there raced to us thinking we would leave without paying. If that was a concern, why not just give us the bill? Avoid this place!
(1)
Liz K.

Probably not the best choice for a restaurant week dinner. From the get-go, service was sketchy. We walked in at the same time that a delivery man was walking out, and he asked us how many and guided us to a waiting area...we started walking over and then the hostess came up to us, asked us the same question, and said we could come with her "if we wanted to." Weird? Yes. Maybe 4 out of the 20 or so tables were filled, so there was obviously ample room. It took at least 10 minutes for anyone to come by and greet us or take our order, and when they did, it wasn't greeting, it was "are you ready?" We didn't even have the restaurant week menu at that point, so we clearly needed more time. We had another 10 minutes to decide, and when he came back to take our order and we both started to list our choices off the menu, only then did he tell us that it would be more cost-effective and still an absurd amount of food if we ordered one restaurant week meal and one appetizer or entree on the side. Granted, that was a good piece of advice, but why did we waste 25 minutes getting to that point? I love Indian food, and I loved the baigam bartha (spelling? probably way off) with the rice and the naan, but the chicken in the other dish we ordered did not even come close to par. It felt slimy but overcooked, if that's possible. There really was so much food that when the dessert menu came out, I didn't even want to think about any other food. Granted, it was good, but I was just sooo full. I felt like the servers were trying to get us to leave as the night wound down. They started setting up for the next day's buffet, which was distracting and loud. Ultimately, not a bad price considering the amount of food (~$35/person) but definitely not on my list to try again for a while.
(2)
Chris G.

A separate bar houses predominately delicious, hot vegetarian options, chilled fresh fruit and cool desserts while another table nearby lines up a huge bowl of hot Tandoori chicken, fish and other goodness that easily fits on the beautiful platters provided for the scoopin'. Buffet Indian food has been kicked up a level or two since I last dined at Indian Garden perhaps 10+ years ago. They've definitely done a fair bit of elaborate interior decorating, adding lots of rich blood colors and dark and detailed woodwork. It's not the drab, white drywall loop eats place it used to be. It's what you'd want to be your personal palace. The staff is quite friendly and works quickly to help you enjoy your gluttonous jaunt.
(4)
Kate B.

It's my favorite Indian restaurant so far. Love their Lunch buffet, vegetarian variety and interior is as good. The only downside - it is inconvenient to get in with the stroller, long walk and you need an assistance, they need to improve this aspect for people in a wheelchairs
(4)
Shafqut K.

Thrilled with the food & service we received for our group of 22 people. Everybody loved the decor & food. Great dining experience. Look forward to our next visit.
(5)
Danielle B.

After I got lost in Chicago...I finally made it back to my hotel. I have mud caked onto my nice pants...and my feet were cold and wet from my little endeavor. I wasnt to pleased when I walked in the door...but I was starving. I went up to the whatever/whenever desk to see where I could order in. They recommended this place to me since it was a few blocks away. What I love about Chicago is that everyone delivers. I was going to walk my tired ass to pick up my food...but my hotel guy told me they deliver. I went upstairs and started watching E Channel while I ordered my food. My thing is this...if you cant get chicken tikka masala right...then it makes me wonder if other things on the menu are actually good. So I ordered the basics...and they were waiting downstairs for me to pick up my food in 30 minutes. Surprisingly tasty. It wasnt too spicy...wasnt too bland...just right. The naan was warm and ready for me to dip in my masala sauce. I had a lovely spread of indian food in bed. I was such a pig. I ate all my food...it was enough for 2 to be honest. When staying at The W or anywhere near The W...if you have an itch for some indian food...try out Indian Garden...I think you will love it!
(4)
Ashley M.

So great! Reasonable priced for the quality. I will definitely be back!
(5)
Kit G.

Food Poisoning. For Days. If you want to lose a few pounds, and go on a diet of gatorade and ginger ale for 3 days - this is the place for you! Some idiot friend of my husbands suggested this place because a friend of a friend's aunt owns it. He had eaten there a few days before. Despite the fact that he had gotten sick after eating there - he brought us there. Why would you bring friends to a place that made you sick?! Anyway. Our "friend" got sick from the food there. My husband got sick. And I got sick. Stay away. Annoyed we paid to eat there.
(1)
Michelle P.

Came here for the lunch buffet. There was a nice vegetarian selection, even better, the meat dishes were on a totally separate table, so you don't have to wonder whether each dish is really vegetarian or if there's meat hidden in there somewhere. There were samosas and another fried appetizer. The veggie entrees were peas paneer, vegetables with cashew gravy, ginger red beans, a spicy cauliflower dish, and a potato dish that looked like hash browns. Nice variety, including a nice variety of spices and flavors, ranging from the basic potato tasting potatoes, to the slightly sweet vegetables with cashew gravy (something I've never had before, I love trying new foods at a buffet!), the slightly spicy peas paneer, and the pretty flavorful red beans and cauliflower. There was also soup that I didn't try but looked good. The desserts on the buffet were gulab jamun and chum chum, which seemed like an odd combo to have two such similar desserts together (I was hoping for kheer or halwa, but you take your chances with a buffet). The food was good but the service was so-so. No one asked me if I wanted to order a drink, but they did fill my water glass repeatedly. One thing about this place is it is hard to find. It's on a second floor of what looks like an office building as you're walking by, and once you walk inside, it's not immediately clear that the restaurant is a flight up. But once you get up there, it's good food and worth the search.
(4)
S. S.

I've been to their lunch buffet several times and I am always very impressed by the variety of dishes available. Their food far surpasses many other buffets at other indian restaurants in Chicago. Their naan is delicious, their paneer and dhals nicely spiced and the service great (although I've only been there for the buffet, they kept my water glass full and offered more naan, and quickly removed used plates, etc). I will certainly be returning!
(5)
Julia J.

I have worked down the block from this place for EIGHT YEARS! How is it that I just visited them for the first time a few months ago? I've already been back 3 times. I love their lunch buffet. So many options for $15. I really think it's worth it. Food is hot and fresh, service is fine for a buffet and the menu changes day to day.
(4)
Nic Z.

I am pretty surprised by the bad reviews on here. My family and I stopped into Indian Garden on a whim when hunger struck and we didn't feel like wasting time looking for a restaurant we knew. Good choice!! They had a buffet lunch on offer which had all the classics and then some. The only thing that briefly scared us was when all we saw were veggies and desserts -- then we discovered meats tucked away around the corner.. phew! It was all delicious, though, and the naan bread was the best I've ever had. I normally find Indian food in America to fall short of the UK (much less India itself), but this place was great. We all enjoyed my meal.
(4)
Happiness L.

Many people are happy here, yet I have no plans to return. For me, I expect more for both my time and money. First, this place is not easily accessible. There are many stairs to go up and the elevator is there yet hidden and not easy to use. Second, if you are going for the buffet it is best to go when they first open. What they do is make huge trays of food and leave it until it is nearly empty or empty. If you arrive after 130 for a buffet that lasts until 300 generally you will be getting food that has been sitting there since the restaurant first opened. Perhaps they can make smaller portions and replenish the food more often for freshness? Third, it would be best to train their valet and ensure that they are available for a full shift. Valet is $12. A previous post said it was $10. The valet came up to our table during our meal and asked if we were leaving as he needed to go and do something for 20 minutes. I understand emergencies come up, however there should be a back up valet to help. Why would we be rushed out of a restaurant when we are trying to enjoy our meal? We said that is fine that we are not in a hurry. Yet, after 20 minutes the valet is there at our table again handing us the key to our car. In the restaurant. And, still charging us the $12 and lacking politeness. I don't blame the man, although I wish he had a much better attitude for customers in the way he spoke to us. It is the responsibility of the valet service to have back up personnel in place. Finally, we were never asked if we wanted something to drink. We were given water yet never offered other choices or even approached by wait staff. Other tables has other beverages, yet I needed to stop people just to get some information on what we could order. The host is pleasant. They will always be busy and make money at this place. Which is good, it is just not the right place for me.
(2)
Colleen C.

The brunch buffet on weekends is a deal, and they often offer a wide variety of vegetarian and meat loving dishes. Their samosas are delicious. The atmosphere is beautiful and has the feel of a palace. They offer just the right amount of privacy at each table, something I find very important. The only thing that would make it better is a happy hour for the young professionals that live in the area.
(4)
Vishpala K.

This place is not bad.. I am hesitant to say its good. We tried their new dishes from vegetarian entries section. Both of them were crap.. Panner (cottage cheese) curry tasted like pieces of paneer added to Chinese dish..! Chicken curry was okay and Chicken Biryani was good. It's average in terms of service. We were 6 of us and our server neither bothered to provide a chair to 6th person nor plate and cutlery. Overall - Average
(2)
Evelyn S.

Purchased a Groupon deal and used for take out. First of all, the service definitely could have been better. Also, and more importantly, the food was not good. The appetizer sampler was thrown together in a container like they were feeding an animal. No way to identify anything! The naan was burned badly, not lightly charred, burned! The curried lobster was terrible; so tough it was inedible. I sent the manager an email and she offered to make it right. The second time around she at least put the apps in separate containers, the naan was not burned but the lobster was still a hot mess! I give up, but at least she tried to correct the problem. I won't be returning, however.
(1)
Chris M.

WOW! This was some of the absolute BEST Indian cuisine I've had in a very, very long time. In fact, the last time I had Indian food this good was in England and London. Unfortuantely, there's just nothing this good where I reside, and I gotta represent Northern India for their excellent food and this exquisite experience. A group of us went here after our class, set up by our instructor - who is from India. The setting is very nice and clean, authentic, I love the ambience. We started out w/ the samosas - which were large marge, contained potatoes and spices. It was so tasty that I couldn't just have one. Then we tried the Indian version of cereal (I was told) which was excellent and tasted great, savory and full of spices. Next was the chicken which came out on a skillet w/ onions, very tasty and almost a smokey and roasted flavor, it was superb. So here I thought were were done, but - oh no - you idiot - here comes the curry dishes. Oh geez.....WTF was I thinking - - did I really need to eat 2 samosas? Lamb, chicken, veggie, lentils, and spinach were all so great!! My favorite was the chicken tikki masala by far, and the vegetable curry was a close 2nd, but to be honest everything was just exceptional. But wait - there's more (NO!) - a salad of greens, and the garlic naan - - it was awesome!! The rice was also great, light, fluffy, and perfect. And finally - - yes, we're almost done - - here comes dessert. Two kinds, one was a sweet doughnut-like ball that was submerged in a sweet syrup, and that was just phenomenal!! The other was a slightly sweet cheese that looked similar to a mozzarella ball, it was very good. My God, I only wish I had skipped lunch so I could have made more room because this Indian cuisine was by far the best I have had in years! That's right - YEARS! I'm so glad I got the chance to experience the Indian Garden Restaurant. The owner was extremely nice and appreciative of our business, and this is a definite must-go on my Chicago A-List!!
(5)
Amanda W.

We had food delivered during a late night night at the office. The turnaround time was fairly quick and the food arrived well packaged (curry sloshing everywhere = not cool) and still warm. We got fish goa curry, saag paneer, vegetable curry, and keema matter. Also, rice, yogurt, and raw veggies. Overall, a very tasty and filling meal! The verdict: I'll definitely order from Indian Garden again, but it's a bit pricy, so maybe only when I can expense it.
(4)
Ashwin A.

very good food overall ..I had murg makhani , reshmi kabab and chicken biryani.. the waiters were not knowledgeable as they did not know which fish they were serving in fish curry. but I really like the food
(4)
Ryan M.

Very friendly staff. The interior feels very authentic and comfortable. The food was excellent with many different options. The glass or Malbec was a very generous pour. They also had a man there playing mild music to set the tone. Happy Diwali!
(5)
Ellen C.

I've been to my fair share of Indian buffets (yes I'm one of those) and I absolutely love the variety, the spice, the ice cold water, everything about it. I was a bit disappointed with the experience here though. The service is fantastic - everyone is smiling, the ambience is expected, albeit a little stodgy and clunky. There is a great variety of foods, but it's more vegetarian-friendly than I'm used to. I would say there were more vegetarian dishes than there were meat dishes, which is great except that the flavors were just missing some. The desserts tasted off, like spoiled milk, and for the prices they charge for a lunch buffet, I think I may try this place one more time but won't be returning frequently. However, take this review with a grain of salt, because my Indian compadres that I went with love this place more than other Indian buffets they've been to in Chicago. As vegetarians, they really appreciate the number of dishes and the flavor more than anywhere else. The only thing they complained about were the desserts. Although they were really looking forward to them, they also noticed the spoiled milk taste.
(2)
Matt G.

Yes, the pricing is a little bit on the high side, but as compared with the other buffets in town, the food quality is far better. First, it doesn't feel like a cobbled together location, but rather a real restaurant. For starters, the selection of options for lunch is WIDE, not the typical two or three options. Additionally, the lamb was meat instead of bones with a little bit of gristle as experienced elsewhere. Chicken tikka masala was large pieces of chicken with no bones either. Each dish seemed well spiced and fresh. A much better alternative to the $8 buffets on Devon.
(4)
Sandeep G.

The food was good and flavorful, good spread, good ambience and efficient service but the price was a bit too high!
(3)
Joj S.

Absolutely excellent food! It's always fresh and delicious and served in a timely manner. I always bring out-of-towners here and they always love it! Highly recommend this restaurant!
(5)
Salsaboy S.

3.5 is more accurate. Most Indian food sucks, and Indian Garden is much better than most. The quality at Indian Garden is good. The textures are good. The flavor spectrum is slightly off. The Paneer Mahkani was slightly acidic; the Bhaigan Bharta was too vinegary. That said, each was better than 75% (or more) of other Indian restaurants. I was with a group who raved about the Chicken Tikka Masala, the Tandoori Chicken, and the Lamb Saag. I am a vegetarian and thus did not sample any of them. I suspect my standards are different than my companions' but I have no doubt that Indian Garden would make good versions of said staples. Nice space; slightly slow service (but it was busy). Prices are a bit higher than typical Indian restaurants. I don't care. I like good Indian, and Indian Garden is a good option in the Gold Coast.
(4)
Kate H.

Indian Garden is a surprising oasis. Tucked away beside a parking garage construction project and up a staircase lit by bright, fluorescent lights sits this gem. The wait staff is friendly, prompt, and courteous, and the dining room is charmingly furnished with brocaded pillows and fresh flowers. The parking garage construction out the window is not exactly a great view, and I'd suggest the restaurant add some blinds to their massive picture windows. Still, while this would be an obvious improvement, the unfortunate view did not detract from the food. On my last visit, we sampled their samosas, keema naan (stuffed with minced lamb), chicken tikka masala, and lamb rogan josh with a side of basmati rice. Dinners also come with a heaping selection of chutneys and papadums (that crispy flat bread). Everything we tried was tasty, although the rogan josh was a bit greasy while the keema naan was spicier than I had anticipated. I particularly loved the tikka masala and vegetable samosas. It is pretty expensive, though. $14.95 for an entree that pretty much requires that you order a side dish as neither rice nor bread are included is a bit high for Indian food. The Indian Garden does have a welcoming decor and staff, but there are surely better values in town. I have yet to find one in Streeterville, though --especially one so close to the AMC. So, for a slightly pricey dinner and a movie spot, the Indian Garden is definitely worth considering.
(4)
urbanaite K.

Delicious food, reminded me of being in Mumbai. Pleasantly surprised. No elevator in the building, so avoid if you need one.
(5)
Harsha C.

Cons: The platter had very little non veg and a hell lot of sad tasting pakoras. The service was extremely slow. The biryani was nothing compared to Hyderabad House in Devon. The dals and chicken were OK, nothing great. Pros: The complimentary papads and chutneys were amazing. The chutneys were out of the world. The ambience is pretty cool.
(2)
Nawaf A.

The service is really horrible ! No smiles, not at all We've been served from different 3 waiters and they don't smile !! The food was really bad, the rice was cold, and when we talked to the waiter and asked him to heat the rice he was angry ! He took the rice, after 5 minuets , he brought the same cold rice ! It's my first time and it will be the last
(1)
Varsha S.

The head waiter with bald head with a black coat is very nasty and rude. The food is not at all authentic Indian food, it is very greasy and mediocre to taste. With a shitty attitude and average food this places is way overpriced, I would rather donate the money to a charity. Would prefer Bombay Wraps just a block away to curb my Indian food craving anyday!
(1)
Thelizjake P.

This is by far my favorite new Indian food restaurant in Chicago. When the itch to consume the spices and entrees' of the East set, we went out of our comfort zone of familiarity, hit up the buffet, and did not regret one moment. Each plate was mixed to perfection with the flavors and compliments one would expect in high-end cuisine such as this. My wife, being Indian, states the cooking style is more Punjabi. I'm not 100% sure what this means - but da*n it's good! The atmosphere is great as well as it is splashed in authentic decor coupled with the harmonic sounds of the Sitar and drums.
(4)
Erica A.

Yummy Indian food...my boyfriend and I (not experts on Indian food) and our friends (from India) went together. We ALL enjoyed the food. The wait staff was pleasant and didn't seem to mind that our friends were delayed in their arrival so we took up a table for a long time on a Saturday night. For appetizers, we ordered Chicken Samosas and Keema Samosas on the recommendation of our Indian friends. They were delicious...from the description on the menu, we would have never ordered them, but I am glad that our friends did. Try them out...nice flavor, with good ingredients, including good quality meats. I had the typical Tikka Masala - delicious with Naan bread and batsmati rice. I believe that my boyfriend had the Chicken Dum Biryani and really, really enjoyed it. Our friends also ordered another bread for the table. It was soft, puffy, buttery and delcious...I wish I remembered what it was called! It may have been deep friend...I am not sure. I don't think it was whole wheat, so I can't figure out what is was from the descriptions on the menu! The location feels a little weird as it is upstairs with a strange street entry...but you will be pleasantly surprised once inside.
(5)
Kevin B.

This is my go-to Indian restaurant. The atmosphere is wonderful and the wait staff are amazing. They even have live music sometimes. Aside from all of that, the food I have had there is so delicious. I never had anything I didn't like. However, I'm limited to the vegetarian dishes only. I'm not sure about their meat dishes, but I'm sure they use the same spices, so it should be just as good.
(4)
Tanjima Z.

This place has a good menu and the appetizers are simply delicious. Even a veg person would be licking off the plate after the Paneer Tikka! The veg items are great but in non-veg, the chicken entrees are better than the fish items. I have only been here at night & found the best part of this restaurant to be the ambience. It is perfect for a dinner date, and may be even business dinners.
(4)
Ryan C.

I hate writing this, because the food was good and the service was actually polite and quick. However, one thing I cannot stand is dishonesty. I call this dishonesty stealing. Our waiter was nice to add sodas that we did not drink, added an extra side that we did not order and was nice enough to upgrade our rice to the more expensive order. I agreed to the rice, but not knowing that it was $4 more and after he took the menu. Would you really question the difference and look cheap by asking? Most people won't...that's what they bank on. I take part blame for that and recognize that I fell for the slick move to upgrade. I didn't bring up the Naan because we ate it thinking that it was just a bigger order of bread. So the total of the bill was added/padded by $8.50. It's not the amount, it's the principle. I asked another person that worked there and could hear this person say under her breath "Again?!?! I wish he'd stop doing thing." I wasn't supposed to hear it, but I did. Meaning, it happens more often than one thinks. I don't know what the guy's name is that took our order, but he is what you call "a thief." Thank you for ruining our dinner and the experience. I liked the food enough that I would have gone back several more times. However, their padding the bill equates to stealing in my books.
(1)
Nichole S.

The food here is delicious! If it weren't for the TERRIBLE service, I would rate this restaurant 5 stars. We arrived at 10:20 tonight and the restaurant closes at 10:30. In every other restaurant the closing time indicates the last time that you will be seated. Right? The hostess told us that the kitchen would be closing soon and gave us a menu while we waited to be seated. Minutes later, a man (I think he was a waiter) came up and told us that we would not be served because the kitchen was closed. He argued with the hostess right in front of us, then begrudgingly took our order and allowed us to be seated. When we were served our water, my husband found lipstick on his glass. When he asked for a new one the waiter brought a clean glass- but no water. We received our delicious food very quickly, but were ignored until we had finished eating. We also saw other tables receive their food after us and take their time. After we did finished eating, the waiter asked, "Are you done?" and brought us the check. I highly recommend Indian Garden's food. Their service is another story!
(2)
Yesy D.

The basmati rice dishes are amazing! I've tried several different lamb dishes and they are all so YUMMY! The prices are a little high for lunch but their portions make up for it. I have yet to try the lunch buffet but I hear its super yummy! If you are a naan bread lover like myself you will like theirs. I always buy an extra order because I can't eat just one. Most entrees come with a piece. I am always raving about this place and I have made 3 people fans as well.
(4)
johnny b.

eh
(2)
Carlie G.

DELICIOUS! Seriously good. Very attentive service including a table side visit from the owner. Try the chicken korma!
(4)
Kamilah S.

RESTAURANT WEEK 2013....RESTAURANT NUMBER 4. My bff and I came here and we got sooooo much food for $44/person and it came with a drink. I had a lychee martini which is one of my favorites (number 1 is a lemon drop martini). We had veggie samosas and she had some kind of tiki fish and I had the chicken simmered in a tomato and butter sauce. We had regular naan and garlic naan bread. The pistachio ice cream was AMAZING, my dessert was AWFUL, it tasted like a lemon flavored sponge, I think it was some kind of hard, semi-cool, fried cottage cheese, i did not care for it one bit, that teaches me to be adventurous. Everything, but my dessert was GREAT and I will be coming back in the near future
(5)
art s.

Still love the entrees and the atmosphere of the room. But on my most recent visit my wife and I didn't get seated until 30 minutes after our OpenTable reservation slot. Either you're making too many tables available via OpenTable or you let too many people in ahead of us. But 30 minutes past reservation time seems too much for a table of two. Then once were were seated it was another 10 - 15 minutes before our server checked in with us. Rough start. All that said, I still think this is the best overall Indian restaurant experience in Chicago. Easy valet parking compares favorably to the parking circus up on Devon. And the well appointed room always seems to have a good buzz going.
(3)
Pooja K.

This place is not as good as it used to be :( The first time i came here was in Jan 2010. Although the service was spotty, the food was impeccable! I still remember the bf and i ordered dinner plates combos. the portions were so huge and we had leftovers that lasted 3 days! The food was also so well spiced, it was heated up the right temperature and it was not overly spicy, nor oily. Fast forward 2 days ago. We decided to go in on christmas after exploring the Willis tower ( which is a must btw!) It was really packed only a half hour after opening. We served and seated immediately. Our server, who was very nice , took our order and we were excited to get some indian food! First of all, it took 25 min for the appiteizer to arrive! I could not believe it and mid-waiting i had half a mind to leave. We got the "dahi puri" appy, which was their version of chaat. It consisted of multiple layers- chickpea curry, yogurt and fried chip type things. It was very filling and an average rated dish at the most. Entree- the bf got rogan josh ( lamb curry). From my understanding, indian food is meant to be shared. So, when we saw his rogan josh curry, i was surprised because it was enough for one person. Small portions when your paying 16$ for an entree, is not acceptable. PLUS, unlike other indian places, their entree DOES NOT come with naan/roti or rice. I have NEVER seen this happen before- they always give basmati rice. ( Which btw is 4$ extra) I got the meat combo plate- tandoori fish, chicken, sheeh kabab, naan, rice and a veg curry. I was kinda dissapointed in the veg curry because it was pretty much the same chickpea curry that was in my appiteizer. The kabab was okay, but the tandoori fish and chicken were drier than a post menopausal woman. Ive never needed so much water to push down the chicken and fish. They were spiced pretty okay, but were not succulent meat pieces that im used to at other indian places. This combo plate was the only thing i think that was worth the money (21$) NOT because of the TASTE ( which was average) but because of the amount of food. Besides the food, the ambiance is sweet, romantic. There are candles on the table, dim lights, the whole shebang. The area is neat and the bathrooms are clean and well stocked. The owner came around from table to table making small talk, which i thought was nice. Parking- very hard to find , so brace yourself, Overall, i think i may give it another chance. But usually when a place goes downhill, it doesn't recover. This place has some great potential.
(3)
Rishi J.

Very good food, excellent service, i will definitely stop by this resturant, whenever i am around.
(4)
Matthew S.

They seemed to have excellent vegetarian options and the food was at least on par with most Indian cuisine I have had in the price range, and I have had a lot. The dining room on a weeknight was pleasantly quiet and relaxing, despite being a huge dining room that can surely accommodate large parties when needed. I have only been here for dinner (non-buffet) on an expense account, so I cannot honestly judge the value for the price. It is worth a try if you are in the area.
(4)
Chhavi S.

My go to place for Indian food in the city! Unbeatable food and service!
(5)
Meredith S.

It was great! Not a long wait for food. Great authentic food to share. I would recommend it to anyone!
(4)
Odranre B.

even though i'm not a big fan of indian cuisine, i have tried this place now several times both dine-in and take out because i wanted to be fairly sure and my views still remain the same. the food is OK but a bit pricey. the decor is somewhat "wanna-be" retro india but suffers from a multi-personality disorder. there are alot of pillows, fabric decor and potpourri, and constant incencse burning - which in turn harbors dusts --- dusts everywhere! if you go there, do a dust test and you'll know what i mean. everyone deserves chances so i will occasionally re-visit establishments that did not get favorable reviews from me in hope that they have addressed the issues and will revise my views accordingly
(2)
Tina P.

If I could, I'd give it ZERO STARS. Went there tonight on a groupon, and it was disastrous from the get go. Instead of seating us, the manager just took phone orders. We stood and waited for 10 minutes before the waiter finally seated us. And his excuse, "I thought you were ordering take out so I didn't seat you earlier." After ordering and receiving our appetizer quickly, we then waited over an hour for the food. People who sat down AFTER us got their food before us! When we asked the manager and waiter where our food was, the waiter acted like we were bothering him. The food was decent, but we will NEVER go back.
(1)
Nelson M.

Restaurant review Craving curry... you will not be disappointed in Streeterville. There are so many different Indian buffets to choose from including this establishment. I have only been to the lunch buffet and honestly for someone that likes curry but couldn't name the different types or variation of indian dishes, the lunch buffet is good enough. It is $11.95 for lunch which includes a wide spread of dishes including the chicken tikka masala. There have been many variations of this dish since I first visited this restaurant from the generous chucks of dark meat chicken to the cheaply shreaded version. Nevertheless they have your spread of spinach curry w/ cheese and multiple other vegetable curry dishes. Service is average (waiters requiring prompting if you want more naan). Dessert is your typical flare of rice pudding and fried donut in syrup. All and all slightly above average for the price. P.S. you also get a serving of tandoori chicken with your meal Pro: occasionally good chicken tikki masala depending on which version they are serving Cons: busy restaurant, average wait staff, selection of food is slightly less than other indian buffets around this area Hidden gem: Northwestern University ID nets you 10% off your lunch/dinner bill. They use to have coupons in the mailers, however I have not seen these recently.
(3)
Kate W.

What a delightful experience! From the chicken tikka masala to the peas pulau and of course the garlic naan....all delicious. Nice ambiance and customer service as well. A word to guests who use wheelchairs....bring your cell phone to call when you get there as they will need to take you a different route to get into the building. It will be worth the extra roll though!
(5)
Neil R.

I had the buffet and I was not impressed at all. The food was average at best. The chicken was cold and nothing else was worthwhile either. Definitely will not go back The a la carte food could be much better but did not have any dishes from the menu. The wait staff and ambiance was nice so that is why I gave it two stars and not one.
(2)
Karthik Vasishta R.

I've been here a few times. The ambience and the service are good. The prices are alright. I almost always have the veggie biriyani and its really good, which is why I rate this place a 4. It is a decent place to visit with family and friends.
(4)
Jennie C.

Solid lunch option near work. I like how their nan is made fresh to order and brought to the table rather than sitting under warming lamp. Tandoori chicken is usually a bit dry, but the curry dishes are good. Added points for attentive service.
(4)
Selena L.

The staff were friendly, the decor and ambience were great and the menu is quite expansive. The portions appear small, but looks are definitely deceiving. A bit pricey in comparison to Devon, but I'd still go back if I don't feel like making the treck up north.
(4)
WP L.

Meh. Meh. Meh. I've had better Indian food elsewhere. This was just meh. Service was not overtly attentive or friendly and slow. I would not recommend. Really disappointed.
(2)
Cathy B.

I have a love-hate relationship with this place. I brought a guest here for lunch one day and we ordered off menu (instead of choosing the buffet). Every dish we ordered had a slight twist to it. I enjoyed, and was confused by, that aspect. I appreciated these twists, but also just found myself wondering what it was that I was eating. I returned with another guest for the buffet. She loved it, and I thought it was average. So, with India House really just up the way, I'm not sure why one would bother with Indian Garden.
(3)
Julie M.

I've been to a few Indian restaurants in my journeys and they usually don't disappoint. We did a little yelping while in Chicago to find something good around where we were staying. Indian Garden (and Yelp) did not disappoint! When you walk up it looks like a sterile, weird, building... and then BAM!! You walk upstairs and the place is so great. There were people there that you could tell were locals and came there often, there were parties of people and single people sitting alone... all enjoying themselves immensely in the deliciousness that is great Indian food. We had the Batata Vada and the Somas, both were yummy and perfectly cooked. I had the Chef's Special Murg Tikka Masala, he had a lamb dish I think it was the Gosht Madres, but not sure. Ok, now that I have looked up the how to spell all that... I can't tell you how delicious everything was. It was soooo goooood. I'm still thinking about it now and want some. We took the leftovers and pigged out on them later.
(5)
Jason A.

Mediocre food. Piss poor service. If that's your thing India garden is the place for you! I've been here two times. First time was good. A solid 4 stars. Went there tonight since I was in the neighborhood and was pretty much offended at how bad it was. Let me start with the food quality. it's ok. Like half a step up on a lunch time Indian buffet. The service, however, is completely terrible. I'll just leave it at that. For the price you can easily do much better.
(2)
Sunny P.

Food was great! Super good. The price is on the higher side, but its worth it. The restaurant is nicely decorated and the owner is really nice. We call her Annu aunty and she makes us feel at home :)
(4)
Nikhila R.

Service - Poor Food - Quality was bad Freshness - Not Fresh
(1)
K V.

Perfectly good Indian lunch buffet if you are in the area. I'd give the dishes mixed reviews overall-- some really good, some not. If there was another Indian restaurant in the area I'd try it before I'd go back to this one, but if you're in the mood for Indian you probably won't regret coming here.
(3)
Kate F.

LOVE this place! My husband and I went here almost every week for five years while living in Chicago. They have a great special menu on Valentine's Day, which made this our go-to romantic dinner for 2/14 three years in a row. The service is friendly and helpful (albeit at a slower pace - which allows to build anticipation at the beginning, and aids in digestion after the meal - so relax!). The first time we went, I had recently been to an Indian wedding and loved the food, but didn't know what anything was called. The owner happily came by and helped to determine my favorite dish (Mattar Paneer) and to suggest the other dishes we tried. Parking can be a pain, but we could usually find a spot on Ontario, East of the restaurant. We have since moved to Los Angeles, but ensure we stop by the restaurant for amazing Indian food whenever we get back to Chicago. This was our go-to spot for whenever we had guests in town, or wanted to take a group out. Can't wait to find an equivalent atmosphere in LA.
(5)
Paul S.

I came to Chicago for the weekend and decided to try how indian food tastes in Chicago. It was horrible! I am from California and I have never had disgusting food like this before. It was a disgrace to indian cooking. Avoid their meat dishes at all cost. It is evident that they cook their meat maybe once or max twice per week -- it tasted very bad. They mixed newly cooked pieces in with really really old pieces. Hard to tell if it was chicken or road kill. Additionally, the staff is very unprofessional. I would avoid this place at all cost.
(1)
Stephanie L.

This is place is a little tricky to get to because you dont know where to enter, but after we figured it out...it was all goooood. Pros Quiet Good Variety Pretty yummy Indian food Crackers with lots of different dipping sauces to nosh on while your starving waiting for the food to come out Cons Service, although very nice, they definitely needed to be more attentive. I will be back. The flavor of the food was amazing!!! Its a little pricey, but not totally unreasonable. Couple of little glitches with the waiter....that can easily be fixed
(4)
An Opinionated Y.

You can't go wrong with the buffet. The buffet has a variety of seasoned vegetarian and meat dishes and the food is ready. The lunch boxes are great however a little pricey. Delivery, takeout, and catering are available.
(3)
Annie N.

I have never been here, but after an attempt to organize a lunch for my job here, I am now positive that I will never eat at this restaurant. I called the restaurant to ask for more information about their lunch buffet since I needed to organize a lunch for about 50 students. I have read reviews, and also been to their website, which is poorly designed but did mention that their lunch buffet is 13.95/person. Pretty cheap for the area, I thought. And the location would be perfect, since I was looking for a more downtown/central place. After talking to the manager or whoever picked up the phone, he assured that they had enough space for more than 50 people - actually he mentioned something about their facility can hold 100 people. To confirm, I asked him how much is the buffet. Before I could even finish my sentence, he said: "It's 20 dollars per person." "Oh, ok. But on your website it says the buffet is only 13.95" "Yeah yeah but you have a big group. I have to hold the table for you." "I'm sorry, I'm just a bit confused. What do you mean hold the table? "We HAVE TO hold the tables for you. We can't use the table for other customers." "Uhmmm sure, but we'll make a reservation and show up on time. And I'm not sure why it says 13.95 online?" "That is for walk in customers only. If you have a big group we will have to hold the tables for you and can't use it for other people." "Yes, I understand, but we will pay for everyone in our group." At this point, I wasn't even sure it was worth it arguing with him. I might not understand this correctly, but I've planned many lunches before, and never have anyone raised their prices by 6 bucks (that is 50%) because a big group is coming. I wasn't asking him to hold the ENTIRE restaurant for me, and from what he said, we'd most likely be occupy less than half the capacity. Moreover, he was really rude and short on the phone. I felt like I was bordering him the whole time and he kept cutting me off before I finished my sentences. So instead of asking him about his experience in the restaurant industry and more importantly, customer service. I simply thanked him, and hung up the phone.
(1)
Hanna S.

This rating is for the lunch buffet; it's a little expensive at dinner. The best Indian lunch buffet in the downtown region. They change it every day and always have numerous choices in both the vegetarian and meat sections. Usually they have two separate desserts, which is great -- not just the same old kheer day in and day out. They replenish the buffet frequently. The spicy heat is at the low end of moderate, as you would expect in this location, but everything is lively and flavorful. I like this place for workplace lunch functions. Everyone can enjoy what they want and there are no issues with a waiter taking 10+ orders or half the crowd's food getting cold while we wait for the other half to be served. The Indian decor is festive, too.
(4)
Nichole F.

Delicious Indian food! I have been here twice andhave been blown away both times. The last time my husband and I were there, we ordered the sampler appetizer to get a little bit of everything and everything was great. They give you three different kinds of sauces which were so good for dipping food. Two of them have a little bit of a kick. We split two entrees which were both stellar. The lamb, chicken and sauces are great and then there is bread too - yum!! The valet is $12 which was a little ridiculous to me but I will be back when I am craving Indian food!
(5)
Amrita R.

Went here with a groupon and it came to about $12 a person for a table of 7... that's pretty good, considering we ordered about 5 dishes, an order of naan, garlic naan, rice, 2 orders of parathas, and an appetizer! We ate heartily and everything was fairly good. Minus one star for throwing me off on the menu. The chicken tikka is often a curry dish but it turned out to be rather dry and on a sizzler plate. The paneer was grated, and I think it would have been much better in chunks. All the curries were amazing, as was the paratha! Also, the decorations are a bit.. heavy. Seriously, I've been to India and even India doesn't have all that shit in one place. They managed to cram every single thing that remotely looks "ethnic" into the restaurant. The service is also very very very attentive. None of us could go through even half of our water glass without someone refilling it. We even dared each other to try to get through our glass without someone trying to refill it, but the staff wasn't having that. I also liked the assortment of the indian after-mints near the front door which not many places have.
(4)
MmeMorticia D.

I could eat their Vegetable Samosas all day, every day and drink the spicy raspberry sauce out of a martini glass. Owner Anu and manager Joseph are consistently exceptional in the way they interact with you- whether I'm just picking up a quick lunch order or dining with friends. I am made to feel like family whenever I walk in. Upon stepping into the reception area, all of your senses are greeted by the smell of incense, floating candles, rose petals and exotic dÃ©cor. There is also a full, seperate bar (with a large vase of Peacock feathers!) and the drinks are pretty potent. Sometimes I cheat on my Samosas with the Cashew Nut Rolls, which are also addicting (mashed potatoes, cashew nut paste, rolled into barrels and deep fried). The Vegetable Dum Biryani (Basmati rice, vegetables, saffron) was exquisite and generous enough to be shared. Their large daily lunch buffet serves to help those that are indecisive or experimental. The service is very attentive, the ambiance is calming and you can actually have conversations in low tones here.
(4)
Jennifer M.

FOOD: Went for lunch buffet, and it makes Mt Everest (in Evanston) seem tiny. A very very wide selection to choose from of all different kinds of curries, veggies, meats, etc. Very tasty, and their naan is delicious. Definitely a favorite. ATMOSPHERE: Very cozy and well-decorated. Kind of bohemian fused with Indian. Big tables, not loud, and on the second floor so it overlooks the streets below.
(4)
O K.

Mediocre Indian food. Looks nice inside, though if you're looking for a place with mood lighting and plush cushions. :)
(3)
Carly B.

The best and biggest Indian lunch buffet around.The offerings vary day to day, but the quality is consistent. Plus, there are tons of vegetarian options. Definitely check this place out!
(4)
Lu H.

This is hands down THE BEST Indian restaurant I've been to in Chicago. I crave Indian food probably every other week, and we either come here, or go to India House. Given the location of Indian Garden, most of the time we come here cuz it's closer to us. The curry dishes always have so many flavors. I always order their Chicken Vindaloo because the sauce is tomatoy and spicy. But if you can't take the heat, order Chicken Marsala, the curry is always creamy and flavorful. My mouth is watering as I type now--I may have to go there sometime this week. Their weekend buffet is very good too. Very reasonably priced (way cheaper than India House), but just as good. It offers different curry dishes plus some rice dish and dessert. Gotta give it a try if you are up for some Indian buffet!
(5)
Tom T.

Decent lunch buffet. Clean restaurant. Delicious food. My clothes didn't smell too much after going back to the office, unlike other Indian restaurants.
(4)
Jessica S.

Food is very flavorful, service is decent, the best features is the decor...newly renovated...Amazing!
(4)
Shana M.

Ohhhhhgggooood I can't. Really. Reach. The. Keyboard. Food. Baby!.....uhhhhhhhhh So there you have it. The major reason I have stayed out of Indian Garden's rumored buffet is because ain't nobody needs to eat at an Indian buffet and then return to an upright position behind a computer screen. Oy. This place has lovely traditional decor, smells great, and meets expectations. The buffet contained no mystery dishes (a plus for un-initiated white girls like me) AND they had a dish whose name I do not recall but which contained the god of all meats: Goat. YUM-E. There is also complimentary tandoori chicken and naan brought fresh to every table. Both were home made and exactly how I'd wish them to be: spicy, juicy, tender, and smoky and fluffy with crisp edges and golden, respectively. I'm not making sense. The food has intoxicated my sentence forming mental structures. I'm washing to mule my nut hulas. It was a snap to get in and out of here in the allotted lunch time, we were seated right away, our water glasses attentively refilled every three sips, our dishes cleared quickly, our check brought promptly. The only thing they forgot was the hand written note from the proprietor I requested which would have excused me from any further work today because I'm incubating the food baby of a lunch life time. Just glad I wore my roomy pants by chance today. This is a great place to go if you want to claim incapacity to work, impress a business partner before clobbering him with a tandoori drum stick and grabbing his briefcase, or, dinner followed by a long walk and a nap.
(3)
Max L.

People seem to love this place. Despite return trips, I'm not sold. Even with a groupon, this place is pricey. Especially for Indian food! I have only been for dinner, so have not tried the buffet, which might change my mind, but I digress. I'm of the opinion that Indian doesn't need to be super fancy. It's origins are from hundreds of years of cooking, and I don't need crazy fancy decorations and presentation. Hopefully I find a worthy Indian place in Chicago soon, but I can't see myself paying full price for what seems like overpriced mediocre indian food.
(2)
Cheryl S.

Great food, beautifully authentic decor, crabby bussers, and absolutely some of the worst service in Chicago. Go to India House for great service AND great food.
(3)
C D.

I love Indian cuisines! My boyfriend and I went there for Sunday lunch buffet. It it not bad at all because it is only 15.95 or 16.95 per a person
(4)
Amanda R.

Holy smokes, this place has it all. Great food, great ambiance and attentive service. Oh, and a knock out lunch buffet that leaves nothing to be desired. After quite the tour of Indian restaurants near work, I am a new regular at Indian Garden. One thing that stands out from other buffets is that this one separates out the meat dishes from the vegetarian dishes. They are at completely different stations (though both included in the same buffet price). I found this extremely helpful as it allowed me to better gauge my options before loading my plate (I love buffets for their variety, but rarely eat more than a single plate). I think this would also be very helpful for vegetarians. The food itself was very flavorful. There were plenty of the standard dishes as well as a few unique things, such as a tandoori chicken and mango salad. The veg and meat dishes had a very nice amount of spice- plenty to provide heat but not enough to require me to engage in over-active carb consumption to counteract their powers. I was in heaven. The decor is also wonderful. It wasn't your standard hole in the wall, nor was it your standard nondescript white linens restaurant. The decor was vibrant and rich, a perfect setting for a date night, meal with friends or simple escape from the office. And, because I am a penny pincher...$2 or $3 cheaper than the buffet at India House a few blocks away makes this a winner with no loss in flavor or options as compared to its competitor! I will return again and again for sure.
(4)
Anuj S.

I've been here a few times for the lunch buffet. Frankly the food is decent, but not the best. I'm giving it an extra star than I normally would, because there is this lady (she must be an owner), and she is always really really nice. One time the buffet did not have a paneer dish, which is my all-time favorites. I mentioned that to her, and she had it cooked up just for me at no extra charge. That was really cool.
(4)
Isha S.

The food menu is always the same for buffet. It was very disappointing. The desserts and appetizers were not at all great. Every time its the same gulab jamun and kheer. The taste was not good. :( overall very disappointing.
(1)
Shannon S.

My friend and I went to the lunch buffet and absolutely loved it. The food was so fresh and flavorful and so much of it! The restaurant was beautiful as well. I was surprised how inexpensive the buffet was....I think about $14. I highly recommend it!
(5)
Jon W.

Very good vegetarian options.
(4)
Chanele B.

We came in late one Friday night, about a half hour before close, and I'd like to think maybe that is why our experience suffered so much. We were helped promptly, but the waiters were not especially friendly and the food was not on par with other Indian restaurants I've been to, in Chicago or elsewhere. I love Indian food, and we seem to eat it in almost every city we visit, so I am not a newbie to the cuisine, and this was just a disappointment. My friend and I eat Indian food regularly, and neither of us had ever had our dishes quite so spicy without directly asking for it. The waiter did not ask either of us if we wanted it spicy or mild, and in most Indian restaurants, if they don't ask, they prepare it in a mild-medium level. I am pretty good with spicy foods, but my paneer makhani (my favorite dish in the world) was almost inedible. My friend went with a relatively fool-proof dish of chicken tikka masala, and it was also firey hot. No one at the table ordered anything spicy specifically, aside from my fiance, who had lamb vindaloo which was only a shade or two hotter than my paneer and my friend's chicken. Additionally, I was not impressed by the fact I was not offered a refill on my soda, which seems like a standard when you charge $2.00+ for a glass of soda that is mostly ice. I'd like to think they were just irritated that people came in off the street just a half hour before closing and that is why our food was so off, but in a city with so many great Indian restaurants, I won't be going back to find out.
(2)
Somchai S.

Ive been here previously for the $15 lunch buffet. It was good and the service was fabulous. When I saw a Groupon for this place a few weeks ago I had to snatch it up. It was $20 for $40 worth of food. I thought this would be a good opportunity to take my BF who is the pickiest eater without wasting my money. We walked in and were immediately greeted and seated. I love the ambiance of the place. Very nicely lit. They served us this flat bread/cracker w/ a bunch of dipping sauce. Very delicious. We ordered the butter chicken (my go to indian item) and the tandorri chicken, with nann and basmati rice. The food came out so quickly. Our water glasses were never even halfway empty. i swear they filled my glass more than ten times. Very great service. Love the environment. I would definitely recommend.
(4)
Nick L.

This place is above street level so you go up and it's quite spacious. It wasn't very busy and you learn why shortly after. The service was pleasant enough, seated, menus, water poured soon after you arrive which is great. The menu is sufficient with plenty of curries to choose from. It may be because I have had my palette spoiled by the excellent Indian cuisine in England available but this place doesn't cut the mustard. It doesn't even cut paper. The taste and the creaminess texture of the curry was missing. This part is key for a curry to taste good and work well with the naan and rice. It was a bit too watery for my taste. I haven't tried many Indian foods in Chicago and there are some reasonable places on Devon but this doesn't stack up to that. My Indian friends also agree that US Indian food isn't up to scratch. It's just not as popular as in the UK where it rivals Chinese food for favourite cuisine.
(2)
Polly P.

We went here, because we had a groupon. We went at lunch, when they have a buffet. Tasty and fresh food! I liked chicken in a spicy sauce and gorbanzo. Also mango lassie was very good! I usually don't like Indian sweets, but that was really nice.
(4)
Mariah C.

Since moving to Chicago in 2006, I've probably had 200 meals from the Indian Garden. Not kidding. When I get married, I'll probably invite Papi, the delivery guy, to my wedding. The IG is convenient, not terribly expensive, and they put crack in their paneer. They also deliver, which is key-- of the 200 times I've eaten IG, only a handful of those times was I physically in the restaurant. If you haven't been before, go for the weekend lunch buffet-- you'll get to try a little of everything, and it's all-you-can-eat. If you're ordering at home for the first time, get the paneer makhani, an order of chicken tikka masala, and a side of garlic naan. And then take a moment to clarify that you're not actually me, because they know my "usual" order and Papi will probably show up on my doorstep with your dinner. And I'll eat it.
(5)
Weichin C.

The food was not bad but it was too expensive..... The rice was four dollars! And after I checked my bank account, they charged me more than I paid in the restaurant---even though just little money but I will never go there again because they are dishonest.
(2)
Mith R.

Very crowded on a Saturday night...always a good sign. Food was hot and fresh, but took a little while. Service was very friendly
(4)
Ed A.

The Indian Garden restaurant was my introduction to Indian food. No other restaurant I've been to since has compared to the quality and taste. I came after lunchtime and the restaurant was pretty empty. The waitress, who was probably the owner, took me aside and explained Indian cuisine and what I could expect in the various menu selections. It was a great introduction to Indian cuisine. All the food was terrific, from the Somoza, the bread and of course all the great sauces. I appreciated her allowing me to choose the level of heat and spice. Great service, great restaurant, great food and great sauces. I gave this place four stars because I've yet to experience Devon Avenue.
(4)
Sejal P.

Wow, qty of food compared to price is very poor. Don't waste your money on lobster curry!
(2)
Mick C.

Stopped in at exactly 11:30am for the lunch buffet. Was in and out in 30 minutes, which perfectly met my timeline. Really liked the eggplant pakora, potato fritter, and mango chutney for my appetizers. Naan bread came quickly to the table. The chicken curry was the pick of the main courses - fall-off-the-fork chicken with a creamy sauce. I tend to prefer lamb, but thought the lamb rogan josh a little bland in comparison. As for vegetarian options, the lentil curry was very flavorful. My least favorite curry was the paneer in a tomato sauce, which was too much like soup for my liking. Overall, a great atmosphere and very good selection of food. If I am in the area again, will definitely go back.
(4)
Abhishek S.

Horrible lunch buffet. I am a regular Indian restaurant guy and by far the worst Indian food in Chicago. It spoilt my Sunday afternoon real bad. Buffet on sunday costs 16 bucks. Normally I do not paying much more than that for decent food. But here, NOT worth it. The water was the best thing I kept having during lunch. Oh, gosh and the smells ghastly too.
(1)
Sonia C.

There must be better Indian food to be had in Chicago. The food here is palatable, but not very impressive. Service leaves something to be desired too. The only thing good about this place is the decor and I go to restaurants for food only. I came here in a group of five on a Saturday night. The restaurant was decently full, but not crowded. The waiter took our drinks and appetizers orders and then disappeared for 30 minutes. We tried to flag down other waiters to take our entree orders, but they just ignored us. Finally, the waiter came with our apps, by which time I was very exasperated. We had: - appetizer sampler: basically just a dish of mostly battered & fried vegetables with one samosa and a few chunks of dry chicken and even drier lamb. The only good thing was the samosa, and despite my love for anything fried, there is only so much fried batter I can handle. - saag paneer: very oily, with chunks of tasteless cheese. I usually love this dish but this dish was just a pile of tasteless, oily, mushy spinach. - chicken vindaloo: basically the only dish I liked. It was very spicy (as expected) with chunks of very tender chicken. - some curried shrimp dish: I don't think that the shrimp were very fresh and the sauce was only ok. - garlic naan: soft, pillowy, hot. Ok, fine, I did like this a lot too. Portions aren't that big, but the food is heavy and filling. Prices are decent. However, due to the uninspiring food and lackluster service, I probably will try other Indian restaurants before coming back.
(2)
Bernadette N.

Are you kidding me? This place is awesome. It first, I was a little nervous. You have to go up two steep flights of stairs which made me think "this is totally going to be a hole in the wall, but once you get up the stairs you're going to feel like you have to stay and can't turn around." But we could see from the street level it was pretty full, so why not try it. Now, I never ate Indian food before I moved to NYC. So I have no experience in Chi-town to compare this to...all my comparisons are based on the 20 or so Indian places I've eaten at in Manhattan. This place is really, really good. The decor is traditional, but not old, stuffy or creepy. We immediately felt comfortable that we weren't going to get Delhi belly :) Plus, there's windows into the kitchen, which I love. My husband watched them making naan in the kilns all night. The greeting when we came and left was so sincere and warm, it could have been the Aunt and Uncle I've always wanted. Now the food. So, so, so good. And reasonable. We went for dinner, so we didn't get the bargain buffet option. We ordered two apps...the cashewnut rolls are to die for and dahi bhala was pretty darn good too (even for someone that doesn't like lentils). We split the Special Tandoori Mixed Grill, the different chicken dishes were absolutely amazing. My husband said they must marinate them for 5 days they were so tender. This with a couple beers and we were absolutely stuffed for less than $60. We probably could have stopped after the appetizers and called it a day for $40, but what the heck, we were on vacation. I would actually go out of my way to return here next time I come into town.
(4)
Lisa T.

Was visiting Chicago from out of town and had a great meal with some friends. It was easy walking distance from the Wyndham Chicago I was staying at. Tried the veggie curry and it had some good flavor and spice. But I enjoyed the veggie jezeri (or something like that) even better. Had a lot of good kick to it and nice pieces of paneer and broccoli. The cracker-like things and sauces they bring when you are seated were delish! The atmosphere is very calm and nice. Lots of seating and the food came out quickly. Would definitely come back again. I'm told their take out service is easy and quick too!
(4)
Dhaivat A.

First of all they had no record of the reservation we made via opentable. I had received the confirmation email for the reservation but when we got there, they said that they have not received anything from opentable. But anyways the restaurant was not full so we were seated without any wait. Wait staff seemed to be okay. I have had better and worse experience. We had to wait 15 minutes to get a check after asking for it. Cashew-nut roll appetizers were good but a little bland. But everything after that was too spicy. I will have to mention that the onion kulcha was delicious. This was probably the best we've had in Chicago. Portions were also good. Ambiance here is better than any avg. Indian or paki restaurant and you wouldn't feel all cramped between tables and chairs. If you are looking for good food and nothing else, this is not your place. But if ambiance and setting matters you a lot then go for it.
(3)
Jeremy S.

Not a fantastic experience... I will note that it has been a while since I have been here so I just want to highlight the thoughts that have stuck in my head. -Overpriced -Too Westernized for an Indian Restaurant -Food tasted just OK -Parking impossible, you have to valet I guess if you want a sophisticated Indian dining experience in the city, then this is a good spot. Or if you are too afraid to step into the grungy, dirty hole in the wall Indian spots, then I can understand this as a choice.
(2)
Mike X.

Always good food here. Friendly service. I would recomend this place.
(5)
Ron J.

I had been to this restaurant 3-4 years ago and had terrible food and service, twice! It wasn't even worth wasting my time writing a review. But the tables have turned. I finally decided to give it another try, since I believe in giving restaurants a chance to improve. Mind you, I've been to almost every Indian restaurant in Chicago and I was blown away by the food here. The food totally reminded me of my time in Delhi. The price point doesn't affect me as long as the food is on point. Brilliantly cooked paneer, samosas, okra, lentils and kofta make me your number one fan. Absolutely no doubt in my mind that I'm going to be ordering from you guys whenever the cravings start. Hoping to have more and more great times at the Indian garden. Keep up the great work!!
(5)
Maher A.

I was invited there for dinner. The food was pretty good. It was close to authentic Indian food I tried before. The place is very nicely decorated. The only downside is the service. We were around 10 people and had just one waiter to serve us. So, everything went slow that day.
(4)
Chris C.

Went here again for their buffet and was disappointed that they didn't have a good balance between meat and veggie dishes this time around. Service was still great and what they did have was still yummy. Still, could've have had more meat selection.
(3)
Norbert W.

3.5, actually (oh Sana - 10pm is pretty late for the midwest...) lamb vindaloo, my test dish for every indian restaurant, was good. have only had carry out, but they got the orders right and they were hot. go for the vindaloo.
(3)
C T.

I've been here more than a couple times for lunch. It's a buffet so I always find an option I love. It's reliable because there are so many food choices. It's not spectacular, but it is good for what you pay. Only thing keeping it from 4 stars is my last visit where the waitstaff put the wrong amount on my card and told me I'd have to take it up with the manager in order to fix it, and one of the pieces of silverware had something foggy on it. Stuff like that always bothers me to no end.
(3)
Lynda T.

Food was edible but just wasn't great. Tandoori Chicken was okay--friend thought it was super spicy--, tandoori lamb was over cooked and curry shrimp was okay. Probably wouldn't come back. Service and setting was great.
(2)
Thongsy S.

I love Indian food and Indian Garden does not disappoint. For downtown area, they have a lunch buffet for just $11.95...what a great deal. They have a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes available. And even though it's buffet style, they have servers to accommodate you as well. The tandoori chicken and naan are made fresh to order even though it's part of the buffet. It comes out sizzling hot..just the way I like my food.
(4)
Carlicia L.

I love this place! It's the perfect place for trying Indian food for the first time. It's welcoming and has the comfort of the goregous city view in the windows. The naan is always warm and tandoori chicken always sizzling. I celebrated my friend's brithday there with a large group and the manager hooked us up with a free bottle of champagne. It also helped that one of my friends was a regular there. ;-)
(5)
Kate S.

This place is the bomb diggity--scrumptious food and cozy ambiance. matter paneer and samosas are the best!
(4)
Mariel C.

I've been to the lunch buffet twice - luuhhhvd it - want in ma mouf all the time. Went back for dinner w/ the ultra critical bf... not as hot. But decent. Overall pretty freaking tasty Indian cuisine. Check out the lunch buffet - only way to go.
(3)
Matthew G.

I have been to the Indian Garden a grand total of three times for the lunch buffet. My most recent visit will probably be my last. As a rule, I am not fond of buffets, but I generally like Indian buffets. I LOVE Indian food, so a buffet allows me to have a little of everything without having to decide on one entrÃ©e. That said, I have found the Indian Garden's buffet to be sorely lacking. Things that are supposed to be hot are cold and vice versa. They don't seem to change things out enough. There is not much variety. I think that many Indian dishes benefit from having some "stew time", but the IG's buffet items seem to be congealed and dried up. I can't say much about the service as I've only had the buffet. Stellar service and buffets do not usually go hand in hand. As long as my water and iced tea glasses are kept full, there's no reason to complain. Perhaps dinner service is better. I should probably try it, but am afraid that I'd rather pass. The package just doesn't appeal to me very much.
(2)
Lisa C.

Recently In Chicago for the weekend with friends. Stopped at Indian Garden on Friday night for dinner. We were all really happy at our random choice to stop here. The food was great, our waiter Victor was attentive, friendly and highly entertaining. Per his suggestions, the food we ordered turned out to be amazing. The owner also stopped by periodically to chat and also check up on us to see that we were enjoying our stay. We were all very impressed with the overall experience and will make it a point to go back on our next trip. If you are visiting I would highly recommend trying the "Chicken Tiki Masala".
(5)
Leyla A.

Beautiful restaurant above the streets of Streeterville. Our food was out of this world delicious, and reminded me of meals I have had in Delhi, the Motherland of Indian food. The roti was incredible, as was my saag paneer and also the dahl with kidney beans. Everything was medium hot. I'll come back with my flight attendant friends for the lunch buffet. The owner is a sweetie!
(5)
Todd W.

Outstanding food. kind of hidden but well worth finding. food was great. only thing i disliked was a lack of masala or cream based dishes. most everything on the buffet was a curry based dish. wanted to see Chicken masala or korma. other than that...this is a must eat place.
(4)
Tara M.

I have only ordered delivery from here, so this has nothing to do with seated service, etc. Indian Garden is my go-to for carryout and delivery Indian food. It is near my place and their food is totally consistent. I always order murg makhani (butter chicken) with a side of basmati rice and naan. Like most other Indian restaurants, everything is a la carte, so the rice must be ordered separately. When I go in for pickup, everyone is very friendly. For delivery, I usually use diningin.com when I am too lazy to walk the four blocks to the restaurant (yeah, this happens more than I'd like to admit). Overall, Indian Garden is reasonably priced, everyone is friendly, and the food is consistently good.
(4)
A M.

Consistently good food, they usually make it spicy if you ask them to. Service is good, delivery is pretty quick.
(4)
Ben H.

Not bad, went here for buffet and dinner, overall taste was good, with price a little higher than expected. Service was a bit slow, but compared to other Indian food in the Downtown area I like it. For best shadyness and quality, go to to the ones on Devon st
(4)
Megan H.

Wow, HOTTEST VINDALOO EVVVEEERRR!!! Even the Chicken Tikka Masala was scorching! I couldn't believe it! Usually I laugh when they casually remind me during the ordering process "Vindaloo is hot, ma'am, is that okay?" HA! "Yep, perfect." Well.. geez... I couldn't believe how hot this Vindaloo was. I've had a lot of Indian food... I've had Vindaloo in Singapore, London (where Indian is the National Dish), Toronto, Australia, and Chicago... and I have to say Indian Garden is THE HOTTEST EVER!!! It was lovely. If you want HOT HOT HOT Indian food, GO HERE!!
(5)
Meredith K.

The atmosphere is really nice, I liked being on the second floor and having an elevated view. Its cozy without being overly romantic. Good if you're not sure if you're on a date or not. Solid food. The spicy dish was a teeny bit too spicy and the not spicy could have had a bit more flavor. But that's my only complaint. And the lovely owner/manager (?) came over when we were finished and asked if we enjoyed everything and invited us to stay as long as we wanted.
(3)
D S.

I had the lunch buffet, which was only $10. The food was good, and, for that price, I'd say you can't go wrong. I really don't have any complaints and am surprised to see that some of the other reviews of Indian Garden aren't more favorable, though this was my first time eating here. The atmosphere is utterly comfortable, with large windows overlooking Ontario Street and and a large dining room to match. The service was friendly and, though I was there during a slow early afternoon, made sure that everything was to my liking. Which it was. I also enjoyed the chai tea; often other restaurants' chai tea is too thick and milky for me. It was a fine lunch.
(5)
Sarah L.

I dug the cheapness of the lunch buffet. It was not my favorite Indian food I've ever had: usually I will eat every dish in an indian lunch buffet and go back for seconds thirds and fourths, but there were only 3 dishes I would touch at this one. It was cheap, unlimited, nice and quiet, and I really liked the decor inside. Somehow it left me with the impression that I might have been happier if I had gone to lunch somewhere else.
(3)
Kim B.

I checked out Indian Garden Restaurant with a coworker for the lunch buffet. I am still somewhat new to Indian food, so this was a great opportunity to try some new things. Their tandoori chicken was OK - I've had better. They didn't have as wide of selection of curries as I would have liked, but they did have some unique/good deserts. I've heard they switch up the buffet, so I am sure I will return. A bit pricey for lunch, but if you are looking for something in the area - I would recommend it. There are a lot of NU students & doctors from nearby. However, I will continue to look for an awesome Indian restaurant.
(3)
Gary W.

Lamb curry on white rice.Very good.Service ok,for a very slow Tues. evening.
(4)
Amy S.

Came here for a work birthday lunch and I was pleasanly surprised. The tandoori chicken was really good...pretty much everything was really good. I can't remember exactly what I had, but I think I tried a bit of everything on the buffet. Very tasty. Now I'm craving Indian food....I wonder if you can take it to go??
(3)
Amiya S.

I have liked the food at India Garden in the past.However, the food quality has been going from good to bad to worse lately. I gave them a benefit of doubt the last time I ordered but it happened again. I had ordered out and picked up the food - I live a block from the place. The food was stale, the naan seemed as if it was 5 days old and heated up as well as chewy. The butter chicken was horrible and believe me I know when I eat a good butter chicken. The curry in both the butter chicken and the malai kofta was sour indicating that it too was stale. Overall a very horrible experience again ... India garden just lost one loyal customer !
(1)
Yo U.

The lunch buffet is very good value. I'd rate it a solid three star effort. A la carte is outrageously expensive, though, with the portions small and the prices high. I'll never go a la carte here again. If you don't opt for the buffet or you're there at a time other than lunch, then perhaps one of their combo plates would be a better option. Don't get me wrong, the food is good; I'm just surprised by how expensive it is.
(2)
Candace D.

It is okay, but nothing special. Did dinner there, not lunch buffet. The glass for the drink came with lipstick on it--ick. Had to get it switched. Lots of staff, rather peculiar that they didn't notice that. Nice enough but just so-so food.
(2)
Lina Y.

Looked like a busy place with a lot of indian families dining...so i think it probably has to be good. Nice variety of options. Got the chiken tikka, a little too dry for my taste, better with sauce. All of us shared different plates. After being satisfied by the meal, later on that night our stomachs were rockin! I dont know what they put in that food, but be warned!! other than that great service and nice ambiance
(3)
Jen T.

PERFECT garlic naan, awesome twist on a veggie samosa that i hadn't run into before (with cheese in them?!), and delicious baigan bhartha (eggplant). The food here rules! They are great at getting the spice level right. Kind of weird that you have to order rice separately, though. A little pricey, and the staff ignored us a bunch/forgot things, but i didn't really care that much. Definitely worth an occasional visit.
(4)
Jims L.

GREAT buffet.
(4)
Jonathan A.

Honestly, of all the Indian restaurants I have been to in my life, I can rarely tell any discernible difference, other than price and atmosphere. So Indian Garden is the closest to where I work, and therefore gets the most of my business. The lunch buffet is a great deal, and the service is usually always pretty good. The food is just as good as anywhere else I've tried, and is usually generous portions.
(4)
Katrina H.

Can I say Wear Loose Fitting Clothes ? and Prepare yourself for a Cab ride home because HONEY Child! You will Want to Literally Be Carried out of there due to you being so heavenly Stuffed from their Delicious Food!! I have absolutely NO Idea where to start with their food selections. All I can say is that you get a lot of food regardless of what you order. The Service is Exceptional. Great Place! I am so glad that my client from D.C Loves this place so much that she exposed me to it.. and wow.. I live here and didn't know that has been such a hidden Gem. from me that is
(4)
Jasbir S.

As a fierce critic of average Indian restaurants, I was pleasantly surprised by Indian Garden's buffet. It was only $10 and is really a great deal given I polished off three entire plates (you already knew Asian people can eat more than anyone else and Indians do still count as Asians right?). Item by Item Review: Vegetable Pakoras (potatoes fried with batter) - good quality, fried just the right amount but a bit cold Chutney - good for average tastes, could be a bit spicier for mine Mater Paneer (cottage cheese and peas in curry) - awesome, just right Butter chicken (chicken in spicy tomato curry with lots of butter) - pretty good for a buffet. The one at India House is superb but I haven't had Indian Garden's dinner version. The lunch version is basically their tandoori chicken put into butter chicken curry so the marinade is not perfect and they didn't use breast meat. Regardless, great for a buffet. Mutton ghost (lamb curry) - pretty spicy with decent meat quality. Tandoori chicken (red colored and spiced grilled chicken) - awesome. They bring out fresh tandoori chicken to your chicken that's sizzling. They need to use red onions and not white ones though :) Naan - excellent quality, soft, just the right amount of buttering. If you're going for a great buffet go to Indian Garden.
(4)
Rahshonda K.

My friend had a Groupon for Indian Garden and I am glad she invited me the food was yummy. Love the Chicken Masala! I cant wait to go back we have one more Groupon to use!!!
(4)
caroline k.

Have ordered delivery from India Garden a couple of times, to be pleasantly surprised. Have had the fish tikki masala, tandoor chicken, saag paneer, and several of the naans, all of which have been great. I'm definitely working my way through their lengthy menu of more non-traditional and less-familiar dishes. When you're craving indian this place can hit the spot.
(4)
Ben K.

Pretty much anybody who wants to stuff themself full to the brim in a delicious hedonistic feast has given indian buffet a shot before. Indian Garden has a buffet that is decent but unspectacular. The highlight is definitely the chicken tikka masala; it has a delicious creamy spicy sauce that does pretty well seeping over your entire plate and infusing its wonderful flavor into your basmati rice and your naan. As for the rest of the buffet... well there isn't much else. There are maybe five or six entrees and some soup and some yogurt... if not for the tikka masala I probably would not ever go here. As it is... well let's just say the walk up the stairs before the meal has been known to be easier than the walk down the stairs afterwards.
(3)
Kwoky L.

I had the lunch buffet and it wasn't particularly impressive. There were really not that many things to choose from. I would only come back if I have to.
(3)
Izabella d.

eating here decidedly put me off going to restaurants for the rest of the week :( no the food was not disgusting, but it was far from delicious, and it really failed to excite me on any level. we ordered a few things.. samosas were stale and the stuffing was bland, the deep fried banana peppers were greasy, our entrees were Tandoori Sabzi (ie tandoori vegetables), yellow dahl, and Chef's Special Jai Puri Aloo (potatoes in a tomato cream sauce). each was a bit different, the tandoori vegetables being the best of the three.. the rice was a bit soggy and clumpy, the naan was good but failed to make up for the rest of the disappointing food. on top of all this ,, its an expensive place for indian, we spent close to $90 for this medium amount of food. what you are really paying for is the convenience of not having to go up to devon.. but in the process you are losing any desire to eat indian food again. this place was just tragic. yes its possible that ordering other items on the menu would make it a somewhat better experience, or going for the buffet.. but im definitely not wasting my money to find that out.
(1)
Mark S.

I'm frightened to say anything too negative about Indian Garden, since they are next door to a military library. If knowledge is power . . . military knowledge is . . . um . . . military power. Luckily for me, I don't have anything terribly negative to say about them. The cachewnut rolls tasted like fried mashed potatoes, which was good. They stuck to the roof of my mouth like peanut butter, which was mildly bad. The dal makhni was thick and spicy, which was good. It didn't come with rice, and I wasn't warned about needing to order rice separately, which was mildly bad.
(4)
Joshua D.

Tucked away on the 2nd story above a bar, the Indian Garden doesn't look like anything special from the street. But one short flight of stairs later, you find a pretty large variety of well prepared indian dishes. The prices of all the dishes are a bit more than your standard indian restaurant, or hole in the wall on devon (about 10 per entree rather than normal 7-8) but the portion sizes of everything (including the beers) are large enough that it manages to compensate. This is defiently a restaurant to come with a group. Five of us ordered a total of 4 entrees, 3 naans, and a beer each and the total bill came to 23 per person including tip, with food still left on everyone's plate. Though I dont remember the exact dishes i ordered, the chicken and fish specials were fantastic, and the lamb curry complemented quite well by the garlic naan. The place is pretty dimly lit and the service was great, with our waiter giving us a free dish of rice and beer. Although that could have been because we were the last customers of the night and he was trying to get us to go home early. Parking is a pain anywhere in this area, so bring an appetite since if you find a spot you wont want to leave it for a while
(3)
Craig W.

Very good Indian restaurant. Good service. Visit this place at least one every time that I am in Chicago.
(4)
Carole O.

Great Indian food (try the Bombay specials) and very attentive staff. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Erin W.

Indian Garden is a little oasis tucked a couple of flights of stairs above the street. Despite the mixed reviews I thought the food here was excellent. I followed a couple of young Indian men up the stairs, and as I waited for my take-out, more Indian families were seated, which is always a good sign. The meal was somewhat expensive, but I thought everything was above average. The rice was fragrant and perfect with my Chicken Tikka. The naan was fluffy, garlicky, and delicious. And the chicken was moist and tender. I think this was really a 3.5 star experience but I'll round it up to four and call it good.
(4)
Christian P.

I went there on a Sunday for lunch. The buffet was pretty cheap and the food was good. I'm surprise to find such a good deal in downtown area. I will go there again if I'm too lazy to go to Devon.
(4)
Henry A.

The food here, I thought, is really good. They have probably the best naan I can remember eating anywhere. Other dishes like the tikka marsala and palak paneer were also great and as good as I've had it nearly anywhere else. Unfortunately, the service here was awful. We had to wait about 20 minutes until someone finally took our order. Once that happend, it took forever again to actually get the food to our table and in the meantime, no one ever came by to serve anything else or ask if we needed anything. Normally I don't gripe about bad service in restaurants. I'm there to eat good food and that's the most important thing. In fact, at many of my favorite little ethnic restaurants, I expect to get bad service. But when I walk in this restaurant and see white tablecloths, an expensive menu, and waiters with white aprons, then I expect good service.
(3)
Peter L.

Been here a couple times for dinner. Decent Indian food at prices you'd expect for the area I guess. But in terms of the lunch buffet, India House's buffet kills this place, no question, in terms of quality and variety.
(3)
Jeff L.

Indian Garden is a wonderful example of how a restaurant can have the good, the bad, and the overpriced. The lunch buffet is wonderful. They do not have a large selection, but they have plenty to eat regardless. When eating here for diner without the buffet the items on the menu are delicious. The only downside is that it seems they do not use the greatest quality in meat, but the sauces they serve are delicious regardless. Which is why I think this restaurant is overpriced due to the fact that the meat they serve is not the greatest cuts of meat. The appetizer platter is also delicious.
(4)
Krishan K.

The one dish everyone should try when they come here is Murg Makhmal E Zafrani.... That's the one dish I come for! The chicken is super tender and full of spices. I haven't tried a lot of the other dishes yet, but that chicken keeps me comin back.
(5)
Eva V.

Awful service and not particularly good. We went on a Sunday night; restaurant was half-empty and we still were made to wait about 5min for a table. Restaurant was completely understaffed; when we were finally served our appetizer (samosas), it took another ten minutes for someone to bring us the sauce, which was literally 15ft away. The same story continued for the rest of the night. Getting another beer took forever, getting the check took forever, getting our food boxed up took forever. Food wasn't exceptional. Samosas were boring and served with sad pile of browned shredded iceberg lettuce. Sauce tray was obviously being re-used (nobody had bothered to wipe away the splatters from the previous user). Would not recommend.
(1)
Theresa C.

Pretty inside and the service and food was good. What more can you ask for?
(4)
Mike S.

OMG... fantastic food, fantastic atmosphere. Came in becausr of a groupon and two weeks later we are back. The owner is fantastic, she greets you with a hug!! Will definitely be back. The food is authentic and amazing
(5)
Avinash A.

Possibly some of the worst Indian Food I have ever had. felt sick after eating it. it is over priced and the service wasn't too great. one of the worst experiences that I have ever had.
(1)
Nick C.

Food was great. Server took a little while to greet us. Even if you're busy, just a quick "I'll be right with you" does it. The manager was nice to see how we were doing. Great place if you have never had Indian food.
(4)
Jon R.

Brace yourself for an Indian Garden lovefest. This post is long! My first experience at the IG was most likely motivated by gluttonous curiosity at their $12 lunch buffet (11a-2p, all-you-can-eat, beverage included, and they put down complimentary sizzling Tandoori Chicken and fresh naan at your table). The lunch buffet is a great way to try out different dishes without wondering if you've ordered the wrong thing, and best of all, its QUICK! Go in, get seated, grab a plate, stuff yourself, wait 10 minutes, stuff yourself some more, pay your bill, and then slowly saunter out of the building in a walking food coma. Upon entering, you see the attention to detail that has been put into decorating the place (through the many statues, colors, choice of furniture, and large picture windows), which all leads to a very pleasant and engaging ambiance. The owners Anu and Arun are awesome (Anu will probably give you a big hug once she gets to know you), and they're very involved in making sure customers leave happy. The manager Joseph and hostess Jenny are great also, and always greet us with huge warm smiles when we visit. I'm a seafood fan, so when we go for dinner I always order their shrimp tandoori (HUGE tiger prawns) and their amazing lobster curry, served with white rice. My wife usually gets the Murg (chicken) Vindaloo, because she loves spicy foods. And believe me, the vindaloo is HOT! I suggest ordering a mango lassi and sipping it intermittently during spicy dishes. If it's your first time going for dinner and you're unsure of what to get, I would suggest trying out one of their specials (the Tandoori mixer is pretty good, you get samples of tandoori-ed chicken, lamb, shrimp, some naan, and some other scrum-diddly-umptious foods). If you can finish that special in one sitting, God bless you. That's a lot of food. All in all, my wife and I love Indian Garden. Since my first visit many years ago, I've been back more times than I can remember for both lunch and dinner, and its my default place to bring out-of-town guests. The food is great, the place is lovely, and the people there make you feel like they're truly glad you stopped by. And for my fellow Scrooge McDuck's, I believe there's a 10% student discount (call ahead to check). Long live the IG!
(5)
emily b.

had planned to go to india house...ended up here after a google-map snafu. pressure was "on" as i was the token chicagoan in the group, given the task of choosing the restaurant for the evening for a hodge-podge of people (including a couple of my former professors, and some of their current students whom i had never met). as i was walking up the stairs, unable to see the restauant from the ground level, i had this sinking feeling i'd get up there and it'd be empty and we'd be the only group dining there and i'd be to blame for a seriously awkward experience. my concerns subsided as a very full dining room was filled with cheerful diners, and restaurant staff. phew. everyone found something delicious on the menu and enjoyed it. service was prompt and nice. what a relief! ambiance was eclectic, warm, and comfortable... it's always good to have a "hidden gem" restaurant tucked in your back pocket..indian garden is mine!
(5)
Tepring P.

We would like reservations for 5 please, no 8, wait 12, make that 13, opps sorry only 10 ok we have one more coming but she will be late..thank you soooo much. And by the way we all need separate checks so we can get reimbursed by the government, but alcohol doesn't count so do whatever you want with our bar tab....we're awful and yay this place was great! The food is RICH and plenty of it. Good tastes, spices with a little kick. I liked this place. And thank you soo much for being so accommodating
(4)
Atee T.

One of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. My favorite order is the chicken makani.. Guys you HAVE to try this one! They do have the best naan, mango lassi I can't wait to go there again!!
(5)
Francine P.

You'd be better off cooking chicken at home and cracking a jar of tikka masala from the grocery store. It is expensive for what you get, they charge 6 or 7 dollars for delivery and you could easily throw this together from the grocery store. The chicken was all white meat, but it seemed like it was just boiled; very plain and dry. The sauce was good, but on the menu there is an extra charge for more sauce. You probably need it because of all the rice and the dry chicken. I guess it depends how long you want to eat "ok" curry for. Also, it isn't as flavorful as I've had it from spices/seasonings. The rice was ordinary white rice, a little over cooked even. Make it at home and save your money. The veggie samosas were good. But I just bought frozen ones by Tandoori at the grocery store that were better. In a pinch, this is good. It is probably nice for people new to Indian food.
(2)
Joy -.

My co-workers order from here frequently, but I had my first chance to go in person yesterday. The service was excellent and my husband and I enjoyed our meal. As a plus, the waiter seemed to understand gluten intolerance and assured me that I could safely order the dishes I wanted. I felt fine afterwards, so I believe that his information was correct. According to the waiter, none of the entrees include any gluten. We ordered the Chef's Special Murg Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer, and a tandoori-like dish (don't recall the name).
(5)
J G.

The service is slooooooowwwwwwwwww. The food was not great either. I won't be back.
(1)
Jake R.

I still find The Indian Garden to have better food than any restaurant I have been to on Devon.
(5)
B C.

Went for lunch yesterday. It was outstanding! The lunch buffet was $11.95, so perhaps you are not expecting much. However, all the food on the buffet was tasty and fresh. Some items were exceptionally good. They also bring the tandoori chicken hot off the grill as an individual table serving. If you like Indian, or just want to try something different, check this place out. You will not be disappointed!
(5)
P R.

Indeed very nice of the owner to be focussed on continuous quality improvement. I plan on visiting again and give actionable feed back to her directly. I greatly appreciated the kindness in her response.
(3)
Moose P.

if you find yourself at that lunch desert called Navy Pier, a half mile walk or a door-to-door bus can get you to an excellent Indian lunch buffet for $13. we were delighted to see some unusual dishes (e.g., a goat dish) as well as the standards you'd expect.
(4)
J D.

I've only been here for the lunch buffet (I work two blocks away!) but I go about once every few months, usually when I'm craving Indian food but too lazy to walk over to India House. It's average, standard, Indian fare; roughly 10 hot revolving items for lunch, sometimes really yummy curries, other times really indescribable...well, I'm not even sure what I was eating. Vegetarian friendly but enough meat for my strictly carnivorous guy; they have great lamb/goat/and fish. The tandoori chicken is hit or miss, sometimes hot and juicy, other times dry and gross. The naan's perfectly fluffy. The service is atrocious. The waiters have no idea what's going on and pass off all customer requests to someone else; end result, you never getting what you need. It takes forever and a day to flag down anyone for water/drinks which then never get refilled. It's Indian food people, we will be needing water! If you can trek over there, definitely go to the lunch buffet at India House. AMAZING!
(3)
Dessy D.

Its official...They do have a 'guest-chef' ONLY for the friday buffet....So, be sure of going to their friday lunch buffet.... :) :)
(4)
Yosafena C.

The food was very, very good - particularly the chana masala, the chicken tikka, and saag dishes . But what was most wondrous was the atmosphere. Verrry sexy... deep colored walls and smoldering background music. A most excellent date spot. Just remember not to eat too much of the lentil based fare. Service was attentive but most certainly left us alone enough to enjoy staring deep into each other's eyes.
(5)
David N.

If you are in the mood for Indian food, this is one great place to come to. The first thing you notice when you walk in is the great smell. They have some great scented incense and candles burning that smell incredible. The place is so well decorated, it is very pleasant to be sitting in a dining room surrounded by such great Indian decor. The food is very good, and a great selection to pick from. I had the Palek Paneer which was very good. For an appetizer my partner and I tried the Samosa, which is a deep fried pastry cone stuffed with potatoes and peas. Definitely a place worth checking out.
(4)
Chris D.

Enjoyed a very nice dinner here with my friends from Vancouver who adore Indian food. They really enjoyed it. We had the garlic naan, a cauliflower and potato dish, and a spicy vegetarian dish. They also had a meat dish with lamb, chicken and fish that they really liked. The second story location has a nice street view.
(4)
Kevin P.

I most certainly love this restaraunt. One of my all time favorite ones in the city. I received such a great service and I always do every time I go there. The dishes are just like they sound...delicious! By far the best Indian cuisine I have ever had. If you ask for anything special they certainly deliever what you asked for. Full service and a full bar as well. Great place for family to eat! They treat you like they know you the second you walk in. Very homely place with exceptional food with an affordable price!!!!!
(5)
Elisha P.

Love Indian food and Indian Garden does a good job of it. Although it may not be the most authentic, the food is SOOOOOO GOOOODD! the staff is friendly and the cuisine is reasonably priced. My roomate and I would share the chicken tikka masala, naan, rice and we would still have food leftover! love the place and I am a frequent consumer
(4)
Jay E.

i'm not really an expert on indian cuisine but this place was great. from the naan, samosas to the tandoori chicken, everything was quite tasty. even had an indian beer (that i forgot the name of) that was nice too.
(5)
Paul C.

Absolute rubbish.
(1)
Jim S.

I had the indian buffet on a Wednesday. Very solid, and slightly offbeat indian dishes. In other words, they didn't have vindaloo or curry. The crunchy pakoras are delicious despite having the nutritive value of cheetos. The chicken dish they did have was delicious and drenched in an oily sauce of sorts. The server brought out tandoori chicken with onions, and some very buttery paratha (like naan, only higher in fat!) A nice, big place near Northwestern Medical School. If you've got the hankering for a heavy lunch near the mag mile, this is the place for you.
(4)
Slim J.

Came here after the festival of lights and we were seated immediately (Giordanos had a 3 hour wait.). There were a few large parties waiting, but since we were only 2, they had a table for us. Service was not very attentive, but not too bad. Food was very tasty, prices seemed fair, good serving sizes.
(4)
Esther A.

I come here maybe once a month for the lunch buffet and I've always been pleased by the selection of dishes available. Twelve bucks gets you the delicious and varied buffet (spicy potatoes! curried goat!), plus fresh, tasty naan and some sizzling hot tandoori chicken. Sometimes, they have a hot, sweet dessert made from grated carrots and brown sugar that is like comfort in a bowl (the internets say it's called Gajar Halva--you learn something new every day!). Definitely a great value for a really satisfying lunch.
(4)
Susan L.

Go for the lunch buffet!!! It's so delish! Don't go for dinner!! It's too overpriced!
(5)
Sha A.

coming from the SF bayarea, and having access to so much Pakistani/Indian around, its quite hard to find really good desi restaurants when traveling. but on a wet, cold and rainy night, nothing was going to stop me from getting my dose of Indian. the restaurant is situated on the second floor. which seemed quite odd, it felt like i was walking into some office building (come to think there were offices in there.) once you step inside the restaurant, its quite large. the decor is your typical Indian trying to look "upscale" in other words -boring. however, the place was packed with customers. for a Sunday night, that is a good sign. we ordered the Tandoori Chicken, which was succulent and marinated to perfection. the Bhuna Ghost was excellent, by far my favorite. we wanted the dish to be extra spicy and requested they add fresh serrano pepper -the cook sent the dish out with bell peppers? the Saag Paneer was creamy and had a strong hint of methi or fenugreek, which made every bite quite distinctive. my buddy ordered his special lentil dish, which they made for him the way he likes it. ordered a bunch of naans, they were a bit too crispy for me. and to charge $2.5 for a plain naan was ridiculous. for dessert, i have to give them props on the Ras Malai -these guys did it well. the Mango Kulfi was nothing to write about. even though the server said they make it in the restaurant, it sure didn't taste it. the thing i noticed here and with most Indian restaurant is the portion and the price/ratio. it never seems to add up. Pakistani restaurants on the other hand, do give you more bang for the buck! and its not b/c im a Paki ;-) in San Francisco, 5 or more people can eat for $90. just giving you the real deal.
(3)
Tarun R.

This is definitely one of the better Indian restaurants to which I have been, and this is coming from an Indian person. The food was top notch and the employees were very helpful, especially to the non-Indian friends with me. The chicken dish with almond sauce is probably my favorite item there.
(4)
Mala K.

I've been to Indian Garden several times, and have also ordered in from there, as well as getting catering done for my birthday. I have to say that the quality of food is always excellent, no matter what the mode of dining. Even with their catering for my party, the little things were always taken care of. Especially enjoyed placing the catering order because they're very attentive and responsible.
(4)
Kristin V.

I go here almost every week with coworkers after work.... So, I am on an IT project and I work with alot of people from India. They love this place and so do I! Except we just get a bunch of stuff and pass it around, so I never have any idea the name of anything I am eating. The appetizers are all good (get the sampler). The entrees are tasty. I just ate the lunch buffet this week. It was good but not a huge selection, but I prefer the dinner menu.
(3)
Jason B.

The food was very tasty and reasonably priced. Service was attentive. We'd definitely come back.
(5)
Jessica B.

I just went for the lunch buffet. Everything was very good, but a few items were luke warm. Selection is amazing, and the service was good. I would come back, but I probably would make sure to get there soon after the lunch buffet starts. Everything would have been amazing if it was still hot.
(4)
Jennifer K.

The service was great, with the staff giving us great recommendations for dinner and always filling our empty glasses. We ordered a shrimp dish...I can't recall the name. It was a bit spicy, so the broth was nice with rice. The shrimp was delicious. I particularly liked dipping the onion kulcha in the spicy shrimp broth. Also, for the dessert, the gulab jamun, fried dough soaked in honey syrup, was great. The price is decent and the food is delicious. However, I like the restaurant Raj Darbar a little more.
(3)
Hk K.

Great food and great service..the food tasted fresh...we had Mirchi Pakora, Murgh Makhani (not great shakes, but still good) and Lachcha parantha...and Ras Malai..everything was fresh and yummm..The food is not expensive, quantity is good and the ambience is beautiful!
(3)
PJ K.

Not fantastically expensive by the debauched standards of Streeterville, a nice room atmosphere-wise and (really) there's only so many places to eat Indian downtownish, but I've been pretty consistently disappointed by the quality of the food: dishes which are typically served savory or spicy turn out in the hands of the India Garden cooks to be way too mild and (worse) kind of cloying and sweet. There's nothing wrong or weird about sweetness being an element in, say, a curry dish, but when it dominates all the other flavors, I find myself reaching for the salt and pepper just to introduce some other flavor, ANY other flavor... I keep trying this place, because it's a convenient stop on the way home from work, but I think I've hit my limit. But if you're stuck downtown and you need an Indian fix, my advice is to either stay away from anything in a sauce (I vaguely remember having a decent but not good biryani here once) and order a rice dish or a tandoori entree, or at the very least, try and get your server to throttle back on the sugar and kick up the spice quotient.
(2)
Carolina P.

I go here for the lunch buffet and its always a little bit different. I love it I always get a chance to try new items. I crave this place and for some reason every one that I work with knows when I need the Indian Garden. The service is great and the restaurant is beautiful and spacious.
(4)
Paola A.

we really like this place, a lot of variety..good service!
(4)
Robin L.

Only go here if you want to get sick. My boyfriend and I eat Indian food pretty often. We are by no means experts but we know when food should taste good. We ordered one of the chicken tikka misala and it was vial. The texture and quality of the chicken was some of the worst I've ever had. I actually had to get up from the meal and run to the bathroom because I thought I was going to be sick. When I was in the bathroom my boyfriend told the waiter that the chicken in the dish was not good. He said they only use dark meat chicken. Not that there is anything wrong with dark meat but this chicken just tasted wrong. I hate giving bad reviews but I do not suggest going here. There are much better Indian restaurants in the city.
(1)
Andy O.

We waited for our food for 50 minutes. In the past they gave us some sort of bread with three condiments; not this time. The chicken vindaloo tasted great but there was very little chicken. The lamb in our other dish was full of gristle and fat. the naan and rice were good. We won't be back. There are just too many other good restaurants in the immediate area.
(2)
NAEL K.

i wish they had one good thing to give one more star at least, i know i shouldn't be eating indian food in chicago if i live in san francisco but we had limited choice on christmas day , chicken seemed old masala sauce was watery , lamb curry had little spices , samosas and cashew rolls had an old taste eventhough they were deep fried, service was , our water wasn't so friendly and didn't check on us much , overall bad experience and very very overpriced for the quality of food.... sorryyyyyyyy
(1)
John H.

This is a beautiful place, and that up-scale feel was exactly what my daughter wanted. Perhaps they didn't like us because we looked like three wet cats dragged in out of the rain, but the service was not nearly as attentive as it could have been. We didn't have table settings, and had to steal silverware from the neighboring tables. The food tasted good, though generally too dry (especially the curry) for my taste and what I like to do with it (a dip for the too dry tandoori), and too close to the blandness border. Of course, one of the things we got was the particularly bland item recommended for my daughter but it was too bland even for her 8-year-old palate. Oh well. Also, they were all out of all their imported beers. No Indian beer, no English beer. Felt pangs of melancholy drinking my American beer. Nice nan!
(3)
Katie B.

My husband and I recently visited the Indian Garden and would highly recommend it to anyone who loves Indian food. The service was fantastic, the setting was absolutely beautiful, and it was all around a wonderful experience. Some of their dishes are very spicy but they do warn you. This isn't your average restraunt, it is a true experience. As you walk in it feels as though you have left the urban Chicago setting and are visiting a beatiful exotic location. When our dishes came out one of them was wrong which we didn't know until the waiter approached us and let us know it was a very spicy dish that was not what we ordered but let us keep it and quickly brought out our correct order. We then had a table full of food which made excellent leftovers! I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a fun romantic date spot, a place to entertain out of town guests, or just looking for something different. I hope to return soon!
(5)
Mihir P.

Great lunch buffet. You won't find the Tandoori chicken on the buffet but they'll serve it to you on a sizzling platter at your table. The buffet has a good selection plus some other "off the beaten path" items like the goat curry. I loved the pakoras - so small and crisp that it reminded me of calamari! Naan is also served at your table hot and fresh.
(4)
Annie D.

Wow! What an amazing experience. The food is delicious and they have many vegetarian options. Try the Garlic Naan!
(5)
Eva L.

I honestly have experience a lot better Indian food than what's offered by Indian Garden as lunch buffet on a Friday. The food was generally salty and had very little taste. I absolutely hated how dry the Biryani was and how tasteless most of the curries were. In general Indian food outside of India / Middle East tend to be less flavorful but the food served at Indian Garden was just bland and tasteless. It is only Indian food in name.
(2)
Dan H.

I ate here for lunch buffet as well as dinner. Both are excellent - although the quality of an a la carte dinner was so much better than the buffet. I reserve giving it a 5-star because buffet was not quite 5-star quality - unless it's exceptional to a point that its like the normal high quality restaurant food, I wouldn't give it a 5-star. $13.95 for all you can eat is not shabby. The restaurant entrance can be easy to miss. It's next to Pot Belly's. Go upstairs and you'll find the actual restaurant entrance.
(4)
Sana J.

My friends and i visited Indian Garden last month. It was around 10PM when we decided to go there, which is not really late time for eating and we asked before going that if they were still open. As we entered the restaurant, we were not greeted and the server came immediately to take our orders without giving us any time to decide what we were going to eat. When we told server that we still need time to decide, he gave us a really bad look and left. After a minute, another server came to take our order. He did not write down our orders and brought the cold food of the day. The food was horrible and cold. The servers did not even came one time to our table to ask if we needed something else. All of the servers had a really bad attitude which was humiliating, after all we were not eating there. My friends and I regretted going to this restaurant and for paying so much money for crappy food. One of my friend ended up with food poisoning because of the old food that was served. Another thing, there are so many tables crammed into a small space that you can clearly hear everything from people on the next people. And you feel uncomfortable talking to you friends because you have to speak really loud to communicate. This restaurant really need some organization. I would advise not going to this restaurant because there is nothing good about this restaurant, hosts with bad attitude, uncomfortable environment and bad quality food for really high price.
(1)
Gayatri D.

Their delivery guy always asks my husband for a tip even before he gets a chance to take the food from him. Seriously, what is it with the world thinking Indian people don't tip? Having said that, the food is delicious. We've tried pretty much everything on the menu and special mentions go to the kadhai paneer, veg dum biryani & kashmiri aloo. My husband also loves the seekh kabab and chicken korma. Delivery is free and quick. But as soon as you open the door, remember to say "Yes, I will tip you."
(4)
Jonathan H.

I went last night with 3 other people. The place is nice and the service was good. The samosa's were OK, but the entrÃ©es were fantastic. Everything from the Spinach and Cheese to the Lamb dishes were excellent. I recommend if you're in the river north area.
(5)
Shradha A.

Finally got an opportunity to take advantage of their free home deliver and ordered a naan, dahi, daal banjara and kashmiri naan. The daal banjara gave both of us a mild stomach ache and the kashmiri naan was weird and nothing like it's description on their menu! The delivery happened real quick though and because we still don't trust their billing, we decided to pay in cash upon delivery rather than giving them our credit card over the phone.
(3)
Whitney C.

Living across the street, I've had both take out and eaten at the Indian Garden. Most recently, we went after purchasing a $30 Groupon. The Groupon was essential, being that this place is just too pricey in my opinion. The Chicken Tikka Marsala itself gets 5 stars, but the portion size is just too small, especially for the price. Our server was attentive, but made us feel rushed, especially considering there were plenty of open tables. Maybe he was annoyed that we didn't order any drinks. Lucky for us, living across the street means we can have our glass of wine, hop across the street for dinner, and finish off the bottle when we get home.
(3)
Jeff C.

Just had the buffet here and it was excellent. I am picky with Indian food and just about everything here tasted great. And I loved the hot naan bread they bring to table. Most dished are not very spicy, so if you like your indian food kicked up a notch on the hot scale then this place is not for you. Went at noon and service was quick with no wait to be seated. See thru kitchen windows in front of buffet so you can see true Indian chefs at work.
(4)
Kairo C.

PLEASE READ THE 1-3 star reviews for this place.... there is a pattern of dishonesty and poor service. i wanted to love this place. parking was a pain but when i made my way up the stairs and around the corner i felt great vibes just from walking in the door.... and then Caleb and I sat down and soon after my expectations met reality and it was 180 degrees off from what i predicted. we were going to go somewhere else. he was craving his staple India House. i wanted to try something new. one friend loves this place, another hated. reviews are up and down and mediocre overall. NOW i understand from my own experience this place has the potential to be amazing but the consistency is lacking so badly it just may not bloom into a staple in our indian cuisine rotation. we were welcomed with friendliness and smiles and open arms which promptly disappeared after we flashed a membership card that touts a discount; i donate to an organization that shows me some love for showing some love including a 1 time deal to dine at indian garden and receive $12 off our meal, ANYTIME, excluding buffet - easy being this place is just about as pricey as i've seen indian dining get and we were going for dinner after buffet hours. we had no idea it was restaurant week, but since our order was similar to the prix-fixe mix we asked if we could apply this discount to the fixe-prix offer and our server said, "let me check" and came back a moment later saying "NO" with kid mittens. which we were totally OK with. so we ordered saag paneer to share, rice, keema samosas, naan. (TYPICAL OF US: depending on how filled we felt after splitting first round, we would've either added another entree eventually, or dessert, or a masala coffee.) and after we placed our order the server came back and asked for our membership card and rewards brochure and took it away to be analyzed at the managers conspiracy round table. then the MANAGER came back to dictate to us some FALSE fine print made up on the spot. he said we had to order two entrees to get the discount. the discount clearly states: "ANYTIME, VALUE TO $12; EXCLUDES BUFFET, ONLY ONE MEMBERSHIP CARD MAY BE USED PER TABLE". we were not as irritated about ordering another entree as we were about the dishonoring the discount and about it being the third time returning to our table with some garbage excuse on why. for the first time this year we were a SLIVER away from walking away from this place and going somewhere else. when i offer my charity, i don't tell the receivers that they can only apply my charity if xy+z=a/b-c. indian garden agreed to print their charity in some brochure and now they want to be indian givers about it? we stayed, begrudgingly though at this point. they serve poppadums with tamarind, mint, and apricot chutneys. after about 10 mins apparently the appetizers were ready so the server came to clear our table of the plates and chutneys.... but LEFT THE PLATES teetering on the corner of our table?! WHY?! we felt neglected at this point. then our keema samosas were brought to us. Caleb swallowed his whole within seconds and was ogling mine already. i may eat as slow as a snail, but the waiter snatched my plate while i was in midbite and maybe half finished! they snatched it before Caleb could even attempt to peck at it himself! apparently the entree was ready even though we weren't. we felt devalued at this point. then the saag and mutter paneer dishes were brought out with the rice and naan. together we ate maybe half of the saag and a quarter of the mutter and were full. we really didnt need the second dish. i am 99% sure they used canned peas in their dish - it has a distinct taste i hate. if you are going to call yourself fine indian cuisine please use frozen or fresh! we pecked some more at the saag just to finish it off.... and we agreed, the saag is probably one of the best we've ever had. the mutter however, surprisingly sat in our fridge a few days before we attempted another go at it. i don't care how good a restaurant's food may be - poor service, haggling prices, and ethically challenged principles will keep us from stepping foot in their door again!
(1)
Karen T.

BF and I left my condo around 7pm on a Saturday night looking for a cheap-ish (under $20/person) sit down dinner. This place was one of the few non-pubs around that doesn't require a reservation at this time/day. Yes, IG is average compared to Devon, but it's more affordable than typical streeterville. Split the Chicken Tikka and Mattar Paneer, with a side of basmati rice. Finished it all, no leftovers and really full...but i was really surprised to see the check come to about $20/person, without drinks even. Service was as great as they say though. First-timers: *like a traditional chinese family style dinner, it's best to go with a group, order many dishes and share them. though at a chinese restaurant a giant pot of rice would be $2, and here it was $4. *Anticipate the spice factor. if you are like me and love spicy food, but can't eat a bag of flaming hot cheetos without sweating like you've just run a mile, DON'T come here on a first date. Even the mattar paneer had me dabbing at my forehead by the end of the meal, but luckily BF and I are past that stage where I'd be embarrassed. *Food coma aspect: BF has been passed out cold for the last half hour. it's 10 PM. I'd call this the equivalent of a double cheeseburger and fries from MCD. Don't take your sig. other here if you plan on watching a movie after it; he probably won't make it through the previews. I'll be back when I'm in a group too lazy to drive up to Devon.
(3)
Rachel S.

ADORABLE interior....the ambiance was great. The staff was sweet and attentive! The food was fine. I'm spoiled, since we live near about fifty Indian restaurants so I've had a lot of good Indian food. :) It is definitely worth going to for the ambiance if you're in the area. The salty lassi is fab...as is the paneer pakora. I had the vegetable jalfreizi, which I had out in Evanston at Mt Everest and really preferred the Mt Everest version. But all in all a solid experience.
(3)
Jen B.

Get the paneer mahkani. It never fails to be completely amazeballs. I've stopped trying to order new things and now just get two orders of this because Rick gets pissed when I inevitably go in for a bite of his. It's soooo good. You really don't need anything else.
(5)
Katie S.

Five stars People, yes--F-I-V-E-S-T-A-R-S! A couple of weeks ago my significant others' 17 old brother came into town for the holidays, and we had a lovely time throughout. But, on one particular evening I was struggling for something that would completely impress a 17 year old boy from Oregon that did not involve skateboards, snowboards, video games, or illicit drugs....so I hit up GROUPON! I had a $30 Groupon that I purchased for $15. Love that! Anyhow, I met Mr. Tommy (Significant others' younger brother...) at the Capital Grill where I was predrinking prior to our "date." We walked down to the Indian Garden and were pleasantly surprised with the eclectic decor. It was awesome. If I would have known about their awesome minibar beforehand, I would have met Mr. Tommy there! The entire evening was unforgettable: It was warm, it was cozy, it was sparkly--it was beautiful. The second time I have had Indian cuisine and I know I had the pleasure. Finally, what you would like to know: the service and the food. Having been a server before, and since this was my first Groupon experience, I was expecting some aggravation from the server when I pulled out the Groupon. None whatsoever. He did not bat an eye. I graciously accepted it, pulled out BOTH of our chairs and handed us our menus. At this point, I was reading Gibberish. But, thankfully Mr. Tommy knew exactly what to order. We got the Saag Paneer: a spinach and cottage cheese dish with some kick; Traditional Naan: a thin crispy bread that comes with multiple dipping sauces, that you can order in different flavors; Chicken tandoori: slow roasted, tender chicken, in a spicy, curried, red sauce, and; lamb kifta?: I don't remember the details on this one, although it was spicy...which I love! It was all impeccable! I want to go back! Go, go, go!
(5)
Anna P.

I went here for dinner with the Groupon, and I think I should've done the lunch buffet instead. if anything. Overall, this place is okay... the atmosphere is actually really cool. I lived in India and it felt to me like being transported back there temporarily. the service is also good - we never wanted for water and our waiter was attentive. the food is alright, but not good enough to justify the prices. i had chicken korma, one of my favorite indian dishes, and while the sauce was delicious it was littered with tiny bones and tendons so i had to chew carefully. my dining companion had one of the chicken tikkas, which was good but we had to use my sauce to make up for the dryness. the price was way too high - for two entrees, naan, one beer and one wine the check somehow came to $30 each WITH the groupon. i don't think i'll be going back, though i might be convinced to try the lunch buffet.
(2)
Brent H.

Really enjoy this place, particularly the buffet. Goat curry, check. Proper gulab jamun, check. Honestly, everything has been great and Anu is a sweetheart.
(5)
Meggie O.

4 stars for food; 5 stars for atmosphere/decor; 2 stars for price It's just too expensive. I've been for the lunch buffet, which is scrumptious and has a lot of options, but it's $15 per person without drinks-- a little high for the food quality. And I've been for dinner because I had a Groupon for $30 off...and it was still $20 per person-- three entrees, samosas, and naan, no drinks. Service was also pretty meh. That said, it is absolutely beautiful inside.
(3)
Nancy H.

Look up - the restaurant signs are way above your head because it's located on the 2nd floor of the building. When you first walk in, you are greeted with very bold colors and textures of the bar/waiting area that instantly calms you. I love the fresh rose petals in the large water basin! But then I realized the decor and good service are why the food is so overpriced! It's not that the food wasn't good (it was actually really good), but the portions are surprisingly small. We were a party of 3, and our lunch came to $15-$20/pp for 1 appetizer, naan, and 3 entrees with very meager leftovers to take home. I know we could have finished it all, but we were saving room for dessert somewhere else. They have a lunch buffet, which I might have enjoyed more for only $13/pp. I left without my craving for Indian food satisfied. Looks like I'm going up to Devon soon.
(3)
Jenna O.

Have thoroughly enjoyed eating here with my family, including kids. The buffet was good. Also have gone and ordered a la carte. Good chicken tikka Masala, good mango lassis, curries, naan& tandoori chicken.
(4)
Sonia L.

Meh. I went here with my Indian family, and none of us were impressed by the taste of the food. We are not the spicy food type of people, and this place may cater to that type of people. Anyway, we had a few orders of samosas, something I usually can't get enough of, and they were subpar. We also had some dhai puri chat, which was something no one should ever order. Please, just go to Anapurna if you want some good chat. The vegetarian dishes were not good, and the chicken was WAY TOO SPICY! (Chicken tikka and chicken tikka masala). I do recommend, however, the tandoori shrimp and the lamb kabobs. Both were fantastic, but these were both appetizers. Also, the food was pricey for the taste. On a good note, the host and waiter were both excellent. They were super nice and personable. The manager (hostess) made friends with us, and gave my five year old niece some cute attention. The location and the ambiance inside this restaurant is pretty fun. I love the River North area, and this restaurant fits right in.
(3)
Jennifer Y.

Located on the second floor you definitely wouldn't stumble upon this jewel. Food was really great with, again the lunch buffet being the best option. For $14.95 you get a smattering of favorites...insert your fav indian food here...... Service was attentive. Decor was very rustic and cozy. Will be back.
(4)
Barbara B.

I've come here a few times for the lunch buffet and a few times for dinner. Hands down, the lunch buffet is delicious and a great way to try a lot of things for not too much money. Dinner is a different story. While the flavors are excellent (on most things, stay far far away from the tandoori vegetables however... really oily and tasted terrible), our waiter was kind of rude and pushy. He insisted we get more than the one order of naan and really thought we needed rice. We ended up caving in to get the second order of naan, but said no to the rice. We then had a few other people come by and ask why we didn't want rice. Considering the rice is $4 , that seemed like a good enough reason to me. Also, we didn't eat that second order of naan. And the bill for an appetizer, 2 entrees and 2 orders of naan was like $50 before tax and tip which is a lot if you are poor. But eating the leftovers the next day, I had to admit they were pretty good. So I'll be back, but in awhile, and only for the lunch buffet.
(3)
Gaurang S.

So let me get this out of the way right away. The best Indian food in Chicago is found on Devon st. All the restaurants downtown cater to a more affluent, westernized palate. Read: Expensive fare that isn't necessarily authentically prepared. Notice that I didn't say the dishes aren't authentic. It's just that I can notice the same curry flavor in more than one of these entrees that are supposed to be unique. Having said that though, of the trifecta of Indian restaurants in the near north side (India house, Gaylord, Indian Garden), this is my favorite. I like that it's on the second floor. I like their lunch buffet a lot. I like the seating area and the ambience and the choice of mouth fresheners at the end. But all of that is just wrapping paper around what really matters. The food. Which is really good. They do a great job of representing your spice level choices. And they're really good with suggestions - for a party of eight, you want to experiment sometimes - and they were great at recommending entrees that tasted different. As usual, I always waddle out completely stuffed.
(4)
Sabrina U.

Great food. Wide variety on the menu. ZABIHA halal and delivers to downtown. Had a great experience here. It was not a zoo on Friday night like most restaurants in streeterville. The service was timely and professional and the ambiance was perfect for a nice quiet dinner. It is a bit over priced however, most indian restaurants in the downtown area are pretty overpriced. I will definitely be going back or at least ordering take out.
(4)
KJ E.

In all my travels in search of Indian food, IMO there's is the best. I always order mine to go, so I can't comment on the service. But every time I go to other restaurants, I'm disappointed when their saag doesn't live up to Indian Garden. They've set the bar as far as I'm concerned. Full disclosure, I get the same thing every time so I'm no expert on their menu. But if you're looking for great saag, this is the place to go!
(5)
Patty T.

I was definitely not impressed with Indian Garden. I ordered the Vegetable Curry (which didn't come with rice) and it was extremely bland and a bit watery. My friend ordered the lamb curry dish which was also flavorless. For the price, it was definitely not worth it. I have to admit that the service was really good (quick & friendly staff). But that's not enough to get me to come back. They either need to lower their prices or make better food.
(2)
Nancy H.

I could hardly contain my excitement about this place as I was eating the food. Had to control myself quite a bit, especially after I had my first taste of their SWEET LASSI...I thought for an instant that I was swimming in yogurty goodness. The buffet trumps India House and Chicago House of Curries. I even had a couple things I'd never had before. The decor and the bird's eye view overlooking the street only enhanced the experience. Add some good company and this place has won a place in my heart as THE Indian place to eat in Chicago.
(5)
John S.

The buffet is ok with lots of choices. Some of the items are lukewarm and the rice was a bit crunchy. Not the freshest buffet I've ever had, but great service.
(3)
Don H.

Four stars, in my book, is a review hard to come by. But Indian Garden? Why so? The near-Loop location never fails to deliver a good combination of consistent service, good food and red ambiance. It's the combination that justifies the four stars in my book, otherwise had it been my first time a solid three-star. Of the dozen times imve been, the last two times I have been here were after movies at River East. Even at 10p they were eager to please and the food came out in a timely manner. I really enjoy the papadum and the selection of "dips". And their chai is really delicious. If you come by for lunch, consider the buffet as an option. It's not huge, but the food and variety is quiet good for all types of people.
(4)
Jessica C.

I came to the Indian Garden Restaurant on a Friday night with my boyfriend because we had recently purchased a Groupon. We didn't bother making a reservation because the weather was pretty bad that night and it was also the weekend after New Years - thus I figured most people were still recovering. However, I would recommend making a reservation for any time past 6:30 PM. It got VERY busy after we arrived. The restaurant itself is located on the second floor and it beautifully decorated. We had an order of samosas to start. Then for our main dish we ordered the Gohst Vindaloo with an order of Naan. Fantastic Vindaloo! I like my food really spicy and hot and this dish had the perfect combination. The service was OK. Very reasonable priced for the location. We will definitely be back in the near future.
(4)
Crystal T.

My friends took me here for my birthday after a last minute plan at TGIF back-fired. Thank goodness it did! This restaurant was one of the best Indian places I've been to and to this day, I still think about their warm and tasty naan along with the complimentary ice-cream they served at the end. The atmosphere was very intimate and the service was very accommodating. The curry that I ordered was not disappointing at all and it was perfectly seasoned with good chunks of beef in it. The rice was also very good. Everyone enjoyed the place and I would definitely come back here again.
(4)
Doe L.

It doesn't look like much from the outside but once you walk in, it's beautifully decorated. Theres some strange smells when you walk in ( a combination of the foods and incents) but you get use to it after a bit. I really liked the chicken curry. I like spicy but i can't handle it well so this was a really good mild dish. The chicken was so soft it would just fall apart (in a good way of course) =P. We also wanted a shrimp dish and our waiter recommended something, saying it was the favorite. I can't remember what he said, possibly the shrump bhuna? But it was absolutely delicious. The sauce was spicy, flavorful and just plain good. Throw some samosa and garlic naan in there and we are set! Don't be fooled by the small portions that come out, remember that you also have naan and rice (which you most likely have to order, ask your waiter if it comes with your dish).
(4)
Norris A.

A year ago I would have given an extra star but it seems there is some cost-cutting going on nowadays. I have never set foot inside the restaurant but have sampled their wares often in the past, thanks to my trusty keyboard and the folks at DiningIn.com . The order would usually be in the $80 range: a standing order for Lamb Vindaloo (Indian Hot), Chicken Tikka (or CT Masala), a posse of Papadums and several cubic yards of basmati rice. The papadums would come with huge bowls of blow-your-head-off salad, which would induce coughing, choking, knee-slapping, eye watering and howling- fantastic!! I used to joke that the lamb vindaloo had only the one chunk of potato to qualify the "aloo" part of the name. It was 95% percent a meat dish, in a volcanic lip-smacking sauce and hit the spot. The food was delightful but the service was a crap-shoot. After waiting an hour for delivery we'd find that the papdums were back at the ranch and the meal would have to go cold while we waited for another driver. Sometimes they omitted to pack an entree with the same result. They were forgiven as once all in the same room at the same time the dishes began to dance and sing. Of late the attention to detail hasn't improved and the "aloo" is now the predominant partner as the meat percentage shrinks. I could live with that if it was the same meat as of yore, but when you have six chunks of meat and you find yourself suffering jaw-ache as you chew, and chew and chew and finally spit the thing out in a napkin....it's an appetite killer. Ratio is about 66% ( with 5% margin of error) lamb in the tummy, 33% in the napkin on it's way to the landfill. Some nasty cuts of meat, with sinew, fat, gristle, trying to remain incognito under a tasty thick sauce. We have gone back to Gaylord (which we left when they closed for their move to Walton St) where we pay considerably more but are well rewarded with quality produce.
(2)
Logan R.

Had a reservation for 2 at 7:00. Waited for half an hour and watched 2 groups of 4 get seated before us (one had a reservation, one didn't). We asked the host what the deal was and he said it was easier to seat 4 than 2, then he haggled with us... we left. Why make reservations if you wait for 35 minutes?
(1)
Merrill O.

Decided to hit Indian Garden for this month's Girl's Night dinner, and I'm glad we did! I would say this is my favorite Indian restaurant in Chicago, so far. We had a Mixed Pakora appetizer plate, and shared the Navratan Korma and Baigan Bharta (extra spicy) entrees for our meal. Everything was excellent...thanks to our waitress, Yasmeen, for the fabulous recommendations! In addition, the service was wonderful, and I thought the prices were quite reasonable. (Yes, they do charge extra for rice and naan, as noted in some other reviews, but I don't think that is very unusual for Indian restaurants.) All in all, a wonderful dinner experience, and I will definitely be back! (I'm already craving it again, after only 24 hours!!) Check it out, and while you are there, enjoy a Kingfisher Indian beer with your meal...it's quite tasty! Oh, and be aware the restaurant is on the 2nd floor...easy to miss the entrance if you aren't watching closely.
(4)
Dan J.

"Culinary Nirvana" To enter India Garden you go up some stairs that look like you are going to an insurance company not Culinary Nirvana, but when you arrive you find a very nicely decorated space over looking E. Ontario Street. There are floating rose pedals in brass bowls and Indian cloth hanging from the walls. We visited on the weekend at lunch time the buffet was being served for $11.95. When we arrived at the table we were happily greeted with a sizzling dish of fried onions and tandoor chicken. The buffet line was filled with treats from mixed vegetables to daal to a mushroom and chicken dish. Everything was cooked to perfection. If I lived in Chicago this would surely be a favorite place to visit. Rating: **** Service: impeccable
(5)
Kristin J.

Easy to miss being that its on the 2nd floor and doesn't have the most obvious signage, but definitely worth seeking out. The food is phenomenal, the prices reasonable and the portion sizes are generous. Nothing I've had here to date has been a disappointment. On top of that, the atmosphere is great and the staff are pleasant. Definitely a must-try place if you like Indian food.
(4)
Lauren K.

I came here for Restaurant Week '10. For a restaurant week menu, we ate like kings. TONS of food. Not just appetizer/main/dessert, but we also had a rice dish AND naan to chose (we each got to pick our own) and after dessert they sent us home with full size mango lassi (it was like a smoothie). We each have, easily, left overs for 2 more meals. And how much do we love a menu that is divided by Vegetarian/Non Vegetarian? So much. Our waitress was very nice and accommodating. We also got a couple visits from what looked like the manager and perhaps his wife. Also very nice people. I felt like I was eating with family.
(5)
ro k.

Consistently has a great buffet. I've visited on weekdays and weekends and have never been disappointed. The veg/non-veg are on different tables and there are always multiple options, all super yummy. The staff is nice and I like the decor. Water is refilled as often as you need it to be.
(5)

Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.

Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.

Address : 247 E Ontario St,Ste 2
Chicago, IL, 60611
Phone (312) 280-4910
Website https://indiangardenchicago.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 3:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

Claim Restaurant

WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES

Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online

Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.

Search Your Favourite Restaurants.

The Indian Garden

247 E Ontario St,Ste 2, Chicago, IL, 60611

The Indian Garden Menu

Appetizer

Non-veg Appetizer

Shorbe (soup)

Basmati Rice Specialties

Tandoor Specialties - Seafood

Chicken Specialties

Vegetable Specialties

Tandoor Specialties - Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for The Indian Garden

Appetizer

Non-veg Appetizer

Shorbe (soup)

Basmati Rice Specialties

Tandoor Specialties - Seafood

Chicken Specialties

Vegetable Specialties

Tandoor Specialties - Desserts

Joseph B.

Ermelinda C.

Edwin Q.

Sonali K.

Jai R.

Chris W.

Mary M.

Shelly M.

Marie K.

Craig R.

Varsha M.

Erin M.

Kevin W.

Kim J.

An P.

Melissa M.

Lyndsey M.

T P.

Kelly S.

Rajan L.

David W.

Jessica D.

Diana T.

Todd C.

Johnny A.

Andrea G.

Jennifer E.

Richard C.

Ariana N.

Gerry A.

Div M.

Amanda Z.

Jarede S.

Cam F.

Springheeled J.

Arun R.

Robin W.

Sara B.

Justin B.

Jef B.

Adjoa T.

Janet I.

Ryan B.

Mrs. F.

Tera H.

Chad C.

Meridith H.

eileen b.

Reese F.

Tatyana Z.

tatiana c.

Nastassia J.

Amanda A.

Sonal R.

Y C.

Jonny P.

Rachael S.

Danette M.

Amy K.