Indian Garden Restaurant image

Indian Garden Restaurant

Restaurant Bar Seafood restaurant Vegetarian restaurant Indian restaurant Halal restaurant

One of the Most Reviewed Vegetarian restaurants in Chicago


Address

247 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

Website

www.indiangardenchicago.com

Contact

+1 312-280-4910

Price rating

$$ $$

Rating on Google Maps

4.00 (3K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Indian (33) good (23) buffet (18) service (16) staff (15) restaurant (12) time (11) chicken (11) dishes (10) experience (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Charmy M. 1 year ago on Google
    Stopped by here for their Mother's Day buffet and was a bit disappointed. The ambience and decor was pretty and inviting, however, the food can definitely be better especially for the prices that they charge. The restaurant was pretty clean and cozy, but the service was okay. We had asked for more Naan twice and by the time they actually brought some we were pretty much done with our lunch. The mango lassi we ordered was salty and the masala chai was too watery. I liked how they had a live Pani Puri counter though. They only had two appetizers and one sweet dish. Expected more from a $30 buffet. Probably won't be returning.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Vipasha V. 2 years ago on Google
    Very cozy and welcoming ambience, a very traditional Indian vibe. However, the food was okay, I have had more amazing food before. We ordered “dahi bhalla” which turned out to be dahi bade 🙄 and for a north Indian like me, we’re particular about our “bhallas”. Moreover, the badas were hard and not so tasty. Boti kabab was good. Not a fan of their chicken tikka masala though. Aloo tikki is good. 👍🏻 Kashmiri naan - again not something I would recommend. It’s definitely not authentic. Salted Lassi was good. Overall, not worth the high prices they charge for their food. Location and ambience otherwise kinda justifies the high rates.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sven T. 8 months ago on Google • 263 reviews
    Wonderful, authentic Indian food with a home cooked feel and flavour to it. A little hard to find - it’s upstairs on the 2nd floor and not well signposted. The decor & atmosphere is lovely and the service was good & prompt. The restaurant filled up quickly, and reservations are required even on a weeknight. I’ll definitely be back.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 A B. 7 months ago on Google • 455 reviews
    Very good food as Indian restaurants standards go. A good sunday buffet with many dishes, both vegetarian and non veg. The service was absolutely amazing and the waiters extremely courteous. Definitely check it out!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brenda V. 8 months ago on Google • 118 reviews
    Good variety. Delicious food. Nice music. Beautiful decor. Friendly staff. I felt $23 was very reasonable. In the Detroit area we pay $20 per plate for buffet. The only thing we noticed was that there are several steep stairs with no visible elevator. However, the owner says there IS an elevator available upon request.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Paul C. 2 years ago on Google
    I wish I could take back my time and money from this place. Only reason it’s getting two stars from is due to the very nice and friendly female hostess they had working the front. Otherwise it’s def a zero. The vibe and decor in this place is very nice. It looks like a nice Indian restaurant but the food doesn’t even come close to being good. All three dishes tasted the same and were not good. Butter chicken just tasted like tomato paste from a can. Our server was hands down the worst server I’ve ever had. He was extremely rude and looked like he hated his job. No hello, no hi, no smile. Walked up our table and legit said “ you want something”…. Not the best way to ask a customer if they would like to order anything. After he took the order he asked what spice level we wanted and when I tried to ask him, he informed me it’s all the same. He also told us he’ll come back around to see if we wanted to order more naan bread but he never came back after we received our order. Not even to ask how it was or if we wanted to order more naan or another drink etc. We didn’t finish our food and just left disappointed.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Parwinder T. 2 years ago on Google
    The Indian food here is terrible and overpriced. It lacks authentic flavour and is extremely overpriced for what you get. If you are looking to try Indian food in Chicago this is NOT the spot to do it at. The samosa was over fried and burnt and the palak paneer and butter chicken was hard to chew. The portions were extremely small but it ended up being the only positive thing about this experience since there was less waste to throw in the trash.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jasmine K. 8 months ago on Google
    Been meaning to come here for a while and wish I tried it out sooner! Coming from Malaysia, I’ve been spoiled with really good Indian food and this place doesn’t disappoint! We ordered the Butter Chicken, Bhuna Lamb, Bagara Eggplant, and the Fish Tikka Masala. All four absolutely excellent with so much flavour and spices. Their spiciness levels were also just perfect! Will continuous be coming back here!
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sampurna d. 2 years ago on Google
    Had wonderful experience… lovely food… excellent service…special mention for Abhi… guys if you want authentic Indian food… this restaurant is a must try in Chicago.. just loved it🙂🙂🙂
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dave S. 8 months ago on Google
    I recently had the pleasure of dining at Indian Garden, and I must say, it was an exceptional experience that deserves nothing less than a five-star rating. From the moment I stepped foot into the restaurant, I was greeted with warm hospitality and a vibrant ambiance that truly reflected the rich Indian culture. The menu at Indian Garden is a culinary masterpiece, offering a wide array of authentic Indian dishes that cater to all taste preferences. Whether you're a fan of spicy curries, aromatic biryanis, or flavorful vegetarian options, this restaurant has it all. Each dish is meticulously prepared with fresh ingredients and an exquisite blend of spices, resulting in a burst of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. The service at Indian Garden is impeccable. The staff is attentive, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist with any dietary restrictions or preferences. They go above and beyond to ensure that every guest feels welcomed and satisfied throughout their dining experience. The waitstaff is prompt, ensuring that your orders are served in a timely manner without compromising on quality. The ambiance of Indian Garden is simply enchanting. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with traditional Indian elements, creating an inviting and cozy atmosphere. Whether you're dining with friends, family, or even for a romantic evening, Indian Garden provides the perfect setting for any occasion. What truly sets Indian Garden apart is their commitment to excellence. The attention to detail in every aspect, from the presentation of the dishes to the overall dining experience, is truly commendable. It is evident that the chefs and staff take great pride in their work, and their passion shines through in every bite. In conclusion, Indian Garden is a hidden gem that offers an unforgettable dining experience. With its delectable cuisine, impeccable service, and captivating ambiance, it is undoubtedly deserving of a five-star rating. Whether you're a fan of Indian cuisine or looking to explore new flavors, I highly recommend visiting Indian Garden for a culinary journey that will leave you craving for more.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Talha Masood K. 3 months ago on Google • 128 reviews New
    This is the best desi and authentic food in Chicago, and that too in downtown. Loved the ambiance, and the staff was so helpful and recommended dishes that matched our tastes. They serve zabiha halal food that made it an amazing choice for our multicultural party.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mutaz AL D. 3 months ago on Google • 213 reviews New
    I can give 4 stars ⭐️ for the food and the service. Other restaurants in Chicago met my expectations of the Indian cuisine. However, the lamb biryani was well cooked and prepared but still some final taste of Indian food is missing. The staff are friendly and do their best to satisfy the customers, but still a smiley face is missing. The atmosphere was amazing with the beautiful decorations and lighting.

  • 5/5 Diana Grossman Tantra B. 2 years ago on Google
    First time here and will be visiting again soon! I felt like traditional vegetarian cooking this evening and found this lovely Indian restaurant by accident. When I entered here I was awestruck with what a large and extravagant space they offer for fine dining. Everyone here is dressed casually though and the staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. I chose a delicious vegan dish Chana Masala which I always love whenever I go out for Indian cuisine because I love chickpeas. The dish comes with white rice and fried lentil pappadam is offered before your meal. I love Lassi so I had to pick the refreshing mango Lassi 🥭 beverage that tastes like a shake and homemade Naan bread 🍞 to accompany my meal. The portions are extremely generous so I advise splitting a dish with a friend. I have leftovers of this meal for tomorrow night's dinner 🍽 as I'm writing ✍ this review. There are so many options here whether you're vegan, vegetarian or an omnivore. You will never get bored or run out of options because the menu here is long and diverse. Least I forget I also enjoyed a homemade mango 🥭 ice cream 🍦 at the end of my lavish meal. I highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who appreciates traditional Indian cuisine in a lavish, artistic setting. I can't wait to return here soon and try something different for the next time 🐈
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nish S. 2 years ago on Google
    When we recently visited the restaurant, they only had lunch buffet option. We were very hungry and had already paid for car parking so we went for the buffet. Their buffet did not have a huge variety but they were enough # of dishes with vegetarian and meat options. All of the preparations were fresh and tasty. The curry based dishes were nice and rich, spice level was very good (north Indian spicy). I would highly recommend dining at this restaurant.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Sai C. 10 months ago on Google
    I was very much overwhelmed with the ambience in the beginning. But I should say, the service and the food was really bad. It started with serving staff starting at us and they kept looking at us like as if we were not meant to be here. The serving lady and the guy kept on asking my wife even when she was having the food if they could remove the plate. Very indecent behavior from the staff. I thought May be we were there at the closing time but the closing time was almost 1 hour more. Food: the Kebabs were good, but any indo Chinese is just below average and the Biryani was not cooked properly. We left the entire biryani as is.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 MEHAR A. 7 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    It's a delightful Indian place near the riverwalk. Everything from samosas to biryani, white butter chicken, and bbq was extremely delicious. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Had a hearty dinner and quality time. It's a good location for a halal restaurant if u are in downtown. The pricing was also OK, not too expensive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Vijay T. 7 months ago on Google
    It’s located on 2nd floor with no public escalator or elevator. If you call the hotel or notify the staff they will help you access the service elevator. The quality and quantity of food is unexpectedly good. Very helpful staff, good food and amazing ambiance. Dinner for two cost $70 inclusive of taxes and tips. It’s 15 minutes walk from Navy Pier and Starbucks Roastery.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vipul D. 7 months ago on Google
    Nice ambiance with friendly staff and service. Complimentary Papad and Chutney are nice touch. Good was tasty and above average. Tried Paneer ke Sholey, Masala Papapd and Vegan Thali. Thali had Bhindi Masala, Dal Tadka and Aloo Gobi with Roti, Rice and Pickle. It was satisfying and good quantity. Taste was authentic and enjoying. Could have been one notch better in taste. A
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Vishnu p. 2 years ago on Google
    Place is very well decorated, definite indian vibe! Service was great, our waiter offered us apps on the house! The only thing was food was a little on the bland side. Will give it another try soon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Chintan P. 1 year ago on Google
    The food doesn't even taste as good for the price and amount of food they gave. Like literally, we spent $150 here for the amount of food I would only pay $90. The photos that I have added here are some of the items we bought, each items costs about $18 - $20. The $18 tandoori chicken we got only had 2 pieces like what.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chandana R. 1 year ago on Google
    Had really nice ambience. Delicious and yummy food. We got the bread basket, methi curry and baingan bartha. Loved every bite. Please check it out if you’re in the area!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Sunil M. 1 year ago on Google
    We went there for dinner. We missed it on the first go as signs were not obvious, but we eventually made it. Food was good and service was great. They have good selection of drinks.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Ajimon T. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here as part of a work lunch event. Had the buffet. The food was really tasty, dont get me wrong. Enjoyed everything. Decent drink menu as well. Only a 3 star review because 1) Not a lot of food options for a buffet. For example, just 1 desert option. 2) Kept asking for Naan, and nobody was paying attention. It took forever to get some, and by that time most of my colleagues had finished eating. 3) For some reason the lights are hanging where people walk. We had some friends hit their head on them. I would go back though.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Will C. 2 years ago on Google
    On a whim decided to order take out from here and WOW! So glad I did. Food was hot and flavorful and portion size was on point. Kinda wish I dinner in as the place looked really cool, will definitely be back
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Arvind E. 1 year ago on Google
    The buffet here has always been great! They have a perfect mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian food including chicken, goat, and seafood. The buffet on Friday has a special biriyani which is nothing less than scrumptious! I wish they have biriyani in their weekend buffets too.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Rohan S. 2 years ago on Google
    Food is decent here and service is not that bad. I went there for lunch on Sunday and it’s like 30-40 mins before closing so they were rushing us to get the food . They only had buffet and food was good . I might try again when I have more time to spend there .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ronak C. 5 months ago on Google • 84 reviews
    We came here for dinner, food was good. Though service could have been better considering price and location. Also the table for 2 persons is small which makes it difficult to make room for dishes and serving food.

  • 2/5 Debajit D. 4 months ago on Google • 58 reviews
    Disappointed with the buffet menu. The tandoori chicken was dry, cold and hard. It didn't taste fresh. The butter chicken actually felt like chicken in tomato sauce. North Indian dishes are full of flavors but I don't believe it did justice to North Indian cuisine. My recommendation would be just have two to three items in buffet but prepare it in a way that it tastes like authentic North Indian dish. I am not coming back for sure.

  • 5/5 qyb b. 5 months ago on Google • 8 reviews
    I have came here since 1999. I knew the staff and owner. I ordered the veggie thali. My friend order the curry goat, Mattar paneer, samosa punjabi, cheesy garlic Naan bread. Alway delicious and fast service. Beautiful environment and great staff. Til next time. . . Sunday buffet.

  • 1/5 suhail v. 2 years ago on Google
    Reached there at 2:42 pm for the express lunch which was mentioned $20 for the non-veg in their brochure and almost half the food was over like rice and desserts by the time I reached there …and at 2:59pm sharp they just cleared off everything in the table.. saying it’s untill 3pm So I didn’t get anything much to eat and charged me $23 plus tax, which was $25.65.

  • 5/5 Suzanne M. 2 years ago on Google
    EXCELLENT!!! The food was sooooo good! We ordered the House Special Veg Thali (pictured), Bhuna Shrimp, Mughali Boti Kabob (Lamb) Masala – AMAZING! On top of that the service is EXCELLENT! They were so sweet too! Thank you Aditya & Shrinivas!!! Outstanding! Will be coming back )

  • 4/5 Khiran K. 2 years ago on Google
    The food was really tasty and loved their goat biriyani. Heard about their lunch buffet and visited the buffet too the next day, everything was good but felt like the number of dishes were less for the price quoted. Overall experience: **** (4 Stars) 🙂😜

  • 5/5 San 2 years ago on Google
    Great atmosphere and cozy decor. Out server Anil went above and beyond to take care of our party of 20 plus. My goat curry was delicious as Anil Recommended.

  • 5/5 Imtiaz Hussain H. 6 months ago on Google
    Indian Garden Restaurant in Chicago downtown offers a delightful dining experience. The ambiance is pleasant and inviting, and the food is both delicious and satisfying. The staff is attentive and provides excellent service. I highly recommend trying their flavorful Mutton Biryani and ending your meal with the delectable Ghulab Jamun. A must-visit for anyone looking for authentic Indian cuisine in Chicago

  • 3/5 Bin K. 1 year ago on Google
    The experience was ok. Had samosa with lamb and tandoori chicken. Samosas we're good but the chicken was too dry. The waitstaff experience needs to improve. I didn't feel all that welcome as a customer and my main course was served as soon as my appetizer arrived.

  • 5/5 Bri B. 3 months ago on Google • 2 reviews New
    Manasa and Jivan were amazing servers and bartenders. The food was so elegant, so beautiful, just looking like a wow, and the drinks were delicious and strong. Great buffet! Rila was also amazing! So kind and she taught me Nepali!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍


Call +1 312-280-4910 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Parking
    • ✓️ Paid parking lot
    • ✓️ Paid street parking
    • ✓️ Difficult to find a space
    • ✓️ Paid multi-storey car park
  • Payments
    • ✓️ Debit cards
    • ✓️ Credit cards
    • ✓️ NFC mobile payments
  • Offerings
    • ✓️ Beer
    • ✓️ Wine
    • ✓️ Coffee
    • ✓️ Alcohol
    • ✓️ Spirits
    • ✓️ Cocktails
    • ✓️ Halal food
    • ✓️ Comfort food
    • ✓️ Small plates
    • ✓️ Vegan options
    • ✓️ All you can eat
    • ✓️ Healthy options
    • ✓️ Vegetarian options
  • Popular for
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible seating
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Dining options
    • ✓️ Lunch
    • ✓️ Brunch
    • ✓️ Dinner
    • ✓️ Dessert
    • ✓️ Seating
    • ✓️ Catering
  • Service options
    • ✓️ Dine-in
    • ✓️ Delivery
    • ✓️ Takeaway
    • ✓️ No-contact delivery
  • From the business
    • ✓️ Identifies as women-owned

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