I used to get take out from essence somewhat weekly. I love the food so much. However, they have raised the prices so much that it’s not worth $22+ for a small order of Tikka Masala with barely any chicken (doesn’t come with rice). I’ve switched to another local Indian restaurant that is equally as good in quality/taste and $5-6 cheaper and comes with a side of rice. My close friends are also devastated about this. In November 2024 it was $17.95, in January 2025 it was $19.15, and now the same dish is $22.99.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Garlic Naan, Murg Tikka
Pavan Kumar
Small and Nice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nicky Sunshine
worst indian food i’ve had, asked for it super spicy too and gave me mild like whatttt don’t hold me back let me burn my tounge off lol if you’ve had genuine indian food you’ll be disappointed :D it’s okay tho maybe just not for me
Chelsea Medina
Came around 8:30pm with some friends. This was our first time here and it did not disappoint. The food was amazing and the staff were lovely. We felt a bit bad because we came an hour before closing but the staff reassured us to not worry, told us not to rush and enjoy our meal. We definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yassine06 DZ
bad restaurant
diane simpson
Went for brunch 1 week last Sunday the food was amazing. The service was out standing cocktail were good even ordered a takeout dish. I wish they had lunch hours during the week. Will definitely return.
The Essence of India serves amazing food! I love this restaurant, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. We usually order vegetable biryani, vegetable korma curry, garlic naan, and samosas—everything is always delicious. The wine selection is good too. The owner is very welcoming, and the staff is friendly as well. Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
mary osowski
We came here on a whim last Saturday and we're pleasantly surprised overall. The food was delicious, the drinks were tasty and the service was great. Our waiter was warm and friendly. We ordered a veggie sampler for the table and I had ordered the shahi paneer for myself with garlic Naan and a mango lassi. It was all very good! We've been back twice in under a week 😋 I definitely recommend and their mild option is perfect for those that can't handle spice, like myself.
been there for the first time and found it excellent! friendly staff and nice ambiance. will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joey Clyburn
Called in a pick up order, they told me 20 minutes. Got there 30 minutes after I called and waited there almost another hour. Slow slow slow service, Persis Grill is better anyway.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
Andy McClurg
The spiciness of the lentils is no joke, not too overwhelming in taste, but the temperature was scalding hot and I was in a hurry, so it wasn't the best circumstance for me. It's refreshing to be able to talk at conversational volume without accounting for bad acoustics or blaring music. Give it a try! Great accompaniment to the Davis Theatre.
I used to get take out from essence somewhat weekly. I love the food so much. However, they have raised the prices so much that it’s not worth $22+ for a small order of Tikka Masala with barely any chicken (doesn’t come with rice). I’ve switched to another local Indian restaurant that is equally as good in quality/taste and $5-6 cheaper and comes with a side of rice. My close friends are also devastated about this. In November 2024 it was $17.95, in January 2025 it was $19.15, and now the same dish is $22.99.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Garlic Naan, Murg Tikka
Small and Nice
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
worst indian food i’ve had, asked for it super spicy too and gave me mild like whatttt don’t hold me back let me burn my tounge off lol
if you’ve had genuine indian food you’ll be disappointed :D it’s okay tho maybe just not for me
Came around 8:30pm with some friends. This was our first time here and it did not disappoint. The food was amazing and the staff were lovely. We felt a bit bad because we came an hour before closing but the staff reassured us to not worry, told us not to rush and enjoy our meal. We definitely will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
bad restaurant
Went for brunch 1 week last Sunday the food was amazing. The service was out standing cocktail were good even ordered a takeout dish. I wish they had lunch hours during the week. Will definitely return.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Garlic Naan, Samosa, Basmati Rice, Chicken Biryani
Everyone is so nice! Whether we dine in or get take out, it’s always hot and delicious.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Vegetable Samosas, Chicken Shahi Korma, Basmati Rice, Chicken Vindaloo
Service was perfect! And the food will definitely have me back soon! The interior design and music made for a well-rounded experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
They charge you for rice and even the bread. Small portions too.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
If you know what indian food tastes like, dont go here. Had the paneer khurchan and it was the worst tasting dish ever. They added so much color to it
Restaurantji Recommends
The Essence of India serves amazing food!
I love this restaurant, and in my opinion, it’s one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago. We usually order vegetable biryani, vegetable korma curry, garlic naan, and samosas—everything is always delicious. The wine selection is good too. The owner is very welcoming, and the staff is friendly as well.
Highly recommended!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came here on a whim last Saturday and we're pleasantly surprised overall. The food was delicious, the drinks were tasty and the service was great. Our waiter was warm and friendly. We ordered a veggie sampler for the table and I had ordered the shahi paneer for myself with garlic Naan and a mango lassi. It was all very good! We've been back twice in under a week 😋 I definitely recommend and their mild option is perfect for those that can't handle spice, like myself.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Garlic Naan, Shahi Paneer, Vegetable Samosas
been there for the first time and found it excellent! friendly staff and nice ambiance. will be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Called in a pick up order, they told me 20 minutes. Got there 30 minutes after I called and waited there almost another hour. Slow slow slow service, Persis Grill is better anyway.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 3
Service: 1
The spiciness of the lentils is no joke, not too overwhelming in taste, but the temperature was scalding hot and I was in a hurry, so it wasn't the best circumstance for me. It's refreshing to be able to talk at conversational volume without accounting for bad acoustics or blaring music. Give it a try! Great accompaniment to the Davis Theatre.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
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