Essence of India

Phenomenal service, great food and great location. Very fair prices and good bar selection. Will be returning!

We absolutely adore Essence of India- especially during these COVID times! Tonight’s dinner (butter chicken, tikka masala, garlic naan, and rice) was just delicious. Perfectly spiced, delivered early; we really couldn’t ask for more- especially for delivery. Meant to get a before photo but we couldn’t stop ourselves from diving in!

Loved it! Great ambience! Good food and service with decent prices! This is easily one of the finest Indian restaurants in the Chicago suburbs. The food and the service both are of the highest quality. Would highly recommend this place for a fine dining experience!

Delicious. Truly the best Indian food I’ve had in years.

A tasty little spot close to home. Great food at a decent price. Service was excellent!

Excellent food served so very quickly! Our waiter had spot on recommendations, my husband enjoyed the chicken Tikka masala and a mango lassi while I had saffron rice. So yummy! And so generous with their portions! If we are ever in the area again we'll definitely come back, highly recommend!!!

This was one of our favorite take out spots when we lived in the city. We still go even though we loved to the burbs. The Chicken Shahi Korma (medium) is hands down our favorite. Everyone there is always kind as well.

Really great curry. Wife and I moved to Chicago from the UK 9 months ago and had been craving British tasting curry after some disappointing us style attempts (sorry Americans) . This really hit the spot and tasted a lot like home. Super impressed!

My wife and I stopped in here for lunch recently; we are big fans of Indian cuisine. We both ended up getting vegetarian (nearly vegan; neither had cheese) curries because we wanted something lighter, and both agreed that they were possibly the best vegetable curries we ever had. (smoked eggplant for me, peas/mushrooms for her) The spice balance was just perfect and the ingredients were clearly of high quality. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are a good size- a filling lunch but not overly so. I would highly recommend this place, and it's VERY friendly to gluten-free diets.

service was quick, food was amazing! I will definitely be back :)

It's important to note that when you do an online review, you should probably have gone two or three times. Don't base it off one experience. The first few times I went here the customer service was really off. Not sure, maybe the server was having a bad series of days. It happens. Anyways, the food was great so I kept coming and now they're very kind and they have hands down the best Indian food. Even the Indian food district here in Chicago up on Devon is only just as good, or not even up to par. I come here all the time. Every week. Essence of India bus staff is truly amazing I might add. They're always so accommodating and helpful. Also, this place is terrific at getting food out quickly even on a busy night and also making reservations was very easy.

Walked past this place literally a hundred times and never stopped in. Today as I drove past we stopped for dinner and I am so happy we did. The lamb biryani was some of the best I’ve had, the garlic naan was thick and moist, and the spice built up as I ate, but wasn’t over powering. They also do takeout so that’s an option we’ll be trying next. Their service was fast, professional, and friendly. We’ll be making Essence of India a regular in our meal rotation.

The food was amazing! The butter chicken was so flavorful and the chicken was really tender, the naan was delicious, and the saffron rice was paired really well with everything. The staff is super nice too and the food came out very quickly! 10/10 would recommend!

Amazing food and helpful friendly staff, will definitely go again. It's probably the best Indian food I have had in Chicago so far. I do wish the portions were slightly bigger, but it is super tasty.

SUPER yummy food with interesting spices and a friendly staff make this a terrific place to go for Indian food. We had a wide variety of dishes (curry to stuffed naan), and each thing had its own unique flair and flavor. The atmosphere is pleasantly low-key with a staff that catered to our needs and was very helpful. If you're looking for a first-time Indian experience or are a repeat offender, this place can't go wrong!

This has been a go-to spot since 2009 - it's the kind of spot you hope for in your neighborhood! The food is always delicious and the atmosphere is always warm and inviting, and they're very accommodating of dietary preferences and restrictions (our family needs to accommodate GF, vegan, and a tree nut allergy). Our favorites are the papadum (with chutneys), samosas, garlic naan, channa masala, saag aloo, dal makhani, butter chicken, murg tikka masala, rogan josh, tandoori chicken, and raita. We usually lean toward lamb, chicken, and vegetable dishes, but friends have gotten seafood dishes and liked them, as well. My only complaint is that the online menu on their main website page can be a little hard to read since the page moves back and forth on its own while you're trying to read the menu, but it's a small complaint - if you click "order online", that menu is fine.

We really enjoyed dinner here and thought everything was delicious! I'd recommend staying away from the Indian wine and seafood dishes however. The shrimp just didn't seem to pair well with the type of sauce we got. I think chicken and lamb are better options.

We got food from "Essence of India" for my daughter's birthday and we got great feedback about the food. We were treated really well and the owner helped us with the estimate of food for the number of people, suggested better dishes and made sure the food was delivered hot, packed well and on time. Definitely recommend for great Indian food when you are in this neighborhood. Madras Chicken curry was delicious, naans are soft and tasty and Mango lassi was yummy. Thank You Mr. Satya and staff!

Service was perfect! And the food will definitely have me back soon! The interior design and music made for a well-rounded experience.

Great place for Indian food. The restaurant is small but never had to wait for a table the many times I have been. I ordered the Lamb Vindaloo and Naan Bread. Food was served quickly and was delicious. Great vibe to the place as well.

Essence of India is the hidden gem I’ve been searching for! 🌟 After struggling to find good Indian food nearby, I’m so glad I gave this spot a try. The food is flavorful and satisfying—definitely worth the visit! 🍛👌 The atmosphere is always calm and quiet, making it a great place to relax and enjoy your meal. While I do wish rice came included with the dishes (a small extra charge), it’s a minor thing compared to the overall quality of the experience. If you’re on the hunt for a dependable Indian food spot, look no further. Highly recommend giving them a try—I know I’ll be back! 🙌✨

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.

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.

Not only is the food wonderful, but they are so friendly. They treat you like family.

My kids took me here for my birthday dinner and the food was wonderful. We had a large party with everyone ordering something different. No on e had any complaints.The tandoori chicken was as good as I remember in Jaipur. We'll definitely go back.

I'm ashamed to admit it, but in all of my sixty-plus-years living in Chicago, I have never tried Indian cuisine. I know...it's strange. It's not that I don't have an educated palate, it's just that it never crossed my radar --- until yesterday. A good friend of mine had been to Essence of India on many occasions, and she just presumed I tried Indian cuisine at some point in my life, but it was never the case. We were going to see a movie at the Davis Theater, which happens to be across the street from the restaurant, and she suggested we go to Essence of India before the film. She told me this is her favorite Indian restaurant, and I eagerly complied. Walking in, I was struck at how elegant and beautiful is the restaurant interior. Gorgeous Indian paintings and fabric art line the walls, and the space itself is warm, intimate and inviting. It's not too large and is ideal for a date night, a casual get-together or those looking to celebrate a special occasion. I was immediately greeted by our phenomenal host, Satya, who also took our order. I mentioned to her this was my first venture into the wonderful world of Indian cuisine, and she was elated that we selected her restaurant as my first experience. I must admit, I was completely won over by the magnificent service and amazing food. Satya was so genuine and kind in offering her suggestions knowing this was my first go-round, and I knew right away she would not steer me wrong. My guest and I started with the vegetable samosas which are two delicately fried pastries stuffed with potatoes and green peas. Airy and brimming with flavor, this appetizer was a perfect dining overture. It was accompanied by a stunning duo of mint and sweet sauces which enriched the already winning pastries. We both enjoyed a smooth masala tea which is a version of chai and was quite comforting on the cold night we arrived. For our main course, I had the jaw-dropping lamb vindaloo which is a spicy combination of rich, beautifully marinated lamb perfectly cooked in a robust, hearty sauce highlighted with potatoes, fresh herbs, vinegar and spices. The deep, complex flavors within this dish was something to relish, and my taste buds were on maximum overdrive. Absolutely astonishing! I also ordered a plate of perfectly cooked basmati rice and fell in love with their butter naan. I never tried naan before and found it to be a more delicate, tastier version of pita. Incredible. My friend had chicken tandoori which she kindly allowed me to sample. Basking in a glorious spice rub, the chicken was perfectly cooked and yet another supreme winner. We finished with a lovely rice pudding which is not as thick as the usual pudding I am accustomed to but was a star in its own right that capped off an unbelievably memorable dinner. The service at Essence of India is top-tier and of a superior level found at upscale restaurants. The two gentlemen who were also part of the staff were so attentive, personable and professional. I again find it necessary to compliment Satya for her exemplary service and kindness. My guest and I were not rushed, and Satya came by a few times to see how I liked my selections. She was genuinely concerned that my first experience in the world of Indian cuisine was a happy and fulfilling one, and I cannot thank her enough for making me fall in love with it. I can now add Indian cuisine to my preferred dining repertoire thanks to the impeccable Essence of India.

Quite literally our favorite Indian place and we live by Wisconsin. We happily make the drive for this place. The murg tikka masala, Rogan Josh, garlic naan, and veggie rice are our go to meals.

We went on a Friday. Disappointed with having to sit inside due to missing staff and no tandoori options. Still, the dishes we had were great. Spice levels are authentic - even for someone of Indian decent so spicy is spicy! The channa Masala lived up to its name, lentils were great and the bhindi tasted good. We had naans and puris which were good as was the paneer pakora. Interesting drink choices also and service was good. I might upgrade the rating if I can get the fuller experience once all the staff are there.

The food was decent but it could be better and more authentic.

Food tasted great! I thought it was still spicy, although we ordered medium spicy. Fair warning if you enjoy that spice in food or not. Overall, great atmosphere and service. They were pretty busy for a Sunday. Great for groups!

Definitely towards the bottom of the value scale, food was pretty expensive. Dinner for two with no alcohol (2 entrees, rice and naan) came out to 66 dollars. Food was good, definitely recommend not getting the lowest spice option as however they make them kills the flavor of the dish.

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 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 didn't like the taste honestly. I ordered chicken shahi korma and it was sour. The murg lajwab was also not the best I have had. I have eaten both this items in other indian restaurant and they are better than these. The delivery was late too. Maybe it was not their signature item I don't know.

Poor food quality, the tandoori assortment platter was the most disgusting thing ever made. Saag chaman was tasty, butter chicken was just ok but with a lot of food coloring. I would try a different restaurant for Indian food.

We had it delivered and the fried items were mushy and soft and nothing had much flavor compared to the Indian food I’m used to. What a waste of $100

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

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

Legitimately confused by the great reviews here. This was not good. At all. The butter chicken was extremely thin and some how both flavorless and overly sweet. It tasted like milky rice pudding. The Tikka masala was not much better. It had the right consistency but was sweet enough to be a dessert. Both also didn't have enough chicken which is perhaps for the best because what I had was tough and chewy. The garlic naan was very thick and doughy and the garlic didn't taste very fresh. Pretty disappointing. I would recommend against this place.

I very rarely leave such a negative review but the quality of the food is simply not acceptable for the price. The flavor is nearly entirely absent, almost as if no spices were added - except an excess of sugar. The butter chicken is practically water with yellow food coloring. The tikka masala was not much better. Likewise, the texture of the naan was quite unappetizing. Soft and again, strangely sweet. Unfortunately, this was one of the most disappointing meals (Indian or otherwise) I have had in the last decade. I hate to write such a negative review but I hope that either it encourages the kitchen to course-correct or at least helps some potential patrons choose their next dinner out more wisely.