Essence of India
Culinary & Cultural Passage to India in Chicago's Lincoln Square area
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Message from Essence of India
Located on the Lincoln Square Corner of Wilson and Montrose, Essence of India brings you contemporary yet authentic food with over 80 different items on the menu for meat lovers and vegans in Chicago. Mainly from Northern Indian, some of the most popular dishes at our Lincoln Square restaurant include The Naan, Vindaloo, Samosas and Veggie dishes. Stocked with a full bar and the World's #1 selling Indian Beer, Essence of India would like for you to experience a "culinary and cultural passage to India" while here. With imported artifacts throughout the restaurant representing different regions and artwork of India, our goal is to provide you with the "Essence of India." Come visit our Indian restaurant in Lincoln Square for dinner today or on the weekends for our unlimited lunch buffet. Namaste!
Editorial by Citysearch
The SceneAt the lively intersection of Wilson and Lincoln avenues, an all-ages, neighborhood mix of couples and friends fill this bright, intimate room. Framed embroidery and Indian artwork adorn the caramel walls, while traditional Indian music mixes with the lively chatter of conversation at close tables. Service is enthusiastic and patient (staff will explain the intricacies of each dish) and surprisingly fast, making this a great spot for a quick bite before a movie at Davis Theater across the street.
The Food
Divided into groups like "Chicken Essence," "Tandoor Essence" and "Fish Essence," the menu offers dozens of well-executed standards: hot and flaky vegetable samosas, mutter paneer (peas and cheese in cream sauce), chicken tikka, and rogan josh (yogurt-marinated lamb). Spice lovers have their pick of several fiery plates, from Goan fish curry with coconut to shrimp or chicken vindaloo with potatoes in a blazing red sauce.
Key Points
- Full Bar of Indian Cuisine
- Catering Available
- Dine-In, Carryout or Delivery
The Inside Scoop
- What to Drink - Liquor license is pending; for now, you can bring your own wine or beer with no corkage fee. Nonalcoholic options include sweet, chilled mango lassi (yogurt shake).
- Save Money - A lunch buffet is offered daily and features about 10 dishes, from vegetable pakoras and lentil plates to lamb curry and tandoori chicken.
Latest reviews from Citysearch.
Wonderful buffet selections
by petale
I went for a late lunch on a weekend. I went alone and there was plenty of seating. Despite the fact that they were close to closing, I found that they had ample food at their buffet as well as it being fresh. I also found the cleanliness of the restaurant to be an absolute plus. In regard to the selections, I would agree that they should have had samosas (as the other reviewer commented), however, the selections that they had were absolutely delicious. I even especially enjoyed the rice, which is usually just a standard addition. My favorite was the okra dish. It wasn't overly oily and it was just really flavorful. It would have been nice if tea would have come with the meal, but that didn't seem to be the case. I would definitely frequent this place more often in the future. Parking was not difficult and the prices were also reasonable.
Pros: Clean, fresh food, more diverse selections than other Indian buffets
Cons: No samosas!
Posted 09/07/06
$4 for rice?
by nicole666
I thought the rice was included with most entrees in Indian restaurants- not $4 extra?
This place is pricey.
Posted 04/22/06
great samosas!!
by breedy
I love this place! There are places on Devon that are just as good, but the staff here is great! The best samosas I have had. Wonderful lamb vindaloo. It is a little expensive for the portions, but I think that it is worth it!
Posted 05/24/05
I WANTED TO LIKE IT.
by jitterbugpinkity
I was thrilled when an Indian restaurant finally opened in the neighborhood. It was usually busy in the evening and I took this as a good sign. They're open for lunch only four days a week. I tried the $11 lunch buffet, big mistake. No simosas, no rice pudding and the naan was doled out by the waitstaff. The "dessert special" was canned fruit cocktail in a runny custard. Tey could keep their register ringing with the lunch crowd, supplied by the thriving retail scene, or by making the restaurant a destination spot. Their pricing and sparse lunch hours will eliminate the first group. And the terrible food will take care of the rest.
Pros: Neighborhood, Cheap Parking
Cons: , Mediocre Food, Rude Waitstaff
Posted 11/21/04