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Indian Garden Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Indian Garden Restaurant
7.6
Indian Garden sits on the second floor above Ontario Street, offering a more decorative dining room and a well-known buffet within walking distance of the Mag Mile. The menu runs through North Indian standards, catering, and working-lunch platters, making it a convenient option for downtown groups who want sit-down curry without leaving Streeterville.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lamb Rogan Josh, Murgh Tikka Masala, Saag Paneer
Scores:
Value: 6.4
Service: 6.9
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: An upstairs dining room and daily buffet bring classic North Indian dishes to a Mag Mile–adjacent address.
Who should go: Downtown diners wanting sit-down curry near the Magnificent Mile.
When to visit: Lunch buffet or early dinner before theater or riverwalk plans.
What to order: Lamb rogan josh, murgh tikka masala, saag paneer.
Insider tip: Request a window table along Ontario Street to enjoy the elevated city view with your buffet or curry order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid garage parking is the most reliable option — several garages along Ontario and Ohio Streets are within a short walk; meter parking is limited and competitive during weekdays.
Dress code: Smart casual — business attire and polished casual wear both feel appropriate; jeans are fine if neat.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a normal conversation at most tables, with slightly more buzz during peak buffet hours.
Weekend wait: Often minimal with a reservation; without one expect 20–35 minutes at peak times.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait for the buffet, though larger groups may wait briefly during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many curries and starters are vegetarian, with several buffet items rotating daily.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few lentil- and vegetable-based dishes can be prepared without dairy on request.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free curries and rice dishes are available; confirm sauces and breads with the server as there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re looking for a quieter, more traditional setting near the Mag Mile — the upstairs dining room offers privacy and comfortable conversation, especially at early dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are commonly seated at lunch and early dinner, but reservations are recommended for larger groups or peak weekend times.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and families — the buffet makes ordering easy, though the setting skews more formal than casual weeknight dining for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Convenient downtown group meals, buffet-friendly business lunches, and classic North Indian standards in a comfortable sit-down setting close to the Magnificent Mile.
Skip if: You’re seeking cutting-edge regional cuisine, a budget-casual experience, or a highly modern atmosphere — other Streeterville spots may be a better fit for those priorities.
Indian Garden Restaurant
8.3
On the second floor of a Streeterville building, Indian Garden runs a sprawling menu of North Indian standards and regional specialties with a deep vegetarian roster. Locals use it for comforting curries, a la carte feasts, and buffet-style spreads before or after downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Palak Paneer, Chana Masala, Kashmiri Aloo
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Large-format Indian dining with an unusually deep vegetarian menu in Streeterville.
Who should go: Vegetarian diners wanting classic North Indian curries.
When to visit: Evenings 6–9 p.m. for full buffet and dine-in energy.
What to order: Palak Paneer, Chana Masala, garlic naan.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu spice levels if you like your vegetarian curries hotter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Garage parking nearby on Ohio/Grand with validated rates sometimes available; limited metered street parking in the area, especially after 6 p.m.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and comfortable attire are common.
Noise level: Moderate — generally conversation-friendly at smaller tables, slightly louder during peak buffet hours.
Weekend wait: Often 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak windows.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait outside of large-group visits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive — large dedicated vegetarian section with many entrée options.
Vegan options: Good selection — several naturally vegan curries and sides; staff can guide substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Multiple curries and rice dishes are gluten-free, but naan and some appetizers are not; cross-contact is possible, so confirm with staff if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if your priority is comforting food and relaxed conversation rather than a trendy setting — the room is comfortable and low-pressure, but it leans more toward cozy group dining than romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays or outside peak dinner hours; on busy weekends, calling ahead or booking a reservation is recommended for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — spacious seating, shareable dishes, and mild curry options make it suitable for families; best for school-age kids and up rather than toddlers due to buffet traffic and hot dishes.
Best For
Better for: Large vegetarian menus, comforting North Indian curries, and group meals where variety and portion size matter.
Skip if: You’re seeking a buzzy, design-forward dining room or strictly vegan/gluten-free kitchens with fully separated prep.