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Kama Bistro - West Loop
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Kama Bistro - West Loop
8.3
KAMA West Loop brings Vikram and Agnes Singh’s contemporary Indian cooking to Randolph Street with a menu that fuses paneer-stuffed ravioli, tandoori seafood, and regional curries. Diners come for polished plates, cocktails, and a lively dining room that works for both date nights and small groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Paneer-Stuffed Ravioli in Tikka Sauce, Tandoori Chilean Sea Bass, Tamarind Baby Back Ribs
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Modern Indian plates and cocktails in a polished Randolph Street dining room.
Who should go: Couples and small groups wanting upscale Indian with cocktails.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full buzz and bar energy.
What to order: Paneer-stuffed ravioli, tandoori Chilean sea bass, tamarind ribs.
Insider tip: Book bar or lounge seating if you want a more social, cocktail-forward experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Randolph, with paid garages and lots within a short walk. Valet is sometimes available on busy evenings through nearby venues.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — stylish jeans or casual dresses are common, but many guests opt for elevated evening wear.
Noise level: Lively and energetic — you can carry a conversation, but expect a buzzy dining room during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked — walk-ins may wait 45–90 minutes depending on time and group size.
Weekday lunch: Not typically applicable — dinner-focused spot with lighter traffic earlier in the week.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple paneer, veggie curry, and appetizer options are available.
Vegan options: Moderate — you’ll find a few plant-based options, but confirm ingredients with your server.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free dishes — staff are knowledgeable but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished space, cocktails, and upscale Indian plates create an impressive but relaxed atmosphere for a first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are occasionally seated early or late evening, but prime-time weekends usually require a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially — it’s more suited to adults and older teens, with a cocktail-forward, evening-focused vibe.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Indian dining with a fashionable West Loop atmosphere and strong cocktails.
Skip if: You want a quiet, casual curry night or a budget-friendly neighborhood Indian spot.
Kama Bistro - West Loop
8.0
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Kama Bistro’s West Loop outpost brings the La Grange original’s modern Indian cooking to Randolph Street, with tamarind-glazed short ribs and slow-cooked curries alongside cocktails and naan. It leans richer and more composed than a barbecue joint, but the ribs land with deep spice, sticky glaze, and a steakhouse-level presentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tamarind Glazed Short Ribs, Butter Chicken, Paneer Ravioli
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Modern Indian restaurant where tamarind-glazed short ribs give a ribhouse-level main course a spiced, slow-braised twist.
Who should go: Date-night diners seeking elevated Indian plates and cocktails.
When to visit: Dinner on busy Randolph nights for full menu and energy.
What to order: Tamarind Glazed Short Ribs, butter chicken, paneer ravioli.
Insider tip: Share the ribs and a couple of lighter small plates so the meal doesn’t skew too heavy or pricey.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be limited on Randolph, especially evenings; paid garages and valet nearby are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Smart casual — elevated but relaxed. Jeans are fine if paired with a nice top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can still hold a conversation, but it feels buzzy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple well-executed vegetarian dishes and appetizers.
Vegan options: Some options available, but more limited — ask your server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Several dishes can be prepared gluten-free; staff is accustomed to requests.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the atmosphere is stylish and polished without feeling stiff, and the short ribs make a strong signature dish to share.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are more realistic early in the evening or on weekdays, but weekends usually require a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more of an adult-leaning dining room. Well-behaved older kids or teens are fine, but it’s not geared toward very young children.
Best For
Better for: Elevated Indian-inspired cooking in a date-night setting, where presentation and cocktails match the richness of the food.
Skip if: You’re looking for casual barbecue ribs or large-portion comfort food at a lower price point.