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Indienne
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Indienne
9.1
Indienne is Chef Sujan Sarkar’s progressive Indian fine-dining room in River North, running multicourse tasting menus that reframe regional flavors with modern technique. Michelin recognition, highly rated multi-platform feedback, and a 2022 opening keep it in the conversation as one of Chicago’s destination restaurants for contemporary Indian cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seared scallops in coastal-style curry, Signature lamb course, Butter-poached lobster supplement
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.5
Atmosphere: 9.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.4
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized tasting menus that modernize Indian flavors in a polished room.
Who should go: Serious diners and couples planning a high-end tasting night.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings for the full, unhurried progression.
What to order: Chef’s tasting menu, scallop course, supplemental lobster.
Insider tip: Book counter-adjacent tables if you want chef interaction without sitting at the pass.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in River North can be limited, especially on weekend evenings — consider a nearby garage or valet; meters enforce evening hours and fill up quickly.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy — upscale dinner attire fits the fine-dining, Michelin-starred vibe (jackets and dresses common, but not strictly formal).
Noise level: Generally moderate – hushed conversations and polished service create an intimate yet lively atmosphere, not a quiet library but suitable for dinner conversation.
Weekend wait: Without a reservation, expect it to be very difficult to get seated; walk-ins usually only at the bar and often with a wait.
Weekday lunch: Indienne does not serve lunch; dinner reservations are recommended and typically fill in advance.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a dedicated vegetarian tasting menu is offered alongside the omnivore option. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Vegan options: Yes — a vegan tasting menu is available (usually with prior notice) and highly regarded. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Gluten-free options: Options can be accommodated on the tasting menus with advance notice, but check with the restaurant when booking for specific gluten-free needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely — the refined tasting experience, intimate lighting, and thoughtful service make it a rewarding choice for a memorable first date with conversational flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Not likely for the full tasting room — reservations are strongly advised; bar seating is first-come, first-served but still busy on peak evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — this is a high-end tasting experience best suited to adults; the pace, price, and tasting format make it less practical for children.
Best For
Better for: Indienne excels in refined, Michelin-level Indian tasting menus and creative plating that you won’t find at casual Indian spots – ideal for special occasions, celebrations, and fine-dining seekers.
Skip if: Skip this if you want quick, inexpensive Indian classics or a casual lunch/dinner — local favorites like or offer traditional curry-centric menus at everyday prices instead.
Indienne
9.0
Indienne is Sujan Sarkar’s Michelin-starred progressive Indian restaurant, built around multicourse tasting menus that remix regional dishes with French-influenced technique. Guests come for precise plating, layered spice work, and a room that feels polished without going stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pani Puri with passion fruit and buckwheat tart shell, Scallop Cafreal with caviar, Lamb Kebab with shami and ribs
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Progressive Indian tasting menus that reframe regional dishes with precise, French-leaning technique in a Michelin-starred setting.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans who enjoy modern, spice-driven Indian flavors.
When to visit: Evening reservations when the full tasting progression is offered.
What to order: Non-vegetarian tasting, pani puri course, scallop cafreal.
Insider tip: If you’re flexible, note diet preferences when booking—staff can steer you toward the most expressive version of the tasting menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; expect paid garages within a 1–2 block walk and limited metered street parking in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses fit the room, elevated denim is acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate-quiet — conversation is comfortable at two-tops, with a low dining room hum.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins are uncommon and typically seated only if there’s a late cancellation.
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily a dinner-focused restaurant with no typical lunch service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a dedicated vegetarian tasting progression is commonly available with advance notice.
Vegan options: Limited — some courses can be adapted, but full vegan experiences generally require pre-arrangement.
Gluten-free options: Yes — many courses can be modified; inform the team when booking so substitutions can be integrated into the menu pacing.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate, polished, and paced around conversation, making it ideal for a thoughtful, special-occasion first date where you want time to talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but not reliably — availability is cancellation-dependent. Your best shot is early or late seatings; otherwise, book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the experience is built around long tasting menus and quiet pacing, best suited for adults or older teens comfortable with fine dining.
Best For
Better for: Refined, modern Indian tasting menus with precise plating, curated pacing, and service that guides dietary preferences without breaking the flow of the meal.
Skip if: You want a casual à la carte meal, large groups with varied appetites, or a quick dinner — choose a more relaxed Indian spot instead.
Indienne
8.8
Chef Sujan Sarkar’s Michelin-starred room delivers progressive Indian tasting menus that fuse regional Indian flavors with French technique. Multiple tasting tracks (including vegan) and highly composed plates make it one of River North’s most dialed-in fine-dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Non-vegetarian tasting menu, Dhokla Aero, Scallop Cafreal with corn and caviar
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: A modern Indian tasting-menu restaurant where meticulous plating meets deep, familiar flavors.
Who should go: Tasting-menu fans and couples seeking polished Indian fine dining.
When to visit: Later dinner seatings for a slower, more immersive progression.
What to order: Chosen tasting menu, Dhokla Aero, scallop course if offered.
Insider tip: Call ahead about vegetarian or pescatarian menus if you have preferences—they’re treated as first-class, not afterthoughts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No onsite lot — nearby paid garages within a 1–3 block walk; street parking is limited and competitive in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy — jackets and dresses common, elevated attire fits the room best.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation-friendly with calm, refined pacing.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins are unlikely to be seated during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service — dinner-only format.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a dedicated vegetarian tasting track is available with advance selection.
Vegan options: Yes — a full vegan tasting menu is offered and treated as a primary menu option.
Gluten-free options: Accommodated with notice — many courses can be adapted, but confirm restrictions when booking.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the calm room, elegant pacing, and visually striking plates create a thoughtful, conversation-friendly date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Occasionally on slower weekdays, but most nights book out — secure a reservation in advance, especially for later seatings.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young children — the format is multi-course and lengthy; older teens with interest in fine dining may be a better fit.
Best For
Better for: Highly structured tasting menus with modern plating, attentive service, and thoughtful vegetarian/vegan pathways.
Skip if: You prefer à la carte dining, large portions, casual pricing, or a louder, more social dinner environment.
Indienne
9.1
Chef Sujan Sarkar’s Indienne is a Michelin-starred fine-dining room where progressive Indian tasting menus include dedicated vegetarian and vegan progressions. Since opening in 2022, it’s become one of Chicago’s most discussed restaurants for plant-forward haute cuisine, pairing intricate plating with polished, guided service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Vegetarian Tasting Menu, Scallop Course from the Omnivore Menu, Supplemental Lobster Course
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 9.2
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 9.1
What makes it special: Chicago’s Michelin-starred Indian restaurant where full vegetarian tasting menus are treated with the same care and flourish as any omnivore lineup.
Who should go: Serious diners planning a special-occasion vegetarian experience.
When to visit: Prime evening seatings for the full, unhurried tasting and pacing.
What to order: Vegetarian or vegan tasting menu, plus any seasonal supplemental course that catches your eye.
Insider tip: If you have dietary restrictions, flag them when booking—Indienne is notably deft at tailoring vegetarian and vegan progressions without diluting the experience.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. Street parking is limited in the evening and can be difficult after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart elegant casual — jackets not required, but outfits lean dressy; polished denim is acceptable.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation is comfortable at two-tops and tasting counters.
Weekend wait: Reservations are essential; walk-ins are rarely accommodated for the tasting menu.
Weekday lunch: Lunch service is not typically offered; check the current schedule if visiting midday.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — a full vegetarian tasting progression is available and treated as a flagship experience.
Vegan options: Yes — a dedicated vegan progression is available with advance notice; seasonal courses may be tailored.
Gluten-free options: Many courses can be adapted with advance notice; the team is careful about substitutions but cross-contact may not be fully avoidable.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re planning a special-occasion or celebratory first date and both guests enjoy long, guided tasting menus. It’s less ideal for a casual or conversational ‘getting-to-know-you’ meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely for the tasting menu — most seatings are booked in advance. If you’re flexible, you may occasionally find last-minute openings online, but walk-ins should not be relied on.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older teens or mature diners who can sit through a multi-course tasting. There are no kids’ menus, and the experience is not geared toward young children.
Best For
Better for: High-end vegetarian and vegan tasting menus with Michelin-level service, polished pacing, and visually intricate plating.
Skip if: You prefer casual dining, à la carte ordering, shorter meals, or a lower-price night out — or if you want a loud, social atmosphere over a focused tasting experience.