Skip to main content

ZipPicks Awards

Best Indian in Niles

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Mainland India 8.3
Niles
A full-service Indian restaurant built for groups, buffets, and broad menu coverage without losing its strongest South-leaning and Indo-Chinese-leaning hits. The menu rewards ordering with intent: one starter, one signature-style main, and a tight set of breads/rice rather than stacking similar curries.
Must-Try Dishes: Chicken 65, Paneer Tikka Masala, Kerala Masala Wings
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 7.6 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Large, party-friendly Indian menu with a real buffet-and-banquet lane.
Who should go: Groups, caterings, and buffet regulars
When to visit: Lunch for buffet; early dinner for calmer service
What to order: Chicken 65, paneer tikka masala, kerala masala wings
Insider tip: Pick one signature starter, then one main lane—avoid doubling similar curries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Milwaukee Avenue and nearby side streets; availability is usually manageable but tightens during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine; many diners lean slightly dressier for dinner and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively. Easy for group conversation, a bit loud for very quiet, intimate chats.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, except during the lunch buffet rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – a strong vegetarian lineup with multiple paneer, lentil, and vegetable mains.
Vegan options: Limited but possible – several vegetable and lentil dishes can be prepared vegan if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many curries and grilled items are naturally gluten-free; naan and fried items are not.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or activity-based first dates than intimate ones. The space and energy suit conversation but aren’t especially romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during lunch or early dinner, but reservations are smart for weekend evenings and larger groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The buffet, milder curries, and spacious seating work well for kids, especially elementary-age and up.
Best For
Better for: Group dining, celebrations, buffet lunches, and broad menu variety with reliable execution.
Consider Alternatives If: You’re looking for a quiet, intimate date-night spot or a narrowly focused, region-specific Indian menu.