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India House Restaurant Chicago
Master Critic Review
India House Restaurant Chicago
8.6
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
India House is a downtown stalwart with a huge menu and daily buffet, drawing thousands of reviews and a 4.46/5 aggregate rating from over 7,000 multi-platform opinions that emphasize variety and ambiance. Guests lean on it for classic North Indian dishes, tandoori platters, and an all-you-can-eat spread that works as well for work lunches as family dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegetable samosas, Lamb biryani, Paneer pakora
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume downtown Indian standby with a sprawling menu and buffet.
Who should go: Office groups, families, and visitors wanting classic Indian standards.
When to visit: Weekday lunch buffet for maximum variety and value.
What to order: Lunch buffet with samosas, lamb biryani, paneer pakora.
Insider tip: Buffet lines move faster at the start of service before tour groups arrive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site lot or valet; most guests use nearby paid River North garages or limited metered street parking (can be difficult during peak dinner hours).
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — office attire, jeans, and business-casual wear are all common.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during buffet and peak dinner hours, but conversation is still manageable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak prime-time windows; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, even during buffet rush, though large groups may want to call ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection with many vegetarian entrées, buffet staples, and paneer dishes.
Vegan options: Some options, but more limited; best for diners comfortable selecting vegetable curries and rice from the buffet or à la carte.
Gluten-free options: Several naturally gluten-free curries and tandoori items, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen or cross-contact controls — ask staff to guide selections.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates or comfortable meetups than intimate fine dining — the room is lively and buffet-forward, which works well if you want an easy, low-pressure meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially at weekday lunch and early dinners; for large groups or weekend prime times, a reservation is recommended to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, the buffet makes ordering easy for kids and picky eaters, and spacious seating works well for groups.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, mixed dietary preferences, and diners who value variety, familiar North Indian classics, and a reliable buffet experience in a central downtown location.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet, intimate dining, region-specific Indian cooking, or chef-driven tasting menus — in those cases, more specialized or upscale Indian restaurants may be a better fit.