New Indian Restaurants in Chicago (September 2026)

TL;DR

Three Indian restaurants in Chicago worth knowing about in September 2026: Thattu in Avondale specializes in Kerala coastal cuisine; Marigold Maison Indian Cuisine sits on Milwaukee Avenue in the Wicker Park corridor; Mehrab Restaurant is on Devon Avenue, Chicago's long-established South Asian commercial strip. Each covers different ground — regional cooking, a walkable neighborhood location, and the Devon community hub respectively.

Thattu — Kerala Coastal Cuisine in Avondale

Thattu is the standout for anyone interested in regional Indian cooking rather than a generic menu. The restaurant specializes in the coastal cuisine of Kerala, South India — a tradition built on aromatic spices, coconut, and curry leaves, with influences from the Malabar coast's fishing communities and backwaters.

Kerala cooking is distinct from the North Indian dishes that dominate most Indian restaurants in the U.S. Expect dishes built around coconut milk, tamarind, and black pepper rather than cream-heavy gravies. The restaurant also offers signature cocktails.

Details:

• Address: 2601 West Fletcher Street
• Phone: +1-773-754-0199
• Hours: Dinner Wednesday–Sunday, 5–9:30 PM
• Website: thattu.com

Avondale is on Chicago's northwest side, a neighborhood with significant restaurant development in recent years. Thattu sits in this mix as one of the more specific and regionally focused options in the city. If you want to understand what Kerala food actually tastes like — as opposed to a Butter Chicken-centric menu — this is the place to start.

Dinner runs Wednesday through Sunday, evenings only, so it is not a lunch spot. Book ahead if you're going on a weekend.

Marigold Maison Indian Cuisine — Milwaukee Avenue

Marigold Maison Indian Cuisine is located at 900 North Milwaukee Avenue, in the Wicker Park and Noble Square area of Chicago's northwest side. Milwaukee Avenue in this stretch is a dense restaurant corridor with heavy foot traffic, making it an easy addition to an evening out in Wicker Park or Ukrainian Village.

Details:

• Address: 900 North Milwaukee Avenue
• Email: marigoldpv@marigoldmaison.com
• Website: marigoldmaison.com

Hours and phone are not currently listed publicly — check the website or email ahead for current information. The location puts it within walking distance of the Damen Blue Line stop, making it accessible from the Loop or the north side without a car.

Mehrab Restaurant — Devon Avenue

Mehrab Restaurant sits on Devon Avenue at 2437 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659. Devon Avenue — running through the West Rogers Park neighborhood — has been Chicago's main South Asian commercial corridor for decades. It is home to Indian and Pakistani restaurants, grocery stores, sari shops, sweet shops, and halal butchers concentrated in a walkable stretch. If you want the community hub rather than a trendy spot, Devon is it.

Mehrab serves Indian and Pakistani food with a focus on South Indian cuisine.

Details:

• Address: 2437 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659
• Phone: 773-764-4747
• Hours: 8:00 AM–11:00 PM daily
• Website: mehrabrestaurant.gotoeat.net

The 8 AM to 11 PM daily hours make this one of the more accessible spots on the list — useful for a weekday lunch, a late dinner, or a weekend brunch. Devon Avenue is best explored on foot; parking can be tight, so consider the Red Line to Loyola or Howard and taking the CTA 155 Devon bus west.

How These Three Compare

These restaurants cover different parts of Chicago's South Asian food landscape:

• Thattu: A specific regional experience — Kerala coastal cuisine — in a dinner-only, curated format in Avondale. Best for someone who wants to eat something they likely haven't had before.
• Marigold Maison Indian Cuisine: A central, walkable location in a busy neighborhood. Good if you're already out in Wicker Park.
• Mehrab Restaurant: Devon Avenue access with the broadest hours and a traditional Indian/Pakistani menu. Best for a longer outing on the corridor, combining the restaurant with a walk through the surrounding stores.

None of these are chains. Each is independently operated.

Insider Tip

If you are visiting Devon Avenue for the first time, budget more time than you think you need. The corridor between roughly Western Avenue and California Avenue packs grocery stores, mithai (sweet) shops, and restaurants close together. It is worth walking the full stretch rather than going directly to one restaurant and leaving. You'll find fresh sweets, spice shops, and street food alongside sit-down options. The density of the corridor is part of the point — treat it as a destination, not just a restaurant stop.

FAQ

Q: Is Thattu good for vegetarians? A: Kerala cuisine includes a strong range of vegetarian dishes — coconut-based curries, rice preparations, and vegetable dishes are traditional to the region. Check thattu.com for the current menu, as the lineup can change seasonally.

Q: What's the easiest way to get to Devon Avenue without driving? A: The Red Line runs along the lakefront. The closest stops are Loyola (at Sheridan and Devon) or Howard, from which the CTA 155 Devon bus runs west. The walk from Loyola heading west on Devon takes about 10 minutes to reach the main commercial section.

Q: Does Mehrab Restaurant take reservations? A: No reservation information is publicly listed. Given the long daily hours (8:00 AM–11:00 PM), walk-ins appear to be standard. Calling 773-764-4747 ahead is the safest option for larger groups.

Bottom Line

For Indian food in Chicago right now, these three restaurants offer distinct experiences. Thattu (2601 West Fletcher Street, +1-773-754-0199) is the place for Kerala coastal cooking with a tight dinner menu, Wednesday through Sunday evenings. Marigold Maison Indian Cuisine (900 North Milwaukee Avenue) is conveniently placed in the Wicker Park area. Mehrab Restaurant (2437 W Devon Ave, 773-764-4747) gives you Devon Avenue access with the broadest hours — open daily 8 AM to 11 PM. Pick based on neighborhood, cuisine focus, or timing.