Very impressive new spot in Highland Park. Overall, the food is spot on - I was pleased with the level of spice and the restaurant's ability to cater to various clients who tolerate different levels of heat. I enjoy spicy food, but my husband prefers a moderate level of spice. We were each able to sample sauces that met our needs, and both were very tasteful. More detailed food review to follow below. The decor is simple but the restaurant has nice murals and decor throughout (one small downside: the bathroom doors are frosted glass; while you cannot see into them, some outlines are clearly visible). Service is extremely accommodating and hospitable; we were in a hurry and the waitress sped up our order, which we are thankful for several members of the restaurant staff welcomed us and visited during our dinner to make sure we were enjoying the food and experience. Now on to the food! Amuse bouche: a tasty complementary treat composed of a thin, crispy outer shell filled with potato, chickpea, tamarind, cilantro and spice. Nice start to our meal! Samosas: a foundational Indian appetizer and this one was a hit. The mint chutney is mild and the other two are mildly and moderately spicy; extremely flavorful. The level of spice (not just heat) was perfect. Okra: very, very good. Mild heat and great spice. Crispy and accompanied by fresh tomato and herbs for interesting textures. We saved some to take with us to entice friends to join us next time. Risotto: creamy, flavorful, and comforting. The accompaniments are a special treat, particularly the pickled vegetables and crackers. The chili dal is also a nice touch. Chicken biryani: great flavor and comes baked with something like naan over the top. Great spice and you can adjust the level of heat to taste. My husband chose a moderate level of spice and was very satisfied with the attention to this request. My zero proof cocktail was a special treat, composed of cilantro and other, citrusy flavors. I strongly recommend this new Indian fusion restaurant, which caters to both American and Indian flavor profiles. We will be back, and we will bring friends! read more

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Indus is a welcome addition to Central Street in Highland Park. We had reservations at 5pm, which is apparently when they open, as there was a bit of a line to enter. Our party was seated practically right in front of the door, which was ok, as the restaurant is small. My drink, a berry spritz, they said was sold out? I ordered a zero proof spritz which was nice. Our server told us that all of the dishes were prepared mild and more spice could be added. We enjoyed the samosas, naan, cauliflower, dal and biryani. The only dish we did not enjoy was the wagyu, which they presented without a knife. We asked for a knife and it took several requests and about 15 minutes to get one. The Wagyu, once sliced, was gristly and fatty and not tender. We expected more. A nice surprise was they offered the birthday guest a free dessert. The tres leches crème brûlée was good, with a crackly crust. Overall, the food was delicious and a nice take on Indian cuisine. Service was cordial and could have been more prompt. However we did enjoy our experience and will come back. read more

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No pani puri starter bites?! 5/5, Grilled tiger prawns over green herb sauce - great 5/5, Malai chicken wings - great 5/5, lamb chops -great 4/5, Paneer fritters salad - dried chunks of figs are too big. Roasted nuts were basically soft boiled 3/5, Pork belly -fine? nothing special, served as two large chunks. lol. 4/5, Brisket - odd slaw 5/5, Wagyu steak - not sliced tonight 5/5, Tried the spicy chai chocolate torte lined with chilled fruit ice chunks. Interesting combination 4/5, Creme brulee was super bitter Great chai tea and espresso Strong mezcal poor read more

Always looking for a good spot in the suburbs and I'm glad I stumbled upon Indus. Great concept, modern and accessible Indian food. Came on a Saturday night and the place was packed and very lively. We pride ourselves as chicken tikka connoisseurs (very adventurous I know!) and the tikka here was really good. As a matter of fact, the chicken inside the tikka was probably the best chicken I've ever had. I can't even properly describe why but it was just the perfect texture, not dry, great flavor. Some nice surprises on the menu like brisket (excellent) and my second favorite thing was probably the lamb chops. I ate them too fast to be able to get a picture of them. Cocktails were well executed also, nicely balanced. read more

We were visiting a friend in Highland Park and saw this newish spot while we were walking around and decided to try it. Excellent food and service in this very pretty restaurant. We had samosas, Chicken tikka masala nd the Vegetable biryani. We also had an order of the roti. We enjoyed all of our our food. The biriani was served differently than we have had it in other places. It was finished in a crock with dough rapping it (if we knew that we could have skipped the roti which was good by the way). Very pretty establishment with a nice vibe. Excellent food and attentive service too. read more

Four of us dined at Indus for the first time last night. Overall, it was a very nice experience, although the prices are somewhat high. (ex. $7 for a few pieces of naan, which was complimentary in other Indian restaurants I have dined in.) The wine list is overly extravagant. Our server, MK, was on point. Attentive, helpful, cheerful. Restaurant interior design was better than expected. Would I return? For a special evening, yes, if I lived nearby. Ambiance: 5 stars Service: 5 stars Cuisine: 4 stars Value: 4 stars read more

My mom and I celebrated her birthday at Indus on a Saturday at 4:30pm. The food, service, and ambience made for a great night. We were the only people in the restaurant when we arrived, but it was packed by the time we left, so I recommend making a reservation. Our favorite dish were the lamb chops--they were well seasoned and grilled to perfection! The chops were served with a salad that was also very unique and delicious. We were served a complimentary small bite that was unlike anything I had ever tasted. The tikka masala, rice, and garlic naan were also great. We ordered a cauliflower dish that was okay and I didn't realize it'd be mashed vs. whole pieces. We'd probably try other sides next time. My mom loved her mezcal cocktail that our server recommended. The server was also kind enough to offer us a complementary dessert from the menu, so we picked the lychee kulfi. We could tell the cake had recently been baked. read more

Indus Progressive Indian - Complementary birthday lychee kulfi - Kebab Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

After hearing much praise about Indus,, we finally made our way out there. Let me say, it did not disappoint! They are a Modern Indian restaurant that serves both traditional dishes, as well as non-traditional. We started with drinks, and loved the cocktails! All had great flavor and good balance. I also loved that they started off the meal with complimentary pani poori. I am definitely a sucker for this! By far, my most favorite thing I ate was the masala brisket. I highly recommend, as it definitely tastes like it's been smoked for 20 hours. The wings and Prawns were also delicious. I am a big okra fan, so if you are too, don't skip the fried okra! Not pictured (because we just dove in and forgot), but highly recommended were also the daal, momma's chole, and paneer fritters. Also, you obviously can't leave here without getting the naan! The only thing maybe I'd skip on is the dessert. I think they went a bit too creative and some of the flavors were more geared towards an acquired taste vs. mass appeal. The mango sorbet did not look like sorbet, but rather like frozen canned juice. Overall, this place is a solid 4.5, and I'll definitely be back! read more

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Such a fun addition to Highland Park. Lovely restaurant, very good food, good service and a wonderful ownership family / team. Wishing them tons of success! read more

Fine dining place , great cocktails and innovative menu. Definitely a great place for a nice family dinner or a holiday office party or a date night !! read more

Chef's Recommendation is Indus Progressive Indian Wow, absolutely loved everything about this restaurant. Our server Gigi was extremely informative and helpful. The service was incredible the food was outstanding and overall the most impressive experience I've ever had. The decor and ambiance are lovely and elegant. Was so pleasantly surprised by the detail of the lovely restroom. A fun surprise if you go with your girlfriend and a camera. So fun and creative! read more

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Good Indian food with a modern touch. Indus surprises you with the amazing decor and ambiance. The service here is 10/10. We walked in on a Friday night, without a reservation (not the smartest thing to do!) and were accommodated by the host and the owner. We tried almost all the vegetarian dishes and everything was good, alebit with an 'Indus touch'. read more

Graciously greeted by the owner (who advised us via phone call to get our a** in quickly) and grabbed 2 cushiony bar seats about 6PM on a Saturday night. The place filled immediately (no more bar seats!). We paced ourselves to avoid over-ordering. The meal included bharta/eggplant, gobi mussalam, naan and a lamb shank. Our server/bartender was excellent. He knew the menu and provided prompt attentive food/bar service while also moving at lightning speed to fulfill drinks for the room. This, alone, was a great show. I hope he stays around. But the main event was the food. Flavorful, well-seasoned and beautifully presented. Consider Indus for a drink and appetizer as well as a full meal. This is a neighborhood gem and a great departure from a lot of the usual fare around town. read more

My most recent dinner at Indus Progressive Indian was fantastic (as usual). I hadn't had their Indian lamb chops before, but now that I have, will again and again. I can see why they recently received the Chicago Tribune's award for best suburban restaurant. Such a delightful and delicious evening... read more

Indus Progressive Indian - Kebab Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

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Tried this newly opened restaurant with my husband over dinner. We started off with Indian Bird, Jaggery Old Fashioned and Zero Proof Summer drink. the drinks were amazing. For starters we then had Samosa and Chickpeas Avocado Chaat. The samosas were delicious however the Chickpeas Avocado Chaat was just ok. For main course, we then had Chicken Tikka Masala and Navabi Risotto Khichrdi chaar yaar. The main dishes were flavourful. The service was top notch. The owners were coming to each table and making sure everything is tasting great. the server was warm, attentive and friendly. The ambiance is so trendy and modern. I would recommend this place! MUST TRY!! read more

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My husband Kuldeep and I absolutely love this modern take on Indian cuisine. Ajith and Sukhu--the owners--are always so warm and genuinely happy to see their customers. While dining, you're treated as if you're part of their family. The staff is incredibly friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable, and their recommendations are always spot-on. The appetizers and entrées are both beautiful and delicious. Highly recommend the crispy okra, beet & citrus salad, dal, palak paneer, and the brisket--every dish is truly sensational read more

The food is unbelievable i recommend getting seconds of everything on the menu!!! The service is top notch and makes you feel like you're at a Michelin star restaurant. When you walk in you have a very intimate but spacious feel and the staff treat you like you're the only one there. Love this place so much and can't wait to go back. read more

Indus Progressive Indian - Lamb chop, Kurkuri Bhindi, Nann Drink- Indus Summer Garden - Kebab Near Me - Highland Park, Illinois

It's not authentic Indian food. It's a progressive blend and it's pretty expensive. The first time we came, the food was outstanding and the owner came out to great us and he is absolutely lovely. It's a cute place and I like eating there. The reason I'm giving it 4 stars is because the last time we came. I got the wagyu steak and it was very chewy which wasn't enjoyable. The flavor was great but the preparation wasn't right. But I'm sure I'll be back for another special occasion because the other items are good. read more

Indus is a gem of a place, nestled in the heart of Highland Park. Each dish is crafted with the best flavor and technique, showcasing bold spices and aromas. We tried some of the popular Indian dishes like the chicken biryani, palak paneer, daal, lamb shank. Everything was phenomenal. They have so many innovative and unique dishes on their menu that I can't wait to go back and try them all. A wide range of cocktails infused with Indian flavors took this experience to a whole different level. Indus is a must-visit spot for anyone craving an authentic and upscale Indian dining experience in the Northshore area. With its stunning ambiance, exceptional service, and exquisite cuisine, this restaurant is sure to leave you wanting more. read more

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Indus Progressive Indian is a fantastic lunch spot on a chilly Chicagoland afternoon or any other time. The Chetinaad Chicken Dosa was crisp and flavorful, the India-style Fried Chicken perfectly spiced, and the Delhi-style Coffee Shake and Masala Tea warm and indulgent. Service was attentive, the ambience modern yet cozy, and everything spotless. The heavy red curtain at the entrance feels unwelcoming--replacing it would improve the first impression. Otherwise, an excellent experience worth revisiting! read more

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Came here for a date night. Amazing food and great service. Tried chicken byriani and tokka masala. Great taste. read more

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I'm adding my 5 stars to the host of other 5 star reviews for this restaurant. The food is delicious. Every dish was a stand out. The cocktails, likewise, are beautifully constructed and balanced. The mescal signature cocktail in particular is equal parts sweet, spicy, smokey, and tangy. The waitstaff and owners were both welcoming & attentive. And the decor is lovely - it is a beautiful little restaurant and I can't wait to have an opportunity to go back! read more

Great people, food and service. A great addition to Highland Park. Parking is easy. Their wine list is not only reasonable, yet well thought out. read more

We went to Indus to celebrate my husband's birthday. The restaurant was small and cozy. Loved the ambience. We started off with Aamrita and Indian Mule. The drinks were good. For appetizers, we had Jackfruit tikki and Melon Salad. The salad was refreshing. The tikki was average but the red and green sauces definitely elevated the flavor of the tikkis. For my main course, I had the Navaabi Risotto, and it was absolutely divine. My husband chose the Patrani Macchi, which was served in a bamboo basket. Unfortunately, it lacked flavor, with the acidity overpowering the dish. The dessert was complimentary. We had Rasmalai Creme Brulee. So creamy. Overall it was a good experience. The owner personally visited each table to ensure everything tasted perfect, and the server was attentive and friendly. read more

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We sat at the bar and had a wonderful evening. The hospitality was amazing. See my pictures to see what we got. All great ! We will be back. read more

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Really wanted to try this place. Went on a weekday evening, we went early but saw getting it filled up pretty soon! The interiors are good, seating is comfortable. We ordered couple dishes, wasnt impressed much with the taste. read more

Terrific new Indian restaurant in Highland Park. The owners and staff are very welcoming and the service is terrific. The food is fabulous and something we were missing on the north shore. Definitely worth adding into your rotation for dining out. read more

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The synopsis of my review is basically: yes the food was good but the "ambiance" was so overwhelming it's not worth it to return for the food. It is LOUD. There appears to be nothing dampening the sound in the restaurant. We were sat at a 2-top next to the bar and had to shout to hear each other. Although there seemed to be a decent amount of space around us, because the table was so small there was really no "buffer;" everyone walking by felt like they were in our personal space. The location near the bar also caused people to congregate near us. It's not very fun to try and enjoy your food while people are literally standing over you. Honestly if they try to seat you at the 2 top near the bar? Refuse it. The amuse bouche they serve is panipuri. I know this because I googled it. I suspected the amuse was panipuri but wanted to confirm, as I had never had it before and I really enjoyed it. I asked our waitress. She had no idea. I kind of thought it was a cardinal rule that wait staff should know what they're putting on the table. I was super excited about this restaurant, but our experience was disappointing. It was so loud in there I could barely think and it was very distracting to have people standing around our table all the time. Sound dampening materials NEED to be installed here. I might go again if I was able to sit outside. Might. read more

We recently dined at Indus, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we could feel that this was not just another Indian restaurant--it was a celebration of Indian flavors, reimagined and refined. The chic modern decor created an atmosphere that was warm and inviting, setting the stage for what would be a delightful culinary journey. The menu at Indus is a testament to how traditional dishes can be elevated without losing their soul. One of our favorites was the Navaabi Risotto. Typically, Khichdi is a simple comfort food, but Indus transformed it into a creamy, aromatic risotto that felt both familiar and new. The smoky dal, mango chutney, raita, and crisp papad added layers of flavor and texture, making each bite a delight. As a group that loves exploring vegetarian options, we were thrilled by the variety. The Kurkuri Bhindi was a excellent - each piece was crispy, perfectly spiced, and the addition of lemony tomatoes and onions made it irresistible. We also tried the Katthal Tikki, made from jackfruit, which was unlike anything we'd tasted before. It was hearty, flavorful, and a refreshing change from the usual vegetarian patties. Of course, we couldn't resist sampling some of the non-vegetarian dishes, and they did not disappoint. The Lamb Shank Curry was incredible--so tender that the meat practically fell off the bone, and the sauce was rich and aromatic, bursting with spices. The Bhoomi Lamb Burger was a pleasant surprise, blending Indian spices with the comfort of an American classic. The real highlights for us, though, included the 18-hour smoked Masala Brisket. It was tender, juicy, and had a perfect smoky flavor that balanced beautifully with the tangy Bengal mustard coleslaw. We also loved the Wagyu steak, cooked to perfection with an Indian-inspired chimichurri and Nizaami Dum Aloo on the side. Most high end steakhouses would be jealous of how good this was. Our visit to Indus was more than just a meal--it was a journey through the Indian cuisine. Each dish told a story of tradition meeting innovation, with flavors that were at once familiar and daring. For anyone looking to explore what's possible in Indian cuisine, Indus is a must-visit. We'll definitely be coming back! read more

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Amazing food and hospitality. Wine selection a plus. Owners very kind and committed to keep quality high. Well done

food was good but verrrry slow service, kitchen too backed up. drinks need to come out way sooner. read more

We were very excited to eat here based on reviews. The samosas were tasty and so was the chicken tikka masala. The shrimp, however, were dry and the saag dish was bland. The big disappointment for me was the service. We waited for 10 minutes to be acknowledged by our server. She took the order and we only saw her one more time in a 75 minute ordeal. Our food arrived and...no plates. Ten minutes later, I had to chase down someone to bring plates. And then, nothing. My spouse tried again and finally success. At that point, any real fondness for the place was gone. The place is loud and the overall Ambiance is like the saag. Bland. The food is a 3.75. The service is a 1. There are too many choices of other places to go back. read more

As always, amazing food and great service! The cholle is really special, but I don't think there's a bad dish on the whole menu. And the owners make everyone feel so welcome that every dinner feels like a special occasion. read more

One of the most interesting Indian menus We tried the newly introduced Sunday brunch menu. The menu was unique, delicious and interesting. We loved the combination of textures and flavors in the dosa, tandoori chicken wrap. Loved the creativity and the quality of the food! read more

The best Indian restaurant! Amazing service and food!! Very interesting mix of traditional and modern dishes. We loved everything!!

We have been multiple times - with kids and without and have tried most dishes and drinks on the menu. Excellent, high-quality food; great presentation; perfect ambiance. The best owners. read more

This is the best addition to HP and the north shore since I moved here over a decade ago! My wife and I celebrated our anniversary here, and it was everything we could have hoped for and more. The minute we stepped into the restaurant we knew we were in for a wonderful time. The decor is nothing short of sensational. There are beautiful murals on the walls, (and super cool ones in the bathroom) excellent lighting, and a gorgeous bar. The staff is super friendly, knowledgable about the menu, and let us enjoy our meal at our pace. We felt welcomed the whole time, and truly taken care of. Now to the star of the night, the food. The food is incredible. It is more than an incredible, it is a truly unique dining experience. There are so many delicious things on the menu, it has me wanting to go back soon. Though everything we had was spectacular, some of my personal favorites were the Okra (I have never loved Okra before, but I have never had Okra like this, you have to try it), the Jackfruit cakes, and the Daal (melts in your mouth with equally amazing buttered naan). You cannot go wrong though, we also had the Wagyu which was insanely tasty, ditto for the brisket, and then their drink menu.....WOW! My wife and I are so thrilled to have the best restaurant in the north shore so close to home. I cannot wait to get back. It also needs to be said that the owners of this restaurant made us feel so comfortable. They walked around the restaurant making sure everyone was having a good time. They were so happy to share their vision with every customer there. Their love of what they are doing comes across in a truly authentic and meaningful way. Do yourself a favor, check out Indus it will be a remarkable night you will not forget. It is my new favorite restaurant! read more

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The mango lassi is made up of organic mango pulp imported from India, and was an absolute hit. The cocktails and mocktails are also delightful, but the food man, the food was just incredible. Kicked things off with crispy okra that was tangy and came with onions, tomatoes, and dried mangos. The tiger prawns were very well marinated and grilled right with a delicious bhoomi herb sauce. The jackfruit cakes were my favorite with a crispy panko shell and spicy mirchup to dip in for extra flavor. The sauce options here are unique, and highly recommend order a variety to use throughout the meal. he naan was so good and fresh, and paired well with the smoky eggplant mousse. The daal was impressive because they're black lentils that are slow cooked and smoked for 12 hours. Definitely order the garlic naan too, which was actually garlicky and aromatic as well. The chicken tikka masala had the perfected creamy tomato sauce and comes with basmati rice. The navaabi risotto is perfect for people who are looking to be the ultimate carby barbie. I loved it. Their masala brisket is smoked for 18-hours and rubbed with Indian spices and comes with the Indus BBQ sauce. And the brisket overall was great. The lamb shank curry was very tender and once again went perfectly with the naan. As a pallet cleanser, they brought out pani puri which this one was the best I've had. The desserts were interesting, like the rasmalai creme brulee consisting of fresh berries and lychee kulfi was Indian style ice cream and paired with a cardamom spiced cake. Incredible restaurant, worth the drive. read more

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We love this new addition to the Highland Park food scene. We were warmly greeted at the door and our table was ready and waiting even though the place was bustling. I ordered an old-fashioned and it was one of the best I've ever had for six people, we ordered five apps And enjoyed them all. The shrimp was my favorite, but others favored the risotto with the accompanying sauces. We shared several main courses, all of which were outstanding but the stand out for me was the brisket. Probably the best I've ever had and it was accompanied by baby potatoes in a fabulous sauce. Too bad we had no room for dessert. read more

Everything about this place exceeds expectations! The service, the food, the bar. It is a small Indian restaurant but they really strive to make the dining experience an excellent one and I believe that they succeed at that! read more