Indienne, Chicago's first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, has been added to the World's 50 Best Discovery list, the platform announced this summer. The River North establishment, which opened in September 2022, is helmed by Chef Sujan Sarkar, a two-time James Beard Award finalist for "Best Chef: Great Lakes." Sarkar trained in London's Michelin-starred kitchens and has built Indienne around progressive reinterpretations of Indian cuisine that blend French technique with regional subcontinental flavors. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in fall 2023 and has retained it annually since. "At Indienne, we promise a masterful food and beverage experience, the highest standards of hospitality, and an elegant yet lively atmosphere," Chef Sarkar said. "It's a distinct honor to be recognized by the world's most prestigious culinary academies and included on the 50 Best Discovery list."
The Menu The tasting menu showcases Sarkar's approach through dishes like Passionfruit Pani Puri—a modernized take on the Indian street snack with a tart shell filled with mango, red onion, and apple tartare, topped with liquid passionfruit and mango bubble—and Scallop Cafreal, a pan-seared scallop served over squid noodles with golden Kaluga caviar. Optional supplemental courses include Lobster Ghee Roast, made with Canadian lobster marinated in a Byadgi chile and ghee spice blend, an homage to the Mangalore preparation. Main courses range from Chicken Makhni—layers of chicken mousseline and breast with red pepper makhni—to vegetarian options like Paneer Kofta in a squash blossom. Desserts include Apple Bebinca, a layered coconut milk ghee cake with caramelized apples and parsnip-ginger ice cream. The restaurant accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian diets alongside non-vegetarian tasting menus.
About the Recognition World's 50 Best Discovery houses more than 3,700 restaurants, bars, hotels, and vineyards worldwide. Establishments are selected only after receiving a significant number of votes from international academies that oversee the 50 Best lists. Indienne is located at 217 West Huron Street. Hours are Monday–Thursday 5–10 p.m. and Friday–Saturday 5–11 p.m. Reservations can be made at indiennechicago.com.
Why It Matters
The Discovery recognition signals growing industry validation for Indian fine dining in the U.S. market, where the cuisine has historically been underrepresented in high-end dining circles. Indienne's dual Michelin star and 50 Best nod position it as a benchmark for how regional Indian cooking can compete at the highest culinary levels.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
