Indienne *

Oct 29, 2025

5 min read

Updated: Jul 23

Some restaurants leave such a lasting impression that planning a return visit begins before you've even left the dining room. Indienne was one of those restaurants for us.

When we first visited, we were captivated by Chef Sujan Sarkar's ability to present Indian cuisine through the lens of fine dining while remaining deeply respectful of its traditions. On our second visit, we weren't looking to recreate that experience, we were excited to build upon it. Returning allowed us to appreciate the thoughtfulness of the menu on a deeper level, revisit dishes we had been thinking about for months, and discover new details that only become apparent when you already understand the restaurant's philosophy.

The dining room remains one of our favorite spaces in Chicago. Modern with an industrial loft aesthetic, exposed architectural details are softened by a warm, understated color palette that creates an elegant yet comfortable atmosphere. It strikes a balance between refined and approachable, making it equally suited for a special occasion or an evening simply celebrating exceptional food.

Just as memorable as the cuisine is the hospitality. The service is genuinely warm, polished, and effortlessly charming. The team takes the time to explain ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance in a way that welcomes both seasoned fine diners and those experiencing contemporary Indian cuisine for the first time.

The beverage program continues to impress. While Kira's German may be a bit rusty, one word she remembered was trocken (dry). Our favorite pairing of the evening was the Kühling-Gillot Nierstein Riesling Trocken, served alongside the supplemental Lobster Ghee Roast. The wine's bright acidity and minerality beautifully balanced the richness of the dish, making it one of the most memorable pairings of the evening. Kira leans dry/trocken in Reislings while Carmine leans sweet. It was a hit with both of us.

One of the many reasons we continue recommending Indienne is its inclusivity. Whether you prefer vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, or non-vegetarian cuisine, the restaurant offers thoughtfully curated tasting menus for each group. As unapologetic non-vegetarians, we once again chose that menu, but it's refreshing to see every guest given an equally complete experience.

Although we are incredibly proud of Detroit's dining scene, we often say that we don't currently have anything quite like Indienne. The restaurant occupies a unique space where traditional Indian flavors meet the precision and progression of modern tasting menus. Emma instantly fell back in love with it, even comparing the experience to one of her favorite Indian restaurants in Dubai, high praise from someone who has grown up around tasting

menus across the world.

Several dishes were just as memorable the second time around. The Lamb Kebab and Chicken Makhni remain beautifully rich, deeply flavorful, and, quite honestly, luxuriously messy in the best possible way. Don't hesitate to embrace the experience and use your hands. Some dishes simply deserve to be enjoyed that way. The staff will help you!

If you're visiting Chicago with children or younger diners (above the age of 9), Indienne deserves serious consideration. The spacious dining room, generously spaced tables, welcoming service, and engaging explanations make it an ideal introduction to both Indian cuisine and the tasting menu format. The flavors are adventurous without being intimidating, creating an experience that encourages curiosity rather than hesitation.

On our return visit, we again recommend adding both supplemental courses. The Lobster Ghee Roast with prawn ela ada, sunchoke, with mango and equally as irresistible was the Chili Cheese Kulcha served alongside the Lamb Kebab. At just six dollars, passing on warm, freshly baked bread would simply be a mistake.

Our second visit only strengthened what we felt after the first. Indienne isn't simply a restaurant worth trying once and we'll gladly continue revisiting whenever we're in Chicago.

Indienne

October 29, 2025

We’ve had Indienne on our radar for quite some time a restaurant that beautifully redefines Indian fine dining. Helmed by Chef Sujan Sarkar, this Michelin-starred gem in Chicago delivers a culinary experience that is both deeply rooted in heritage and unapologetically modern.

From the moment we stepped inside, we were struck by the elegance of the space warm, contemporary, and quietly luxurious. Indienne offers a range of tasting menus to suit every palate: vegetarian, non-vegetarian, pescatarian, and vegan. Naturally, we chose the non-vegetarian menu with the Reserve pairing.

Service at Indienne is where the magic happens. The team moves in perfect harmony attentive, knowledgeable, and working as a unified team. Every detail, from pacing to presentation, felt intentional without ever being formal or stiff. Emma especially loved how included she was throughout the meal, with servers explaining each dish to her as thoughtfully as they did to us. It was a beautiful reminder of why we bring her along for these culinary adventures.

Lobster Ghee Roast (Supplemental)
Lamb Kebab (added supplemental Chili Cheese Kulcha)

We definitely recommend adding both of the supplemental courses: the Lobster Ghee Roast comprised of prawn ela ada, sunchoke, and mango was rich, buttery, and deeply satisfying, while the Chili Cheese Kulcha served alongside the Lamb Kebab was pure joy. Let’s be honest, who would ever pass up perfectly baked bread for $6? One of the highlights of the evening was learning more about Dal, a humble staple of Indian cuisine. At Indienne, even this comforting classic was elevated into something refined and memorable.

The Reserve wine pairing was phenomenal. Each glass was chosen with precision, complementing the complex flavors and varying temperatures of the dishes. A standout was the Rioja Gran Reserva, described amusingly as “peaches and burnt tires.” Odd as it sounds, that description couldn’t have been more accurate and it was one of Kira’s favorites of the night. Carmine was equally delighted by the Jurançon pairing, where noble rot met savory in an unexpected but masterful way. You know Carmine loves his Botrytis.

Indienne is an immersion into modern India, filtered through the elegance of Michelin-level technique. It’s a restaurant that celebrates tradition while fearlessly embracing innovation leaving behind not just the memory of an exquisite meal, but the feeling of warmth, hospitality, and connection that defines truly great dining.

Our menu for the evening:

NON-VEGETARIAN TASTING MENU

DHOKLA - Curry Leaf, Mustard

PANI PURI - Passion Fruit, Green Apple, Buckwheat

AVOCADO BHEL - Tamarind, Black Rice

YOGURT CHAAT - Mint, Rhubarb, Raspberry

SCALLOP CAFREAL - Squid, Young Garlic, Cauliflower, Golden Kaluga Caviar

LOBSTER GHEE ROAST - Prawn Ela Ada, Sunchoke, Mango (Supplemental Course - $24)

LAMB KEBAB - Shami, Ribs, Endive, Pickled Jicama (Supplemental Bread- Chili Cheese Kulcha- $6)

CHICKEN MAKHNI - Red Pepper Makhni, Fenugreek Black Dairy Dal, Garlic Naan

BAL MITHAI - Dulcey, Orange Murrabba, Milk Ice Cream

TREATS