What if we told you that a single dinner could take you on a journey across India? That’s exactly what Nadu, the newest restaurant by the brilliant Michelin-starred and James Beard-nominated Chef Sujan Sarkar, promises to do in Chicago. Known for pushing the boundaries of Indian cuisine with his celebrated ventures like Indienne, Sifr, and Swadesi, Chef Sujan is back with something deeply personal, rooted, and vibrantly regional.
Chef Sujan Sarkar’s NADU Brings India’s Soul To Chicago
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“Nadu” means homeland in Tamil—and that’s your first clue. This isn’t just another high-end Indian restaurant. It’s a love letter to India’s culinary soul, co-written by Chef Sujan Sarkar and Head Chef Sanchit Sahu. It’s warm, rooted, evocative, and above all, authentic. The 90-seat dining space at Nadu is a fusion of modern elegance and contemporary Indian energy.
From the moment you enter Nadu, you’re visually transported. The interiors blend modern elegance with warm, earthy textures. At its heart is The Chicago Durbar, a dramatic oil painting by Art Institute alum Abhay Sehgal, merging Indian mythology with local storytelling. The restaurant’s design features warm hues, rich textures, and intricate details that transport you to the heart of India.
Coastal Curries, Street Snacks & Craft Cocktails
Nadu is a celebration of India’s vast regional flavours, blending coastal dishes, northern spices, and cherished family recipes. Whether you’re savouring the rich Kashmiri Chicken Gushtaba or indulging in the tangy, coconut-flavoured Prawn Balchao from Goa, each dish has been carefully crafted using traditional cooking techniques.
Start with an appetiser like the Inji Puli Pork Ris from Kerala or indulge in Bihari Kabab from Patna. Vegetarians aren’t left out either, with treats like the Mushroom Galawat from Lucknow or the Paneer Ghotalas from Surat, all bursting with regional flavours.
For the main course, there’s something for every palate. The Meen Gassi from Mangalore brings walleye fish cooked in a rich coconut and tamarind curry, while the Murgh Makhani (better known as butter chicken) from Delhi is an indulgent, creamy delight. Don’t miss the signature Crab Milagu Fry from Kerala, a luxurious whole Dungeness crab cooked with fragrant Telicherry peppercorns, garlic, and shallots.
The cocktail menu at Nadu takes India’s indigenous ingredients and transforms them into something truly spectacular. Sip on a Gulaab (Rose) with fresh floral notes, or try the Aam (Mango), which blends tequila, Aam Panna, and chilli for a spicy, pungent kick. If you’re looking for something more complex, the Chai cocktail, made with whiskey, clarified masala chai, vermouth, and Campari, is a bold choice. For those seeking something with a smoky, coffee twist, the Kapi (Filter Coffee) made with Old Monk rum and caramel yoghurt will take your taste buds on a journey to South India’s coffee plantations.
Nadu is not just a restaurant but also an invitation to taste, explore, and connect with the homeland!
Where: 2518 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
When: Tue–Thu: 5 PM–9:30 PM | Fri–Sat: 5 PM–10:30 PM | Sun–Mon: Closed
Cover Image Courtesy: NADU/Instagram
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