Modern Indian · Wicker Park, West Loop and La Grange
By Monty Khas, Anonymous Critic. Pays every bill.
Kama is a family story. Vikram and Agnes Singh opened the first Kama in La Grange in 2009, turning a small suburban bistro into a destination for Indian food with a modern streak. More than a decade later, the brand has come to the city, with a Wicker Park restaurant in 2023 and a West Loop location on Randolph Row in 2025.
The people
The Singhs still run the business together, and that family feel carries through every location. The menu reflects their approach: Indian flavors handled with care, with enough modern twists to keep things interesting.
The rooms
Wicker Park took over the Milwaukee Avenue space that used to house Wynwood Kitchen and Spirits. The West Loop location on Randolph Row adds an After Hours menu on Friday and Saturday nights.
What to eat
Start with the Goan mussels, which beg for bread. The cheese kulcha and lamb kulcha are both excellent for mopping it up. The taco trio puts Indian fillings in tortillas, and the sweet potato chaat is a bright, tangy starter.
For mains, the lamb shank vindaloo is the one to get, slow-braised and fiery in the Goan style. Chilean sea bass molly, a mild Kerala-style coconut curry, is elegant and comforting, and the tamarind barbecue short rib is a smart East-meets-West crowd-pleaser. Butter chicken and lamb chops cover the classics well. At Wicker Park, look for the paneer ravioli in vodka makhani sauce.
The bar
Cocktails are a big part of Kama's appeal. The Chai Old Fashioned brings warm spice to a classic, the Purple Rain is a floral, eye-catching favorite and the Kama Rita gives the margarita a desi twist. A cocktail flight lets you try a few at once.
Before you go
Wicker Park is at 1560 North Milwaukee Avenue, and the West Loop is at 812 West Randolph Street. The original opened in La Grange, in the western suburbs. Weekday happy hour is a great deal, and reservations are recommended on weekends.
Why it matters
Kama shows how a family-run suburban favorite can grow without losing its warmth. Its city locations bring modern Indian cooking to two of Chicago's busiest dining neighborhoods.
The Quick Fix
What to order: Goan mussels; cheese or lamb kulcha; taco trio; sweet potato chaat; lamb chops; lamb shank vindaloo; Chilean sea bass molly; tamarind barbecue short rib; a Chai Old Fashioned or Purple Rain
Pricing: Mid-range to upscale. Weekday happy hour is the best value.
Best for: Date nights, after-work drinks, groups, families and anyone who wants modern Indian food with a cocktail list to match
How it compares: Chicago's most welcoming modern Indian bistro; more relaxed than Roop down the street; more classic than Lilac Tiger, with a stronger family feel
See where Kama ranks: The Best Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi Restaurants in Chicago: Our Top 10 for 2026
The food was always this good. We're just paying attention.