Michelin Bib Gourmand · Indian-Mexican · Bucktown
By Monty Khas, Anonymous Critic. Pays every bill.
On paper, Indian-Mexican sounds like a gimmick. At Mirra, it makes perfect sense. Both cuisines love chilies, slow-cooked meats, fresh breads and bright, tangy sauces, and chefs Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir have built a menu that shows just how much the two traditions share.
The people
Kumar and Mohajir opened Mirra in Bucktown in August 2024, and the accolades came fast. Eater named it one of the 14 best new restaurants in America that year, and the Michelin Guide added it in 2025 with a Bib Gourmand. Mohajir also runs Lilac Tiger in Wicker Park and competed on Top Chef: Destination Canada. In 2026, the pair opened Mariela, a seafood restaurant in the Loop.
The vibe
Mirra is lively and fun, and it's open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and for brunch on weekends.
What to eat
The lamb barbacoa biryani is the signature: fragrant rice and slow-braised lamb, sealed under a crisp roti crust that's cracked open at the table. It's dramatic, delicious and a perfect example of how the two cuisines meet.
Start with the scallop ceviche, packed into crisp fenugreek roti shells, or the crispy scallop tacos with a Mexican-style green curry. Quesadillas get a hit of Chettinad masala, the peppery spice blend of Tamil Nadu, and the dip mezze pairs housemade Indian achar with salsa tatemada, a smoky charred tomato salsa. For dessert, the tres leches is soaked in saffron and cardamom milk.
The counter
For the full experience, book the seven-course tasting at the chef's counter, where you can watch the kitchen at work.
The bar
The cocktail list follows the same cross-cultural spirit. Ask for the Boomerang.
Before you go
Mirra is at 1954 West Armitage Avenue. Weekend tables book up well ahead, so plan early. It's closed on Mondays.
Why it matters
Mirra is proof that the most exciting food often happens where cultures meet. It's one of the most original restaurants in Chicago, and a sign of where the city's desi dining scene is headed.
The Quick Fix
What to order: Lamb barbacoa biryani; scallop ceviche in fenugreek roti shells; crispy scallop tacos with Mexican green curry; Chettinad masala quesadilla; dip mezze with achar and salsa tatemada; saffron-cardamom tres leches; the seven-course chef's counter
Pricing: Mid-range to upscale. The chef's counter is the splurge.
Best for: Date nights, adventurous eaters, groups of friends, weekend brunch and anyone who loves both Indian and Mexican food
How it compares: Chicago's most exciting new desi restaurant; more polished than sister bar Lilac Tiger; more playful than Nadu, with the city's most original biryani
See where Mirra 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.