I decided to take a mini-trek to the small suburb of Morton Grove to enjoy some authentic Indian food, and I’m glad I did. Tava Restaurant and Bar is an unexpected surprise.

It all starts right when you walk in. The dark-wood accents and fireplace create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is quite (pleasantly!) surprising for a strip-mall restaurant.

I went for the lunch buffet ($11.99 daily). For those unfamiliar with Indian cuisine it may be a good place to start because they offer plenty of choices, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. My favorite dishes are the Dal Makhani and Navratan Korma… but the very best by far was the Parsi Bhaji. It is a green bean, coconut sauce dish seasoned with exotic mustard, curry leaves, spices, and a tiny bit of cream. Its unique blend of flavors makes it stand out above the rest. Also, I must not forget the sizzling Tandoori Chicken and caramelized onions brought out to each table (for dinner you can upgrade to organic chicken). Another nice thing about the buffet menu is that it changes daily so there’s always something new.

One thing I quickly recognized was how fresh everything tasted. I then learned that Tava prides itself on not using any canned or frozen ingredients and everything is made-from-scratch… which this foodie appreciates.

Tava is a REAL hidden gem and definitely worth the drive to the near North Suburbs.

7172 W Dempster St,
Morton Grove, IL 60053
(847) 966-8282
www.tavadining.com