Shalimar Restaurant

Hole in a wall would be overstating this place. Don’t go here expecting a good family dining experience. Run down place, average food.

Not much décor but great food. Definitely order ahead if you can, they make everything fresh and it can take a while. You can hear the chef grinding away at fresh spices while you are waiting. There is an indian grocery store and a chinese one in the same shopping center so run and grab some cooking supplies while you wait.
I tried the liver curry and it was amazing. Eat your offal :)

This place is ridiculously good. Gurnee isn’t exactly known for its international cuisine, but Shalimar could go toe-​to-​toe with any spot on Devon avenue. I ordered take out for lunch, and while it took a while, I could tell everything was freshly made. The naan was better than most, almost slightly sweet, the goat biryani was fluffy and flavorful, and the chicken curry was tender and spicy.
That said, you should probably have some experience with Indian food before you try this place. Some basic familiarity with standard items is a definite prerequisite, because the bare-​bones menu won’t spell it out for you. But, hey, that’s what Google is for. Don’t be intimidated though (like some of the culturally complacent reviewers on here), because this place is worth it.
Go here! I’m only in town occasionally, but I want Shalimar to be there when I come back.

Food here is great. We visited this place more than 3 times and sure will visit again. My husband is a big fans of their lamb biriyani and lamb vindaloo. I tried the veg dum biriyani and baingan bharta and I liked both of them. Though its not a place to sit and eat which we actually tried once, I suggest to order pick up. I am disappointed they dont deliver. Otherwise I would have definitely ordered today’s lunch here.

This was an awful dining experience. Let’s begin with the fact that the server who took our order didn’t understand what we ordered, despite the fact that it was on the menu, and we had to repeat ourselves ten times. After that, he came back and was confused in regards to how I was going to eat my Paneer Makhani. I was blown away, as I was like «With a fork, on rice?» We had to talk back and forth for five minutes for him to figure out we also wanted naan.
Finally, the food shows up. There is a layer of grease/​slime on top of my food. I make a face, and attempt to eat it anyway. I feel confident I will have food poisoning later. My friend didn’t even get the Chicken Tikka Masala they ordered. Both of our food was cold. The naan was at least room temperature, so hot by comparison. My friend had some sort of goat dish arrive that was over half grease, and the other half was mostly bone. They finally got around to bringing rice out after being reminded several times. When the rice arrived, not unlike the rest of the food, it was cold. Like it had come straight from the fridge.
We told them that we were not going to pay for the rice, or the incorrect order that my friend received. They said that was ok, but then charged my friend’s card for the full amount. So, they lied about what the total was, what we were being charged for, etc. AWFUL!

One of the very few authentic South Indian restaurants in the Chicago area. Food is delicious, When prepared fresh. They care to make authentic spicy food if you talk. Had to reduce a star for inconsistency. Chicken 65 dry, Apollo fish fry and chicken biriyani are my favorites.

This place doesn’t look like much, but don’t let that fool you! From the first bite, you will be hooked! My wife and I have been to literally 50 or so Indian restaurants from Chicago to Milwaukee, and this one is our favorite. Each dish is exquisitely and freshly prepared and the aromas and tastes will excite your senses. I usually have my favorite dish that I get over and over again at the restaurant we go to but at this place I just want to go down the menu and try everything. The biryani is amazing! Try the goat, it is extremely tender. The chicken chettinad packs a spicy punch with taste sensations that are unique. The service is a little slow, but relax! Give yourself extra time, you’ll be glad you did! They do make you feel like they are incredibly happy that you are there and are genuinely grateful. Just a tremendous experience!

My husband and I went here this past Saturday. We are big fans of genuine ethnic experiences… Don’t like things that are all Americanized. This restaurant is awesome! Some things run a little differently here than we have experienced before, like the fact that you order the rice separately from the entrée. But the food was completely homemade, and we met both the waiter and the chef. Both were super friendly and interested in talking with us and explaining the food. We have been to many Indian restaurants and we absolutely love this one. The atmosphere is pretty basic, but the food is extraordinary. We ordered chili chicken, veggie curry, goat biryani, nan, and masala chai. Love!

The sign also calls this place Viijay. Two names and it sucks under both. Tiny, run down, poor service. Sides are extra.