Trilokah Kerala and South Indian Restaurant

A RARE Gem in Lincoln Park – A Soulful Culinary Journey at Trilokah! Atmosphere: Trilokah Kerala and South Indian Restaurant on Clybourn Ave is an absolute must-visit for Indian cuisine lovers and curious foodies alike. Tucked in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant Lincoln Park, Trilokah doesn’t just offer a meal; it elevates the neighborhood’s cultural and culinary landscape. From the moment we stepped in, we were enveloped by a warm, inviting ambiance brimming with energy and culture. Vibrant wall colors, exposed brick textures, and curated artwork tell stories of Kerala’s tropical beauty and India’s rich pop-culture. Every corner is a visual delight, especially the vintage moped corner filled with antique treasures; a nostalgic nod to the restaurant's roots. Service: The service was nothing short of exceptional. From entry to exit, we felt genuinely welcomed, valued, and cared for. What truly sets Trilokah apart is the presence and leadership of the owner, who takes immense pride in every detail. His attentiveness, warmth, and insightful menu recommendations made our experience deeply personal. You could see the respect and camaraderie among the team; a sign of a positive, nurturing work culture. It’s rare to find a place where hospitality feels this sincere and heartfelt. Food: Dining at Trilokah was not just a meal; it was a soulful experience. Every dish was a masterpiece, visually stunning, incredibly flavorful, and clearly crafted with care and love. You don’t just taste the food; you FEEL it. Comforting, nostalgic, and made with integrity. Their diverse menu caters to all—from meat lovers to vegans to kids—and each dish is equally phenomenal. Here’s what we ordered (and loved): Madras Coffee Served in traditional dabara cups, it was a culture-rich brew—deep, smooth, and frothy with perfectly balanced sweetness. A delightful start. Samosas Crispy, flaky, and filled generously with hearty, well-seasoned stuffing. Paired with tangy tamarind and spicy mint chutneys—easily the best samosas I've ever had. Chilli Garlic Shrimp Perfectly cooked, succulent shrimp in a bold, savory garlic chili sauce. A must-try for seafood lovers! Gobi Manchurian (Vegan) Crispy cauliflower tossed in a vibrant, tangy sauce—this dish disappeared first at our table. Porotta with Beef Curry Heavenly combo! The porotta was flaky and buttery, while the beef curry was deeply aromatic, tender, and unforgettable. Pure Kerala comfort! Paneer Butter Masala Creamy, slightly sweet, and rich tomato-based sauce with soft paneer cubes. A timeless vegetarian favorite. Ghee Dosa with Sambar & Chutney My personal highlight! Crisp at the edges, soft in the center, and golden perfection. The best dosa I’ve ever had. A dosa lover’s dream come true! Thalassery Chicken Biryani Fragrant, nostalgic, and soulful. The small-grain rice soaked in spices and mingled with tender chicken —a home-cooked flavor that touches the heart. Final Thoughts: In a city brimming with great restaurants, Trilokah stands in a class of its own. It’s not just about food; it’s about connection, memory, and joy. Every bite tells a story. Every moment in this restaurant feels intentional and warm. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking comfort in a hearty meal, Trilokah is where you want to be. It’s a place that feeds both body and spirit. Highly, wholeheartedly recommended. Come hungry, bring your camera, and prepare to be moved. It’s not just 5 stars—it’s infinite stars.

One of the tastiest and flavorful Kerala cuisine.. that I have tasted in the US of A.... service was great .. food tasted was yum.. from the cuppa and kottayam meen curry ...beef fry, podichoru.. apam and stew... Chicken varuthada... Butter chicken dosa.. filter coffee ...

If you’re craving authentic Kerala cuisine in Chicago, Trilokah is an absolute must visit! We tried the Kizhi Parotta, which was simply fantastic, rich, flavorful, and true to the Kerala taste. My wife had an omelette and a plate of idly, both cooked to perfection and carrying that comforting, homely flavor. To top it off, the salted lemon soda was the perfect refreshing drink to balance the spices. The restaurant has a warm and cozy vibe, and one corner especially reminded us of scenes from the movie Ustad Hotel. It’s not just about the food, the ambience really adds to the experience. The staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, which makes the dining experience even better. We noticed a steady crowd coming in, so you might need to wait a little before being seated, but trust me, the food is absolutely worth it. Clearly, this place has already earned a spot as a local favorite in the city! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Overall: Delicious Kerala food, great atmosphere, and genuine hospitality. Can’t wait to go back and try more from their menu. Highly recommended! 💯

I’ve regularly visited since September of 2025 at least 10 times. This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Chicago as a Malayali away from home. Great place for casual dinners and taking anyone who is missing real Indian food. Their south indian is lovely (idli sometimes isn’t the best in the winter bc the maavu doesn’t rise properly in cold chicago weather but) dosa and vadas are always hot and yummy. Summertime idli is my go to because they are perfectly fluffy. I always ask for extra coconut chutney because it’s delicious and their sambar is tangy and not sweet! The indochinese food is also really good, highly recommend the chili paneer. It’s a great appetizer and we end up ordering two plates because everyone loves it. Pothichoru with fish fry and fish curry tastes like straight from Kottayam. Beef fry is definitely a black pepper beef fry and it goes great with the kerala parotta. I also went for their Onam celebration and that was so worth it. The staff is always helpful and kind! Once or twice I’ve experienced low staffing that can cause food delays but they’re always doing their best so just be patient! I only have good things to say and I’m going back tonight for some hot vadas :)

If you are craving for some Kerala food, this is the place to be. The ambience is simple, good staff and service. Here are the dishes we tried: 1. Chattiporrota (5/5)- Excellent flavor, soft parotta and the fried chicken with it was super tender. Highly recommend this dish. 2. Kottayam Style Fish curry- A bit on the spicier end but try it with their Kappa (5/5) soft and flavorful. This is also must. 3. Goat pepper fry- tender goat with bold flavor. 4. Falooda (5/5) - very good Falooda. The parking around the place might be difficult but there is street parking.

The dosas, chutney and sambar were very good. The pepper chicken was just ok. The mutton was all bone. The beef roast was tasty and the kerala parotta was good.

Tried takeout from Trilokah Kerala and South Indian Restaurant and it was amazing. We ordered chicken biriyani, thattukada chicken fry, and beef kizhiporotta, and every dish tasted incredibly authentic and flavorful. The flavors truly reminded us of real Kerala food. Highly recommend if you’re craving genuine Kerala and South Indian cuisine. Will definitely order again!

I really enjoyed my visit to this South Indian restaurant. The chicken dosa was a standout—perfectly crisp with a flavorful filling and just the right amount of spice. The sambar was equally impressive, well seasoned and satisfyingly spicy, complementing the dosa nicely. The restaurant has a casual, laid-back ambiance that makes it comfortable and welcoming. While the overall energy was on the slower side, it felt intentional and relaxing rather than dull. Our server was attentive and friendly, which made the experience even better. Overall, it’s a great spot for flavorful South Indian food at a relaxed pace.

If you are craving for some Kerala food, this is the place to be. The ambience is simple, good staff and service. Here are the dishes we tried: 1. Chattiporrota (5/5)- Excellent flavor, soft parotta and the fried chicken with it was super tender. Highly recommend this dish. 2. Kottayam Style Fish curry- A bit on the spicier end but try it with their Kappa (5/5) soft and flavorful. This is also must. 3. Goat pepper fry- tender goat with bold flavor. 4. Falooda (5/5) - very good Falooda. The parking around the place might be difficult but there is street parking.

Good- Lots of Kerala dishes Bad - They are not good; atleast whatever we tried. Beef fry were like some dry pellets, didn't taste good.Appam was over fermented and didn't look like appam. Kotthu paratha was a dry heap of bland minced stuff. Coconut chicken curry was good but would be better without the white cream or whatever was on the top. Finally, what's up with these tiny Walmart spoons for serving, Get some serving spoons. You don't need 90 items in the menu, just do a few items good and present it well. Will give it another try but not for a while.

I have been going to this place since one year and it has not disappointed! Shabin has done great job and amazing food !! Make sure you keep enough time in advance on weekends to be able to sit down and enjoy the delicacy of Kerala food. I highly recommend the biryani and the chicken stew.

When I first visited this place in March, they had just opened the restaurant and the service left a lot to be desired for but I hope that's changed now. I remember the food being amazing, hence the review. I got a biryani and idli vada combo both were really good. Can't wait to be back to try more Kerala dishes.

I really enjoyed my visit to this South Indian restaurant. The chicken dosa was a standout--perfectly crisp with a flavorful filling and just the right amount of spice. The sambar was equally impressive, well seasoned and satisfyingly spicy, complementing the dosa nicely. The restaurant has a casual, laid-back ambiance that makes it comfortable and welcoming. While the overall energy was on the slower side, it felt intentional and relaxing rather than dull. Our server was attentive and friendly, which made the experience even better. Overall, it's a great spot for flavorful South Indian food at a relaxed pace.

Tried Trilokah for the first time and I'm seriously blown away. This was my first time having Kerala-style curries and WOW. so much flavor in every single bite. We got the medu vada, uttapam, Kothu Porotta, Varutharacha curry with rice + paratha, kadala curry with puttu, Mysore masala dosa, veg cutlet, and lime soda... and everything was The sambhar that came with the vada, uttapam, and dosa was so flavorful I could drink it. The paratha was fluffy and perfect. The Kothu Porotta and Kerala curries were next-level delicious. Also, the owner was there and SO kind and really welcoming and you can tell they care. Super impressed and definitely coming back. Veggie-friendly and full of flavor

Came in on Sunday and it was packed by 1pm. It's a small bustling restaurant. Refreshing to see a regional Southern Indian cuisine featured in the heart of Chicago. All the mutton/goat dishes were pretty good. The clay pot dish with fresh parotta (layered flatbread) topped with goat and pepper goat was the highlight. The kids liked cheese dosa and the kids approved the accompanying sambar (a must have veggie stew) and asked for more. The thallaserry biryani (similar to paella) and tawa roasted shrimp was good too. My toddler liked the shrimp and dosa very much. My only qualm is that there was bit too much fat in goat dishes but taste was good. The preparation is pretty authentic so be prepared to see bone in pieces. Though they may offer some usual dishes that Americans are used to seeing, I probably recommend stick to what they are known for ,which is the Kerala and Southern Indian specialties. It was nice that I could actually come in and speak to the host in my native language for the first time in the city in over 30 yrs.

We visited Trilokah over the Easter weekend. The restaurant was clean, well-maintained, and featured charming Kerala-inspired décor. We started with the Thattukada Chicken Varuthathu -- hands down my favorite dish of the evening. It was authentically prepared, with juicy chicken pieces fried to perfection. Unfortunately, the lime soda didn't live up to expectations and was a bit of a letdown. Next, we tried the Thalassery Chicken Biryani. It had all the right flavors and was quite enjoyable, though I found the masala a bit overpowering. My husband, on the other hand, absolutely loved it. We also had the Chatti Porotta with beef. The porotta was perfectly flaky, and the beef was decent. The dish came with a fried egg, but I personally would've preferred an omelette instead. Still, it was satisfying overall.

Visited for the first time and the food and service was absolutely amazing. We were recommended the kerala porotta which was the highlight of the entire meal:) will definitely be back, thanks!!!!

Amazing food and great service, very kind staff with excellent recommendations. Definitely try the parotta

This is place is a family favorite for getting Kerala food outside of our home. Have tried countless dishes on the menu and everything is delicious and well done. The fish pollichathu is a must order! It comes sizzling on a skillet wrapped in a banana leaf with such a flavorful and tangy masala. And of course, the beef fry is another essential dish when visiting Trilokah. Of all the curries they make, our favorite is the shrimp molly - the perfect blend of spices and sweetness from the coconut milk. I love how fluffy the appams are and the parrotas are perfectly flaky. Also, the restaurant space is very clean with such cool decor but an overall cozy and warm feel. Love coming here with family or introducing my friends to the flavors of Kerala cuisine!

Trilokah is a welcome addition to the Lincoln Park-adjacent food scene. I love South Indian food and was thrilled to have it so close to home. The restaurant is still relatively new in this spot and appears to be still working out some kinks, but I think they'll be great once they get into a better rhythm. My friend and I both had dosas. She ordered a butter chicken dosa and I got a masala dosa. Mine was very tasty but a little unevenly cooked, greasier than any other dosa I've had, and not very hot, while hers was perfectly executed. It made me think there might have been some timing issues in the kitchen. The chutneys were very good, one coconut and one peanut, the latter a little spicy. I also ordered a mint lime drink, which they forgot even though there weren't many other diners in the restaurant. But they delivered it right away after I asked. It was tasty but was flatter than I expected some a drink with club soda. The service was friendly and laid back. On the plus side, we felt welcome to stay as long as we wanted. On the downside, things were pretty slow, so it might be tough if you want to have a quick meal. Even though things weren't perfect on our visit, I'll definitely give them another try, maybe after they've had some more run time in the space.

New indian restaurant location! My friend and I went to this location a week into it opening. The inside is nicely decorated with pictures and paintings. It definitely is a smaller restaurant and there was a short wait for the 2 of us. Definitely expect to wait a little. I don't think the staff expected it to be so busy, so the service was definitely very slow but I am hopeful that as they stay open longer, it'll improve. We got the masala dosa which was delicious and was paired with coconut chutney, peanut chutney and sambar. Wow, the sambar was one of the best I've had in Chicago. The egg noodles were under the indo chinese section and were honestly mid. The gulab jamun was good but cold and soggy by the time we got it. All in all, would definitely come back for the dosa but ultimately, would pass on the other things we got. Worth checking out if you're in the area and are craving dosa!

Trilokah is a great spot if you're craving bold, flavorful South Indian dishes with a side of fusion flair. We ordered a variety of items and loved most of what hit the table, especially the dosas and curries. What We Loved: Mysore Masala Dosa - Perfectly spiced, crispy, and generously filled. A solid standout! Podi Dosa - Another hit! The podi added that nutty, spicy layer that made it extra comforting. Egg Curry with Appam - Rich, flavorful curry paired with soft, lacy appams--a must-try combo. Gobi Manchurian - Crispy, tangy, and addictive. A great starter to share. Vada Sambar - Flavorful and satisfying, though the vada could have been a little crispier. Drinks - We tried the mango shake and lime soda. While refreshing, they didn't quite hit the mark with our group--missing a bit of balance or boldness. Overall Vibe: Comfortable, lively space with great service Menu is creative but stays true to South Indian flavors Great for sharing plates and casual group dinners

Went here the second day of the opening around evening. Ambience was clean and quiet. Staffs were extremely friendly and polite. It's an authentic kerala south indian restaurant. I am so glad we finally have one close to downtown and this might give a hard competition to thattu. What I like here about food is that there are a lot options from general Indian food menu to the authentic kerala dishes. Authentic dishes are quite on the pricey end for an Indian restaurant. On an average it comes upto $24 for few authentic kerala dishes. Love their tea and it's so refreshing. It's a bang on the buck. Appetizers we had Thelissery goat fry and I also did a take out for chilli chicken. Goat fry was good but chilli chicken was a bit messed up. Entrees I tried Veg stew with appam and also did a take out on vijayawada chicken biriyani. Both of them were fresh and rich in flavor. Appams were so tasty. For desserts I tried palada payasam it was a hit sweeter for me. It could have been a bit milder in sweetness and rich in flavor. Overall majority of the experience was good and food is fresh but can get a little bit pricey.I hope they keep up the same quality and can work on prices. Brownie points for the location and proximity to downtown.

Trilokah has a lot of potential to be even better! The restaurant has a charming decor with traditional artwork and lovely family photos that give it a warm, welcoming vibe. Service was a bit on the slower side, especially considering it wasn't too busy at the time. I'm giving it 4 stars mainly because my masala dosa was light on the masala potatoes, the coconut chutney lacked flavor, peanut chutney was super yummy (wish I had more) and overall, the Dosa dish was just warm--not hot. I needed more masala potatoes and chutney with my dosa. That said, the fish dish was excellent, and the Madras coffee was a standout. It's exciting to see a South Indian restaurant in this area offering such unique flavors and dishes. I'll definitely be returning to try more of the menu!

Had very high expectations for this place, because we loved their location in the burbs, but ultimately their service really disappointed us. We ordered takeout, we realized they had forgotten some items. The owner offered to drop the correct items but it took more than an hour to no avail. We had to call the restaurant multiple phone calls to check in on the delivery and we got blatantly lied to on the time it was going to take to deliver the remaining items. I really wish they would have handled this better after paying $100 for food and tip. The food was really mediocre.

We visited the newly opened Trilokah on a Friday evening one week after their ribbon cutting. The restaurant has potential. The service staff tried hard but seemed overwhelmed by the full house. The food was interesting and enjoyable. The extensive menu offers both familiar Indian dishes (Chicken Tikka Masala) as well as more exotic South Indian cuisine. The vegetarian curry with black chickpeas was delicious. The Chef Speciality shown in photo was complex in its construction and an interesting dish. We will probably be back in a few months and provide an update.

Food taste, too much sweetness. Buffet was nice, but could been better. Could also focus on lighting also

service was bad. took forever to order and get the check. food was decent but better south indian spots

Delicious South Asian food. Also street food favorites. Wonderful staff. Owner is so friendly. go!

Service is pathetic. Waiting for an hour and no signs of food. The host has no idea what is going on, even coffee arrived after waiting for an hour. The picture describes what you get after waiting for an hour

Great food and wonderful service. I ordered pick up for lunch and it was fast, hot, and very good!

We tried a couple of dishes Chicken Varuthathu (Fry) was mostly all bones and very little meat, not what someone would expect for the price. Chicken dum biryani was a small portion made of short grain rice, not sure if that's how it's prepped I would have expected long grain basmati rice. Taste was ok.

I ordered food today that said it was originally going to be ready at 8:08. The system updated to 8:23 which was completely fine. When I arrived at 8:23, I was consistently told 2 or 5 more minutes till 9. As the people waiting piled up, they continued to tell others the same thing. I was handed my food at 9 with several other people at tables looking around for their food.

Food was excellent! Authentic taste Service was very good ! Great Ambience! hats off to the cook . Thank you!!

Very authentic traditional deep cuts in southern indian cooking. DELICIOUS. Nice staff, trekendous personalitues

10/10 hidden gem. Bout to learn Malayalam cause of this place. Fully halal menu. Ambiance is great i Love saif Ali khan

My wife and I had a chance to go today as we were craving dosa! I highly recommend getting their masala dosa. Beef fry and paratha was really good too! We will be back. Great service too!

I absolutely LOVE this place. The owner and staff are so genuine and the food is really good. They have quickly gotten very popular so I hope they have time soon to realize just how great they are doing! I work right across the street and it is very easy for me to get food from here. I am never disappointed and always try something new. This time I had the Shrimp Molly and wow did I get shrimp! The portion sizes are generous and you really do get a lot of tasty food for your dollar. Excuse my messy photo, we were just really excited for the food!

Not a good experience. Service is bad. Staff is not helpful at all. We waited for more than an hour and we left without getting food. Do not waste your time.

This has been one of the most disappointing service experiences I've had. The food is taking an unreasonably long time to arrive, and it's not just me--none of the tables seem to be getting their orders. What exactly is going on in the kitchen?

Great variety of shareable dishes, friendly and quick service, and cool cultural decor. Definitely recommended.

Horrible horrible service! Waited for more than 70 minutes to just get a cup of coffee that too without sugar. The staff was unbothered when asked about the wait time or update on food items. Terrible experience. Never going there again.

Great, authentic food. Everything we got was fantastic, will definitely be coming again!