We came here for a weekend luncheon, I miss the desserts and boba tea from Bakersville, which used…read moreto be in the same location. The redecorating and ambience was modern and sleek, with fully operational and clean water features. Grills were gas-operated, one grills there own meat items here. I really liked the natural-stone mini-subway style tiles on the walls. Like a lot of Korean places I have seen, the seats had minimal padding. I think this would be a great place for a date if you're in the area, a prize in an unassuming strip mall anchored by an auto parts store. Food was great, they happily and generously provided more banchan and also gave us complimentary bowls of soy paste soup that was practically jumping out of the bowl. As civilised as I tried to be, using my chopsticks and the cooking tongs correctly, I still felt like I completely stuffed my face like at a trough '^_^ it was all so good. Maybe to accommodate the neighborhood, the banchan was not nearly as spicy as we expected, so that might be great for someone trying Korean for the first time. Some might balk at the prices of some items, such as $24.99 for 1/2lb of raw meat, but we had a very enjoyable time and hope to come again.

PROS - v clean. waitress is v friendly…read more - food is fresh (but not flavorful) - yukhoe is v good, clean, fresh CONS - food is not flavorful. all the stars came off bc the food. just can't recommend as someone who eats and makes korean food all the time - v overpriced as well. v small portions (similar to japanese bbq). overpriced is ok if flavorful and awesome k bbq

Absolutely phenomenal experience! This is hands- down the best Indian food in the area. Amazing…read morefood, authentic flavors and awesome friendly staff! The service is top notch; staff was attentive and made us feel so welcome. We will definitely be regulars here!!

If you want to explore one of the most underrepresented regional cuisines in Chicago's Indian…read moredining scene, Magic Pepper is a place worth discovering. Magic Pepper is a new restaurant in Niles, and while the menu is broad--featuring North Indian dishes, Indo-Chinese items, and even a small kids menu with American staples--the heart of the kitchen is clearly Kerala cuisine from the southern part of India. That's what makes this place special. You can absolutely order familiar Indian dishes here. But the real reason to visit is the Kerala food, which is extremely hard to find done this well anywhere in the Chicago area. The restaurant itself is comfortable and straightforward. Think of the format of a casual sit-down chain restaurant--plenty of seating, relaxed vibe--but operated as a local family-run spot. Everything is clean, friendly, and welcoming, but it's not trying to be a trendy or overly polished dining room. It feels authentic in the best way: a solid neighborhood restaurant focused on good food rather than presentation. Service & Experience * Friendly, welcoming staff * Food is cooked fresh and brought out as it's ready * Expect dishes to arrive at slightly different times, especially with larger orders * Lots of takeout activity--clearly a popular local spot Sharing dishes actually works well here since the table tends to fill up quickly with all the accompaniments. Food We started with a familiar classic: * Samosa - solid and well executed, though this is more of a North Indian staple. Where things really shine is the South Indian and Kerala specialties. * Ghee Roast Dosa - outstanding. Thin, crispy, flaky, and served with all the traditional accompaniments like chutneys and sambar. * Pidiyum & Chicken Curry - a very traditional Kerala dish that's rare to find in Chicago. Comforting, rich, and deeply flavorful. * Malabar Parotta - a highlight. Flaky, layered, almost lacy bread that's incredible when paired with curry. This is something you rarely see outside Kerala-focused restaurants. * Kerala Chicken Curry - perfect with the parotta; deeply spiced without being overwhelming. We also tried some other menu sections: * Street-Style Indo-Chinese Fried Rice - flavorful and well balanced. * Hyderabadi Dum Biryani - served in a small kettle and executed beautifully. The basmati rice was perfectly separated and aromatic with spices. Dessert: * Gulab Jamun - warm, sweet, and a classic way to finish. Drinks One surprise was the cocktail menu. Even though there wasn't a dedicated bartender working constantly, the drinks were very good. * Indian Mojito * Indian Sunset Both had creative flavor twists using Indian ingredients and fresh juices. They took a little time to come out, but they were worth it. Verdict Magic Pepper isn't trying to be a flashy destination restaurant. It's a relaxed neighborhood spot focused on cooking authentic regional food--and that's exactly why it works. What makes it special is the Kerala cuisine, which is extremely difficult to find in the Chicago area at this level. If you're adventurous with food or want to explore beyond the usual butter chicken and tikka masala lineup, this place is absolutely worth seeking out. Come with an open mind, order some Kerala specialties, and share dishes. Five stars for bringing something genuinely unique to the Chicago area's Indian dining scene.

My husband and I had a great meal and very nice experience. We shared the saganaki (which tasted…read moregreat -- not overly salty), the octopus appetizer (juicy, well seasoned and charred but not burnt), horiatiki village salad, the Friday soup special (a fish and vegetable soup) and an avgolemono soup, and very tasty Greek potatoes with tomato sauce, plus a glass of retsina. The sesame half loaf of bread and slightly peppery olive oil was also great. The waiters and bussers and valet parking staff were very attentive. All in all, a really nice experience.

Well Its my first time eating at this Greek restaurant. It was my friends birthday and finally got…read morean opportunity to come here despite passing by this restaurant. So far the horta dandelion salad was delicious. Most restaurants it taste bitter but there version was delicious like spinach. Their version of dolmadres was good and tasty too. Lot of lamb and beef fillings. I finished it with lamb and artichokes. Service was very attentive. Ambiance was modern Greek restaurant. Would love to come and eat here again. The Greek pauposki was like a Greek version of quiches with spice and eggplant delicious. The lamb with artichokes I ordered was delicious too. It was like a goulash.

Love this place. I've been a regular since they opened. Great food, very friendly staff and the…read moreowner/manager personally welcomes his guests. I came in 5mins before they were closing on Sunday (not realizing the time), but they held the kitchen open to serve me. I appreciate that. My favorite dish is the steak and eggs skillet and all their coffees are excellent! I am a coffee snob and appreciate having a great coffee with my breakfast/brunch, very few places get this right!

First time customers. Just me and the girls decided to try somewhere new. Very warm and welcoming,…read moremodern interior with everything updated. Menu is clear. I like that it's a concise menu that offers just enough without doing too much. The service was quick. Seated immediately. Several other couples there, plenty of seating available. Staff was very friendly and the food was delicious. We ordered avocado toast. I give it 5 stars. This was more of an adult meal, my daughter's palette wasn't there for this. The sauce or jam on it with balsamic wasn't something she liked, but I thought it was fabulous with an egg on top. The vanilla latte with vanilla cold foam? My daughter said was way better than Starbucks. So that's a compliment from her world! She said 10 stars. The potato that came with the avocado toast was excellent. Perfectly seasoned. The side of turkey bacon, a little dry. But that's usually how it is.