ZipPicks Awards
Best Indian in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
Himalayan Sherpa Kitchen
8.3
A Nepali-leaning Indian kitchen that’s strongest when you order into the Himalayan comfort lane—momos, thukpa, and deeper, bone-in curries—rather than treating it like a generic tikka-masala stop. The room is relaxed and the menu is wide, but the best meals stay focused: one dumpling starter, one warming bowl, and one slow-cooked main for the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Jhol momos, Thenthuk or thukpa, Goat curry (bone-in)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Himalayan-style dumplings and soups that outshine the standard curry lane.
Who should go: Momo fans and cold-weather comfort seekers
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the smoothest pacing
What to order: Jhol momos, thukpa, bone-in goat curry
Insider tip: Order one momo style plus one soup—skip extra noodles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Lincoln Ave and nearby side streets; generally manageable on weeknights, tighter Friday–Saturday after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during dinner but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable curries, lentils, momos, and rice-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—some vegetable curries and lentils can be made vegan; confirm ghee/cream usage when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Many naturally gluten-free options (rice, lentils, curries); naan and dumpling wrappers contain gluten and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if you like comfort food. The room is relaxed and welcoming, and sharing momos or a soup makes the meal feel collaborative without being awkward.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights and earlier evenings. Weekends are busier, but parties of two tend to get seated faster if you arrive before peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids—mild curries, rice, and dumplings are approachable. There’s no kids’ menu, but staff can guide toward gentler dishes.
Best For
Better for: Himalayan comfort dishes—momos, thukpa, and bone-in curries—where depth and warmth beat flash or butter-heavy crowd-pleasers.
Skip if: You’re only looking for classic Indian standards like chicken tikka masala or want a polished, upscale dining-room experience.