The specialty is the dosa — a rice-and-lentil crepe made in a dozen-plus varieties, from plain to potato-and-onion to ones folded around chutney and melted cheese — each one sized generously enough that Time Out describes it as genuinely gigantic. The idlis, steamed rice cakes served with sambar, have their own following too; some regulars rate them even higher than the dosas, especially at lunch. The restaurant is strictly vegetarian, no meat or eggs anywhere on the menu, and vegan-friendly options run throughout, which has made it a reliable anchor for Chicago's South Asian vegetarian community for years.
It's also BYOB with no corkage fee, an easy perk for a group dinner that doesn't want to pay restaurant markup on drinks. The same family that runs Udupi Palace also operates India Sari Palace a few doors down, part of the broader ecosystem of family-run businesses that make Devon Avenue feel like its own self-contained neighborhood within the city. For anyone working through Devon's famous run of Indian and Pakistani restaurants who wants a meat-free stop, Udupi Palace remains one of the most dependable options on the strip.
No photos yet — be the first to add one.
Have a photo from a recent visit? — customers and business owners both welcome.
Know about a deal here that's not listed? Add it below — we'll verify and publish it.
to suggest a special.
Think Udupi Palace deserves Iconic/Notable or Super Gem status? Tell us why.
to nominate a gem.
Every restaurant, dive, diner, bakery, and beef stand that made its way onto the show — plus an interactive map of every stop.
The Chicago Specials Score: member votes plus our own editorial judgment, updated as new spots earn their place.
Every real, verified Chicago event worth planning around — browse month by month, from this weekend to next summer.
Chicago