Naani’s offers fast-casual pan-Indian option in Buffalo Grove’s The Clove

A blend of flavors representing the entire panorama of Indian cuisine is the specialty of a new fast-casual restaurant in Buffalo Grove’s The Clove.

Naani’s, 298 McHenry Road, is the second restaurant opened by Buffalo Grove resident Taran Singh. The first, Naani’s Cafe, opened in 2024 at 776 S. Route 59 in the Mall of India in Naperville.

Singh, who originally is from India’s northern region and has lived in the village for nearly 20 years, works as a data scientist. He calls the restaurants his “passion project.”

“This is something I wanted to do all the time,” he said.

The restaurant’s arrival marks the return of Indian cuisine to the former Town Center.

For those who love Indian cuisine, Nanni’s offers a more affordable, fast-casual option, Singh said.

He said Indian restaurants generally are more expensive.

Singh said Naani’s also distinguishes itself by offering cuisines from both the north and south of India that can vary in ingredients, taste and even spice level. Each item on this Pan-Indian menu is authentic to its region, he said.

For visitors who like spicier food, Singh recommends the biryanis or curries. Milder dishes include chole bhature, the restaurant’s most popular item, which pairs chickpea curry with a deep-fried, leavened flat bread.

The menu lists biryanis, curries, chaat, Indo-Chinese dishes, tiffins and various snacks and desserts.

Singh said low prices are part of the plan.

Regular biryanis range from $12.99 to $17.99, with bucket sizes from $25.99 to $35.99.

Curries run from $11.99 to $16.99.

A weekday lunch thali or plate is $16.99 for vegetarian and $18.99 for nonvegetarian meals.

Snacks start at $3.99 for two Punjabi samosas.

Although the Buffalo Grove area serves a growing South Asian community, Singh said, “I’m marketing this to be food that all the cultures can enjoy.”

Singh said he is happy to be part of The Clove, which is still filling storefront space and recently added to its outlots with Dutch Bros coffee. He likes that it is centrally located and hopes to spur additional business to the development.

Buffalo Grove Village President Eric Smith said the restaurant is a welcome addition.

“Residents have told us the want more locally-owned restaurants, and it’s especially gratifying to see a family-owned business choose Buffalo Grove as a place to grow,” he said. “Each new opening helps bring The Clove to life as a place where people can gather, share a meal and connect with neighbors.”

szalusky@dailyherald.com