About Ila's
A Place Where Everyone Belongs
Rooted in Heritage. Built on Heart. Made to Share.
Ila's Is More Than A Restaurant - It’s A Living Tribute To Resilience, Warmth & Hospitality...
It begins with my mother, who came to America from India in 1971. With determination and compassion, she worked tirelessly to give her children a meaningful life, welcoming anyone lucky enough to sit at her table.
That same spirit lives in every corner of Ila’s. From the kitchen to the dining room, our team of small business owners, designers, and service professionals built this space with grit, generosity, and purpose. We believe that life’s challenges are easier to face – and its joys more meaningful – when shared over food, drink, and genuine connection.
In the heart of Chicago’s River North, Ila’s brings together bold global flavors and comforting familiarity. Every dish is crafted with care, every cocktail thoughtfully mixed, and every detail – from the lighting to the playlists – curated to make you feel at home.
Whether you’re gathering with friends, celebrating a milestone, or enjoying a simple night out, Ila’s is a place where you’ll always be welcomed with heart. Come for the flavors, stay for the feeling, and return for the community – we’ll be here at our restaurant in Chicago, IL, ready to welcome you.
Inspired By Íla
Íla is the heart of every gathering — a mother, a cook, and the inspiration behind it all. Her spirit shines through in every plate we serve and every warm welcome we offer.
Comfort With A Twist
Our menu blends familiar comfort food with global flavors, inspired by home-cooked meals and faraway kitchens. Every dish is made to feel both new and nostalgic.
A Place To Stay Awhile
At Íla’s, there’s no rush. We’ve created a space where you can relax, take your time, and truly enjoy the food — and the people around you.
Our staff
Meet The Team
Kirtan Gandhi
Owner
Kirtan Gandhi
Kirtan Gandhi is the owner behind Ila’s Chicago, a warmly inviting restaurant and bar in River North that opened in 2025. Named in honor of his mother Íla, who immigrated from India to Chicago in 1971 and embodied generous hospitality through her home-cooked meals, the concept reflects her spirit of welcome, resilience, and bringing people together over food.
A seasoned restaurateur, Gandhi also owns Porter Cullens, an Irish pub in Evergreen Park, and has crafted Ila’s as a neighborhood gathering spot blending global flavors with comforting American classics in a relaxed yet refined setting, prioritizing connection over pretension. His hands-on approach and commitment to heartfelt hospitality define the experience for guests.
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Dawn Glaser
General Manager
Dawn Glaser
Dawn Glaser is the General Manager of Ila's Chicago, bringing a multi-decade career that spans four major markets: Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, and Baltimore. Her path into hospitality began unexpectedly at Georgia Tech, where a part-time host position while studying architecture sparked a passion that redirected her career entirely. Since then, she has opened restaurants, consulted with owners on operational strategy, and led multi-unit teams with a focus on smooth operations and community-rooted marketing.
Over the course of her career, Dawn has been recognized as Managing Partner of the Year and Best New Restaurant of the Year across the markets she has worked in. At Ila's Chicago, she brings that same combination of operational rigor and genuine warmth to every shift.
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Take a look inside...
Moments Are Made At Ila's.
From quiet dinners to lively celebrations, Íla’s is built for real moments. These walls have seen first dates, last bites, laughter, and everything in between — and we’re honored to be part of your story.
