Naani's Cafe — Restaurant in Naperville

I’ll be very honest with you, I initially Naani’s Cafe reviews on Yelp, and was unsure if I should try it out. The thing that made me try it out were the aromas coming from the cart-like kitchen next to the ordering station, plus the lack of variety (and availability) of the other restaurants offering food at the Mall of India Food Court.

Any ways, long story short, we decided to take our chances, and ordered the following:

Pav Bhaji - the pavs were prepared to pure perfection with the taste of real butter and spices. This isn’t your regular pavs - these pavs were on steroids in terms of taste! I could eat these by themselves! If that wasn’t enough, the bhaji was the right consistency and thickness and well spiced and flavored. 10/10!

The Idli (2) Vada (1) Combo - the idlis were soft and pillowy and the Vada was good, but the STAR here, my friends was the sambar. Not watery, and the PRRFECT consistency for dipping your Idli and vada into, and the podi wasn’t just a hodge podge of spices, it’s nice and well balanced. The whole combo is quite flavorful and very reasonably priced, might I add. 10/10 even my son approved of both the Idli and Vada (as clearly demonstrated in the picture!)

Cut Mirchi Bhaji - NEVER have I had cut mirchi Bhaji where the outer shell retains its crunchiness. That’s usually because it’s impossible for the besan shell to remain crunchy when it’s being topped with the sogginess of tomato and onions. Somehow, these guys managed it!!!! Of course before we could finish both the mirchis the outer shell began to get soft, but it came out nice, spicy, topped with fresh and tart tomatoes and onions to cut through the spice….just a total delight. 10/10

But guys, wait for it…

The star of the show…

FILTER COFFEE - the lady at the ordering station warned me that the coffee was strong and without sugar (THANK GOD!!!). This was perfect because not everyone likes their coffee doused in sugar. One sip, and I was in heaven. This is PRECISELY how filter coffee is supposed to taste like - rich, flavorful with just a hint of bitterness after you’ve swallowed that heavenly sip! Filter coffee craving MANAGED!!! Damn this is good!!! 20 out of 10 for this one!

As long as Naani’s Cafe CONSISTENTLY delivers flavor (restaurants with extensive menus often compromise on consistency, which can be their downfall)…this may be the only restaurant standing, thriving and drawing the entire crowd in at the Mall of India Food Court! Kudos to the team at...

A Culinary Hug from Amama’s Kitchen – Naani’s Café

If Subbamma’s Kitchen reminds us of the warmth of “Amma’s” cooking, then Naani’s Café at Mall of India in Naperville wraps you in the nostalgic embrace of “Amama’s” (grandmother’s) kitchen — where every dish is steeped in love, tradition, and soul.

Having been loyal patrons of Subbamma’s for its authentic Andhra comfort food, discovering Naani’s Café felt like unearthing another hidden gem — one that celebrates the richness and depth of flavors only a grandmother could perfect.

True to its name, Naani’s serves food that feels deeply personal and homey. The Vegetable Korma is a creamy, delicately spiced delight; the Chicken Korma is hearty and full of flavor; and the Monagadu Chicken brings a bold, fiery punch that leaves you wanting more. But the crown jewel here is undoubtedly the Goat Biryani — fragrant, perfectly cooked, and arguably one of the finest biryanis in Chicagoland. The Chicken 65 is delicious and truly unique. Once you start enjoying it as an appetizer, it’s hard to stop! Chicken 65 has become a must-have starter at every party.

In the chaat corner, the Bangalore Masala Puri is an instant transport to Bengaluru streets — and as someone who grew up in Bangalore savoring it for over 30 years, I can say with confidence that it’s spot on. Their Muntha Masalas are another rare find, bursting with authentic flavor. And when it comes to a light snack, nothing beats their comforting Bun Maska with Irani Chai — my go-to whenever I’m shopping at Mall of India or Indiaco.

What sets Naani’s apart is its unique home-style preparation — the secret behind why their food remains irresistibly good even after countless visits. Over the past year, our family has dined here regularly, and Naani’s has also catered our daughter’s housewarming, four birthday parties, and two poojas. Every time, the food has been consistently fresh, flavorful, and memorable.

While Subbamma’s Kitchen will always hold a special place in our hearts for its nostalgic Andhra touch, Naani’s Café has created its own cherished corner in our lives — not as a comparison, but as a beautiful complement. Both establishments honor South Indian heritage with pride, each in their own delicious way.

So if you find yourself in Naperville and craving food that feels like it was made by loving “Amama” hands, head to Naani’s Café. It’s not just a meal — it’s a warm memory...

“Burnt Biryani Delight - A Culinary Catastrophe”

Wow, what an unforgettable experience! I ordered Paneer Biryani, but it seems the chef had a creative twist in mind: Burnt Biryani Surprise. Who knew charcoal paneer was a delicacy? The paneer pieces were so blackened, I almost mistook them for barbecue coals. And the biryani itself? Oh, it smelled like a bonfire – perhaps the chef was aiming for that “campfire nostalgia” vibe?

If you’re looking for authentic flavors, this is not the place. But if you’re in the market for an innovative fusion of ash and regret, go ahead and give it a try. As for me, I’ll be avoiding this place like burnt rice at the bottom of a pot. One star, only because I can’t give zero.

Thank you for your response, but let me make one thing clear – I’m not here to write false reviews, nor am I looking for a refund or free food. Mistakes happen, and that’s okay, but what’s not okay is denying them outright. Instead of claiming that the biryani I received wasn’t from your restaurant, maybe take a moment to reflect and address the issue.

It’s interesting how quickly you accept and celebrate positive reviews, but when faced with constructive criticism, there’s no accountability. A little honesty and willingness to improve go a long way. Denial, however, won’t help your restaurant grow.

It’s great that you take pride in your food and have happy customers, but dismissing my experience as “not your biryani” is both unprofessional and disappointing. I have no reason to fabricate a review, and this defensive attitude only makes things worse. Mistakes happen even in the best establishments owning up to them is what sets great businesses apart.

If thousands of happy customers are your priority, then addressing genuine concerns should be equally important. Instead of outright denial, perhaps consider the possibility that something went wrong this time. A little accountability and humility would go a long way in maintaining...