Wheeling’s long-empty former Tuscany space on Restaurant Row may finally be getting its comeback story. Ahara, a new Indian restaurant from the Sharma family, is slated to move into the building, with plans for an upscale, event-friendly spot featuring a lounge, private dining rooms, and outdoor seating designed to pull more evening traffic back to the corridor.
The Daily Herald reports that Arun Sharma recently laid out preliminary plans to the village board for a 7,735-square-foot build-out at 550 S. Milwaukee Ave. He described Ahara as “a destination restaurant,” and trustees who attended the informal presentation were generally positive, according to the outlet. The proposal now heads to the village’s plan commission. If it clears that hurdle, the Sharmas intend to gut and modernize both the facade and interior, adding features such as patios and balcony dining.
What Now Chicago notes the project comes from Arun and Anu Sharma, who already run the Mantra catering business as well as Indian Garden Chicago. Anu told the site they have hired a Michelin-starred chef from India to steer the kitchen and plan to focus the menu on organic, health-minded preparations. The catering lineup, What Now Chicago adds, includes dishes such as karavali prawns, chicken shami kebab and a range of tandoor and lamb entrees, offering an early hint of the flavors Ahara might bring to the Row.
Restaurant Row Is Showing Signs Of A Comeback
Restaurant Row has weathered its share of blows in recent years, with several high-profile closures thinning out what was once a packed dining strip. The Daily Herald notes that Tuscany shut its doors in January 2022, leaving behind the prominent but dormant space Ahara now aims to revive. Newer arrivals such as Yu’s Mandarin and Armo Grill have already started to re-energize the corridor, and Ahara’s large footprint and event-focused design would mark one of the more significant recent investments on the strip if approved.
Owners Point To Organic, Modern Menu
According to What Now Chicago, Anu Sharma describes Ahara’s approach as "traditional fusion in a modern way" and says she has been taking restaurant classes centered on organic, healthy cooking. The outlet directs readers to the couple’s Mantra social media for examples, where the catering menu offers everything from tandoor items to soups, salads and regional seafood appetizers that hint at Ahara’s potential direction. Mantra on Facebook lists those sample dishes and showcases the style the Sharmas have already developed.
The Sharmas have told local reporters they are aiming to open Ahara within roughly 6 to 8 months, though that timeline depends on final approvals, permitting and construction. Village officials and nearby residents will get a closer look during the plan commission review, after which the next public steps for the project should come into sharper focus.
