Indian Essence Restaurant

Indian Essence Restaurant

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+44 1689 838700+ Add website
Hours
Sun
12:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Mon
12:00 pm - 2:45 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 am
Tue
12:00 pm - 2:45 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 am
Wed
12:00 pm - 2:45 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 am
Thu
12:00 pm - 2:45 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 am
Fri
12:00 pm - 2:45 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 am
Sat
12:00 pm - 3:00 pm5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
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Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
PRICE RANGE
$40.00 – $93.00
CUISINES
Indian, Asian
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
FEATURES
Delivery, Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Cash Only, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles855 reviews
Excellent
527
Very good
155
Average
92
Poor
57
Terrible
24

Helen A
Kent137 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2025 • couples
We love this place for its amazing food which is based on fresh and varied produce which is always executed in an innovative and gently spiced way. Either for an impromptu visit or planned celebration this local gem of a restaurant delivers in spades. The set menu is amazing value for money but more importantly it offers a real opportunity to sample the best of food for a very reasonable price. It is also one of the very few restaurants that offers quality wines by the glass or carafe as opposed to new world plonk by the bottle. Highly recommended for all discerning diners.
Written 15 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bells000
London156 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • couples
Having tried Sindhu on holiday we thought we would give Indian Essence a go as only half an hour drive away. We booked for lunch and had the weekday menu where there was a choice of four starters, mains and desserts, three courses for ÂŁ22. This is excellent value and the food was bursting with flavour, tender lamb, delicate fish, succulent chicken, light and fluffy naan bread. Desserts were a delicious fusion of Indian spice and sweetness and the staff even surprised us with a sweet treat and a decorated plate wishing us a happy anniversary. Definitely recommend this restaurant if you want something far superior to the average high street Indian restaurant. As said in the previous review best Indian restaurant by far. We will definitely be going back.
Written 23 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amanda W
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2024 • couples
Have considered booking Atul Kocher’s central London Michelin Starred restaurant for sometime but husband not a fan of going into town. While looking on Trip Advisor for a place to have lunch on my husband’s birthday I found Essence by Atul Kocher in Petts Wood. I have to say the food was utterly brilliant. My husband doesn’t venture beyond chicken and therefore he ordered the South Indian chicken curry which was very tasty indeed. I chose the monkfish which I have to say was the best fish dish I have ever had. Having skipped a starter, we just about had room for dessert. The staff brought out a happy birthday decorated plate for a personal touch with a little square of chocolate cake with a candle in it. I shared my pistachio kulfi with him which again was delicious. 10 out of 10. Highly recommended.
Written 16 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jitindar Singh
Dear Amandawl321BQ , Thank you for your wonderful feedback and we are really glad to know you had a great dining experience at Indian Essence. We would love to see you back again soon. Kind Regards, Jeet S
Written 20 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Go63023548929
11 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • family
Quite a disappointing experience. My wife and I went there for my birthday. We opted for the tasting menu. Poppadom pieces were served in a small grey aluminum oven tray. The lobster tails were frozen ones as they were absolutely tasteless; definitely not worth the ÂŁ18 supplement. Seemed to have the same sauce for quite a few dishes. The male toilet was dirty and smelly.
Written 8 January 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RujGill
South East England52 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Apr 2024 • couples
This a regular place for us to get good quality Indian food with friendly, attentive service It’s a mix of authentic cuisine with modern interpretations. Daal makhani, parathas, keema naan (best I’ve ever had), ghost, chili pakoras, biryani, raj kachori are all excellent. However, not all dishes on the a la carte menu are great but they seem to have taken these off the menu but please return to the original Bapa doi recipe - it was simply amazing. Drinks are expensive and on the whole this is a pricier place than other local options but deifinetely worth trying.
Written 21 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jitindar Singh
Dear RujGill, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and we are really glad to know you had a great dining experience at Indian Essence. We would love to see you back again soon. Kind Regards, Jeet S
Written 17 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ben R
London41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2024 • couples
As a keen cook of Indian food myself I dont know how they get the spices perfuming the food instead of doing a standard Brick Lane job of covering everything in a heavy sauce. Back to the drawing board for me. Great service, truly memorable food. Will definitely be going back. I was expecting it to be expensive but when the bill came it was around ÂŁ55 each. I've recently paid ÂŁ32 for food nowhere in the vicinity of this quality so was actually pleasantly surprised and impressed. Great attentive service. Even though the place was buzzing and every table was full they never dropped the ball once. Dont worry about the prices, just go. You dont go out to such places every night. Definitely worth pushing the boat out
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jitindar Singh
Dear BenR2830, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and we are really glad to know you had a great dining experience at Indian Essence. We would love to see you back again soon. Kind Regards, Jeet S
Written 17 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Eoghain
43 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2025 • couples
This special evening was a culinary delight. Just a quick note to congratulate all involved in arranging this inaugural dinner especially Chefs Atul Kochhar & Mushtaq Ali, Paul Haverson for the great wine guidance and Bibi Roy. All the courses and wine pairings were stunning, my favourite course being the Halibut Pulusu, which was exceptional. Thank you again for a wonderful experience and we look forward to dining with you again soon.
Written 10 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ben R
London41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • couples
Our second time here. Our 15th anniversary and were as blown away by the food as previous visit in March. Busy but relaxed. Even the chutneys with the poppadoms to start had us fighting over them. The sort of food that makes you roll your eyes and at ÂŁ50 a head an absolute snip for this quality. I had the Railway Curry, which is nowhere near as basic as it sounds. Wife had Tandoori Prawns.
Written 25 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jas K
7 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • family
I have been dining here since 2012, I can safely say no other Indian restaurant had offered me a consistent mix of great service, value for money, and above all some extremely tasty food made with the highest level of ingredients, preparation and presentation. I am an extremely fussy diner, but I also understand humans can and will occasionally make mistakes. The mistakes we make as reviewers is to suddenly decide a restaurant is overpriced because of one unsatisfactory experience, you should especially as a regular be understanding and judge an established fairly. There is no restaurant I have been to which hasn't failed on at least one occasion, right from the 10 to q dozen local takeaways right up to these top level eateries. Even Goodman and Gaucho which are my favourite steakhouse have made mistakes. I right from the start explained to Jeet, (who by the way is a top class manager who knows the hospitality industry which I'm sure he has worked for over 20 years) I am a traditionalist I like real Indian food which is very highly spiced, I mainly order from the brilliant crafted contemporary menu as well as imposing my will on the kitchen to produce some of the tastiest dishes I've experienced to date in an Indian restaurant. They have ever said no to me and I've never had reason to complain about the meat quality which has been great on every occasion, and quite obviously sourced from grade A suppliers. The portion sizes are generous for this type of fine dining establishment, the staff always friendly and attentive and willing to own any mishaps straight away. I find Indian essence to offer the very best value of any of the top three Indian restaurants in all of Bromley and by far the tastiest meals I've had outside of India!! I write this review today as once again last night they blew my socks off with the curry I had as a take away, doesn't get better than this, I was in heaven and left me looking forward to my next visit. Thank you to Jeet and his team, keep up the astonished standards I have become accustomed to.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jitindar
Dear JasYNWA, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and we are really glad to know you had a great dining experience at Indian Essence. We would love to see you back again soon. Kind Regards, Jeet S
Written 2 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Steve Rose
London303 contributions
1.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2024 • couples
Very disappointed with the quality of the food and how tasteless the food is. The lamb biryani with egg and potato was Very bland and had no taste, the lamb was dry and horrible. Seems like it not a Atul Kochhar anymore, but a basic Indian restaurant. I would recommend you don’t go here unless you’re drunk and you won’t notice how bad the food really is. It is also expensive and really not a great value for money. No spices or anything. Disappointment service on a plate.
Written 28 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jitindar Singh
Dear bigdaddyp1, I am really surprised to read your feedback as you said the meal was great and didnt flag any of these shortcomings at that time,We seldom get this fedback about our food , I have briefed the kitchen team, We shall look forward to see you in the near future.
Written 20 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Suki1953
Orpington5 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022 • none
I have long been a customer and a fan of Indian Essence so I was very disappointed with my lunchtime experience this week. Firstly although I had booked for two people the restaurant was nearly empty but we were still placed on a tiny little table, so I had to request a larger table. We ordered, they didn't have the wine we requested and I was discouraged from ordering a carafe. We were given the cocktail menu and then the main menu but I had to ask for the lunch menu, this is very bad practice. We ordered starters and mains, the starter was delicious but the main course arrived and the lamb was tough, something I have never experienced at Indian Essence before. I should have complained at the time but I was reluctant to make a fuss in front of my friend. I was recommending this restaurant but was left feeling very disappointed and for lunch I thought the final bill was very expensive. This the first time I have felt like this, I don't like the hard sell policy and quite frankly I won't be rushing back!
Written 23 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jitindar
Dear Suki, Many thanks for your valued feedback, I can assure you that we give both the lunch menu and the a la carte menu to our discerning diners to choose from , I will speak to the team as to why that option was not offered to you .Regarding the non availbility of a wine as you are aware with the current scenario of the supply chain issues some products have a higher lead time , I have spoken to my kitchen team as well and can assure you that we will wow you on your next visit. Have a great day! Jeet.
Written 25 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Garry C
Kent556 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2024 • couples
Not a lot to say really as all the reviews have spoken, Amazing food, outstanding service, and nothing was an issue. we ordered 3 courses at the start and they arrived right on time with a break between all courses, the food was amazing such flavours and such lovely portions. Highly recommended.
Written 6 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jitindar Singh
Dear GarryC329, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and we are really glad to know you had a great dining experience at Indian Essence. We would love to see you back again soon. Kind Regards, Jeet S
Written 17 June 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lizxlawrence
London3 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023 • family
We were a family party of 5, and we chose the tasting menu, 3 with wine flights and 2 without. Exemplary food, the garlic naan was the best we’ve ever had, but it’s a shame that the staff weren’t particularly attentive. I know it was a busy Saturday night but a restaurant of that quality should have higher standards of customer service. To ask for water for the table twice is acceptable in a busy restaurant, but to have to ask 4 times, and the last time water didn’t materialise, is extremely disappointing. I would say the meal was very good value for money though, high quality ingredients (those huge prawns!) and big portions.
Written 5 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jitindar Singh
Dear Lizxlawrence, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and we are really glad to know you had a great dining experience at Indian Essence. We have taken your valued feedback about the underwhelming service aspect which we always deliver to near perfection, But I have briefed the team and can assure you its been addressed. We would love to see you back again soon. Kind Regards, Jeet S
Written 29 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Matt W
1 contribution
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2024 • family
Excellent food but experience spoiled at the end. We went for a meal Saturday evening, to celebrate my wife's birthday, the first meal out just us two in over a year since becoming parents. We thought we'd go back to Indian essence as had lovely meals there before. Food was exceptional as expected although having just finished our meals we were asked to leave as they said there was a table waiting. We both had nearly a full glass of wine left each which we had to finish quickly. What made it difficult to understand was there were two empty tables of two either side of us and multiple other tables empty in the restaurant. If we had been asked to move to the bar to finish our drinks that would have been different but to be asked to leave wasn't acceptable. Such a shame.
Written 11 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jitindar Singh
Dear Inliner04, I greatly appreciate you great feedback about the food and I totally agree as we normally request our discerning customers to move to the bar or an alternative table to finish off the drinks to accommodate large tables, It was clearly not done in your case, My sincere apologies for the same, I have briefed all my service team about the same, Please let me know about your next visit and I will be glad to take utmost care of your culinary experience, Have a great day! Jeet.
Written 20 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Alan P
Bromley732 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
July 2022 • none
To start with I will say my wife and I are not Indian food aficionados but were tempted to vista due to a Travelzoo promotion. It would be fair to say that as we were on on a voucher scheme we wondered whether we might get smaller portions but the answer to that was definitely not. The service was good and there was a choice of starter main and dessert. The service was very good and the food was presented nicely. This venue is a long way from Indian restaurants of old with the meals as they were years back. All in all lovely meal which made us appreciate what we may have been missing. Glad we went and will most likely be back in the near future. Good value.
Written 1 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jitindar
Dear Alan P, Thank you for your wonderful feedback and we are really glad to know you had a great dining experience at Indian Essence. We would love to see you back again soon. Kind Regards, Jeet S
Written 19 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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INDIAN ESSENCE RESTAURANT, Petts Wood - Updated 2025 Restaurant Reviews, Menu, Prices & Restaurant Reviews - Food Delivery & Takeaway - Tripadvisor

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