RestaurantsKentPetts WoodBR5

survey result

Summary

£69
  £££
4
Very Good
4
Very Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

TV chef Atul Kochhar’s smart subcontinental, in the SE London ‘burbs, is “still a joy” – the “delicious and succulent” cooking being “a far cry from the average Indian cuisine”. The two- or three-course weekend lunch attracted particular acclaim this year for its “excellent value” (“it was packed and I can see why!”).

Summary

£64
  £££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Crisp, fresh flavours and excellent presentation… Atul Kocchar's signature is everywhere” according to the numerous fans of this popular operation, whose high quality might be unexpected on a typical shopping street in the ’burbs. One gripe, though: “please bring back the peppered crab!”

Summary

£59
   ££
4
Very Good
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

A “great local” by absolutely all accounts, Atul Kochhar's slightly underwhelming-looking operation on a suburban shopping street invariably outperforms its location thanks to some “exceptional quality” food noted for its subtle but vibrant flavours; “great cocktails” also a boon.

Summary

£51
   ££
5
Exceptional
3
Good
3
Good
* Based on a three course dinner, half a bottle of wine, coffee, cover charge, service and VAT.

“Not just a neighbourhood gem, but just about the best place for miles and miles around” – Atul Kochhar is a perhaps-unlikely name to be associated with an ordinary-looking venture in a suburban parade of shops in Petts Wood, but which helps explain its “very subtle Indian food with terrific flavours” from a menu that’s “always interesting, with some mainstays that are worth ordering every time”. In other respects, “it’s got that local curry house feel: it’s simply the food (and some nifty wines) which make it a superb standout”.

For 33 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).

Have you eaten at Indian Essence?

Owner's description

Situated in the heart of Petts Wood, Indian Essence showcases traditional Indian Cuisine with a pathbreaking menu that is sure to excite its discerning clientele, yet satisfy traditional palates.

Prices

Availability 2 courses 3 courses coffee included service included
Lunch £18.00 £22.00
  Cost Availability Courses
Menu1 59.95 Always available 7

Starter Main Pudding
£4.00 £26.00 £8.00
Drinks  
Wine per bottle £29.00
Filter Coffee £4.50
Extras  
Bread £3.95
Service 12.50%

Restaurant details

Highchair,Menu
Yes
No trainers
70
5 YEARS
176-178 Petts Wood Rd, Petts Wood, BR5 1LG
Opening hours
Monday12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Tuesday12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Wednesday12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Thursday12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Friday12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm
Saturday12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm
Sunday12:30 pm‑3:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm

The 2024 Harden's Guide

2024 Hardens London Restaurant Guide

"User friendly in price, size and outlook"

Financial Times