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Summary
“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”.
Summary
“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”.
Summary
“I have been to most of the ‘top end’ Indians in London – Jamavar, Benares, Cinnamon Club, Gymkhana and Café Spice Namaste. In ‘darkest’ Petts Wood (surprisingly) this gem of a restaurant sits in an ordinary suburban row of shops with a self-effacing exterior. I have dined there in parties of 4 up to 24 and the standard of food is unvaryingly exemplary.” Atul Kochhar’s surprising suburban venture “shows his flair just as much as Benares did” with “sophisticated” cuisine that’s “amazing… even better considering the location!”
Summary
“Still fresh and exciting” – Atul Kochhar’s incongruously suburban venture “never lets you down” according to the many reviewers who comment on it, and “the amazing food is even better considering it’s in Petts Wood!”
Restaurant details
Indian Essence Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Great flavours and take on Indian cuisine. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £14.50 | £18.50 |  |
|
|
| Dinner | £21.95 | £24.95 | |
|
|
| SundayLunch | £17.95 | £21.95 | |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 47.95 | L only | 7 |
| Menu2 | 47.95 | D only | 7 |
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £7.95 | £13.95 | £5.45 | £6.75 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £19.95 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.45 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £3.25 |
| Service | 12.50% |
176-178 Petts Wood Rd, Petts Wood, BR5 1LG
Opening hours
| Monday | 5:45 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑10:45 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑11 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:45 pm‑11 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑4 pm, 6 pm‑10:30 pm |
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