Harden's survey result
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!”
For 30 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).
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Restaurant details
Indian Essence Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Seem to have cut back on what you get in the set meal. "
"Great flavours and take on Indian cuisine. "
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £14.50 | £18.50 |  |
|
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| Dinner | £21.95 | £24.95 | |
|
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| SundayLunch | £17.95 | £21.95 | |
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 47.95 | Lunch only | 7 |
| Menu2 | 47.95 | Dinner 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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