176-178 Petts Wood Rd, Petts Wood, BR5 1LG
Harden's survey result
Summary
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
“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
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
“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).
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Owner's description
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £24.00 | £28.00 |  |
|
|
| Dinner | £26.00 | £29.00 | |
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| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 59.95 | Always available | 7 |
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £11.70 | £26.90 | £11.80 | £8.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £24.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £3.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Bread | £3.50 |
| Service | 12.50% |
Restaurant details
Indian Essence Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Deliciously spiced food with friendly and attentive service. Set lunch is unbelievable value for money."
176-178 Petts Wood Rd, Petts Wood, BR5 1LG
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:45 pm, 5:30 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑3 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 12:30 pm‑3:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑9:30 pm |
