Recent social media posts
03/06/2026
Celebrate Father’s Day with bold Indian flavours at Indian Essence!
Treat Dad to a special meal on Sunday 21st June with vibrant curries, sizzling grills, and all his favourite dishes, served in a warm and welcoming setting in Petts Wood.
Gather the family, raise a toast, and make it a celebration to remember by booking your table now on our website.
27/05/2026
Get booking for Father’s Day next month!
Join us on Sunday 21st June and treat Dad to three courses for £46.95 per person, including such delicious dishes as Crispy Fried Squid, Chicken Ghee Roast, Lamb Three Ways, and our Passion Fruit & White Chocolate Tart - plus, he’ll enjoy a Spiced Tamarind Margarita to start celebrating!
Reserve a table now for the man of the hour on our website.
21/05/2026
Have you been to our exciting supper clubs hosted by Atul Kochhar? Here, we visit Bihar with a unique menu curated specially for the evening.
Sign up to our newsletter and be the first to know about our upcoming events.
Open seven days a week - there are experiences to suit everyone.
See you soon!
11/05/2026
Have you been to one of our regional supper clubs at Indian Essence? Taste of Orissa pictured here!
Hosted by Atul Kochhar, who guides our Head Chef Mustaq Ali to curate menus from the different states of India, these evenings are not only great fun, but educational too.
With Atul’s great culinary knowledge of each region and charismatic delivery, you’ll be sure to have a wonderful evening. Taste of Bihar is next, and it’s sold out already!
Big news too, as we will be hosting the first of our Four Hands Dinners on 10 June with Chef Peter Joseph from Kahani in Chelsea.
Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about our upcoming experiences and all things Indian Essence!
06/05/2026
Whether it’s a family gathering, a celebration with friends or colleagues, or a wedding reception to remember, we encumber you with the warmest of hospitality and fabulous pan-Indian cuisine. Just ask any of our longstanding patrons, who recommend us every day.
Find us in the heart of Petts Wood with a reputation second to none!
30/04/2026
Did you receive our newsletter with ‘Spring News at Indian Essence’?
You’ll have heard all about our new Sunday Roast menu from 3rd May, Petts Wood Fayre on 4th May and Taste of Bihar on 12 May!
Hit subscribe on our website to hear all things Indian Essence and don’t forget to book your table.
We can’t wait to see you!
22/04/2026
Tables are filling fast for the next in our regional supper club series, Taste of Bihar, hosted by Chef Patron Atul Kochhar.
Be sure to book via our website and find full details and menu under ‘What’s On’.
We can’t wait to host you all!
08/04/2026
Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering at home, planning a large event at your chosen venue, a big family BBQ, or a multicultural wedding celebration, Essence Restaurants by Atul Kochhar elevate every moment with our award-winning cuisine.
See our events and catering brochure online and let’s plan the party of a lifetime!
02/04/2026
Want to be the King or Queen of the barbecue this Easter? Why not head to our website and choose from four different grill boxes? The choice is yours!
25/03/2026
On Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April, step into a world of colour, spice, and celebration at Indian Essence this Easter.
Booking via link below or our website.
Happy Easter 🐣
bit.ly/4lQuKSI
18/03/2026
Easter is coming up at Indian Essence!
Join us on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th April for three delicious courses, priced £43.95 per person.
Book a table now on our website.
11/03/2026
“As a boy, I remember taking my mother out and spoiling her, and I’m sure you’re doing the same…”
We’re looking forward to welcoming you for our Mother’s Day celebrations on Sunday - don’t miss out!
Atul & Jeet
02/03/2026
There’s still time to join us for Holi, so book your table on Tuesday or Wednesday, when we’ll be celebrating the ‘Festival of Colours’ with a three-course meal for £43.95 per person.
See you soon!
25/02/2026
Mother’s Day is coming up at Indian Essence!
On Sunday 15th March, spoil Mum with three courses for £43.95 per person, including our irresistible dishes like crispy fried squid, chargrilled Norfolk chicken supreme, duo chocolate delice, and more to choose from for lunch or dinner.
Get booking now online as a perfect present to show her how much she means to you next month.
18/02/2026
Celebrate Holi at Indian Essence!
Join us on Tuesday 3rd or Wednesday 4th March, when we’re celebrating the ‘Festival of Colours’ with three courses and an amuse-bouche for £43.95 per person.
Watch as Jeet and head chef Ali talk us through some of the bright, vibrant dishes you can expect for your festivities and get booking now via our website’s ‘What’s On’ section.
11/02/2026
A Taste of Kerala is two weeks away!
Join us on Wednesday 25th February, when we’re taking you on a culinary journey to India’s beautiful Malabar Coast with an unforgettable six-course tasting menu, hosted by Atul Kochhar.
On the night, you’ll enjoy delicious dishes like Kerala Fritto Misto and Kerala Lamb Pepper Fry, priced £58.95 per person, with the option to add perfect wine pairings for £49.95.
Get booking now through the website’s ‘What’s On’ section and allow Jeet to reveal why ‘God’s Own Country’ is ‘one of the most food progressive states’.
09/02/2026
Valentine’s Day is this weekend!
We can’t wait to celebrate with you on Friday 13th and Saturday 14th February, when we’ll be serving an intimate meal of three courses and an amuse-bouche for £54.95 per person, including a rosebud.
Let Cupid be your guide through an appetising assortment of dishes, showcasing Textures of Lamb, a Kerala Chicken Curry, Rose Parfait, and so much more; a perfect way to show someone special how much they mean to you.
07/02/2026
The next in our regional supper club series is fast approaching!
Join us for A Taste of Kerala on Wednesday 25th February, as we take you on a culinary voyage to the tropical Malabar Coast with six unforgettable courses for £58.95 per person.
On the night, you’ll enjoy India’s delicious southwestern delicacies such as Kerala Fritto Misto, Kerala Lamb Pepper Fry, and Nadan Kozhi Chicken Curry, all of which can also be perfectly paired with some of our wonderful wines for an additional £49.95.
Find out further details and get booking now through the ‘What’s On’ section of our website.
06/02/2026
Make your Valentine’s even more enchanting with a celebratory cocktail!
On Friday 13th and Saturday 14th February, why not try our Rose Petal and Lychee Essence - Kwai Feh Lychee Liqueur mixed with Lanique’s Spirit of Rose, rose essence, lime, and Champagne?
Raise a glass to the one you love with a sparkling delight that’s sure to set the scene for romance.
05/02/2026
More changes at Indian Essence.
New chairs and screens that enhance our new vision even more. Let us know your favourite thing about us.
03/02/2026
Make Indian Essence your very own with our private hire options!
Whether you’re celebrating a wedding or any of life’s milestone moments, let us ensure that yours is an event to remember, complete with signature service, creative cuisine, and an absolutely beautiful backdrop against which to party in Petts Wood style with your loved ones.
Email us on [email protected] and we’ll help you fulfil your dreams.
01/02/2026
Have you visited our new-look restaurant yet?
We were honoured to thank so many of our loyal guests and patrons for their support over the years by inviting them to join owners Atul Kochhar and Jeet Singh to unveil our simply stunning space recently, beautifully reimagined by Ian Haigh.
If you’re yet to pop in, what are you waiting for? We can’t wait to show you our new Indian Essence.
30/01/2026
Don’t miss the next in our regional supper club series at Indian Essence!
Experience ‘A Taste of Kerala’ on Wednesday 25th February, as we invite guests to enjoy six spectacular courses at £58.95 per person, with the option of adding perfectly paired wines for £49.95.
Take a trip to India’s enchanting Malabar Coast with traditional dishes like Kerala Fritto Misto, Meen Pollichathu, Ada Pradhaman Panna Cotta, and many other delicacies by reserving your table online.
Go to the ‘What’s On’ section of our website for the menu and full details.
29/01/2026
Our Valentine’s menu is live now!
Head to the ‘What’s On’ section of our website for the full details and menu and book a table for Friday 13th or Saturday 14th February, when we’ll be serving three courses, an amuse-bouche, and a romantic rosebud for £54.95 per person.
Enjoy a delicious date night, showcasing Textures of Lamb, Tandoori Kebab Platter, Rose Parfait, and more - the perfect way to celebrate your love with us in Petts Wood.
Address
176-178 Petts Wood Road
Orpington
BR5 1LG
To reach the restaurant location at Petts Wood Road in Orpington, you can take public transportation and get off at Petts Wood Station. From there, walk towards Station Square and turn left onto Petts Wood Road. The restaurant should be on your left.
If you're driving, take the A20 road until you reach Orpington High Street. Turn right onto Station Approach and follow it until you see the entrance to Petts Wood Station car park. Park your vehicle there and walk towards Petts Wood Road. On reaching Petts Wood Road, turn left and keep walking until you reach the restaurant on your left-hand side.
Opening Hours
| Monday |
12pm - 2:45pm |
|
5:45pm - 10:45pm |
| Tuesday |
12pm - 2:45pm |
|
5:45pm - 10:45pm |
| Wednesday |
12pm - 2:45pm |
|
5:45pm - 10:45pm |
| Thursday |
12pm - 2:45pm |
|
5:45pm - 10:45pm |
| Friday |
12pm - 2:45pm |
|
5:45pm - 11:15pm |
| Saturday |
12pm - 2:45pm |
|
5:45pm - 11:15pm |
| Sunday |
12:30pm - 9:30pm |
Alerts
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What people say
Indian restaurants are known for their rich and diverse flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Indian Essence Restaurant in Petts Wood Road, Orpington is no exception to this rule. This restaurant offers a unique experience of traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist that is sure to excite even the most discerning palate.
One of the standout features of Indian Essence Restaurant is its menu, which has been created by Atul Kochhar, Chef/Patron of Benares restaurant in Mayfair, and fellow restaurateur Jitindar Singh. The menu presents classic Indian flavors in innovative new ways, with an extensive a la carte menu complemented by a trio of set menus and a tasting menu designed to broaden the understanding of Indian cooking and its wide-ranging possibilities.
The food at Indian Essence Restaurant is simply outstanding. Each dish is prepared with care and attention to detail, using only the freshest ingredients. From the succulent tandoori chicken to the aromatic biryanis, every dish bursts with flavor and leaves you wanting more.
The ambiance at Indian Essence Restaurant is warm and inviting, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. The staff are friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of exceptional.
Overall, if you're looking for an authentic Indian dining experience with a modern twist, look no further than Indian Essence Restaurant in Petts Wood Road, Orpington. With its delicious food, warm ambiance, and excellent service, it's no wonder why this restaurant has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.