Denley's Essence Of India
A transformed dairy offering authentic Kashmiri cuisine with beautifully presented dishes and exceptional, friendly service.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Denley's Essence Of India
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A transformed dairy offering authentic Kashmiri cuisine with beautifully presented dishes and exceptional, friendly service.
"The best Indian meal we have had in Devon."
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to ensure a table.
Chef's Specials
Don't miss the chef's specialties, particularly the divine tamarind dish for unique flavors.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Indian
Price
$$$
Phone
+44 1392 875675
Address
62 High St, Topsham, Exeter EX3 0DY, United Kingdom
Website
denleysessenceofindia.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Exceptional Kashmiri Cuisine
Savor beautifully presented and flavorful Indian dishes, with a special mention for chef's tamarind specialties.
Warm & Attentive Service
Experience truly caring staff who are friendly, helpful, and passionate, making every dining moment special.
Sophisticated Yet Comfortable Ambiance
Dine in stylish surroundings that offer a classy atmosphere, perfect for special occasions.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to ensure a table.
Chef's Specials
Don't miss the chef's specialties, particularly the divine tamarind dish for unique flavors.
Spice Levels
Denley's offers a range of spice levels, from mild to adventurous, to suit all palates.
Off-Peak Visits
Consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours for a quieter dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to ensure a table.
Chef's Specials
Don't miss the chef's specialties, particularly the divine tamarind dish for unique flavors.
Spice Levels
Denley's offers a range of spice levels, from mild to adventurous, to suit all palates.
Off-Peak Visits
Consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours for a quieter dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Denley's Essence of India is widely praised for its exceptional Kashmiri cuisine, beautifully presented and packed with flavor. Diners highlight the warm, attentive, and friendly service, making it a standout dining experience. While considered pricey, the quality of food, generous portions, and overall experience are deemed worth it.
"Wonderful experience at Denley's Essence of India. The quality of food is excellent in taste and beautifully presented and there's a wide variety of options on the menu. Booking in advance is recommended but we have occasionally been able to eat without booking in the midweek. The staff are very friendly and polite and attentive. It's not the cheapest curry available but it's by far one of the best experiences in the local area and is therefore excellent value for money."
Jonathan Wilkinson
"Fantastic punchy flavours, tap Cobra cold and fresh. We enjoyed all the dishes. Portion sizes were also spot on. Perhaps no need for same salad garnish on the appetizers but we ate them all anyway.
Service team were friendly and fast but several occasions we did have to request for simple things like empty plates for sharing and desert menu which should have been taken care of without request.
Starters took a while to arrive but was a busy night and luckily we had poppadums and dips to keep us going during the wait. Pilau rice bowls were all charged extras on the Specials menu which wasn't clear as on opposite page curries all came with rice included. Misleading so be sure to clarify!
Overall worth the little trip and the money for the whole experience!"
antonomik
"An amazing all round experience with superb staff. Pricey and an added service charge to be aware of, but the whole meal was superb and tasty, aromatic and delicious. Highly recommended!"
Matty Sharpe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is highly recommended to book in advance, especially for weekend evenings, as the restaurant can get busy.
Yes, Denley's offers an impressive range of vegetarian dishes with thoughtful combinations.
The chef's specialties, such as the tamarind dish, are highly recommended for their unique and divine flavors.
Denley's offers a good selection to suit all tastes, with both milder dishes and spicier options for the adventurous.
The restaurant offers sophisticated but comfortable surroundings with a classy atmosphere, ideal for special occasions.
While the atmosphere is lively, it can be quite loud and busy, making it less suited for a quiet or romantic evening. Consider takeaway for a more relaxed experience.
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Devon Picks
Personally, there is not a finer Indian restaurant and takeaway within the area (in 2011 Denleys was voted one of the top 100 Indian restaurants in the UK, making it pretty special in Devon). The only thing better than the food here has to be the staff, who are all incredibly friendly, helpful and extremely passionate. You’d be forgiven for assuming the venue to be small as from the outside it looks very modest; however once you have entered the front door you’ll find a beautiful 150 capacity restaurant.
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Services Offering: Chicken Shaslik, Lamb Tikka, Lamb Shaslik, Tandoori Mix Platter, Tandoori King Prawns, Sambar, Chicken/Lamb/Sabji/Chicken Tikka Bhuna Balti, Salad, Tandoori Chicken, Chicken Tikka, Rarah Patties, Tava Lamb, Lamb Jalferazi, Machley Jhol, Vegetable Massala, Dhaba Murghi (from India), Puree, Samosa & Panir. Rating:4.9/ 5 ( 39) Votes
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This restaurant, which serves contemporary Indian food, has won numerous accolades over the years and is one of the best curry houses in the South West. Denley’s is located in a former dairy and its understated facade belies the “Tardis-like” restaurant inside which can accommodate 50 people in “sophisticated but comfortable” surroundings.
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Denley’s won Best Asian Restaurant of the Year (West Country) at the 2019 Asian Curry Awards. Located in a former dairy, the understated facade could fool you into thinking that it’s not very big, yet it can accommodate up to 70 people. Denley’s customers travel from miles around to enjoy the extensive menu.
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Have been told by many to try Denleys and I finally had the pleasure last night. I ordered takeaway with my partner and friends and the food did not disappoint. Amazing aromatic good, the meat cooked so beautifully, the flavours were incredible, I couldn't get enough!
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, conveniently situated on the High Street in Topsham near Exeter, is a hidden gem. This award-winning Indian restaurant serves contemporary Indian cuisine prepared by top chefs. The stylish surroundings and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere.
What’s the best Indian in Exeter or surrounding areas for a sit in meal & a few drinks? : exeter
Tamarind Bay in Heavitree - the chef from Denleys moved there, I believe. They gave us a couple of free gin and tonics so this may be slightly biased!
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