Denley's Essence Of India shines as a standout Indian restaurant located in Topsham, Exeter. Patrons rave about the exceptional quality of food, with dishes praised for their punchy flavors and perfect balance of spices. Guests like Dave Dome have labeled it the best Indian around, highlighting the well-cooked, non-greasy offerings that entice diners to book early or opt for the convenient takeaway service.
The atmosphere at Denley's is inviting and cozy, melding modern and traditional decor for a memorable dining experience. Many reviews mention friendly and attentive staff who enhance the overall enjoyment, making first-time visits feel like returning to a familiar place. Culinary highlights include the chicken tikka masala—a rich, creamy classic with just the right kick—and the aromatic lamb rogan josh, showcasing the chefs' dedication to quality ingredients and culinary craft.
While some guests noted occasional hiccups, like longer wait times or minor service lapses, the overall consensus is that Denley's offers a delightful journey through Indian cuisine. With a reputation for consistently high standards, it's a location worth visiting for both a sit-down meal and takeout. For those seeking authentic flavors and engaging service, Denley's Essence Of India is a must-try destination.
Amenities and More
Service options
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in
Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Assistive hearing loop
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Free water refills
Late-night food
Spirits
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine
Dining options
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Bar on site
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy
Crowd
Family friendly
Groups
Tourists
Planning
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
High chairs
Parking
Paid street parking
Parking
Photos
Reviews For Denley's Essence Of India
Dave Dome
Jun 25,2025
Best Indian around by miles. Food is so well cooked and tasty and not at all greasy. Book early to make sure you get in. They also do takeaway if you prefer. Staff are excellent
antonomik
Jun 21,2025
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!
Ruslan
Jun 13,2025
I recently had the pleasure of dining at Denley's , and I can confidently say it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I walked through the door, I was greeted by the incredibly friendly staff, who made me feel like I was a regular, even though it was my first visit. The warmth and attentiveness of the service were immediately apparent, and I felt well taken care of throughout the entire meal. The restaurant itself has a cozy, inviting atmosphere — perfect for a relaxed, yet upscale dining experience. It wasn’t too loud, and the decor was both modern and traditional, which really set the tone for the authentic meals that followed. As for the food, I was absolutely blown away. I started with the chicken tikka masala, and it was honestly one of the best versions I’ve ever had. The chicken was tender, and the sauce had the perfect balance of creamy richness with a kick of spice. My dining companion had the lamb rogan josh, and I couldn’t resist trying a bite — it was tender, flavorful, and so aromatic. Every dish was packed with vibrant spices, but never overpowering. It was clear that the chefs at Danley’s take pride in their craft, and the quality of the ingredients really shone through in every bite. The service remained impeccable throughout the meal, with the staff being attentive without being overbearing. The waiters checked in just the right amount and offered great recommendations when I was having trouble choosing between the many tempting options on the menu. If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or just looking for a place to enjoy a special meal, Danley’s is a must-visit. The combination of excellent food, outstanding service, and a welcoming atmosphere truly sets it apart. I’ll definitely be returning soon.
Etienne Nel
Jun 7,2025
We’ve been to Denley's multiple times before and have also enjoyed a few takeaways over the years—it's consistently been a favourite for its brilliant staff and high-quality food. On this most recent visit, the food once again lived up to expectations—flavourful, well-presented, and clearly made with care. The team at Denley's are always friendly and attentive, checking in to make sure everything is to your satisfaction. That said, this visit wasn’t without its hiccups. We were seated near the kitchen door, which comes with a lot of foot traffic and made the experience a bit hectic. We also found a hair in the mint sauce with our starter—but to their credit, the staff were quick to apologise and replaced it promptly without fuss. While the atmosphere was lively, it was also quite loud and busy, which makes it less suited to a quiet or romantic evening out. Next time, we’ll probably opt for a takeaway, where we can still enjoy their excellent food from the comfort of home. All in all, great service and food, just a little too bustling for a relaxed dine-in experience on this occasion.
Stefan Lang
May 20,2025
Great Indian restaurant. Excellent food, friendly and attentive staff, quick service.
Laura
May 3,2025
Fantastic dinner for too at Denley’s. Always such a warm welcome upon arrival and despite not having a reservation, they were able to accommodate us. Definitely recommend booking in advance. Can highly recommend the chef’s specialities. The tamarind dish was divine! They have a good selection to suit all tastes with exquisite mild dishes and some spicy sounding ones for the more adventurous. We really enjoyed our meal and look forward to coming back again soon.
Becky L
Apr 21,2025
My sister has been telling us that this place was "amazing" for the last couple of years. We finally made it there to try for ourselves and she was absolutely right! The food was simply delicious. Full of flavour, spicy, hot where appropriate and plentiful. One of the best curries I have had in a long time, I cannot wait to come back.
paul haycock
Apr 10,2025
Fantastic place. 1st time we just turned up hoping to get a table, but we got turned away because the restaurant was full. A very good indicator of how good the restaurant is. We returned a few days later after making a reservation. The food was fantastic. I hope to visit again sometime soon.
Reviews For Denley's Essence Of India