Essence Of Spice — Restaurant in District Municipality of Muskoka

This place used to be 5 stars. The past (now) 2 times we went, it was not what it used to be. We ordered a few weeks ago paneer Tikka masala, Naan, and butter chicken. We ordered this to go, as we have many times. We also ordered 2 mango Lassi. The lassi used to come in a different container, like a bottle, which you could close fully. Also, the lassi did not taste fresh, more like a day or so old. The paneer was tasty, however the portion was small with hardly any paneer in the dish. The butter chicken tasted not fresh. I live with an Indian roommate, and maybe that makes my expectations for something better (she always takes me to great places near us, or cooks for us). It's just sad as i don't live in the area anymore, and used to love visiting there. I hope you guys get back to how you were. We tried to mention this to the owners, and they gaslit us. We came in to eat, and our waiter tossed the first plate (a hot plate) down in front of us loudly. I guess we did not say "masala" as we got no side, just chicken and paneer Tikka (usually the former lady who was great would clarify what you wanted, this guy who gaslit did not). They also will not accommodate menu change requests. It's like the guy we complained to was not taking in what we said, but rather (immaturely) taking offense. We were not being rude, we simply stated that we were not satisfied, we used to be satisfied, and here is why. He stated "no, everything is made fresh." As someone who's served in a few places in muskoka, and worked in kitchens: please meet your customers with more maturity. A simple "I'm sorry for that experience, it won't happen again," to acknowledge the complaint we brought up would have been nice and appreciated. There are other places to get Indian...

Tonight, my husband and I ate at Essence of Spice for the first time ( and certainly not the last time).We enjoyed every mouthful of our dinner. The atmosphere was clean, pleasant with some Indian touches of decor and subtle music. Service was prompt and courteous. The food was outstanding! It was ho in temperature and spiced to our degree of liking. My husband likes more highly spiced than average and I enjoy medium level of spice, but should you wish mild is also available. I had Chicken Tikka Marsala and the chicken was in good size chunks with a wonderful sauce. I had it with Naan although rice was another option. The Naan was hot and light. Outstanding! My husband had Chicken Vindaloo which was more highly spiced and he opted to have it with rice. Again the chicken was in reasonably sized chunks and the rice was tender hot and well seasoned. I had homemade Mango ice cream which was delicious ! Our bill with tip came to about $65.00. Good value for the money. We both had good appetites, but as the servings are ample many left with take out containers of the food they could not eat. Well done! Keep up the excellent work! As I said, this will be the first of many times we eat at Essence of Spice.

We went to Essence of Spice a week ago. Amazing Butter Chicken!!! I ordered mild and it would be perfect for someone who wanted a positive introduction to the best Indian cooking I have had since I was in India. My husband had Chicken Burra and he savoured every bite. Service was prompt and polite present but not intrusive. Again, clean pristine restaurant. Can hardly wait for our next trip to...

While our weekend getaway in Gravenhurst we visited this restaurant, from what it looked like newly opened family-run Indian restaurant, and I was thoroughly impressed by the experience. All the members were were friendly, and welcoming. The restaurant was very clean and the interiors were very choice full. The menu was decent, like any other Indian restaurant. We asked for recommendations, and ended up ordering the Dhaba style chicken and daal, daal Bukhara, malai kofta, seekh kebab and butter chicken. While we found everything absolutely delicious, flavorful, very light on the oils and ghee, and very fresh, including the rice, the only thing we weren’t super fond of was the butter chicken as it was slightly on the sweeter side. The naan bread was freshly baked and one of the best we have had.

What really set this restaurant apart, however, was the personal touch that the family put into their food. You could tell that they used only the freshest ingredients, and that they put great care and attention into every dish they prepared. We had a great chat with the owner (the mother) who was also the chef, and congratulated her on one of the finest chicken curries we have had.

I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for delicious food, warm hospitality, and a...