Denley's Essence Of India — Restaurant in Exeter

I left a glowing review of this place a year or so ago and naturally it was our first choice for our recent Wedding Anniversary meal. We booked on their app for 7.45 deliberately to take the pressure off the demand for 8.00 bookings.

The meal was all we expected and well up to their usual high standards so absolutely no disappointments there; The only negatives for the evening was the chaos on arrival of at least 6 other people ahead of us waiting to be seated; all of us in the small space between the front door and the bar, resulting in the diners already seated having waiting people standing virtually on top of them. Not good for those seated, and not good for those waiting. This was worsened by a constant stream of diners back and forth to the front door either leaving or going outside for a smoke, coupled with a steady stream of take-away collections. As bookings had clearly overlapped, one party of 4 were prized away from their table with the offer of a complementary liqueur on the house, to be taken at the bar. They stood rather awkwardly amongst the crush, coats on and car keys in hand, downing their drinks as quickly as they could to get out and free up some space.

The second disappointment was a complete lack of dress code, with people turning up in crumbled football shorts and sports kit looking as if they had come straight from the training ground. I fully get this is 2025 and things are a lot more ‘relaxed’ including what we wear to eat out but even 3 star hotels in Spain have a ‘no shorts for dinner’ policy, so a shame that an Indian restaurant that prides itself on being a level above the rest cannot demand a touch more in return from It’s diners.

All in all, the excellent food and service are only let down by a lack of forward planning; a little more control of bookings and take-away collections instead of cramming in as many punters as possible would raise the atmosphere to the same high level of the food.

We will however return, except next time at a later time of perhaps 9.00 when the take-away and main evening rush...

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...

The food was very good. The lamb was quite tender and the flavours/heat from the curry was exactly what I was looking for. However the reason for my 3 star review is because I ordered online to collect and chose 6:55PM. I received an automatic email straight after stating it will be ready to collect at 7:15PM. I was a bit confused as it gave me the option for 6:55 so I called and was told by the staff that it will be 7:15. I let this slide as I assumed they were very busy with it being a Saturday evening. I arrived at exactly 7:15PM and paid for my order and was asked to wait by the bar. I was waiting for 20 minutes and this was only because I chased the order up twice! I believe it would of been longer if I didn't do this. The staff were friendly and offered me a free drink while I waited, I got a sense they were trying to "keep me sweet" as the annoyed look on my face was clearly obvious to them. I wanted my order, not a drink. In the end I got home and ate my food nearly an hour later than expected. If you aren't able to keep up with online orders aswell as keeping the restaurant customers happy. Don't do it!! And don't allow us to choose a time if you aren't able to stick to it. Focus on the quality not the quantity. I would like to say I would eat here again but the thought of having to sit and wait in a busy restaurant with lots of people around...