Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. New Jersey
  4. Bergen
  5. Englewood
Essence Of Kesar I Modern Indian Dining I BYOB, Englewood, NJ

Essence Of Kesar I Modern Indian Dining I BYOB

4.8
4.8
18 Reviews
$30 and under
Indian

Make a booking

2 people
7:00 pm
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
Essence Of Kesar I Modern Indian Dining I BYOB is a modern Indian restaurant in Englewood, New Jersey, that offers a diverse array of regional specialties and recipes passed down through generations. The restaurant's team of chefs has years of experience and expertise, and they use the finest ingredients that are sourced locally and imported directly from India. Essence Of Kesar is a great place to enjoy a delicious and authentic Indian meal.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Indian, Contemporary Indian, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Hours of Operation
    Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm Lunch Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (201) 300-0331
  • Website
    https://essenceofkesar.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Suraj Pawar
  • Location
    34 E Palisade Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631-2935
  • Area
    Englewood
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Additional
    BYO Wine, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access

Menu

SMALL PLATES

    VEGETARIAN

    • Spinach And Kale Chat (gf)(v-or)USD 16.00

      crispy battered fried spinach, yogurt mousse, tamarind gel, dragonfruit dust

      • Litti Chokha (4pcs)USD 16.00

        smoked charcoal eggplant, sattu, tomato pachadi

        • Truffel Lahsooni Cauliflower (v-or)USD 16.00

          crispy golden cauliflower, lehsooni kadhi mousse, watermelon radish, goat cheese

          • Potato Sphere DhaiBhalla (gf)USD 18.00

            white pea ragda, dhai bhalla, sweet yoguri, tamrind & mint gel

            • Edamame Paniyaram (gf)(v)USD 17.00

              edamame infused rice, black lentil batter dumpling, smoked chilli tomato

              • Paneer Chilli Katafi RollUSD 20.00

                schezwan sauce, mango chunda

                NON-VEGETARIAN

                • Baked Masala Oyster (gf)USD 24.00

                  hirva watan, masala bread crumb, green mango caviar, beet pickle gel

                  • Solkadhi Scallop Ceviche (gf)USD 23.00

                    solkadhi infused scallops, fresh kokam coriander oil, kejora golden berries

                    • Tibetian chicken MomosUSD 21.00

                      Roasted bell pepper coulis, roasted cherry tomato marinara

                      • Chidiyaa Ka GhoslaUSD 22.00

                        masala quail egg, baby curry leaves naan

                        • Duck Kurchan CorrnetoUSD 23.00

                          masala duck, bell peppers, ajwain cormeto Kaffir lime mousse

                          • Pulled Lamb Ghee Rost BaoUSD 23.00

                            pulled lamb, garam masala, bedgi chilli mayo

                            TANDOOR (FROM CLAY OVEN)

                            • Kesar Infused Chicken TikkaUSD 25.00

                              black olive raita

                              • Junglee Lamb ChopUSD 38.00

                                potato salad, lamb biryani

                                • Kafir Lime Chicken TikkaUSD 25.00

                                  pomegranate raifa

                                  • Kasundi Mustard PrawnsUSD 28.00

                                    kasundi pickle, toasted salad

                                    • Paneer Shashli SkewerUSD 24.00

                                      kasundi pickle, toasted salad

                                      • Creamy Soya Malai ChopUSD 25.00

                                        toasted salad, pomegranate raita

                                        MAINS

                                          VEGETARIAN

                                          • Sarson Ka Saag (gf)(v-or)USD 25.00

                                            sarson ka saag, corn waffle, jaggery chutney

                                            • Paneer MethiMalai Steak (gf)USD 25.00

                                              creamy coftage cheese steak, fenugreek sauce, asparagus

                                              • Parsi Soya Kheema ChilliUSD 24.00

                                                rosemary bun, parsi masala, soya kheema

                                                • Truffel Pav BhajiUSD 25.00

                                                  truffel mumbai bhaji, rosemary bun

                                                  • Kesar Malai KoftaUSD 26.00

                                                    kesar (saffron) infused malai sauce apricot dumplings

                                                    • Konkani EggplantUSD 25.00

                                                      konkani tangy sweet sauce, rosted eggplant

                                                      • Kolhapuri MedleyUSD 25.00

                                                        mix kolhapuri fambada rassa, grilled vegetables

                                                        • Fresh Vegetable BiryaniUSD 24.00

                                                          mix vegetables, cottage cheese

                                                          NON-VEGETARIAN

                                                          • Chicken LababdarUSD 27.00

                                                            grilled chicken breast, roasted bell pepper, almond sauce

                                                            • Octopus MoileeUSD 34.00

                                                              grilled octopus, coconut meen moilee

                                                              • Konkani HalibutUSD 36.00

                                                                sous vide halibut, kokam infused malvani sauce

                                                                • Champaran Ka MuttonUSD 29.00

                                                                  clay pot cooked mution, champaran masala

                                                                  • Old Delhi Butter ChickenUSD 30.00

                                                                    creamy fomato sauce

                                                                    • Kashmiri Lamb Rogan JoshUSD 30.00

                                                                      braised lamb, garam masala, yogurt

                                                                      • Masala QuailsUSD 27.00

                                                                        8hrs marinated quails, fadka mayo

                                                                        • Kesar Goat Chop BiryaniUSD 32.00

                                                                          8hrs marinated quails, fadka mayo

                                                                          • Thalassery Bamboo BiryaniUSD 30.00

                                                                            biryani slow-cooked with cardamon, kesar in bamboo

                                                                            BREADS

                                                                            • Kesar Butter NaanUSD 6.00

                                                                              • Garlic NaanUSD 7.00

                                                                                • Onion FlatbreadUSD 7.00

                                                                                  • Whole Wheat RotiUSD 6.00

                                                                                    • Gluten Free BreadUSD 6.00

                                                                                      SIDES

                                                                                      • Sweet & Spicy Mango SauceUSD 5.00

                                                                                        • Saag PaneerUSD 15.00

                                                                                          • Yellow Lentils (Dal Taclka)USD 14.00

                                                                                            • Black Lentils (Dal Makhani)USD 15.00

                                                                                              • Spiced Chickpeas (Chana Masala)USD 14.00

                                                                                                DESSERTS

                                                                                                • Kharvas Cream BruléeUSD 12.00

                                                                                                  • Mesti Doi (Canaloni)USD 12.00

                                                                                                    • Desi Kulfi TrioUSD 15.00

                                                                                                      DRINKS

                                                                                                      • Mango Yogurt Lassi /AamPannaUSD 7.00

                                                                                                        • Jamun Refresh / Sparkling WaterUSD 7.00

                                                                                                          • Soda / WaterUSD 5.00

                                                                                                            Last updated: 31 July 2024

                                                                                                            What 18 people are saying

                                                                                                            Overall ratings and reviews

                                                                                                            Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

                                                                                                            4.8
                                                                                                            4.8 based on recent ratings
                                                                                                            • 4.8Food
                                                                                                            • 4.5Service
                                                                                                            • 4.5Ambience
                                                                                                            • 4.4Value

                                                                                                            Noise • Moderate

                                                                                                            Loved For

                                                                                                            • Bergen

                                                                                                              Healthy

                                                                                                            Review summary

                                                                                                            AI-generated from verified diner reviews
                                                                                                            Essence Of Kesar offers "exceptionally well crafted dishes" with unique and delicious flavors. Located in Englewood, this modern Indian dining spot is praised for its "exquisite food" and "great host." While the restaurant can be busy and sometimes understaffed, it's a "fantastic surprise" for Indian cuisine lovers in the area.

                                                                                                            18 Reviews

                                                                                                            1. eatsjfk

                                                                                                              New York City21 reviews

                                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 6 March 2025

                                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                              The food was delicious and the service was friendly. The menu was a little different and more creative than what is usually offered at neighborhood Indian restaurants. I’m happy to have found a great option in the area.

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            2. Victoria

                                                                                                              Washington DC1 review

                                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 1 March 2025

                                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                              Trendy place with great food and service. Amazing addition to the neighborhood.

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            3. Gurmeet

                                                                                                              New York City1 review

                                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 22 February 2025

                                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                              Exquisite food, each dish presented exceptionally and each very very tasty. Will definitely be returning to Kesar soon.

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            4. Rasheed VIP

                                                                                                              London21 reviews

                                                                                                              3.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 28 January 2025

                                                                                                              1. Overall 3
                                                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                                                              3. Service 2
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                              Great indian food but the restaurant was heavily understaffed. There was just one waiter for what was a pretty full restaurant. Also there was ALOT of salt in the food.

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            5. Mwari

                                                                                                              New York City6 reviews

                                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 1 January 2025

                                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                              Delicious food, great host. A great new spot for Indian food

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            6. Ritesh

                                                                                                              New York City1 review

                                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 26 December 2024

                                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                              Food is good. Restaurants is small so had to wait long for the table to be ready. Rest all was nice.

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            7. Raghu

                                                                                                              New York City1 review

                                                                                                              4.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 20 December 2024

                                                                                                              1. Overall 4
                                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                              Great food that’s different from the norm. Great addition to the area.

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            8. Nancy VIP

                                                                                                              New York City49 reviews

                                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 6 December 2024

                                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                                              3. Service 5
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                              Absolutely incredible food. So happy to have this restaurant in Englewood, as there is no other delicious Indian food in the area. 

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            9. Poornima VIP

                                                                                                              New York City2 reviews

                                                                                                              5.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 27 November 2024

                                                                                                              1. Overall 5
                                                                                                              2. Food 5
                                                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 4
                                                                                                              Food was really good and unique flavours. We tried kesar infused chicken, fish tacos , bamboo biryani and kulcha and everything was mouth watering and we enjoyed our dinner way too much. Highly recommend this place if you are in the neighbourhood.

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            10. komal

                                                                                                              New York City18 reviews

                                                                                                              4.0

                                                                                                              Dined on 25 November 2024

                                                                                                              1. Overall 4
                                                                                                              2. Food 4
                                                                                                              3. Service 4
                                                                                                              4. Ambience 5
                                                                                                              Loved the mocktails. The appetizers were amazing. I felt the main dishes were lacking a little flavor that was evident in the apps.

                                                                                                              Is this helpful?

                                                                                                            FAQs

                                                                                                            Essence Of Kesar I Modern Indian Dining I BYOB offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (201) 300-0331.

                                                                                                            Essence Of Kesar I Modern Indian Dining I BYOB is rated 4.8 stars by 18 OpenTable diners.

                                                                                                            Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

                                                                                                            Make a booking

                                                                                                            2 people
                                                                                                            7:00 pm

                                                                                                            Order delivery or takeout

                                                                                                            Google Map for Essence Of Kesar I Modern Indian Dining I BYOB

                                                                                                            34 E Palisade Ave, Englewood, NJ 07631-2935

                                                                                                            Additional information

                                                                                                            • Area
                                                                                                              Englewood
                                                                                                            • Hours of Operation
                                                                                                              Fri, Sat 11:00 am–10:30 pm Lunch Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
                                                                                                            • Price
                                                                                                              $30 and under
                                                                                                            • Cuisines
                                                                                                              Indian, Contemporary Indian, Fusion / Eclectic
                                                                                                            • Dining style
                                                                                                              Casual Dining
                                                                                                            • Dress code
                                                                                                              Casual Dress
                                                                                                            • Parking details
                                                                                                              Street Parking
                                                                                                            • Payment Options
                                                                                                              AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
                                                                                                            • Executive Chef
                                                                                                              Suraj Pawar
                                                                                                            • Additional
                                                                                                              BYO Wine, Entertainment, Gluten-free Options, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeaway, Vegan, Wheelchair Access
                                                                                                            Discover
                                                                                                            OpenTable
                                                                                                            • About Us
                                                                                                            • Blog
                                                                                                            • Careers
                                                                                                            • Press
                                                                                                            More
                                                                                                            Our sites
                                                                                                            Businesses
                                                                                                            • Delight more diners
                                                                                                            • Open for Business Blog
                                                                                                            Join us on
                                                                                                            • Privacy policy
                                                                                                            • Terms of Use
                                                                                                            • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
                                                                                                            • Cookie Preferences
                                                                                                            Copyright © 2024 OpenTable Australia Level 22, 357 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria - All rights reserved.
                                                                                                            OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
                                                                                                            Booking Logo
                                                                                                            Priceline Logo
                                                                                                            KAYAK Logo
                                                                                                            Agoda Logo
                                                                                                            OpenTable Logo