Késarum in Southampton

Exquisite flavours, each mouthful a joy. U can taste the love and the science in every morsel. This place is not ordinary. Prepare to be blown away by chef's imagination and the complex complimentary delights of every dish. You need to visit this stunning resteurant

I don’t know how they have got such good reviews, i order kachori but it wasn’t actually a kachori. If they are naming a dish then they should actually serve that and not something completely different. We also order panner tikka and honestly it was the worst I’ve ever had. The food just looked aesthetically pleasing but had no good taste and the portion size was quite small for the prices they had. Even the waiter was quite rude and arrogant made us very awkward. We were so excited about this place but it was nothing but disappointing. Would not recommend this to Indians especially.

My wife and I have eaten at various high end restaurants and a couple of Michelin starred restaurants around the world and we felt Kesarum was on par. We were lucky enough to have a quiet lunchtime together and opted for the £35 two course and wine pairing option, with Mahesh talking us through a perfect pairing for our palettes. We added the lotus root chips as an extra side and I am so glad I did. Not usually the biggest fan of chutney, I took an apprehensive first bite, but this chutney was sharp and vinegar based, perfect for the crunchy slices of lotus root. The rest of the meal was a delectable mix of spice, sweetness and savory. Real umami with everything considered to the smallest detail. Can’t recommend this restaurant enough.

The food had a lot of care put into it, tasted amazing. The service was really top tier!

Amazing food, amazing service and a calm and tranquil atmosphere…what more could you ask for when you go out for a meal with your partner 😁

Had there lunch deal for £13. FANTASTIC!! Must have.

Eating here was an incredible experience. We'd read the website and knew what to expect and were not disapointed. From the minute we walked in the host was full of passion for the food, how we enjoyed our experience and our wellbeing. Finding truly exceptional plant based food has been tricky but everything we had fell into the top end of that category. From the nibbles to the starters to the mains - it was all glorious. The atmosphere was tremendously relaxed, our wonder at the food being put in front of us was grand but watching everyone else be amazed by our food and then theirs as it came out was something else. From the moment we went inside it felt like I had been transported somewhere far away from the streets of Southampton to the extent that walking back outside was quite a shock! My only regret was that we didn't come here sooner! Massive thanks to such a tiny team who did an incredible job. You put up with questions you must have heard a thousand times before and never once did I feel like I was chore. If I move away from Southampton I will be pilrgamiging back here frequently just for this experience. Expect to see us again on the monthly!

We visited Kesarum on Saturday lunchtime as a treat and what a treat it was! We have been looking for vegan restaurants for some time and this is a gem. We have been vegan for 5 years and cook all our vegan meals at home. Being a lover of eating out, I really missed being able to find a menu with more than one, often unimaginative, vegan choice! We had a starter and main course here at Kesarum -both were absolutely delicious and beautifully presented. Every mouthful was a delight and, wow, the cherry tomatoes on the Biryani! A wonderful explosion of delicate but sensational flavours! Next time we will book a dinner reservation and look forward to enjoying the paired wines and, hopefully, having room to try a dessert. I truly cannot wait. I recommend this restaurant to all food lovers.

I can't believe I waited so long to try this restaurant! A rare Saturday free gave me the opportunity and I am delighted that I did. The food was exceptional, possibly the best I've ever had, to the point that I was rendered speechless a lot of the time! The smallest details, like the bar snacks, still had so much thought behind them and it felt like a real family experience but with Michelin levels of flavour and presentation. I could wax lyrical about the celeriac for hours, and in fact, talked about nothing else all day. The chefs have serious talent! The attention to detail in the restaurant and the service were exemplary, the tasting notes were spot on, and the FOH expertly managed and felt very personal. I feel like you have to be very patient because it's such a different offering, and you did so with such grace for the whole time we were there. I can't wait to come back and try the things I didn't get to eat this time - and I think the only thing I'm sad about is that when the menu changes I won't be able to have the Gulab Jamun pudding again!

Wow wow! This place deserves a Michelin! Thank you to the lovely waiter who was patient and delivered an epic service ( with our children). Ensuring we ordered everything to our particular tatse. But the food! Wow. Thank you, we look forward to coming back :)

Great food and service. It was nicely presented and he kindly explained the items in the plate. Could not tell the difference that it's vegetarian. Would highly recommend and go back again. Best Indian food in Southampton. We came here for birthday celebration and was not disappointed.

If all vegan food was up to this standard I would go forever vegan!

Revisited for a special occasion and lived up again. Changed menu with a new theme but the quality of the cooking and the balance of interesting flavours remained the same, absolutely top quality. Fantastic service and a thoroughly enjoyable experience, we will continue to come back.

An absolute gem of a restaurant, the food was outstanding, only matched by the exceptional quality of the plating. Service was attentive without being overbearing, with a clear passion for, and deep knowledge of North Indian cuisine. I would not hesitate to recommend and honestly can't think of another Southampton restaurant I've liked better.

Easily the best restaurant I've been to

Incredibly creative and sumptuous contemporary, plant-based cuisine.

As it's mentioned everywhere by the restaurant themselves, it's a small team of only 3 people running this place. And they do an absolutely amazing job! The service is at a great pace(we were really feeling for the guy working the floor, the amount of running around between the tables and still patiently explaining everything!) and the food is all lovely. We also went for the recommended wine pairing for our mains and really enjoyed that too. Would certainly go back to try the rest of the menu too!

Ohh my god, we feel so relaxed and lifted...it was simply paradise..the marriage of all this incredible flavours, with the wine pairing, all the informations and good care from Mahish, running the floor as a masterpiece. The musical atmosphere is very traditional and make your dinner look like a proper journey through India. The staff is caring & skilled. Very aware about your needs or questions. Congratulations to the 2 chefs in the kitchen. Brilliants 🤌 "Une perle rare" in England ⚘️🙏

Delicious meal and really interesting concept. A vegetable based meal that tastes exactly like the meat described on the menu. Will definitely return the next time we are in Southampton. Excellent service too.

Késarum is an absolute gem! From the moment we stepped in, we were captivated by the unique and interesting atmosphere. The attention to detail on the menu is exceptional, with each dish offering such depth of flavour that you can tell it’s the result of time and careful preparation. The small team, consisting of just two talented chefs and a single front-of-house host, takes great pride in showcasing the rich history and diversity of Indian cuisine. The wine pairing was perfectly chosen, bringing out the vibrant flavours in every bite. I want to give special thanks to the front-of-house, who did an outstanding job, making us feel welcome and adding to the overall warmth of the evening. Késarum isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a journey through India’s culinary heritage. For anyone who appreciates exquisite food and a deep cultural experience, this place is an absolute must-visit.

Just come home from this wonderful restaurant. The meal was a feast for my tastebuds, absolutely delicious. Will definitely be going back VERY SOON. Thank you so much for a wonderful meal on our anniversary.

At Késarum, we were immediately put at ease by our charming and welcoming host. Once seated, we were helped through our menu choices and, based on the descriptions, were very excited for our upcoming meal. The food. We found everything that we ordered to be simultaneously down-to-earth and culinarily elevated, with intricate attention to detail given to ensure the regional character of the dishes stood out whilst focusing on quality ingredients, preparation and fine-dining presentation. We ordered the Pani Poori (a fun reconstruction, exploding with flavour) and Patte Ki Chaat (our favourite, smoky and satisfyingly complex) for starters. Our mains were the Haryanvi Kadhi and the Rogan Josh. The former was a showcase in how to prepare celeriac and a touching tribute to the cultural origins of the dish. The latter ranks amongst the best food I've eaten since converting to a plant-based diet and, without spoiling the surprise, I'd highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys or has enjoyed the traditional braised dish. For dessert we had the Shahi Tukda, which was a fusion of Indian flavour and a British classic. The saffron (Késarum, after which the restaurant is named) "caviar" was a real highlight. Thank you again for looking after us. The best plant-based food we've had in Southampton, and the best food we've eaten here overall. We look forward to coming back again soon. Jon & Ali

Having eaten in many Indian restaurants and high end hotels in India, I found the food in Kesarum exciting, visually inviting and the first mouthful is a riot of pure flavourful bliss in your mouth. I find their menu very inspirational and thoughtful. The menus are such that you can experience unheard of cuisines and elements from every part of India. Hats off to the chef and team for opening up our taste buds to the various unheard of regional cuisines of Bharat. My second visit included sampling the biryanis and summer chaat dishes. Unparalleled! And I know my biryanis. There should be awards on the horizon for this place.

Our group was greeted upon arrival as "Ah, 'something' [Last name]?" - which is a strange way to begin a "fine dining" experience. We were then sat at a table whose (very comfortable) chairs were too plush for the height of the table, and our legs didn't fit underneath. Of course, we were quickly moved. We were, and remained, one of three occupied tables. After ordering, it was clear that the presentation here was the winning feature, as can surely be seen by the review images. The plating is artistic and consistent. The Rogan Josh was quite tasty, too, with lots of new and complimentary flavours.. but the biryani was bland and lukewarm, some drinks were forgotten, the vibes were weird, and the prices paid were steep for the portions. If the dishes were all hot and flawless, I'd have been chuffed to pay the asking prices. I thought maybe this is because there are only three staff members here, but was assured that was the norm. Hats off to these guys, it's a steep ask for only three people for sure! But still, in the end we left feeling disappointed. For the rating, we did expect a very tight ship, but the artfully arranged meals didn't make the whole experience.

The food here is exceptional. I am not vegetarian, but it was one of the best meals I have ever had. Totally surprised by this restaurant and I can see why people rate it so highly. Whilst the menu is limited, that was a good thing as it meant our group all tried things we would not normally choose. The food looked amazing and tasted even better, so much flavour. No idea how it was achieved with just vegetables but I will definitely be back.

Amazing food with interesting flavours. Wine pairings really enhanced the dishes. Relaxed vibe and very well looked after by our waiter. Would definitely recommend.

Always a pleasure to eat here. The staff are conscientious and extremely skilled in what they do. Cannot recommend enough that you do the recommended wine pairings! They made a lovely effort for our anniversary.

Amazing atmosphere and experience! Great for gluten free or other dietary restrictions! We loved everything we tried and we were not missing meat at all. Amazing worth ethic by the truly incredible team running this place!

Just got back from a wonderful wedding anniversary meal at Kesarum, Southampton. First time at an Indian plant based restaurant and we were not disappointed. Very warm welcome and explanation of how the evening will unfold, including details of wine pairing. The dishes were amazing. How they combine tastes and textures is perfect and dishes presented in a la cart fashion, with so much attention to detail. Decor is mellow, low lighting, soft music, very relaxing. Attentive, but not rushed. The chef came to our table to wish us a Happy Anniversary. A lovely personal touch. We loved our evening and would recommend and encourage others to experience a delightfully, different, delicious dining experience. We shall return. Thank you Kesarum 😊

My husband and I visited as a last stop on our honeymoon. We were very excited about trying the food. The staff were excellent and the food was phenomenal. We had the best vegan 'paneer' we have ever tried. The rogan josh sauce was also a highlight. The flavour combinations were a delight to explore and everything was so fresh. All of the food was delicious and we want to return when the seasonal menu changes. Will definitely recommend to vegan and non-vegan diners.

This place is so unique and impressive! Never before have I had Indian food to this standard and it does not matter if you aren’t plant based because if you choose the alternatives they look and taste like meat! The waiter was also so knowledgeable. We shared everything to try as much as we could. To nibble we had nadru crisps, the Patte Ki chaat (Leaf p akora-based street food using betel and nettle leaves), the Pahadi ‘Malai’ Tikka which we had ‘beef, Pahadi ‘Chicken’ & Gucchi Mushroom Biryani and the Rogan Josh ‘lamb shank’. To end we had the Indian bread and butter pudding! We cannot wait to visit again. They also have a great range of organic wines which I always love in a restaurant.

The most amazing vegan meal and experience at @kesarumbistro offering a unique and truly a flavour explosion. I’m the fussiest eater when it comes to quality and eating in restaurants and pubs. We hardly ever eat out these days as I’m so beyond disappointed by the naff options offered and the incredibly poor quality of the food itself. The routine, standard ‘beyond beef burger’ in a dry bun or ‘falafel’ just do not excite me 😭 . I heard about Kesarum on a Facebook Vegan group but my Dad was the one who researched and recommended this for today. He wanted somewhere special where I could enjoy all the food and he knows I love something unique when it comes to flavours - this was just that place. The owner is so helpful, great at recommending and explaining the menu and encouraged us to try a few things we might not have otherwise (thank goodness he did as we would have been missing out). I just can’t recommend this place highly enough. They have nailed the atmosphere, the music and that’s before we even start on the incredible food. Flavours, textures, colours and eating with your eyes all achieved. Thank you Kesarum. We will be back!

What an amazing place! It really doesn’t look inspiring from the outside but this is a very special restaurant inspired by one man. We did the wine pairing which was great too. Don’t let the vegan menu put you off, my husband is a real carnivore and loved it. I highly recommend this place for fine dining. Please support it.

Multiple excellent reviews lead us to this little gem. Don't be put off by the rather complicated menu, they will explain everything, just go with an open mind & a willingness to try new (vegetarian) dishes. This small team have a huge passion for their food; it's creative, original, tasty & beautifully presented. We will definitely return.

Reading the reviews you go with an expectation that this is going to be good. But wow my expectations were exceeded. Pouring the cumin raspberry water in to the pani poori and swiping them through the raspberry foam and savoury hundred and thousands brought the kind of food joy to my mouth that I'd only previously experienced at restaurants with Michelin stars. It didn't end there - I have no idea how they made their seitan lamb shank rogan josh taste more like lamb than lamb does and the depth of flavour in the sauce was incredible. I also tried some of the celeriac dish done several ways and this was equally as good. All dishes are beautifully presented and the waiting staff have got their level of attentiveness spot on. Wine pairing suggestions were well thought out - always bodes well to see some wines from the Alsace to nicely balance against the palate of Indian food. Michelin wake up and give this place the recognition it deserves.

To start with, the welcoming waiter was amazing. He was helpful throughout and was very accommodating for my birthday meal. The food was excellent. Me and my girlfriend could taste the individual flavours as we were eating the food. The wine pairing is an excellent touch and is a welcome change from other Indian restaurants. The food is some of the finest Indian food and plant based food I have tasted. The food beats the traditional meat based Indian dishes I am used to. Would highly recommend.

Very high attention to detail, great taste and atmosphere, thank you

What a fantastic restaurant! The menu is very unique. I went here this evening with my wife who had visited previously with a friend. The owner provided exceptional service telling us all about the background of each dish and how best to enjoy it. The food is all vegan and very original. I am sure there is a Michelin star on the horizon for this business.

5 star, great atmosphere, excellent service and the food was amazing! Would recommend to anyone!

Was looking forward to trying here after reading great reviews. Unfortunately the service was disappointing. When asking questions about the menu received rude responses and made to feel uncomfortable. One of the worst restaurants I’ve been to in years.

A true dining experience! The front-of-house staff were passionate and well informed without being intimidating - this is clearly a labour of love. The sous-vide tomatoes were a revelation! The wine pairings were spot on. The interior is relaxed and comfortable, minimal but not stark 👏👏👏👏👏

We've visited this amazing restaurant several times, and it never disappoints! The food is consistently excellent, with a menu that showcases both creativity and quality. The owner is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, clearly showing a passion for both the cuisine and the guests' experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a great dining experience!

I didn’t realize this place was plant-based initially, so it was even more surprising how incredible the experience was. Their ‘pork belly’ dish was outstanding and something I never considered could be so well textured and flavorful. To this day, I’m still seeking a thukpa with noodles and spice as good the one I had there. The rotating themed menus make it obvious the proprietors are passionate about creating culinary journeys with unique spices, flavors, textures, and presentation. Definitely changed my mind about what is possible with plant-based foods. Easily contends with most Michelin Star restaurants.

Fantastic upcoming fine dining restaurant. The host was brilliant with exceptional hospitality and knowledge of the menu. The food doesn’t just look magnificent it’s accompanied with sensational taste and flavours and textures. We shall definitely be revisiting in a few weeks to try the summer menu.

As a meat eater (looking to reduce meat consumption) only taking a couple vegan friends out, this meal has shaken my foundational belief in not only vegan cooking, but cooking as a whole. The textures, tastes, and appearances of the dishes, combined with the loving walkthrough of the component pieces of each dish makes this meal an absolute standout. Up there as potentially the best meal I have ever eaten. What this team of three (yes, only 3) have done is nothing short of extraordinary, they have my every respect, and lasting gratitude for the experience I had. The wine was spot on, the food hits, the atmosphere makes it. We will be returning, and I cannot wait to see where they go from here, as they deserve every success and positive review.

Wheelchair accessible, vegan, Indian. What's not to love! Tasty, innovative food. Friendly front of house staff.

Fantastic food and a lovely all round delightful dining experience.

A delightful meal and fantastic service, would highly recommend as a fine dining alternative to a regular Indian!

Absolutely incredible dining experience. Very attentive front of house. Amazing chef. Food was absolutely stunning and tasted amazing.

If u need the high end stylish presentation of Indian delights , this is ur best choice Most dishes seem deconstructed variation , but u won’t miss the taste Not spicy That have different menus, you will never find the same dishes Very good service

We had an amazing dinner here last week. Service was excellent, and all dishes were explained to us during ordering and when they arrived. Great drinks selection too! A must-visit for anyone looking for tasty, plant-based / vegan food.

Honestly, not just the best vegan dinner I've had but the best Indian I've eaten. These guys clearly care a great a deal about what they do and I'd eat here again in a heartbeat. I'll certainly be telling all my friends and family!

I went with a colleague. We both enjoyed it very much. Will definitely go back again.

Highly recommended by my colleague, we decided to book a dinner for two at Kesarum. Food and service were excellent. It doesn’t quite show from the outside, but the inside is inviting, stylish and comfortable. We booked for early evening. The restaurant was not busy and our orders arrived promptly. Great Masala chi and masala chai cocktail. Enjoyed our food, particularly our choice of appetiser. We will be back soon.

Fantastic birthday meal. We’re not vegan but wanted to try this restaurant and we weren’t disappointed. Flavours were incredible and food was presented well. The Old fashioned cocktail was delicious. Nice Jazz music in the background. The “bacon” nibbles were amazing… they need to be bagged up and given extra to take home. We loved how different and unusual the start up restaurant was. Only lost a star for unironed tablecloth, waiter seemed flustered now and again (he was on his own so we didn’t get upset by that) and no prosecco

Amazing food! With the best meat alternatives I have ever had! Especially the laal Maas!

As far as I know, one of only two vegan businesses in central Southampton. Great to see them supporting the local community with their offerings and great to see a business which actually cares about the animals and the planet, not *just* profit. In regards to the service - always a friendly welcome in there. The owner takes his time to explain dishes to you and nothing ever seems too much trouble. Food - incredible. The skills of the chef (s?) get better each time we've visited, as do the flavours. Can't wait for another visit. Thanks for feeding Southampton's vegans, Késarum 🙂🌱

During the college I lived in Goa, I can say this is amongst best vindaloo I have had ever! The vegan pork belly vin dalhos is outstanding. It is just like eating the real pork. The sauce is perfect, authentic and spicy. And with proper Goa poee bread. I did no eating like this Indian food in years. Remind me of college days in Goa.

Words cannot describe the food. Michelin stat worthy!

Absolutely the most delicious meal we have had in years! Wonderful atmosphere, with a very calm and beautiful flow of service. I cannot recommend anything as every single thing that we ate was amazing and so beautifully presented. For our starters, we had the bacon bites and the popped lotus seed. For our mains we had the Faux Pork Belly Vindhalo and the textures of cauliflower. The Sentia alcohol alternative drinks and the (G) old fashioned were also staggeringly delicious. We will be back!!

What a treat! Special night out with a friend. Atmosphere and service were excellent and the food was just divine. Fine dining Indian cuisine, presented beautifully and tasted sensational. The different elements of each dish paired so well and the wine really complimented the flavours as well. Excellent choice for vegans but also anyone who enjoys delicious, high quality, well presented food. This restaurant definitely won’t disappoint. Can’t wait to go back to try more dishes from their excellent menu.

Service was 10/10 however the food was 11/10. Best indian in Southampton!

The best dinning experience we’ve had in Southampton ever! It feels like a Michelin star restaurant considering the flavor parings, the presentation and the service! Absolutely phenomenal. Nothing like we’ve experienced before in this city. Especially with Indian food being such an accessible quick takeaway option, this is the best option to remind you what it should taste like and what real restaurant quality food experience should be like. This is the kind of place southampton has been missing. Definitely we’ll be back 🥰 Couldn’t recommend enough!

Incredible. It's not often that reviews of places are on point, but the reviews for Késuram definitely are. The food, service & atmosphere were amazing. We will definitely be back!

Excellent dining experience this evening at Késarum. We’ve passed this restaurant on our travels locally and booked a table for two after the refurbishment for a late Valentine’s Day meal Absolutely delicious food, would recommend to anyone. We enjoyed the lambiest non lamb dish I’ve ever tasted with a great wine paring. Will be back soon

Absolutely outstanding. Went for a meal for Valentines day and I can actually say that meal touched my soul. It was incredible, the flavours were out of this world. The staff professional, courteous and welcoming. One of the best meals I have ever eaten and looking forward to going back.

I visited Kesarum tonight with a very dear friend. It was genuinely one of the best meals I have ever eaten. The setting was convivial (from outside it doesn't look particularly unique or exciting but when you go in it's truly great). The food was fantastic. The owner and his small team were warm and above all passionate about their truly original food. It is obviously perfect for vegans and those who love Indian food, but more than that, it is great for anyone who really likes to eat (omnivores like me are very welcome but frankly if I could eat like that every day I would be a vegan). Please, please, please support this local restaurant because they deserve to thrive and go on to earn recognition and a Michelin star.

Took my wife here not really knowing what to expect and we were both blown away by the presentation and flavours of the food. Would highly recommend if you have a plant based or meat based diet as the food is that good. We will go again for sure!

Had an incredible meal/ experience here with my family last night, the waiter was super knowledgeable about each dish as well as having a very friendly and attentive with calming presence. We didn’t have to wait The food was outstanding in both taste and presentation, especially with the wine pairing- Compliments to the excellent chefs. Can’t wait to visit again!

Best Indian food we've had in years. The service and staff were extremely helpful with the menu. Food exceptional and beautifully presented. Thank you

I recently received an outstanding dining experience at this restaurant. Mahesh and his small team take the utmost care in all aspects of their service and dish preparation. It makes a huge difference to have menu items explained, wine pairings suggested and the dish itself verbally deconstructed on serving. Serious thought and dedication has been put into creating the sublime food and the results speak for themselves. Thinking "Oh, another a vegan restaurant", or "Oh, it's an Indian restaurant", doesn't do this establishment justice. When you can't tell you aren't eating meat and the flavours are lasting from plate, through tongue, to stomach then you know it's worth every penny. This is Michelin-level quality dining for far less financial outlay. I encourage you to go, see, choose and taste for yourselves.

Lovely place. Great plant based menu really enjoyed our meal here. Chatting to the front of house guy I could genuinely see the passion and hard work they are putting into this business. The food was really well throughout we had the snacks, starters and main! All of which was well presented and tasted delicious. I would highly recommend dinner here.

This is the best 'fine dining' approach to Indian cuisine I've ever had. Every dish is immaculately presented, carefully flavoured and very unique, with multiple aspects to each meal that the server will talk you through before you eat. The food is immaculate, we will be back and will definitely be recommending to friends.

Wow wow wow, as a fully confirmed omnivore, coming to full vegan dining was a leap. Couldn’t be more impressed, superb cooking. What a revelation.

Fantastic (probably the best) vegan experience!

First visit this evening, from the get go the atmosphere, the service and restaurant, faultless. The owner was so professional, friendly and went above and beyond. I am a non vegan but this was possibly the best food I have ever had in my life. Loved being guided through what we are having and what each individual item brings to the dish. Such an incredible experience. The flavours were another level, the visual was stunning and would highly recommend! Will definitely be back, this place needs the recognition it deserves. Thank you for such a beautiful meal.

Absolutely stunning restaurant. Food was sublime, service was friendly, professional, attention. I've eaten at Michelin-starred restaurants that weren't as good as this place. It's worth a BIG detour. Very inventive food with impeccable delivery. Well-priced for Michelin-star quality cuisine.

So much more than just heading out to dinner, a real experience and flavour sensation. It was difficult to pick from such a thought out menu so we are already looking forward to going back. The team were friendly and their passion for the food made the overall evening one we'll not forget.

Kesarum in Southampton is an absolute gem! ☕🌶️🥩🍮 Every dish and drink at Kesarum is a work of art, a fusion of flavours that takes your taste buds on an exhilarating journey. The Iced Masala Chai is a refreshing revelation! ❄️☕ A blend of spiced rum and Késarum's home-brewed masala chai, garnished with Arctic Blue "cream" liqueur or a cardamom caramel "whipped cream" (for berry allergy alternatives), this drink is a treat for the senses. 🌬️✨ The Beet Aloo Tikki is a culinary masterpiece! 🍽️🌿 Delicately seasoned beetroot and potato cutlets paired with an Isle of Wight tomato-balsamic beetroot gel, garnished with coriander, yogurt, and pea shoots. The dish is not just delicious but also beautifully presented, offering an exquisite dining experience. ✨ The Smoked Pork Belly is an adventure in flavours! 🥩🌶️ Infused with the fiery Naga chilli and balanced perfectly with cooling elements like apple raita, sage whipped cream, and rocket, this dish showcases bold spice harmoniously paired with umami fermented soybeans, Manipuri forbidden rice, Odissi Janta roti, Bihari raw mango relish, and caramelised apple Chinese five-spiced puree. A fusion that tantalizes the palate, accompanied by a side of cold cumin-flavoured milk to counter the heat! 🌶️🍹 And for dessert, the Rasmalai is an explosion of flavours! 🍮🌸 Spongy paneer cutlets soaked in a tantalising rhubarb and ginger milk reduction, served with fragrant lavender and honey Indian ice-cream, topped with Masala chai crisps for that delightful crunch. An exquisite and delightful treat! 🍯✨ Kesarum is more than just a dining experience; it's a culinary journey that elevates flavours to new heights. A must-visit for anyone seeking an adventure in taste and presentation! 🌟

One of the best kept secrets in Southampton. The food is a fine as it gets and in my opinion some of the best food Southampton has to offer. The service was as good as the food. Will be back for more!

This place is incredible. The food was amazing and as meat eaters you’d never have known it was veggie, the flavours were phenomenal and the service was brilliant. They talked us through the menu and every dish and recommended and made cocktails off menu to suit our taste. Cannot recommend enough

Everything about the experience was AMAZING ❤️ The food✨ The service ✨ The atmosphere ✨ The price ✨ It's worth every single penny. We are a vegan family of 3. We had 1 of each starters-mains-desserts along with a glass of recommended red wine per person. At the end of our dinner, we were so thankful to find this vegan fine dining restaurant in Southampton. From now on, we will definitely be booking all of our special occasions dining here at Kesarum. If I had more stars to give, i would 😊 Well done to everyone whoever got involved within business and don’t give up. Get that MICHELIN Star 🌟

Visiting Southampton from Teesside - absolutely a first class plant based indian restaurant. Well done will certainly return

Ate here last night with my family for my birthday, and it was just fantastic in every way. Service was attentive and prompt with a detailed explanation of the flavours and history of each meal, the atmosphere was quiet but relaxed. Food delicious in every way. Wouldn't hesitate to recommend or return.

What a fabulous evening. Such dedication to fine Indian dining, the food we enjoyed was beautifully curated on the plate with such unique flavour profiling. Cocktails also worth a notable mention - well crafted and delicious. Well worth checking out for yourself.

Great restaurant - good addition to Southampton. Excellent plant based food - really tasty and innovative and gets you thinking. Dishes are beautifully presented and described to you. Nice atmosphere and great service.

Good dishes recommended by the waiter that was on he’s own, quite weird for a Saturday night, he was very good maintaining the standard service explaining dishes being very helpful But definitely needed another person on the shift. The main price was £23 I was expecting something more, than 30g of rice roughly and 50g of jackfruit, I’ve ordered an extra Roti, I’ve got 1 piece. I left I went to Lidl next door to get food. Good presentation but too little amount, was not a Michelin star restaurant.

What an amazing experience! The food was fantastic and such a treat for the eyes as well as the palate. Every item was explained to us and it really was a night to remember.

Wow! Super impressed with the creativity, flavours, style and service. First time here and we shall be back. First things first this is a 3 person operation. 2 in the kitchen and 1 on service but at no point did we feel left out or not looked after. Service is top notch! Being greeted promptly and seated we felt looked after while also being given time to enjoy our food. The gentleman looking after us creates all the drinks, runs the food, greets guests, clears and relays tables but most importantly is attentive all round. Very impressive and he is ar the top of his game. The food is spectacular, the menu is a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains and 2 desserts but they also have a choice of extras to order if you so wish. The food is beautifully presented with all sorts of techniques used. They are meticulous in textures and balancing salt, fat, acid and heat making each bite give you that ‘Ooooom’ expression. Great to see a small establishment kicking up creativity and flavours. Super impressed and wishing you the best in success. Highly recommend to visit, well priced for quality, service and portions for 3 courses. 2 of us left spending £80 total not including tip. Worth a trip followed by many more

I live in India and have traveled all over the world and eaten in many 5 star hotels and high end restaurants. Kesarum is Fantastic, creative, imanginative, innovative and yet, authentic Indian food. The menus change every six months and reflect the seasons. I don't like eating in most Indian restaurants because it's now repetitive. My wife can cook better at home. I want to eat out in places where I can't think the combinations myself. Kesarum has stories, drama, theater and they are true to their roots. Fantastic restaurant.

The food was amazing, service was great, overall a very nice experience.

Fantastic food and amazing service, it is a proper culinary experience that there isn't much of in the city. And it's vegan 👍

Absolutely lovely restaurant. Top notch service, incredible food, and clearly a passion for what they do.

Exceptional food but just let down in other areas. On a positive note, the food is unique full of flavour. It’s modern, fresh and seasonal. Hard to fault and if the review was for food alone this with be a 6 star review. Food prices fair for what is clearly a lot of effort to create. Dietary requirement’s excellently catered for. Regarding service, in my view having one front of house person is a mistake. I just felt it not relaxing to see someone so busy while I am meant to have a relaxing meal out. We were not ignored, and service was attentive but that extra pair of hands would give customers a better experience. You try to explain elements in each dish while new customers enter the restaurant and other customers want drinks and other customers wait for their starters to be cleared… etc etc Atmosphere was let down, the music was so sleepy my dinner companions nearly fell asleep waiting for the starters. The table was so sticky too… I mean really sticky! don’t think it was dirty, perhaps just needs a sanding down. Soap dispensers in toilets empty too. Drinks menu a bit odd and overpriced . £6 for a coke! I wish Kesarum nothing but success. Glad I visited but for me not a 5 star overall.

paneer tikka jhaalfrezi was excellent and the sauce on the fish tenga is also very good. starter chicken momos and beet aloo good. each dish had a mix of flavours - sweet, cool, spicy, etc - which made it interesting. some of the little additions were a bit pointless (foam was vague), but flavours on the sauce for the beet aloo and all of the little flavours on paneer tikka were delicious - with so many different touches, a few are bound to be a bit underwhelming, but the good ones are very good. the paneer cutlet and kulfi desert was superb, the mishtai doi a bit chewy and flavourless. service is friendly and very keen to explain the subtleties of the dishes. a bit pricey, but very different, so worth it.

Just had dinner at the most amazing restaurant in Southampton. Kesarum menu is innovative and exciting Each dish was put together with a complete understanding of flavour combinations and beautifully presented. On par with a Michelin star restaurant! Regardless of whether you are a vegetarian or not, if you are a foodie, this is a dinning experience not to be missed! Book early to avoid disappointment.

Pretentious and pricey. Restaurant choice was a friend’s (who is veggie, nearly vegan), and whilst the presentation of the food was wonderful, I found the plates had far too many competing and varying tastes and textures which resulted in an underwhelming experience. I am not vegan so maybe just not my taste, but the whole experience for me was just lacking. I found the service pushy and rushed. They didn’t collect the plates from you, they asked you to pass them the plates (there was access around the table, and this sounds picky but when you’re charging what you are, I don’t like reaching over the table with a plate and cutlery). It was very overpriced for what you get. I appreciate they’re trying to be different but I found it conflicting and unpleasant.

Lovely atmosphere, fantastic food

Incredible food and great vibes :)

A really lovely atmosphere and beautiful food to be found here. The food was served and presented beautifully and delicious. A wonderful place for a dinner date. I could not recommend Kesarum more if you are after a unique fine dining experience in Southampton that deserves everyone's attention.