Késarum in Southampton

Delicious food — so creative, fantastic flavours, and great variety. This is some of the most original Indian cooking we’ve had. I highly recommend this restaurant. If you notice a grumpy review elsewhere (unhelpful comments about hygiene and service), there was one table during our visit which was making a fuss over nothing and acting disrespectfully to the staff. We found all aspects of this restaurant to be a real delight.

I highly recommend this place. The food was just amazing. I had the “beef” korma, it was just amazing. And the masala chai crème brûlée as dessert was even better! It was a small team of 3 running the restaurant but the service was fast and the waiter was very friendly.

NOTE - IGNORE REVIEW BELOW. I was seated at the table directly next to their party. Their behavior towards staff was rude and unpleasant, to the extent that other customers intervened. The service was immaculate, the restaurant clean and tidy. We suspect that the behaviour of our neighbours was part of a scam to get free food. They did not complain or seem to have issues with hygiene until they had completely finished their meal and it came time to pay. When another customer asked them to leave (and suggested the police be called) they resorted to manipulative personal remarks against the staff member. They bullied him and publicly called his competence into question, when nobody else had an issue. Everyone else present agreed that it was an unfounded attack on a competent, friendly and knowledgeable staff member whose customer service was excellent. ---- This was a wonderful night out with amazing food, drinks and presentation. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, with beautiful music and elegant tableware. It was clean, well presented, and spacious. I do not like mushrooms, but even their mushroom based dish (vegan 'chicken' starter) absolutely wowed me with delicious flavor and texture. We also had the best cocktail we'd ever tasted - the Maple Old Fashioned was equally lovely as a cocktail or mocktail. The staff were wonderful and knowledgeable - the front of house person managing the whole place himself yet still giving each table a personal experience, info about the dishes, well timed food and drinks, and even a birthday celebration. Managing this all on such a small staff is nothing short of amazing. All of our respect to the team this evening - we had a beautiful night.

One of the best places I’ve been to, Attention to detail and attention to customers is on point. Absolutely incredible!

Very strange experience.. The owner cried in front of his guests about the state of the hygiene and dirty build up from his toilet, he also stressed about his autism and how he can’t handle customers calling him out on the restaurants hygienic levels… Never seen behaviour like. The food was good at a 6/10 but with only 1 chef and 1 owner who was a super angry guy who constantly broke down….. Made it a very odd experience in a restaurant with 2 occupied tables.. I fully expect a scathing response by looking at his past reviews but charging Michelin star prices I would have expected better from front of house service (not on the quality of the food) 3/10

Very very clever and tasty food. Superb. Mind blowing flavors and so beautifully presented If you are taking photos you aren't spending enough time enjoying the food.

Absolutely amazing experience!!! Sensational place for vegetarians and non-vegetarians to enjoy flavours that burst in your mouth and food like nothing you have had before. We were greeted and looked after like VIPs and can't believe we didn't know about this place sooner. Try it, you won't regret it!!!

An amazing vegetarian food experience, each dish crafted to make it a feast for the eyes as well as palette. Attentive staff and authentic Indian atmosphere. This is a hidden gem that needs admiring by all.

Really different restaurant, as a long term veggie this was a culinary experience I would highly recommend

Amazing food probably the best Indian food I've ever eaten, highly recommended. We had starters, main and then chai tea's everything was delicious. Portions perfect, Service was great too.

The atmosphere was quite nice and traditional, and the server was friendly and quick too. However the portion sizes are incredibly small for the prices, and the food was cold too. However, the presentation was nice.

We had a fantastic dinner at Kesarum. The service was top class and the food was some of the best vegetarian cuisine we have ever tasted. We will certainly be coming back!

Presentation of food was amazing and didn't disappoint in flavours. Guy who served us very friendly and knowledgeable about the food. He also remembered that we didn't have as much time to spend in the restaurant as they recommend as it should be an experience rather than just a feed (they say at least minimum two hours for a party of 4). Definitely would recommend and be back....I would say that booking would be essential so as not to be disappointed.

Went for my mums birthday, the food was incredible! Spice levels were perfect and had a beautiful depth of flavour. I’ll definitely go back to try more of the menu.

Ridiculous! We only discovered Kesarum in December, but have already been 3 times and cannot wait to go back. The food is just ridiculously good! I can only think of it as a culinary experience, this is not your average Indian restaurant. As a meat eater willing to try a vegan restaurant based on the reviews, I was very sceptical... I needn't have worried one bit. The all-vegan menu is absolutely sensational. I cannot wait to go back!

Absolutely amazing food, the best I’ve had since living in the UK for four years, and I’ve tried an array of Indian cuisine. I can’t wait to come back and try other items on the menu! My girlfriend who’s from the UK also loved everything so it’s great for everyone.

Kesarum was more than a meal, it was an experience! Chef created such a diverse palette of flavors for our lunch. My favorite dish was the Dubki Khadijah, with textures of aubergine, ragi roti, and applewood smoke. My server literally removed a cover to release the most aromatic smokey vapors and it felt like I was sitting next to a cozy Indian fire. I am so glad my first trip was a lunch, and I will be back for dinner soon! Bravo Kesarum, we are so lucky to have you in Southampton!

It was Central India based menu. They change the menu region almost every season. Fabulously curated. Ordered vada pav, pharra, Misal, kadhi, nawabi chicken, pear lassi and rabdi. All delicious, different flavours to traditional and high quality. Decent seating, can add to desi interiors. Would definitely recommend for unique pan india modern food experience. Will visit again.

My wife who is vegan kept on about eating here so give it a go . Well I have never in 65 years eaten anything so wonderful as the food here amazing and staff and service is so good we travelled from the Isle of Wight it was so worth it I can’t praise the food enough please try it I have never tasted anything so good

Kesarum is an incredible restaurant. The food is an absolute taste sensation. We were completely in awe of the flavours of the dishes, the combinations of flavours were like nothing we've tasted before, every bite was savoured. The cocktails and mocktails were equally delicious and beautifully presented. The hospitality was second to none and our host lovely and knowledgeable. He took the time to explain to us the history of the dishes, which we found fascinating and added to the whole experience. I highly recommend Kesarum and am looking forward to our next visit.

Great tasting food... well presented...Nice people and its all Vegan 😀

OMG. We visited that restaurant only because there was no space for us in the restaurant that we wanted to eat. But I can say that there was not even slight thought of regret. Food and service was absolutely amazing. I'm not a big fan of Lamb, but the way it was prepared last night I could easily say that I would change my mind. I would highly recommend this place if you looking to eat some great food and drink nice wine go there and you won't be disappointed.

Wow, amazing food! The "lamb" kebab literally tasted like lamb. Incredible flavours, great experience, would highly recommend!

Delicious and creative food in lovely ambient setting. Will be back soon!

The food here was amazing! Flavours were the perfect level of intense and well balanced, and even flavours I was surprised by went together beautifully. Service was exemplary, quick, and attentive. Even the plates are beautiful. Highly recommend!

I have a cilantro allergy. In Europe they refer to it as "coriander" or "Chinese parsley" Unfortunately for someone like me, most of the dishes come with cilantro pre-mixed in which leads me to think that perhaps it isn't entirely as fresh as advertised. Im fairly sure that this restaurant is not only vegetarian but is vegan. The staff member, Moresh? Sorry I'm horrible with names. He was extremely helpful and friendly. He helped work with me and my party to fit our needs. Again my memory is terrible with names, but i do remember getting the second appetizer, and the last item listed for a main course. Each came with a wine pairing and were portioned to be individually enjoyed, but the appetizers would have done well if a party of 4 shared two of them. The main course was a little spicier than intended I can say that i don't think i enjoyed the wine being a pairing for the most part, as the food we were eating was overpowering the wine completely. Perhaps the suggested pairings weren't full bodied enough to sufficiently taste satisfactory. The wines themselves were very good, and the food was delicious. I would love to come back and have more of each, just not with the exact two pairings i had. I am gonna repeat that, the food was delicious. The fried cauliflower balls in the beginning were very filling and satisfying, being able to control the heat with the dusting of pepper on the plate and the peppers around them. The second course, the fried cauliflower was still good and a little crunchy, but the side of rosemary cream that we got extra of from the kitchen was AMAZING. I loved it. Thank you guys for being flexible and for a great meal! Hope to see you in Nashville :) Excited down to three stars.. We had food poisoning from this.

Came here on a recommendation of a vegan friend and was not disappointed. The food was amazing! A casual restaurant with an open kitchen allows you to watch the chefs work, only one front of house staff means that it's a more European service but each course is served when ready and I would recommend the wine pairing. Will be going again to try the other dishes on the menu.

Not your average Indian restaurant. All plant based, and the food was excellent. If you are looking for a restaurant with a creative menu, beautifully presented dishes, and 'out of this world' flavours, I would highly recommend you give this one a try. This is a little gem, and I truly hope it gets the support it deserves so that it remains for years to come. I look forward to returning and trying the other dishes on offer.

Some of the best Indian food (as an Indian) that I’ve ever eaten. Came here from London as we were in Southampton for the weekend. Discovered this place and honestly the food is impeccable, but also very good value for money. I’m a big meat eater but I could not even tell the difference. The flavours were insane, I just wish it was closer to home!

Great place, read the reviews so wanted to try this place out for ourselves. The wine pairing and options available was outstanding - we will definitely going back

It was an incredible Indian dining experience like no other I have had. The new menu was great, and the service was excellent. The spicy pear lassi is a must try!

Amazingly high quality Indian food that also happens to be vegan. Make sure you leave enough time to enjoy it all and definitely try every course - the desserts were just superb.

Great food and amazing presentation, accompanied by some excellent wines. Well done!

We went to Késarum for lunch for a birthday treat. The portion sizes are plentiful and the food was delicious. Even my partner (who is a proper foodie) was impressed with how amazing the food was. All the food is plant based and even though I love meat, I didn't miss it at all. I would highly recommend Késarum and will definitely be back.

What an absolute hidden gem! The food is absolutely outstanding, and really showcases that you don't have to have meat to make an amazing meal. The service was fabulous and the gentleman serving was knowledgeable and helpful. The presentation of the food was beautiful and it was lovely to try food that such thought and craft has clearly gone into. Recommend 100 percent whether you are vegetarian or not.

A hidden gem in Southampton, hands down the best food I’ve had in a long time and really goes to show how amazing vegan food can be. The food felt very high end yet reasonably priced and was beautifully presented. The waiter and chefs were very efficient and the food arrived quickly, I wish I’d discovered this place sooner!

If you’re not a vegan or vegetarian do not discount this place. The food was incredible, is something different and not your typical ‘curry house’ and as a meat eater I was so impressed with the quality and flavours of the food. Will definitely be going back!

Best Indian restaurant ever!! Not the standard curries on the menu, but all original dishes. Top top top

Our second visit to Kesarum, and it won’t be our last. Maresh greeted us with such warmth and made us right at home from the start. As other reviews have mentioned this is a small team of three running the whole restaurant - two out back and one on front of house. Working flat out, we still felt that everything was attentive and nothing missed. Food was exquisite and intricately plated, the wine pairings were great and Maresh explained the plating of each dish as it came out. Best vegan dining experience in this part of the world, by a long way! Menu changes several times a year. They recommend 2 - 2.5 hours for 3 courses which we found to be about right, the whole experience was very relaxed and warm.

Incredible! Absolutely stunning food beautifully presented. Well worth keeping hold of the menu to remind you of the amazing flavours.

Great food and very different... Worth trying! They change their menu every 6 months so it’s always innovative and a new experience

Oh my goodness, this is one of the most special vegetarian meals I have ever had! I cannot believe this place! Seriously, gorgeous, but unpretentious meal.

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.

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.

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!

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 ⚘️🙏

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.

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.

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.

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

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 😊

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!

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.

Fantastic food and a lovely all round delightful dining experience.

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

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.