Thai Essence Nutley NJ: Authentic Thai Cuisine and Culinary Excellence in New Jersey

Thai Essence Introduce

Introduction / Overview

When New Jersey residents crave truly authentic and vibrant Southeast Asian flavors, Thai Essence in Nutley has established itself as a premier destination. Located at 231 Franklin Ave, this Thai restaurant—which also falls under the categories of Asian restaurant and Southeast Asian restaurant—is celebrated for its commitment to traditional Thai roots, offering a dining experience that is both authentic and refined. Since its formation in 2003, Thai Essence has aimed to deliver the best Thai experience right in the heart of Nutley, NJ.

The philosophy here is simple: to use the finest, freshest ingredients and culinary expertise to deliver savory and delectable home-style cooking. This dedication has earned them a reputation among local users, with many highly recommending it as the BEST place for authentic Thai food, praising its incredible taste and amazing presentation. It is a favorite for both Lunch and Dinner, attracting Locals, Groups, and even those dining Solo.

The menu is expansive, carefully balancing Thai classics with specialty dishes, ensuring every palate finds a favorite. From the famous Pad Thai and spicy Drunken Noodle to rich coconut milk curries like Red Or Green Curry and Massaman Curry, the noodle and curry selections are a cornerstone of the menu. Furthermore, the restaurant offers unique entrées such as Duck Tamarind and various Grilled seafood and meat dishes, including Grilled Salmon and Grilled Lemongrass Chicken.

Beyond the main courses, Thai Essence pays close attention to customer needs and preferences. They boast an extensive range of Healthy options, Vegan options, and Vegetarian options, with several dishes also available as Gluten-free, making it an inclusive spot for diners with dietary considerations. The atmosphere itself is designed for comfort, noted for being Casual, Cozy, and even Romantic, offering a comfortable setting for any occasion.

Location and Accessibility

Thai Essence is conveniently situated at

231 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

. This central location on Franklin Avenue, a major thoroughfare in Nutley, makes it easily reachable for residents across Essex County and surrounding North Jersey communities. The restaurant’s strategic placement within a busy local area ensures high visibility and steady patronage.

Accessibility features are thoughtfully provided for all patrons. The location offers a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating, confirming a commitment to serving the entire community.

For those traveling by car, parking options include Free street parking, Paid street parking, and access to a Paid parking lot, though customers should be mindful that parking in the area can sometimes be a minor challenge, as noted by local reviewers. The restaurant is well-equipped for various payment methods, accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Services Offered

Dine-in Seating: Offers a pleasant, Casual and Cozy environment for customers to enjoy Lunch and Dinner with Table service.
Takeout and Delivery: Provides convenient options for customers, including standard Delivery and No-contact delivery through major platforms, as well as easy Takeout.
Reservations: Accepts reservations to ensure seating availability, especially for Groups or during peak dining hours.
Catering: Offers Catering services, allowing customers to bring the exquisite flavors of Thai Essence to their events and gatherings.
Extensive Dietary Options: Provides comprehensive Vegan options, Vegetarian options, and a variety of Gluten-free dishes, making it suitable for many specific diets.
Beverages: Serves a selection of Alcohol (including Wine), Coffee, and unique non-alcoholic drinks like their popular Thai Iced Tea.

Features / Highlights

BYOB-Friendly Policy: A significant highlight for New Jersey diners, as customers are permitted to bring your own wine or beers, enhancing the dining value and personal experience.
Authenticity and Freshness: Highly praised by customers for delivering authentic Thai food with an incredible taste and using fresh ingredients, with food described as exploding with delicious flavors and spices.
Great Tea Selection: Recognized as a Highlight for having a Great tea selection, complementing the intricate flavors of the Thai cuisine.
Exceptional Seafood and Grill Menu: Features high-quality protein options such as Grilled Salmon, Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Grilled Scallops, and premium dishes like Chilean Sea Bass and Ruby Tuna, which are often noted for being Well seasoned and cooked to perfection.
Speed and Efficiency: Noted for Fast service, which is ideal for quick Lunch breaks or a satisfying Quick bite.
Family-Friendly Amenities: Good for kids with a dedicated Kids' menu (including Kids Chicken Fingers And French Fries) and availability of High chairs.

Contact Information

Address:

231 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

Phone: (973) 542-0128

What is worth choosing

For New Jersey locals seeking a reliable, high-quality, and flavorful Thai experience, Thai Essence is emphatically worth choosing for multiple reasons that extend beyond the typical offerings of an Asian restaurant. The primary draw is the genuine Essence of Thai cooking that the establishment delivers, having refined its expertise since 2003. Reviewers consistently highlight the superior taste and fresh preparation, confirming it’s a cut above the rest.

What makes it a great choice for the local community is the flexibility and breadth of the menu. Whether you are craving the comfort of classics like the gluten-free Pad Thai or the spicy kick of Drunken Noodles and Essence Fried Rice, the restaurant delivers on popular demand. For those looking for a special treat, the duck and seafood options—such as Duck Tamarind or the perfectly Grilled Beef—offer a more upscale dining experience that is still grounded in authentic flavors.

The practical aspects of the restaurant also contribute significantly to its appeal. The generous provision of Vegan options and clear marking of Gluten-free dishes make it an excellent choice for health-conscious diners or those managing specific diets. Furthermore, the BYOB-friendly policy is a fantastic value-add, allowing patrons to bring their favorite wine or beer to pair with the meal, enhancing the dining experience while keeping costs reasonable. This combination of authentic, high-quality food, inclusive menu options, and convenient service makes Thai Essence a true jewel in Nutley’s culinary landscape.

Thai Essence Menu

Dinner Menu - Drinks
Sparkling Water $4.00
500ML
Bottled Water $2.50
16.6 oz
Thai Iced Tea $4.50
Soft Drinks $2.50
16 oz.
Juice $3.50
16 oz.

Dinner Menu - Rice Dishes
Essence Fried Rice $16.95
With egg, fresh pineapple, and mixed vegetables.
Drunken Fried Rice $17.95
Spicy fried rice with egg, fresh Thai basil, red bell peppers, and onions.
Crabmeat Fried Rice $17.95
With egg and mixed vegetables.
Fried Rice $15.95
with egg and mixed vegetables.

Dinner Menu - Duck
Duck Honey $29.50
Roasted crispy duck topped with honey ginger sauce and Asian greens.
Essence Duck Curry $29.50
Roasted crispy duck topped with pineapple, basil, and red curry sauce.
Duck Tamarind $29.50
Roasted crispy duck topped with Tamarind sauce served with Asian greens.

Dinner Menu - Desserts
Mango With Sticky Rice $9.00
Creme Brûlée $9.00

Dinner Menu - Grilled
Grilled Beef $21.50
Gluten-free. Served with sticky rice and grilled assorted vegetables.
Grilled Salmon $26.50
Gluten-free. Served with sticky rice and grilled assorted vegetables.
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken $20.50
Gluten-free. Served with sticky rice and grilled assorted vegetables.
Grilled Squid $25.50
Gluten-free. Served with sticky rice and grilled assorted vegetables.
Grilled Scallops $28.50
Gluten-free. Served with sticky rice and grilled assorted vegetables.
Grilled Jumbo Shrimp $25.50
Gluten-free. Served with sticky rice and grilled assorted vegetables.

Dinner Menu - Curry
Red Or Green Curry $16.95
Spicy. Gluten-free. Chicken, beef, or jumbo shrimp with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, mixed vegetables, and fresh Thai basil. Served with jasmine rice. All dishes can be made vegetarian.
Jungle Curry | Gang Paa $16.95
Spicy. Gluten-free. With rhizome, bamboo shoots, bell peppers, and fresh Thai basil. Served with jasmine rice. All dishes can be made vegetarian.
Massaman Curry $16.95
Gluten-free. Chicken, beef, or jumbo shrimp with red potatoes, avocado, red onions, peanuts, and coconut milk. Served with jasmine rice. All dishes can be made vegetarian.

Dinner Menu - Sautes
Ginger | Pad Khing $15.95
Chicken, beef or jumbo shrimp sauteed with fresh ginger, mushrooms, scallions, and mixed vegetables. Served with jasmine rice. All dishes can be made vegetarian.
Basil | Gra Pao $15.95
Spicy. Chicken, beef, or jumbo shrimp sauteed with Thai basil, mushrooms, chili pepper, and mixed vegetables. Served with jasmine rice. All dishes can be made vegetarian.
Cashew Nuts $15.95
Chicken, beef, or jumbo shrimp sauteed with cashew nuts, chili paste, scallions, mushrooms, and broccoli.

Dinner Menu - Seafood
Grilled Tuna $26.50
With roasted garlic, chili sauce, mushrooms, green peppercorns, and Thai basil.
Fried Squid Curry $25.50
Crispy fried squid topped with green coconut curry and mixed vegetables.
Essence Salmon Curry $26.50
Grilled Salmon topped with green coconut curry and vegetables.
Crystal Shrimp Pineapple $25.50
Crispy pan-fried jumbo shrimp on a bed of sauteed spinach, topped with sauteed garlic, shallots, and fresh pineapple.

Dinner Menu - Sides
Jasmine Rice $3.00
Gluten-free.
Steamed Noodles $5.00
Gluten-free.
Brown Rice $3.00
Gluten-free.
Steamed Vegetables $5.00
Gluten-free.
Sticky Rice $4.00
Gluten-free.

Dinner Menu - Salads
Seared Tuna Sashimi $15.00
Gluten-free. With citrus salad and mustard ginger sauce.
Thai Salad $8.50
With lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bean curd and chips, served with Thai peanut dressing.
Papaya Salad $12.00
Gluten-free. With shrimp, tomatoes, string beans, fresh sliced garlic, and chili in spicy lime juice.
Squid Salad $12.00
Tossed in lime juice, lemongrass, fresh garlic, Thai chili paste, tomatoes, and Thai condiments.
Mixed Greens Salad $8.50
Tossed with walnuts and grapes, served with choice of house balsamic or peanut dressing.
Spicy Beef Salad $15.00
Sliced charcoal-broiled steak with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, lime juice, mint, fresh chili, and Thai herbs.

Dinner Menu - Soup
Tom Ka Kai $7.50
Gluten-free. A gentle combination of chicken, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and mushrooms.
Tom Yum Koong $7.50
Spicy. Gluten-free. Sour and spicy shrimp soup with lemongrass and mushrooms.
Tom Ka Kai $7.50
Gluten-free. Chicken coconut soup with fresh kaffir lime leaves and galangal.
Fresh Crabmeat Soup $8.50
With mushrooms.
Ravioli Soup $7.00
Shrimp and crabmeat ravioli in clear broth soup with mixed vegetables.
Tom Yum Koong $7.50
Spicy. Gluten-free. Spicy and sour shrimp soup with mushrooms and lemongrass.
Mushroom Soup $7.00
Gluten-free. Combination of mushrooms in a clear broth soup.

Dinner Menu - Noodles
Lad Na $15.95
Pan-fried flat noodles with Chinese broccoli in brown gravy sauce.
Pad Thai $15.95
Gluten-free. Sauteed rice noodles with chicken or beef, egg, bean curd, scallions, bean sprouts, and ground peanuts.
Pad See Ew $15.95
Sauteed flat noodles with black soy sauce, egg, and Chinese broccoli.
Drunken Noodle $15.95
Sauteed flat rice noodles with chili, onions, basil, and mixed vegetables.

Dinner Menu - Dinner Specials Appetizers
Steamed Mussels $12.00
with lemon grass, garlic, lime juice and Basil.
Sampler Platter Trio $25.00
Chicken sate, chicken curry puffs, and Thai spring rolls.
Crispy Duck Salad $15.00
Roasted duck tossed with julienned apples, carrots, mushrooms, red onions, chili paste, lime juice, ground peanuts, and Thai condiments.
Spicy Grilled Scallops Salad $15.00
Tossed with red onions, tomatoes, lime juice, chili paste, and Thai condiments.

Dinner Menu - Appetizers
Vegetable Thai Spring Rolls $8.50
Served with sweet plum sauce.
Seared Tuna Sashimi $15.00
Gluten-free. With mustard ginger and salad vinaigrette medley.
Crabmeat Pancake $10.00
Stuffed crabmeat and taro topped with avocado salad and peach dipping sauce.
Chicken Satay $12.00
Marinated chicken with coconut milk, turmeric curry and Thai herbs, served with peanut sauce and cucumber salad.
Dim Sum $10.00
Steamed shrimp and fresh crabmeat ravioli served with Worcestershire dipping sauce.
Fried Calamari $11.50
Served with Thai sweet and sour sauce.
Chicken Dumplings $9.00
Steamed chicken dumplings served with house garlic-soy dipping.
Chicken Curry Puff $9.50
Thai pastry stuffed with ground chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots and onions, served with cucumber salad.
Fresh Basil Rolls $8.50
With carrots, shiitake mushrooms, Romaine lettuce, Thai basil and mint wrapped in thin rice paper, served with homemade hoisin sauce.

Dinner Menu - Dinner Specials Entrees
Salt & Pepper Shrimp Garlic $24.95
Jumbo shrimp in aromatic spices with roasted garlic and scallions, served with Romaine lettuce.
Shrimp Rama $24.95
Gluten-free. Grilled jumbo shrimp served with sauteed spinach, topped with roasted peanuts, fried shallots, and peanut sauce.
Sizzling Salmon (Grilled) $25.95
With minced shrimp, scallops, shallots, and garlic, served with sauteed spinach.
Crispy Pan-Fried Salmon $25.95
With light caramel sauce and truffle oil on a bed of sauteed spinach.
Ruby Tuna $25.95
Pan-seared tuna served with teriyaki ginger sauce.
Chilean Sea Bass $33.50
with vegetables tempura topped with tamarind sauce.

Dinner Menu - Kids Menu
Kids Hotdog And French Fries $10.00
Kids Vegetable Tempura $8.00
Kids Chicken Fingers And French Fries $10.00
Kids Chicken Noodle Soup $6.00
Kids French Fries $6.00

Lunch Menu - Drinks
Sparkling Water $4.00
500ML
Bottled Water $2.50
16.6 oz
Thai Iced Tea $4.50
Soft Drinks $2.50
16 oz.
Juice $3.50
16 oz.

Lunch Menu - Lunch | Noodles
Seafood Big Bowl Noodles $12.95
Rice noodle soup with seafood and vegetables.
Chicken Big Bowl Noodles $12.95
Rice noodles in chicken broth.
Pad See Ew $12.95
Sauteed flat rice noodles with black soy sauce, Chinese broccoli, and egg.
Beef Big Bowl Noodles $12.95
Rice noodles in beef broth with sliced beef.
Pad Thai $12.95
Gluten-free. Stir-fried rice noodles, egg, bean curds, bean sprouts, scallions, and peanuts.
Lad Na $12.95
Pan-fried flat noodles with Chinese broccoli in brown gravy sauce.
Drunken Noodles $12.95
Spicy. Sauteed flat rice noodles with onions, shallots, and fresh basil.

Lunch Menu - Sides
Jasmine Rice $3.00
Gluten-free.
Steamed Noodles $5.00
Gluten-free.
Brown Rice $3.00
Gluten-free.
Steamed Vegetables $5.00
Gluten-free.
Sticky Rice $4.00
Gluten-free.

Lunch Menu - Salads
Seared Tuna Sashimi $15.00
Gluten-free. With citrus salad and mustard ginger sauce.
Thai Salad $8.50
With lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, bean curd and chips, served with Thai peanut dressing.
Papaya Salad $12.00
Gluten-free. With shrimp, tomatoes, string beans, fresh sliced garlic, and chili in spicy lime juice.
Squid Salad $12.00
Tossed in lime juice, lemongrass, fresh garlic, Thai chili paste, tomatoes, and Thai condiments.
Mixed Greens Salad $8.50
Tossed with walnuts and grapes, served with choice of house balsamic or peanut dressing.
Spicy Beef Salad $15.00
Sliced charcoal-broiled steak with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, scallions, lime juice, mint, fresh chili, and Thai herbs.

Lunch Menu - Lunch | Lunch Specials Appetizers
Crispy Duck Salad $15.00
Roasted duck tossed with julienne apple, onions, peanuts, and Thai dressing.
Sampler Platter Trio $25.00
Chicken satay, chicken curry puffs and vegetable spring rolls.
Chicken Dumplings $9.00
With house dipping sauce.

Lunch Menu - Soup
Tom Ka Kai $7.50
Gluten-free. A gentle combination of chicken, coconut milk, lemongrass, galangal, and mushrooms.
Tom Yum Koong $7.50
Spicy. Gluten-free. Sour and spicy shrimp soup with lemongrass and mushrooms.
Tom Ka Kai $7.50
Gluten-free. Chicken coconut soup with fresh kaffir lime leaves and galangal.
Fresh Crabmeat Soup $8.50
With mushrooms.
Ravioli Soup $7.00
Shrimp and crabmeat ravioli in clear broth soup with mixed vegetables.
Tom Yum Koong $7.50
Spicy. Gluten-free. Spicy and sour shrimp soup with mushrooms and lemongrass.
Mushroom Soup $7.00
Gluten-free. Combination of mushrooms in a clear broth soup.

Lunch Menu - Lunch | Entrees
Pad Khing (Ginger) $12.95
Sauteed chicken, beef or shrimp with mushrooms, snow peas, and onion ginger sauce. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Red Or Green Curry $12.95
Spicy. Gluten-free. With coconut milk, bamboo shoots, basil, and mixed vegetables. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Drunken Fried Rice $13.95
Spicy fried rice with egg, fresh Thai basil, red bell peppers, and onions.
Fried Rice $12.95
All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Gra Pao $12.95
Spicy. Sauteed chicken, beef or shrimp with fresh Thai basil, chili and vegetables. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Grilled Beef $15.00
Marinated with Thai herbs and served with papaya salad and sticky rice. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Grilled Lemon Grass Chicken $14.00
Marinated with Thai herbs and served with papaya salad and sticky rice. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Massaman Curry $12.95
Spicy. Gluten-free. With coconut milk, tamarind, peanuts, avocado, potatoes, and tomatoes. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Saucy Garlic $12.95
Sauteed chicken, beef, or shrimp with garlic and white peppers. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Pad Pak $12.95
Sauteed mixed vegetables with brown sauce. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Essence Fried Rice $12.95
with pineapple and vegetables. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.
Cashew Nuts $12.95
Sauteed chicken, beef or shrimp with cashew nuts and vegetables. All lunch entrees come with soup or salad.

Lunch Menu - Lunch | Lunch Special Entrees
Fresh Crabmeat Fried Rice $15.00
With fresh crabmeat, egg, and mixed vegetables.
Essence Duck Curry $15.00
Spicy. Roasted crispy duck topped with pineapple, basil, and red curry sauce.
Essence Salmon Curry $15.00
Grilled salmon with green curry, Thai basil, and mixed vegetables.
Crispy Pan-Fried Salmon $15.00
With light caramel sauce and truffle oil on a bed of sauteed spinach.
Duck Honey $15.00
Roasted crispy duck topped with honey ginger sauce and Asian greens.

Lunch Menu - Desserts
Mango With Sticky Rice $9.00
Creme Brûlée $9.00

Lunch Menu - Lunch | Appetizers
Dim Sum $10.00
Thai ravioli stuffed with shrimp, crabmeat, and herbs.
Chicken Satay $12.00
Marinated chicken on a skewer served with peanut sauce and cucumber radish.
Fresh Basil Rolls $8.50
Carrots, shiitake mushrooms, Romaine lettuce, Thai basil, and mint wrapped in thin rice paper, and served with hoisin sauce.
Fried Calamari $11.50
Crispy fried calamari served with Thai sweet and sour sauce.
Crabmeat Pancake $10.00
Fresh crabmeat and taro served with avocado-apple sauce.
Chicken Curry Puff $9.50
Baked puff pastry stuffed with chicken, sweet potatoes, carrots, onions, and curry powder, served with cucumber salad.
Vegetable Thai Spring Rolls $8.50
With sweet plum sauce.

Lunch Menu - Kids Menu
Kids Hotdog And French Fries $10.00
Kids Vegetable Tempura $8.00
Kids Chicken Fingers And French Fries $10.00
Kids Chicken Noodle Soup $6.00
Kids French Fries $6.00

Thai Essence Details

Service options
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Coffee
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Romantic
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free street parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Parking

Thai Essence Photos

Thai Essence Location

Thai Essence

New Jersey Essex County Nutley Franklin Avenue

231 Franklin Ave, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA

Thai Essence Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 507 user reviews.

drunken noodlessweetthai iced teaparkingareacalamariappetizerBYOBsouffléfish tank

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Yummy Thai food!! We loved the appetizer sampler and the shrimp & salmon were on point. Well seasoned and cooked to perfection. Only complaint is the parking $ but I blame Nutley for that, not the restaurant lol
August 16 · Alexa Sanchez
If you’re looking for authentic Thai food, this is the BEST place! The taste is incredible, everything is fresh, and the presentation is amazing. Hands down, the top spot for Thai cuisine highly recommended!
August 19 · Jaison Paez
I recently visited a Thai Essence and had an amazing dining experience. The food was absolutely delicious, with each dish bursting with authentic flavors. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance, as seating was quick but the restaurant tends to get busy, especially during evening hours. Calling ahead ensures a smoother experience.I started with the sampler platter trio, which was a great way to try a little bit of everything. The grilled spicy scallops were perfectly cooked, offering a satisfying balance of heat and flavor. The dim sum was another highlight—tender and flavorful. For the main course, I indulged in the green curry and drunken fried rice. Both dishes were vibrant, with the green curry delivering a delightful level of spice and richness, while the fried rice was savory with just the right amount of kick. I also tried their Thai iced tea, which was the perfect sweet, creamy complement to the spicy dishes.Although the food was excellent, one downside was the parking. There is metered parking nearby, but the area gets quite busy in the evening, making it difficult to find a spot quickly. I’d suggest arriving a bit early to secure parking. I believe after 6pm parking is free.Overall, I had a fantastic time and will definitely return. The food quality, fast seating, and great variety of dishes made it worth the little extra effort.
January 03 · Viz Ritz
I had a pleasant experience at Thai Essence. The staff was friendly, and the restaurant had a clean washroom and a nice, quiet ambiance. However, the vegetarian options were somewhat limited compared to other Thai restaurants. The food itself was good, but the rice portion was quite small. Having tried Thai cuisine at many places, I found the portion size insufficient for the dish I ordered, so I had to get extra jasmine rice. The Thai tea was average. Parking is available on the parallel street and across from the restaurant behind Optum Clinic, where there is a large parking lot.
March 05 · Bhushan Sonaje
So delicious I orderedChicken Curry puffThai ice teaDrunken noodle with beefFried rice with egg onion and broccoli bell pepperWith soy sauce and spicy pepper powder and pepper sauce
May 30 · Nasrin Y