Award-winning

Benares

Name: Benares
Address: 12a Berkeley Square, London, United Kingdom, W1J 6BS
Telephone: 020 7629 8886
Price range: £41 and over
Rating: 4.6

4.6 (6115)

£41 and over

Indian

12a Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BS

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 19, 2025

10:30 PM

Booked 28 times today

Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Fancy
Good for business meals

Indian Fine Dining Restaurant with British Flair in the Heart of Mayfair.

Benares Restaurant and Bar since its opening in 2003 has been considered one of the finest Indian Restaurants in the city.

Guests enter an elegant lounge with hand-crafted India inspired furniture and is complemented by a beautiful pond decorated with fresh flowers, creating a luxurious aesthetic.

Benares has 4 private dining rooms, three of which are around the lounge: the Berkeley Room which seats up to 16 guests, the Sommeliers Table which seats up to 10 guests and a Chefs Table overlooking the kitchen which seats up to 8 guests. The lounge area leads into the main dining room which can accommodate up to 80 guests. Our largest private dining area, the Dover room seating up to 36 guests is on the other side of the main dining room.

Benares can be hired for exclusive events accommodating 100 guests for a sit-down dinner and 250 guests for a standing reception.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Price
£41 and over
Cuisines
Indian, Modern European
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
020 7629 8886
Website
http://www.benaresrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Sameer Taneja
Catering
Benares is available for exclusive hire for lunch and dinner, as well as drinks and canapé reception.<br />The main restaurant can accommodate up to 150 guests (seated) and can hold up to 300 guests (standing), using the Lounge, The Berkeley and The Dover rooms.
Private party facilities
Based in the exclusive and vibrant Mayfair, Benares puts on a classy performance with its striking contemporary design
Private party contact
our team: 020 7629 8886 x2

Location
12a Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BS
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2023
Neighborhood
Mayfair
Parking details
Paid public parking is located in the surrounding area of Berkeley Square and Davies Street. Parking is free on Sundays
Public transit
Green Park station is located within a five minute walk from Benares. Furthermore, Bond Street Station is located within a 7 minute walk from Benares.
Entertainment
We do not offer daily entertainment but for private dining events please contact our events manager at events@benaresrestaurant.co.uk and we will happily attend to your requests.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

"LRF" Tasting Menu & Sparkling Cocktail @£135pp
Jun 1, 2025 - Jun 30, 2025
Tasting Menu & Sparkling Cocktail @£135pp London Restaurant Festival
SUMMER THALI LUNCH & UNLIMITED BEER@£45 PP
May 23, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
Enjoy Unlimited Flying buffalo Beer for 90 minutes from seating Time This summer, we’re delighted to present a special seasonal offering that captures the vibrant essence of an Indian summer. The Benares Summer Thali Lunch is inspired by cherished recipes passed down through generations dishes that bring a sense of home to many of our team members. Bursting with fresh, summery flavours, this beautifully curated Thali is available for a limited time only from 21st May to 21st June 2025 for just £35. Join us and savour a taste of tradition, sunshine, and celebration.
SUMMER THALI LUNCH @£35 PP
May 20, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
This summer, we’re delighted to present a special seasonal offering that captures the vibrant essence of an Indian summer. The Benares Summer Thali Lunch is inspired by cherished recipes passed down through generations dishes that bring a sense of home to many of our team members. Bursting with fresh, summery flavours, this beautifully curated Thali is available for a limited time only from 21st May to 21st June 2025 for just £35. Join us and savour a taste of tradition, sunshine, and celebration.

Private dining

Popular dishes

Tandoori Raan£27.00
Chicken Tikka, Kasundi King Prawn, Mutton Seekh Kebab
Malabar Scallops£33.00
Hand Dived Scottish Scallops Baked on Shell, Coconut Curry, Malabar Parantha
Machi Ceviche Chaat£20.00
Cured Sea-Bream, Porlock Bay Oyster, Aam-Panna Tiger Milk, Avocado Purée
Essex Farm Steamed Chicken Momo, Truffle Pālmier£22.00
Cured Sea-Bream, Porlock Bay Oyster, Aam-Panna Tiger Milk, Avocado Purée
Essex Farm Steamed Chicken Dumpling, Chestnut and Shorba, Black Summer Truffle£26.00
Hiran Boti Tikka£26.00
Curry and Coriander Flavoured Morsels of Fallow Deer Fillet, Garlic Yoghurt, Chilli Chutney
Jungle Khumb Kebab£22.00
Portobello Mushroom and Truffle Griddled Kebab with Hint of White Chocolate
Paneer Gulaoti£20.00
Goat’s Milk Paneer Tikka, Beetroot & Lime Murabba, Bhakri, Pecan Nuts

SIDES

Palak Paneer£15.00
Cottage Cheese Cooked with Spiced Spinach
Bhindi Do Pyaza£14.00
Stir Fry Okra with Onions
Podi Aloo£12.00
Organic Potatoes with Spiced Podi
Dal Makhani£15.00
Benares Signature Black Lentils
Dal Tadka£14.00
Cumin Tempered Yellow Lentils
Assorted Papad£6.00
Sour Yogurt Mint Chutney, Mango & Wild Berry Chutney, Pickle Oil
Punjabi Onion Salad £5.00
Raita£6.00
Cumin/ Boondi

BREADS AND RICE

Kulcha£8.00
Vegetable/Chilli and Cheese/Peshawari
Roti£6.00
Plain/Butter /Missi (Gluten Free) @£7
Paratha£6.00
Whole Wheat
Naan£8.00
Plain/Buttered/Garlic and Coriander
Pulao£7.00
Aromatic Spiced Rice
Chawal£7.00
Steamed Rice

MAIN DISHES

Samundri Thali£59.00
Tandoori Scallop, Lemon Sole Curry, Steamed Sea Bass, Prawn Pickle
Chapkan Ka Pulao£48.00
Smoked Spiced Marinated Lamb Cutlets, Baked with Basmati Rice and Aromats, Pink Peppercorn Raita, Meat Curry
Meen Dakshini£42.00
Tawa Masala Halibut, Portsmounth Clam Moilee, Curry Leaf Rogan
Batak Nihari£42.00
Pan Roasted Silver Hill Duck Breast, Crispy Fried Courgette, Bok-Choy with Hot Honey
Kale Aur Anjeer Kafta Korma£32.00
Cavolo Nero Dumplings, Fresh Figs, Cashew Nut Korma
Kathal Biryani (Serves Two)£46.00
Sealed and Baked Layered Coastal Spiced Jackfruit and Basmati Rice, Citrus Raita

TRADITIONAL DISHES

Murg Makhani£37.00
Chicken Tikka Simmered in Buttered, Tomato Gravy
Meat Curry£39.00
Kashmiri Style Lamb Stew with Fennel and Saffron
Konkan Prawn Curry£39.00
Coconut and Green Chilli Flavoured Prawn Stew
Fish and Egg Curry£35.00
Seabass and Clarence Court Farm Free, Range Eggs in Kokum Curry
Kabuli Chickpea Masala£26.00
Carom Seeds and Dried Pomegranate, Spiced Chickpea Masala

What 6,115 people are saying

Benares reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

West End London
Indian
West End London
Most Booked 1000-Point Tables

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Benares is renowned for its "exceptionally fine Indian dining," with standout dishes like the seafood thali and tandoori lamb chops. Guests frequently commend the "warm and friendly" service and "beautifully presented" food. While it can be "pricy," many find it "worth it" for a special occasion. The ambiance is "welcoming," making it a memorable dining experience.

6,115 Reviews

S
Shubham
London1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A Luxurious Culinary Journey through Modern Indian Cuisine Benares offers a truly elevated dining experience that beautifully blends Indian flavors with fine-dining finesse. From the moment you enter, the ambiance is elegant and calming, with attentive service that makes you feel welcomed and well looked after. Yes, it’s a premium experience and priced accordingly, but every detail—from plating to service—justifies the cost. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or exploring the heights of modern Indian cuisine, Benares delivers an unforgettable experience. Highly recommended! Big shout out to Mohit Singh. Thanks once again for my dinner make so special.
Is this helpful?
N
Natalie VIP
London98 reviews
4.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Great food, service was lovely and team were very accomodating as I had just had surgery. Only niggle is that the cocktails are quite pricey for London - we eat and drink out a lot in the capital and around the world and these prices, are quite up there!
Is this helpful?
J
John
London2 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent experience with Michelin star food. My go to Indian restaurant in London Town
Is this helpful?
K
Krishna
London1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Went to Benares for a friends birthday and the food was incredible. Really amazing flavours and the staff were amazing. They brought out a vegan birthday dessert as a surprise and it was delicious, great attention to dietary requirements and that it was a celebration.
Is this helpful?
G
Gary
London1 review
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Every experience at Benares is great, drinks, food, service, and a dining room you can actually have a conversation in. Pricy, but worth it.
Is this helpful?
N
Noura
Los Angeles1 review
5.0
Dined on June 7, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Busham our waiter gave us excellent food recommendations 👌🏻
Is this helpful?
D
Danilo
London4 reviews
3.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Had high hopes for Benares, but unfortunately it didn’t live up to the hype. The food was just okay. Nothing stood out as particularly memorable or worth the price tag. There wasn’t much variety or excitement on the menu. For a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant, I expected more creativity. Overall, it felt overpriced for what was essentially average Indian food.
Is this helpful?
Y
Yazeed
London1 review
5.0
Dined on June 5, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Benares might be the best Indian restaurant in the world. It certainly serves us the best Indian food we’ve had. Not a single dish was a miss. Staff were very polite and attentive. The only issue was a long wait between appetizers and mains.
Is this helpful?
L
Laurie VIP
Cincinnati / Dayton35 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 4, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Has a great meal at Benares. Was surprised to enter the downstairs lobby and see some of their battery operated candles were not working. The decor was a bit tired as well and our table wobbled throughout our dinner. Overall seemed like a lack of attention to the details that make a Michelin star restaurant such an exciting and elevated experience. The service was very good until the end when we waited quite a while to receive our check. The food was great and creative. Loved the presentation of the snack. Value was good as well.
Is this helpful?
M
Mei
London5 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 3, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Amazing food - the seafood thali was unbelievable - a feast for the taste buds and the eyes! Service was friendly and efficient - particular thanks to Shiv. The bonus anniversary dessert was a nice touch.
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FAQs

Benares does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats.

Benares is rated 4.6 stars by 6115 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

Jun 19, 2025

10:30 PM

Booked 28 times today

Experiences are available.

12a Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BS

Dining areas

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2023
Neighborhood
Mayfair
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 12:00 pm–2:30 pm Mon–Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 6:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
£41 and over
Cuisines
Indian, Modern European
Dining style
Fine Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Paid public parking is located in the surrounding area of Berkeley Square and Davies Street. Parking is free on Sundays
Public transit
Green Park station is located within a five minute walk from Benares. Furthermore, Bond Street Station is located within a 7 minute walk from Benares.
Payment options
AMEX, Diners Club, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Sameer Taneja
Entertainment
We do not offer daily entertainment but for private dining events please contact our events manager at events@benaresrestaurant.co.uk and we will happily attend to your requests.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Chef's Table, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.benaresrestaurant.com/
Phone number
020 7629 8886
Catering
Benares is available for exclusive hire for lunch and dinner, as well as drinks and canapé reception.<br />The main restaurant can accommodate up to 150 guests (seated) and can hold up to 300 guests (standing), using the Lounge, The Berkeley and The Dover rooms.
Private party facilities
Based in the exclusive and vibrant Mayfair, Benares puts on a classy performance with its striking contemporary design
Private party contact
our team: 020 7629 8886 x2

Benares

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

"LRF" Tasting Menu & Sparkling Cocktail @£135pp

SUMMER THALI LUNCH & UNLIMITED BEER@£45 PP

SUMMER THALI LUNCH @£35 PP

Dover Room

Berkeley Room

Sommelier room

Chef’s table

Exclusive Hire

Custom inquiry

Lamb Chop Pulao

Tandoori Muntjac

Malabar Scallops

APPETISERS

Tandoori Raan£27.00

Malabar Scallops£33.00

Machi Ceviche Chaat£20.00

Essex Farm Steamed Chicken Momo, Truffle Pālmier£22.00

Essex Farm Steamed Chicken Dumpling, Chestnut and Shorba, Black Summer Truffle£26.00

Hiran Boti Tikka£26.00

Jungle Khumb Kebab£22.00

Paneer Gulaoti£20.00

SIDES

Palak Paneer£15.00

Bhindi Do Pyaza£14.00

Podi Aloo£12.00

Dal Makhani£15.00

Dal Tadka£14.00

Assorted Papad£6.00

Punjabi Onion Salad £5.00

Raita£6.00

BREADS AND RICE

Kulcha£8.00

Roti£6.00

Paratha£6.00

Naan£8.00

Pulao£7.00

Chawal£7.00

MAIN DISHES

Samundri Thali£59.00

Chapkan Ka Pulao£48.00

Meen Dakshini£42.00

Batak Nihari£42.00

Kale Aur Anjeer Kafta Korma£32.00

Kathal Biryani (Serves Two)£46.00

TRADITIONAL DISHES

Murg Makhani£37.00

Meat Curry£39.00

Konkan Prawn Curry£39.00

Fish and Egg Curry£35.00

Kabuli Chickpea Masala£26.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does Benares offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Benares restaurant rated?

Is Benares currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information