Harden's survey result
Summary
Sameer Taneja’s “exceptional” cuisine continues to maintain the high standing of this well-known Berkeley Square destination. Despite the odd “unexciting” report, most accounts are of “fabulous” meals from “a menu that’s very spice-led and refined-tasting”. Located on the first floor, its modern design “doesn’t feel too ‘posh Mayfair’ in ambience terms”, with meals here said to be “well-paced” and “refreshing”.
Summary
“Returning to form following the departure of Atul Kochhar” – this “stunning” first-floor venue on Berkeley Square won renewed kudos this year under new executive chef Sameer Taneja. The “top-notch” Indian cuisine – “perfectly presented and fantastically flavoursome” – has achieved “a well-deserved return to Michelin star status” and service is “just as impressive – attentive and super-friendly”.
Summary
Mixed reports in the last survey on this swish first-floor Indian, in the heart of Mayfair, which severed ties in August 2018 with its original founder. Fans said it was “still excellent, despite Atul Kochhar’s departure”, serving “very nicely balanced, spiced and well-prepared” Indian cuisine that offers “a real twist compared to what’s usually found in the UK”. Its ratings waned, though, with gripes re-emerging about its slightly “dull” interior, and with concerns about cooking that “may not justify the price tag”.
Summary
Mixed reports this year on this swish first-floor Indian, in the heart of Mayfair, which severed ties in August 2018 with its original founder. Fans say it’s “still excellent, despite Atul Kochhar’s departure”, serving “very nicely balanced, spiced and well-prepared” Indian cuisine that offers “a real twist compared to what’s usually found in the UK”. Its ratings have waned, though, with gripes re-emerging about its “windowless”, slightly “dull” interior, but more concerningly about cooking that “may not justify the price tag”: “just go to Dishoom, get better food, have more fun and save your cash!”
For 32 years we've been curating reviews of the UK's most notable restaurant. In a typical year, diners submit over 50,000 reviews to create the most authoritative restaurant guide in the UK. Each year, the guide is re-written from scratch based on this survey (although for the 2021 edition, reviews are little changed from 2020 as no survey could run for that year).
Have you eaten at Benares?
Owner's description
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 complimented 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 10 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.
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £35.00 | £42.00 |  |
|
|
| Pretheatre | £35.00 | £42.00 | |
|
|
| Cost | Availability | Courses | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Menu1 | 73.00 | Lunch only | 6 |
| Menu2 | 128.00 | Dinner only | 10 |
| Starter | Main | Veggies | Pudding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £6.00 | £30.00 | £12.00 | £10.00 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £38.00 |
| Filter Coffee | £5.00 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 15.00% |
Restaurant details
The chef
Executive Chef Sameer Taneja
Benares Restaurant Diner Reviews
"Great Thali"
"Misleading special offer of bottomless Thali. Only two items were 'bottomless' namely the rice and bread. Portions were on the small side but most importantly, didn't have any depth of flavour. Eaten here in the past and previously found the food very good. I think this special offer was underwhelming."
"Misleading special offer of bottomless Thali. Only two items were 'bottomless' namely the rice and bread. Portions were on the small side but most importantly, didn't have any depth of flavour. Eaten here in the past and previously found the food very good. I think this special offer was underwhelming."
"Worth going for the food. Tables are crowded and the service is not always attentive."
12a Berkeley Square House, , London, W1J 6BS
| Number of Diners: | |
| Required Time: | |
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑2:30 pm, 5:30 pm‑10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 6 pm‑9:30 pm |
