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  5. Mayfair
Benares, London,
Award-winning

Benares

4.5
4.5
5829 Reviews
£41 and over
Indian
Top tags:
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.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 46 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Fine Dining
  • Price
    £41 and over
  • Cuisines
    Indian, Modern European
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 12:00–14:30 Mon–Sat 17:30–22:30 Sun 18:00–22:00
  • 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
    Discover the world of Michelin private dining in the heart of Mayfair.Situated in Berkeley Square, Benares is a modern Indian fine dining restaurant, where innovation marries tradition.Our private rooms are perfectly suited for a variety of events,
  • Private party contact
    our team: 020 7629 8886 x2
  • Location
    12a Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BS
  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2023
  • Area
    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, Takeaway, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Experiences

  • Tasting Menu & A Sparkling Cocktail @£129 pp

    £129.00 per person

    2 Jan - 31 Mar 2024
    Tasting Menu & A Glass of Sparkling Cocktail @£129 pp
    Tasting Menu & A Sparkling Cocktail @£129 pp photo

  • Veg Tasting Menu & A Sparkling Cocktail@£119pp

    £119.00 per person

    2 Jan - 31 Mar 2024
    Veg Tasting Menu & A Sparkling Cocktail @£119pp
    Veg Tasting Menu & A Sparkling Cocktail@£119pp photo

  • 2 Course Set Menu & A Sparkling Cocktail @£35pp

    £35.00 per person

    3 Jan - 31 Mar 2024
    3 Course Set Menu & A Sparkling Cocktail @£39pp
    2 Course Set Menu & A Sparkling Cocktail @£35pp photo

What 5,829 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.5Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • West End London

    Indian

5,830 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience1
    We were at the bar and got transferred to our table at just after 930. As soon as we sat down I noticed there was a stain right in front of me. I do not find that this is correct, especially being in Mayfair that these things need to be looked out for before you seat someone. I had pointed out to someone and then they said oh it’s human error we will look to move you elsewhere. we eventually got moved to a different table, ordered some drinks which did not arrive on time. I had to call someone again and he swiftly went and got our drinks after 10 minutes. They did take the service charge off every five minutes we were asked is everything fine sir or is everything fine madam this is too much. You need to give some people space and if they need you they will raise their hand or call for you. Trying to have a conversation with managers or waitresses or waiters coming up to us every five minutes is not great and I have been to many Michelin star restaurants and never had service like this. Will definitely not be coming back.

    Is this helpful?

  2. SandraP

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Food was delicious as always. However, there where a few things that were not okay for a restaurant of this category. When we arrived we were asked to wait until our table was ready (nobody acknowledged our presence upstairs), we waited for a bit by the bar and were only taken to our table because we asked if the table was ready. Once we were at the table, they came three times asking for water (and opening a bottle of it) while we had specifically said we did not want water. Finally, I had to ask for the menu three times and wait for over 10 minutes to get it. As I have mentioned above, food was delicious but the overalll greeting experience was not so great.

    Is this helpful?

  3. TAli

    London

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    The food was not worth the price. Service was really good but the food was terrible.

    Is this helpful?

  4. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service but prices have increased dramatically since the last time we went. Not sure it offers value for money now

    Is this helpful?

  5. NormanH

    London

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall2food5service3ambience3
    All seemed a bit rushed, - poppadoms turned up after starters were served. Food was fantastic but the prices are now getting a bit silly. 25 quid for 3 small bits of munjac on a twig. Really. Wine prices seem to have risen dramatically as well.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Pantelis

    London

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Exceptional food and service. A little bit noisy at times.

    Is this helpful?

  7. DeborahL

    London

    14 reviews

    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Very disappointed. Was really looking forward to visiting this michelin star restaurant. What a let down. Overpriced mediocre, bland, lukewarm food. Staff taking the orders rude. Dated decoration. So many beautiful restaurants in that area. Will not recommend or return.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Best Indian food in town, delicate and spicy at the same time. Incredible service, and special mention for Komal, thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  9. OpenTable Diner

    Greater Boston

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    An amazing experience as always! Best Indian Restaurant we have ever been to — beats anything you can find in the US. I come here on every trip to London. This time we brought 3 generations of our family for a pre-Christmas dinner. The staff were so kind to our children. Prabhat and Guarav gave fantastic service — they were so friendly and accommodating. Really made dinner an exceptional experience. Above and beyond. The food is exceptional— really cant find quality Indian in this lively setting any where.

    Is this helpful?

  10. VKGupta

    London

    4 reviews

    2.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    Food quality has deteriorated in past few years Too many tables and noise The ambiance has deteriorated Sorry to see such an iconic restaurant go down like this

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    Edinburgh

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic time - Went for my girlfriend's birthday and they didn't miss a beat when it came to quality service.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Essex

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Food quality was absolutely excellent and full of great flavours. We have been a few times over the years and this place continues to delight.

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding service and delicious food. Only critique would be that the Tadka daal was not particularly special…but overall superb!

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Sonora

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The service by the many members of staff that served us was excellent and so was the food.

    Is this helpful?

  15. RazvanM

    London

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 November 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Definitely not a Michelin star restaurant caliber, the food is nothing to remember. I would not book here again.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    Gloucestershire

    2 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 26 November 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Lovely inventive food and great service but experience was too rushed for the price. We were in there for less than an hour after nibbles, starters and mains. I would recommend but ask them to slow it down unless you are in a rush!

    Is this helpful?

  17. Anon

    London

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 25 November 2023

    overall2food3service4ambience2
    It was empty, food was overly spiced, my wife was unfortunately ill as a consequence. Service excellent, but quiet and not atmosphere

    Is this helpful?

  18. Mohit

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 24 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very good service by Shiv - we always go to Benares for special occasions- this time it was our father’s birthday! The food was just perfect and the service impeccable as always ! Always a pleasure look forward to the next time already Thank you ! Kind regards

    Is this helpful?

  19. SunakshiJ

    London

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 November 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience3
    The portions are really small especially for set menu and doesn’t suffice and you need to order sides which ends up bringing the per person total higher up anyway I wasn’t impressed with the service / hospitality could be better

    Is this helpful?

  20. RobertC

    Miami - Dade

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on 21 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always, amazing food, awesome service, I love Benares and will have dinner every time I come to London. Thanks to everyone there and I cannot recommend the restaurant highly enough.

    Is this helpful?

  21. GuyB

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    A great dinner party with outstanding food, efficient and warm service, an impressive wine list from all over the world and good design and decoration of the place. The main restaurant was full and got very very noisy. Maybe something to look at whenever an upgrade or renovation is due. Still an exciting dinner and great restaurant.

    Is this helpful?

  22. SuneetM

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 16 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience. It’s not cheap but it is completely worth it.

    Is this helpful?

  23. Hibbs

    London

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 11 November 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience2
    The food was fantastic but the dining area and noise let it down. It was so noisy we had to shout to each other and I faced a wall which was very boring. No art work, windows or mirrors. The tables were a bit close to each other round the edge of the room. Although the food was fantastic it was a bit pricey for a tikka masala. The duck was really tasty and good value as were the side orders and cocktails.

    BenaresResponded on 21 November 2023

    Dear Hibbs, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent dining experience at our restaurant. We appreciate your kind words about the food and we're glad to hear that you enjoyed the duck, side orders, and cocktails. We take great pride in our culinary offerings and strive to provide a memorable dining experience for all our guests. We apologize for the inconvenience caused by the noise level in the dining area. We understand how important it is to have a pleasant atmosphere while enjoying a meal, and we will definitely address this issue to ensure a more comfortable environment for our patrons. We sincerely appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to serve you again in the future. Best regards, The Benares Team

    Is this helpful?

  24. SheilaR

    Hertfordshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 10 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely atmosphere, staffing and food. Lovely date night restaurant

    Is this helpful?

  25. GraemeT

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 November 2023

    overall3food5service3ambience2
    Service could be improved. Left waiting for quite a long time, table next to us (who arrived after us and ordered after us) who ordered the same menu was served food before us.

    BenaresResponded on 21 November 2023

    Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback about your recent dining experience at our restaurant. We take pride in providing excellent service, and we apologize if we fell short of your expectations in this regard. Your feedback is valuable to us, and we will use it to enhance the overall experience for our guests. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back soon and exceed your expectations. Sincerely, The Benares Management Team

    Is this helpful?

  26. Emma

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 5 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Hands down the best meal of my recent vacation! The food was spectacular as were our cocktails and everything was so beautifully done - if you’re looking to treat yourself, book a table!!!

    Is this helpful?

  27. Kiesha

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 November 2023

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    I went here with my partner yesterday for his birthday. I cannot fault the service at this restaurant however the food wasn’t the best. It had a lot of ginger in the chicken tikka masala. The paneer tikka was terrible, it was raw we had to send it back. I don’t think we will be coming back.

    BenaresResponded on 8 November 2023

    Dear Kiesha, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience at our restaurant. We appreciate your kind words about our service and apologize for any disappointment you experienced with the food. We take your feedback seriously and will work on improving the consistency and quality of our dishes. We hope you give us another chance in the future to provide you with a better dining experience. Best regards, The Benares Management Team

    Is this helpful?

  28. KeithM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 4 November 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    We had a wonderful meal and the waiting staff were fantastic. My only complaint was that the member of staff that met us downstairs on entering the restaurant did not make us feel welcome, was very “frosty” and felt that as the person to greet you through the door, she could have been a little warmer and more personable. All other members of staff were brilliant. Overall the value was very good and the standard of food was excellent.

    BenaresResponded on 21 November 2023

    Dear Keith, Thank you for sharing your experience at the restaurant. We understand how important it is to have a warm and welcoming atmosphere from the moment you enter. We're glad to hear that all the other members of staff were brilliant, and we're pleased that you found the value and standard of food to be excellent. We look forward to welcoming you back and providing you with an even better experience. Sincerely, The Benares Team

    Is this helpful?

  29. FrauFranzos

    London

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 October 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience2
    The food is ok but the space design is average, the service is friendly but they don't have the manners you would expect in a Michelin-starred restaurant, amd the booking process is rather tacky with this threat of charging your credit card if late cancellation, and the minimum spendinh of £40/person. Also they add a FIFTEEN percent discretionary service charge, which is the highest I've seen during my stay in London. Yes you can take it out... I find such a level a lack of respect of the client, like counting on the fact they would not dare to ask for itbzo be removed. There are so many better restaurants in London .

    BenaresResponded on 8 November 2023

    Dear Valued Guest, Thank you for your review. We apologize if your experience did not meet your expectations. We strive to provide excellent food and service to all our guests. We appreciate your feedback and will review our policies to see if any improvements can be made. We hope to have the chance to welcome you back in the future and provide you with an exceptional dining experience. Sincerely, The Benares Management Team

    Is this helpful?

  30. LauraF

    Hampshire

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on 25 October 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Very helpful and attentive service. Set meal was of a high standard and good value for money. Would recommend wine pairing.

    Is this helpful?

  31. AlaskanE

    Seattle

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 22 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely Indian recipes accenting a mix of traditional and British ingredients with a modern twist. From the chicken tikka pie starter to the Masala tea finish, we enjoyed every flavour-packed mouthful. The halibut was everything that fish should be - fresh, tender and with a gentle spice, complemented by the creamy clam sauce. The saag paneer was its best self, with soft homemade paneer in a sauce of tender spinach. If you can tell good chefs by their scrambled eggs than you can tell great restaurants by their bread - this naan says it all.

    Is this helpful?

  32. SuzeCeroc

    London

    99 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    99 reviews

    Dined on 17 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Eating at Benares is a great experience all round. We started with drinks in the bar before being shown to our table. Unusually, we both had 3 courses. Although I'm a dessert fan and normally feel my meal isn't complete without one, I never have a dessert in Indian restaurants as they never suit my taste. However, my guest and I (who never eats desserts at all) were amazed by the dessert menu and couldn't resist trying one, both of which were absolutely delicious! My chocolate tart was much more exciting that it sounds!

    Is this helpful?

  33. SDer

    Hertfordshire

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 15 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Exceptional - Taste, presentation both as expected from a restaurant of this class.

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  34. Ndhq51

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3
    The food was fantastic however the menu was not the menu nor price of that which we booked. - not a deal breaker as we loved the food but I had been looking forward to some of the things on the menu we thought we were booking. The original price was supposed to be £77 per head but on the day this was £81 - again not really a problem but a bit cheeky. Drinks also very very expensive. £12 for a small beer - Michelin star or not, come on. That does not detract from beautiful food - everything was amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 13 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was very, very good. Excellent food and service! Highly recommend.

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  36. MikeH

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 12 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I have been going to Benares since 2007. This lived up to all those years of enjoyment and servicel

    BenaresResponded on 17 October 2023

    Dear Mike, Thank you for taking the time to share your positive experience at Benares. We are thrilled to hear that your visit lived up to the high standards that you have come to expect over the years. We truly appreciate your continued patronage and look forward to welcoming you back for many more memorable dining experiences. Warm regards, The Benares Team

    Is this helpful?

  37. SimonH

    San Francisco

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on 7 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Greatcm tasting menu and selection of spiced cocktails.

    Is this helpful?

  38. MTil

    Leicestershire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 7 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the taster menu with wine pairing. It was outstanding, a fun adventure through spices and flavours and wine that paired superbly. I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.

    Is this helpful?

  39. EmilyS

    Isle of Wight

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 6 October 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Beautiful setting. Small portions of delicious food. No additional tasters offered. Incredibly expensive, especially the wine list. Not enough was on offer for the money. Explains perhaps why the place was so empty and yet other places nearby were booked out. Suggest either offer more of a taster menu alongside the a la carte menu or reducing the price, especially of the wine!

    BenaresResponded on 17 October 2023

    Dear Emily, Thank you for sharing your experience at our restaurant. We appreciate your kind words about our setting and food and apologize for any disappointment caused by the portion sizes. We value your patronage and hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back in the future, allowing us to provide an improved experience that meets your expectations. Warm regards, The Benares Team

    Is this helpful?

  40. EleanorD

    London

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 6 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We went for a date night and had a wonderful evening. They have recently redone their menu and everything was delicious

    BenaresResponded on 17 October 2023

    Dear Eleanor, Thank you for sharing your positive review. We are thrilled to hear that you had a wonderful evening on your date night at the restaurant and enjoyed our new Menu. We look forward to the opportunity to welcome you back in the near future. Warm Regards, The Benares Team

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers

FAQs

Benares does offer delivery in partnership with Supper London and Uber Eats. Benares also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 020 7629 8886.

Benares is rated 4.5 stars by 5829 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 46 times today
Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Benares

12a Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BS

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Award-winning
    1. MICHELIN 1 Star 2023
  • Area
    Mayfair
  • Hours of Operation
    Mon–Sat 12:00–14:30 Mon–Sat 17:30–22:30 Sun 18:00–22:00
  • 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, Takeaway, 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
    Discover the world of Michelin private dining in the heart of Mayfair.Situated in Berkeley Square, Benares is a modern Indian fine dining restaurant, where innovation marries tradition.Our private rooms are perfectly suited for a variety of events,
  • Private party contact
    our team: 020 7629 8886 x2
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