Michelin-starred Benares brings together Indian culinary heritage, seasonal British produce and contemporary fine dining in the heart of Mayfair.
A Mayfair Dining Destination
In the heart of Mayfair, Benares offers a refined interpretation of Indian cuisine, bringing together the richness of traditional flavours with seasonal British ingredients and contemporary cooking techniques.
Located at 12a Berkeley Square, the Michelin-starred restaurant has been part of London’s dining scene since 2003. Over the years, it has established itself as a destination for modern Indian dining, combining a carefully considered menu with an elegant setting suited to everything from intimate dinners to business entertaining.
Named after the Indian city of Varanasi, Benares takes inspiration from India’s rich culinary heritage while presenting it through a distinctly contemporary lens.
Indian Heritage, Modern Cooking
At the heart of Benares is a style of cooking that respects traditional Indian techniques while allowing seasonal ingredients to take centre stage.
Vibrant spices, carefully developed flavours and classic methods are combined with British produce, creating dishes that reflect the relationship between Indian culinary traditions and the ingredients available in Britain.
The approach allows the menu to evolve throughout the year, with seasonal changes bringing new combinations and interpretations to the restaurant’s offering.
Guests can choose from à la carte dishes and seasonal tasting menus, while street-food inspired amuse-bouches add a playful introduction to the experience.
Led by Chef Sameer Taneja
Executive Chef Sameer Taneja leads the kitchen, bringing an inventive approach to contemporary Indian cooking.
His cooking focuses on high-quality ingredients and the balance of flavour, texture and technique, while maintaining a clear connection to India’s culinary traditions.
The result is a menu that feels rooted in heritage without being restricted by it, with traditional spices and cooking methods reinterpreted through a modern fine dining approach.
Benares also places an emphasis on carefully selected ingredients, including seasonal British produce, reinforcing the restaurant’s connection between India and Britain.
An Elegant Mayfair Setting
The experience extends beyond the kitchen, with Benares offering an elegant setting in one of London’s most established dining neighbourhoods.
The cocktail lounge features handcrafted dark wood furniture inspired by India, bringing warmth and character to the contemporary interior. A central indoor pond filled with fresh flowers provides another distinctive feature within the restaurant.
For private occasions, Benares also has four private dining rooms, offering a more intimate setting for celebrations, business meals and special gatherings.
The restaurant’s design complements the food without competing with it, creating a polished environment that feels appropriate to its Berkeley Square address.
A Blend of British and Indian Influences
One of the defining elements of Benares is the way Indian culinary traditions are brought together with British ingredients.
Rather than simply recreating traditional dishes, the restaurant explores how familiar Indian flavours, spices and techniques can work with produce sourced in Britain. This creates a menu that feels connected to its origins while reflecting the modern London dining scene.
There is also consideration for different dining preferences, with all chicken and lamb served at the restaurant being halal.
Contemporary Indian Fine Dining
Benares offers a sophisticated take on Indian fine dining, balancing tradition with contemporary creativity and a strong sense of place.
Its Mayfair location, considered interiors and seasonal approach make it suited to both relaxed evenings and more formal occasions, while the food provides the central focus of the experience.
For diners looking to explore Indian cuisine through a modern London perspective, Benares brings together heritage, British produce and fine dining in a setting that feels distinctly Mayfair.
Source: Benares Restaurant official website.