Benares is a Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Mayfair, London, led by Executive Chef Sameer Taneja. It offers contemporary Indian cuisine with a diverse, pan-Indian menu and signature cocktails. The restaurant features private dining rooms, including the Berkeley Room, Sommelier's Room, Chef's Table, and Dover Room, accommodating various group sizes. Benares also boasts an extensive wine cellar with over 400 bins from 17 countries, enhancing the dining experience.
What each source says
- Open Table 4.5 5,830
- Google Places 4.4 2,350
Bar length is review volume, so you can see how much weight sits behind each score. Captured 2026-08-21.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Beautiful Ambiance The restaurant boasts a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere with beautiful decor. The venue provides a pleasant space for an enjoyable evening.
- Exceptional Food Quality Benares consistently delivers Indian cuisine with rich, complex flavors, utilizing superb ingredients and modern twists on classic dishes. The food is often described as memorable and among the best Indian food experienced.
- Outstanding Service Expect attentive, friendly, and professional service from staff members who are knowledgeable about the menu. Many reviewers specifically call out staff who provided exceptional service and went the extra mile.
- Special Occasion Excellence Benares is an ideal location for birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations. The restaurant provides thoughtful touches such as complimentary cakes and personalized messages.
- Well-Priced Lunch Menu The set lunch menu provides a good opportunity to experience the restaurant's high-quality food at a more accessible price point. This allows one to experience the Michelin-starred restaurant without paying top-tier prices.
Criticised
- High Prices Dining at Benares is expensive, with prices that may not always align with the perceived value. Some reviewers noted that prices have increased dramatically, questioning the overall value for money.
- Inconsistent Michelin Star Experience Some reviewers felt the restaurant fell short of Michelin star expectations. Issues included minor details overlooked, such as untidy bathrooms or staff comments regarding reviews.
- Inconsistent Service While many reviewers praise the service, some experienced inconsistencies such as inattentiveness or slow service. Some felt ignored or that certain staff members were dismissive.
- Noise Levels The main dining area can get very noisy when full, making conversation difficult. The noise level detracts from the overall dining experience.
- Rushed Dining Experience Some diners found the service too quick, resulting in a rushed meal. This can be a drawback for those seeking a leisurely and relaxed fine dining experience.
The longer read
Benares is a fine-dining Indian restaurant located in Mayfair, London, offering a mix of traditional Indian cuisine with modern British ingredients. Many reviewers highlight the high quality of the food, with some describing it as one of the best Indian food experiences in London. The restaurant is often praised for its flavorful dishes, with a focus on the balance of spices and aromas rather than excessive heat. Reviewers frequently recommend specific dishes such as the butter chicken, lamb shank, palak paneer, and the chicken momo starter in chestnut soup. The desserts, particularly the rasmalai and chai brulee, are also highly regarded. The restaurant offers both a la carte and tasting menus, with the latter being described as a unique and delicious experience. The lunch set menu is noted for being well-priced for a Michelin-starred restaurant. Many reviewers also highlight the excellent and attentive service provided by the staff. Some reviewers specifically mention staff members such as Shiv, Singh, Prija, Prabhat, Guarav, and Komal for their exceptional service and knowledge of the menu. The staff is often commended for being friendly, efficient, and accommodating to dietary restrictions and special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries. Complimentary birthday cakes and personalized touches are frequently mentioned as positive aspects of the dining experience. The restaurant's ambiance is generally described as beautiful and sophisticated, with a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere. However, some reviewers note that the lighting can be dim and the noise level can be high when the restaurant is full. There are some concerns about the price point, with some reviewers feeling that the prices have increased and may not offer the best value for money. A few reviewers noted inconsistencies in service, such as delays in being seated, inattentiveness from some staff members, and attempts to upsell. While most reviewers praise the food quality, a few found certain dishes to be average or underwhelming, especially considering the restaurant's Michelin star status. Some reviewers also mentioned that the dining experience felt rushed, and the portion sizes were small for the price. Overall, Benares is highly recommended for special occasions and those seeking a fine-dining Indian experience with innovative dishes and attentive service. However, potential customers should be aware of the higher prices and potential for inconsistencies in service and ambiance.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7629 8886
- Website
- benaresrestaurant.com
| Mon | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 22:30 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 22:30 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 22:30 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 22:30 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 22:30 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 22:30 |
| Sun | 18:00 - 21:30 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 56 places to eat we hold for Mayfair, and the most-reviewed of them.
Booking
Still deciding?
- What signature dish at Benares would you recommend for someone new to contemporary Indian cuisine?
- What is the reservation policy at Benares, including lead time and cancellation fees?
- What is the expected dress code for diners at Benares in Mayfair?
- Which wines from Benares’ extensive cellar are most recommended to pair with the menu’s signature dishes?
- What private dining rooms are available at Benares and how do they differ in capacity and ambiance?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.