Benares Restaurant & Bar

Established in 2003 in the heart of Mayfair, Benares Restaurant & Bar has long been a destination where the rich, complex flavours of Indian cuisine meet the finest British seasonal ingredients.

The establishment takes its name after Varanasi, India’s spiritual capital that is steeped in over 3,000 years of history, where rituals and traditions have originated and shaped the cultural and culinary fabric of India.

Much like the ancient city itself, Benares reflects this deep heritage. However, this is not fusion for the sake of novelty; it is a meticulous, creative reimagining and reinventing of Indian classics. We treat the finest local British produce with the same reverence we accord our ancestral recipes, ensuring every plate remains fiercely authentic while redefining the boundaries of modern fine dining.

At the heart of our kitchen is a team of exceptionally talented chefs who craft menus that strike this delicate balance. What makes the experience truly unique is the personal touches woven into the food. Many of our dishes are inspired by the chefs’ respective hometowns. They draw on the traditional recipes of their native regions, bringing timeless techniques to life using high quality British ingredients. This same ethos extends across our entire house – our sommelier team, pastry kitchen, and mixologists present coveted wine pairings, avant-garde desserts, and bespoke cocktails that celebrate the diverse palette of cuisines of India.

Beyond the main dining room, Benares offers a sanctuary for every occasion. Four exclusive private dining rooms provide the perfect backdrop for celebrations that require a sense of intimacy and grandeur. For a seamless transition into your evening, or a relaxed conclusion to it, our chic lounge bar offers a sophisticated setting to enjoy an artisanal cocktail before your meal or a digestif afterwards.

At Benares, we don’t just serve food, we create unforgettable experiences.

Private dining events at Benares Restaurant

Boasting four private dining rooms, as well as an intimate bar area, Benares is able to accommodate all celebrations, whether corporate or personal, and is available for exclusive hire for larger functions.

Main Restaurant
Seating up to 100 diners, the main restaurant features hand crafted Indian furniture with splashes of warm, rich colours that create a cosy and intimate dining experience. Exclusive hire of the restaurant accommodates up to 150 seated guests – or 300 guests for standing drinks events – using the main restaurant, Berkeley and Dover private dining rooms.

The Lounge
Alongside the restaurant, our striking and spacious lounge is the perfect setting for pre-dinner drinks or an evening spent in elegant and relaxed surroundings. Seating up to 30 guests, the lounge area can be hired exclusively and is ideal for hosting champagne and canapé receptions for up to 60 guests.

Chef’s Table
The Chef’s Table, complete with a soundproof glass window, overlooks the main kitchen enables up to 8 seated guests to watch the team at work and meet the chefs.

Sommelier’s Table
An absolute must for wine lovers. Seating up to 10 guests to enjoy this unique setting where Michelin starred Indian cuisine is carefully matched to exquisite worldly wines. Enclosed within cellar walls, surround yourself with the world’s finest and rarest of wines whilst our experienced sommelier’s guide you through a master class in wine and Indian food pairing.

Berkeley Room
This stunning room backs onto the Sommelier’s Room – separated by a wine wall and latticework panelling and seats up to 16 private dining guests.

Dover Room
Our largest room – located separately at the far end of the restaurant – accommodates up to 36 diners and is one of the largest private dining spaces in Mayfair.

Please note that no room hire or deposit is required for private dining events at Benares Restaurant & Bar (Excludes December).

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