Benares

Nestled in the sophisticated heart of Mayfair at 12A Berkeley Square, Benares Restaurant London stands as a Michelin-starred beacon of modern Indian fine dining, where Chef Sameer Taneja reimagines subcontinental traditions with seasonal British ingredients and contemporary finesse. Opened in 2003 and retaining its one-star accolade since 2005, this elegant venue—open Monday-Saturday from 12pm to 2:30pm for lunch and 5:30pm to 10:30pm for dinner—blends nostalgic flavors with playful innovation, attracting London’s discerning diners for intimate business lunches, celebratory suppers, or after-work indulgences in the city’s vibrant cultural core.

Step into Benares, and the space welcomes you with refined poise—escalate past a serene flower-filled pond and bustling bar into a textured dining room of warm woods, subtle metallic accents, and soft ambient lighting that seats around 150 guests, evoking a luxurious Indian salon with understated British restraint. The layout fosters quiet conversations at linen-draped tables, while four private rooms like the spacious Dover (up to 36) offer secluded enclaves for tailored gatherings, and the adjacent Benares Bar pulses with casual energy for pre-dinner cocktails. Evenings unfold with a gentle hum of clinking glasses and murmured exchanges, occasionally enhanced by live sitar or a sommelier’s whisper, drawing a polished crowd of locals, executives, and visitors. The atmosphere is intimate and upscale, suited for a reflective solo meal, romantic evening, or group toast amid Mayfair’s elegant murmur.

The menu explores delicately spiced dishes from India’s regions, elevated with British seasonality for shareable artistry, paired with an encyclopedic wine list and cocktails like the signature Benares Martini (£18)—vodka infused with cardamom and rose for a floral, aromatic lift. Begin with the Tandoori Scottish Salmon (£22), marinated pink fillets charred in the clay oven with ginger yogurt and mint chutney, offering smoky tenderness with a cool herb finish. The Crispy Soft Shell Crab (£20) arrives tempura-battered with curry leaf and tamarind glaze, a crunchy, tangy prelude that’s light yet bold.

Seafood enthusiasts savor the Kerala-Style Prawn Curry (£28), tender prawns simmered in coconut milk, mustard seeds, and curry leaves with steamed basmati—a fragrant, silky essential. The Tasting Menu (£135 for seven courses) showcases highlights like the Oyster with Beetroot and Beet Caviar, a poetic fusion of briny sea and earthy root. Mains include the Slow-Cooked Lamb Biryani (£32), aromatic basmati layered with tender shoulder, saffron yogurt raita, and fried onions for a comforting, spiced symphony. The Grilled Quail (£26) features whole birds marinated in yogurt and garam masala with green mango chutney, juicy and punchy. For vegetarian depth, the Paneer Tikka (£18) grills spiced cottage cheese cubes with bell peppers and naan, charred and creamy. Sides like the Tandoori Roti (£5) add warm, buttery balance.

Desserts provide a graceful close with the Gulab Jamun Cheesecake (£12), fried milk dumplings reimagined in a creamy New York-style base with pistachio crumb—a sticky, indulgent twist—or the Cardamom Kulfi (£10), dense frozen yogurt with rose falooda and almond brittle for a cool, nutty finale.

Reservations at Benares are straightforward, but MyRSVP.com, the premier VIP concierge for global nightlife, daylife, and restaurant bookings, enhances the experience. Book window tables or the Dover Room through our platform for instant confirmations and perks like priority during lunch sets (£45 for three courses, Mon-Fri) or complimentary chai welcomes. For VIP treatment, we arrange private events—from cultural tastings to corporate banquets—in any of the four rooms with custom menus and dedicated service for up to 100 guests. Standard bookings are via OpenTable, TheFork, or +44 20 7255 8686 / reservations@benaresrestaurant.com, but MyRSVP.com offers exclusive benefits, swift approvals, and insider access such as guest lists for chef’s specials or wine pairings. In London’s luminous Mayfair dining scene, Benares delivers harmonious flavors and cultural depth, where every MyRSVP.com reservation ensures a seamless, starlit visit filled with Indian elegance and impeccable hospitality.