Benares Restaurant & Bar is a modern Indian fine dining destination at 12A Berkeley Square in Mayfair. Established in 2003, it takes its name and inspiration from Varanasi, also known as Benares. The restaurant retained its Michelin star for 2026 under Executive Chef Sameer Taneja, reflecting a style that joins Indian culinary heritage with contemporary London hospitality.
Seasonality and British produce guide the kitchen, while Indian spices and techniques give each dish its identity. Signatures such as Scallop Malabar, tawa masala halibut and hiran boti tikka illustrate the movement between coastal flavours, the tandoor and carefully controlled spice. Presentation is precise, but flavour and texture remain the main reasons for each combination.
Guests can choose between à la carte dining, shorter lunch formats and a tasting menu that traces several regional influences over multiple courses. Vegetarian menus are available, and the restaurant states that its chicken, lamb and goat are halal certified. Allergy or dietary needs should be included with the booking because the kitchen cannot always eliminate cross contamination.
The bar extends the same approach into cocktails, while the wine programme supports pairing across rich, aromatic and spicy courses. Several private dining rooms and a sommelier’s table suit celebrations or business occasions, while the main dining room provides the full restaurant experience. Smart casual dress and structured service make Benares particularly suited to a planned meal rather than an improvised quick bite.
Address: 12A Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London W1J 6BS, United Kingdom
Benares Restaurant & Bar Menu
Appetisers
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill. Dishes are subject to availability.
Tandoori Ratan
Smoked Kashmiri Chilli Welsh Lamb Chop, Kasundi King Prawn, Somerset Brie Chicken Boti, Herb Marinated Fish Tikka
Malabar Scallops
Hand-dived Scottish Scallops Baked on Shell, Coconut Curry, Malabar Paratha
Oyster Aur Macchi Ceviche Chaat
Carlingford Oysters and Cured Sea Bream, Aam Panna Tiger Milk, Masala Boondi
Hiran Boti Tikka
Green Chilli and Moringa Leaves Marinated Morsels of Fallow Deer Fillet, Garlic Crème Fraîche, Drumstick Chutney
Tibetan Momo
Cornfed Chicken Dumplings, Duck Foie Gras, Turmeric and Lime Broth
Paneer Galouti
Goat’s Milk Paneer Tikka, Grape Murabba, Bhakri, Pecan Nuts
Puchka
Wheat Bubbles, Sour Apple Water, Apple Chutney
Samosa Ragda Tartlet
Crushed Warm Potato on Carom Seed Tartlet
Traditional Dishes
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill. Food Allergies and Intolerances: Whilst we have strict controls in place to reduce risk of contamination, it is not possible for us to guarantee that our dishes will be 100% allergen or contamination free. Before ordering, please speak to our staff about your requirements.
Murg (Chooza) Khaas Makhani
Whole Young Chicken Cooked with Tomato and Fenugreek Sauce
Meat Curry (House Recipe)
Fennel and Dry Ginger Flavoured Welsh Lamb Curry
Jhinga Moilee
Green Chilli and Curry Leaf Prawn Stew
Kabuli Chana Masala
Carom Seed Flavoured Chickpea Curry
Palak Burrata
Tempered Burrata & Spiced Spinach, Toasted Almonds
Mains
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Two Egg Curry
Slow-Cooked St. Ewe Rich Yolk Egg, Oscietra Caviar on Quail Keema Curry, Served with a Side of Milk Pao Roti
Seafood Thali
Delicious Assortment of Coastal Delicacies: Oyster and Sea Bream Chaat, Halibut Curry, Tandoori Mustard King Prawn, served with Vegetable of the Day, Paratha, Rice, Poppadom, Pickle, Raita
Meen Dakshini
Roasted Halibut, Clam and Summer Vegetable Curry
Batak Curry
Tawa Gressingham Duck Fillet, Crispy Italian Courgette, Roasted Bone Sambar
Chukundar Kofta Korma
Beetroot Hash Brown in Fennel and Cashewnut Korma
Khumb Miloni Pulao
Long Grain Basmati Rice Cooked in Aromatic Mushroom Yakhani with Slow Roasted Mushrooms
Khumb Miloni Pulao
Chef Recommends Shaved Winter Truffle Supplement
Rajasthani Gatte
Smoked Clove and Yoghurt Curry, Gram Flour and Ricotta Cheese Flat Bread, Fenugreek Leaf Oil
Sides
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Podi Aloo
Tempered New Potatoes
Bhindi Do Pyazaa
Stir-Fried Okra with Onions
Dal Makhani
Benares Signature Black Lentils
Dal Tadka
Cumin Tempered Yellow Lentils
Summer Salad
Bitter Leaves, Amalfi Orange, Burnt Vegetables, Heritage Tomatoes Tossed in House Chaat Dressing
Raita
Cumin/ Boondi
Assorted Papad
Sour Yoghurt Mint Chutney, Mango & Wild Berry Chutney, Pickle Oil
Breads & Rice
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Roti
Plain/Butter/Missi (Gluten-Free)
Paratha
Whole Wheat
Naan
Plain/Buttered/Garlic and Coriander
Kulcha
Vegetable/Chilli and Cheese/Peshawari
Chawal
Steamed Rice
Zaffran Pulao
Saffron & Cumin Tempered Rice
Punjabi Onion Salad
Two Course Thali
£46 per person. Served Monday to Saturday, Lunch: 12:00hrs to 14:30hrs • Dinner: 17:30hrs to 18:30hrs. All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Assortment of Three Street Snacks
Kakdi – Marinated Baby Cucumber, Home Chaat Masala; Murg Makhani – Chicken in Tomato and Fenugreek Gravy; Signature Gosht Curry – Slow Cooked Lamb with Whole Spices; Vegetable of the Day – Ask your Server; Dal Amritsari – Cumin and Garlic Tempered Yellow & Black Lentils. Served with Raita, Bread and Rice.
Rasmalai
Three Course Thali
£52 per person. Served Monday to Saturday, Lunch: 12:00hrs to 14:30hrs • Dinner: 17:30hrs to 18:30hrs. All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Assortment of Three Street Snacks
Kakdi – Marinated Baby Cucumber, Home Chaat Masala; Murg Makhani – Chicken in Tomato and Fenugreek Gravy; Signature Gosht Curry – Slow Cooked Lamb with Whole Spices; Vegetable of the Day – Ask your Server; Dal Amritsari – Cumin and Garlic Tempered Yellow & Black Lentils. Served with Raita, Bread and Rice.
Rasmalai
Vegetarian Thali
£46 for two courses, £52 for three courses. Served Monday to Saturday, Lunch: 12:00hrs to 14:30hrs • Dinner: 17:30hrs to 18:30hrs. All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Assortment of Three Street Snacks
Kakdi – Marinated Baby Cucumber, Home Chaat Masala; Paneer Makhani – Cottage Cheese in Tomato and Fenugreek Gravy; Palak Mutter – Spinach Cooked with Peas; Vegetable of the Day – Ask your Server; Dal Amritsari – Cumin and Garlic Tempered Yellow & Black Lentils. Served with Raita, Bread and Rice.
Rasmalai
Dinner Tasting Menu
£139 per person, paired wines £129. Offered for the entire table. Last Order Monday to Saturday 21:00hrs & Sunday 20:30hrs. Vegetarian Menu available. Dishes are subject to availability. All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Samosa Ragda Tartlet
NV Pommery Cuvee Apanage 1874 Brut, Champagne – France
Roasted Halibut, Summer Vegetable Curry
2022 Montagny 1er cru “Le Vieux Château” Domaine des Moirots Burgundy-France
Chicken and Foie Gras Momo
2021 Riesling Goldberg 1.Lage Weingut Knewitz, Rheinhessen-Germany
Hiran Boti Tikka
2021 Marsannay “Le Finage” Domaine René Bouvier, Burgundy-France
Tandoori Lamb Chop
Served with Good old Indian Staples. 2022 Primitivo di Manduria Tenute Tocci Puglia-Italy
Rasmalai
2021 Château Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux-France
Petit Fours
Lunch Tasting Menu
£89 per person, paired wines £85. Offered for the entire table only. Last order by 13:30hrs. Vegetarian Menu available. Dishes are subject to availability. All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Samosa Ragda Tartlet
NV Pommery Cuvée Apanage Brut Champagne-France
Chicken and Foie Gras Momo
2021 Riesling Goldberg 1.Lage Weingut Knewitz, Rheinhessen-Germany
Hiran Boti Tikka
2021 Marsannay ‘Le Finage’ Domaine René Bouvier, Burgundy-France
Tandoori Lamb Chop
Served with Good old Indian Staples. 2022 Primitivo di Manduria Tenute Tocci Puglia-Italy
Rasmalai
2022 Château Laville, Sauternes Bordeaux-France
Petit Fours
Bar Snacks
This menu is only available in the Bar. Monday to Saturday Lunch: 12:00hrs to 14:30hrs, Dinner: 17:30hrs to 22:30hrs. Sunday Lunch: 12:00hrs to 14:30hrs, Dinner: 18:00hrs to 21:30hrs. All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 5% and a discretionary Service Charge of 10% will be added to your bill.
Masala Sprouts and Pappadums
Chilli Cheese Chicken Tikka
Crispy Fish
Black Pepper Prawns
Organic Vegetable Kulcha, with Truffle
Cocktail Vegetable Samosa
Salt & Pepper Cashew Nuts
Salted Pistachio
Any Three
Choose any three bar snacks
Desserts
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 2% and a discretionary Service Charge of 13% will be added to your bill.
Rasmalai, Rose & Cardamom Très Lèches
24-Carat Gold Leaf Khoya Kulfi, Kaju Katli Foam
Chocolate Cookie Dough, Pistachio, Cocoa Nibs, White Chocolate Ice-Cream
Chikoo Ice-Cream, Frozen Vanilla Yogurt
Cocktails
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 5% and a discretionary Service Charge of 10% will be added to your bill.
All Eyes On Me
A Smooth Fusion of Godawan Whisky, Assam Tea, Egg White, Elderflower-Almond Cordial and Black Walnut Bitters
Gondhoraj Gimlet
Salcombe Gin, Homemade Gondhoraj Lime Cordial, Black lime
King’s Boulevardier
The Lakes Signature, Campari, Karminia (serves 2)
Gold Old Fashioned
Fig Infused Woodford Reserve, Amaro Montenegro, Salted Pedro Ximénez, Homemade Bitters
Beyond Alcohol
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 5% and a discretionary Service Charge of 10% will be added to your bill.
Beat The Heat
Fresh Watermelon, Mint, Fresh Lime, Agave
Energizer
Guava, Fresh Lemon, Chyawanprash Purée
Permanent Vacation
Strawberry, Banana, Vanilla Ice cream, Rain Forest Honey
Turmeric Toddy
A Healthy Hot Non-Alcoholic Version of Toddy, Fresh Ginger, Lemon & Raw Turmeric Juice, Organic Agave & Black Pepper
Spirits
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 5% and a discretionary Service Charge of 10% will be added to your bill. Prices are for 50ml measures unless stated.
Neon Vodka
Grey Goose Vodka
Belvedere Vodka
Bombay Sapphire “Premier Cru” Gin
Beer & Cider
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 5% and a discretionary Service Charge of 10% will be added to your bill.
Cobra
Noam
Showerings Cider
Cobra Zero
Fruit Juices
All prices are inclusive of VAT. A Cover Charge of 5% and a discretionary Service Charge of 10% will be added to your bill.
Fresh Orange
Fresh Apple
Fresh Grapefruit
Guava
Dessert Wines by the Glass
Château Laville, Sauternes – France
Late Harvest Mourvèdre, Cline Cellars California – USA
Château Rieussec Sauternes Bordeaux – France
Grand Tokaji 5 Puttonyos Aszu Tokaji – Hungary
Herbal Infusions
All herbal infusions are £6.75.
Chamomile Flowers
Chamomile is one of the most ancient medicine herbs known to mankind. This soothing blend is full of flavour and fragrance derived from the Greek name, Khamaimelon, which translates to Kamai(earth) and Melon(apple).
Lemongrass & Ginger
A soothing base of spicy Ginger with uplifting Lemongrass, this full-flavoured infusion is refreshing and ideal for aiding digestion.
English Peppermint
Made from the finest English Mitcham black peppermint, this infusion is fresh, aromatic and bright.
Coffees
All coffees are available decaffeinated.