Review

Benares

Indian
12A Berkeley Square House, Berkely Square, London W1J 6BS
Latest critic review: March 15, 2010

Atul Kochhar's Michelin starred restaurant...

Critic Reviews

Douglas Blyde Foodepedia

Reviewed on March 15, 2010

"...the Phoenix-like Benares has risen to become my finest Indian experience to date" READ REVIEW

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Chris Blackhurst Evening Standard

Reviewed on February 25, 2010

"We lost all reason on the side dishes — it’s hard to resist naan breads filled with cheese, stir-fired peppers and leek, and steamed broccoli with courgette in a masala sauce." READ REVIEW

"Richard and Peter" Harden's

Reviewed by January 26, 2010

"...we’d have to say that the lunch we enjoyed here suggested that the cooking – refined subcontinental, presented in essentially European style – is among the best of its type in town, and the overall ‘package’ is clearly a natural for business. " READ REVIEW

Estimated score

Kate Wharton Marie Claire

Reviewed on December 06, 2007

"A little piece of heaven behind the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street" READ REVIEW

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Tracey MacLeod Independent

Reviewed on June 28, 2003

"Benares is a stylish, glamorous destination, and in design terms, it raises the bar for London's Indian restaurants. We just weren't very knocked out by the food." READ REVIEW

Estimated score

Joe Joseph Times

Reviewed on June 07, 2003

"It’s spare almost to the point of sparseness. Benares is selling quality, not width. " READ REVIEW

User reviews

Average user rating from: 2 user(s)

Overall rating:

7.0 (2)

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So disappointing !

Overall rating:

5.0

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Reviewed by Peter Hannan
December 12, 2011

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Had been so looking forward to visiting Atholl`s kitchen, even travelled from Ireland to do so. Brought friends too, for a special occasion.
Now, Atholl wasn`t there, (as he was unable to sign his latest cookbook when my friends asked), but whoever was in charge that Sunday night, was not performing to anything like Michelin standard.
The food, both starters and mains, were absolutely average, would never care to eat anything a second time. (We ordered almost all the limited menu, and shared, in the middle of the table)
I honestly believe the Inspectors should stick to what they know, or send people who do. Every time I have eaten in one of their starred restaurants, that`s outside their French persuasion(Nahm, Hakassan etc.)I have been bitterly disappointed.
Benares, is no exception !

P.

Indian Flavours, European Style, Lively Atmosphere

Overall rating:

9.0

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Reviewed by Tim
February 15, 2010

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This restaurant falls firmly into the category of "Posh Indian", and thoroughly deserves its Michelin Star.

We went for the Grazing Menu, which consisted of 3 starter courses, 1 main course and 1 dessert course.

The flavours were impeccably combined, containing a wide range of Indian herbs and spices and the chef even recommends in which order you eat the tasty morsels on each plate.

The service was also excellent, and the restaurant itself was surprisingly noisy, which might not be to everyone's taste, but contributed to the atmosphere.

I would agree with the "expensive" categorisation, but as a special occasion, for
someone who has a penchant for Indian food, I would certainly recommend Benares.