Benaras

On the onset, Benaras is nothing like what you’d expect from an Indian outing—no noisy din, table mats or sitar play-along—until you take your first mouthful and your palate is inundated with a beautiful balance of earthy Indian spices that scream of their origin. Having been around for 11 years now, Benaras matches the levels set by fine-dining establishments around the city, and has a much-coveted Michelin star to show for it. Celebrity chef Atul Kochhar started his cooking career in the neighbouring kitchen (at Tamarind restaurant) where he earned his first Michelin star as head chef, before moving on to establish Benaras. The menu features a long list of delectable Indian dishes which have been anglicised in their presentation—think naan-inspired cone piped full of chicken tikka mousse, and an Indian surf n turf comprising of a juicy lamb chop and butterfly prawn paired with a raita-inspired yogurt dip—each, an exquisite rendition of the original. This is definitely one of the most sophisticated Indian restaurants in London, and the cheque at the end of your meal confirms it.