Atul Kochhar - Benares Restaurant

Benares Restaurant

Benares Restaurant and Bar opened in April 2003 and has since come to be regarded as one of the world’s best Indian restaurants. Benares is known for modern Indian cuisine with a delicate use of spices to create outstanding dishes. Atul has been instrumental in changing the perception of Indian food in Britain with his boldly flavoured contemporary cooking. This is strongly reflected in the menu at Benares, which demonstrates Atul’s extensive research as it incorporates dishes from all parts of India. The name Benares originates from the Indian city Varanasi which is situated on the banks of the River Ganges in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is regarded as a holy city by Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and probably the oldest in India. Benares Restaurant and Bar, opened in May 2003 to great critical acclaim and has emerged as one of London’s best restaurants. In 2009 the restaurant endured a kitchen fire that resulted in extensive smoke damage. Reluctantly the restaurant closed for three months to undergo a complete interior refurbishment. Benares reopened its doors in January 2010 reinventing the look and features of the space. The restaurant now seats 80 people in the main restaurant and offers three private dining rooms with a maximum seating of up to 36 people. The restaurant also offers a Sommelier’s Table for 10 people where guests are surrounded by the world’s finest wine and champagnes. Guests in groups of up to six people also have the option of enjoying their meal at the Chef’s Table which gives an intimate view of the chefs and kitchen during the service.