Benares - Chef Patron Atul Kochhar

Date - March 2019*

Rating - 7/10

*Benares lost it's michelin star in October 2019, now it only holds a Michelin Plate. When I visited, it was still recognised as a holder of the star.

The Mayfair restaurant definitely gives a 'luxury' vibe. Walking in I was presented with a pashmina as a welcome present and seated in the bar area, which had a more relaxed environment.

We went for a 5 course sharing menu, very reasonably priced at £40 for it's 'street food' style dishes, which were designed from different parts of India. My guest for the evening opted for a Green Spiced Martini, which was made from vodka shaken with coriander and cumin syrup, fresh root ginger and fresh lemon juice, elderflower cordial. Garnished with a piquant dehydrated red chilli. To me that just sounded revolting but dear lord it was delicious. I went for their Passion Fruit Chutney Martini, which was made from a combination of homemade passion fruit chutney, vodka, fresh lemon juice, sugar and a dash of passion fruit juice. Again, amazing!! The cocktails here are fantastic but at £14 a pop, they certainly aren't cheap.

First Course - Vegetable Samosa, Coriander Mint Chutney

A simple staple of Indian cuisine that we are all familiar with. It was certainly nice but nothing to go wild about. However the fiery coriander mint chutney was delicious and elevated the dish to another level.

Second Course - Achari Prawns, Lemongrass Cous Cous

The prawns were lovely, so delicately spiced but the cous cous was nothing more than average.

Third Course - Tandoori Cafreal Sea Bass, Spiced Tomato Chutney

This was wonderful, perfectly cooked fish with a chutney that gave a delightful level of heat.

Fourth Course - Grilled Chicken Tikka, Piquillo Pepper Ketchup

I rather stupidly seem to have missed a photo for this dish but it was good. Is it any better than the chicken tikkas' I've had at other restaurants? No.

Fifth Course - Lamb Pepper Fry, Garlic Naan

This was delicious but partly because I just adored their buttery naan breads.

Sixth Course - Desserts

For an additional £13 each, we decided to try two desserts.

1. Peanut Butter Parfait, Almond Cake, Cumin Marshmallow, Jaggery Ice Cream

I loved the PB parfait and cake but the marshmallow and ice cream had too much spice for my liking in a dessert.

2. Spiced Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake, White Chocolate and Cardamom Sorbet

Again, it was fine but not particularly worth £13. Perhaps that's just my own palette not preferring not to have such spice infused desserts.

Seventh Course - Petit Fours

A lovely touch to end a nice evening. My only criticism is the plating could have been handled with perhaps a little more care.

Overall, I did have a lovely evening but it was hardly surprising that Benares lost their star later that year. The service was good and the food was very nice but it just didn't compare to other star holders. The overall quality and experience just wasn't there. I know of other Indian restaurants that are half the price and just as good, so for that reason alone I wouldn't be rushing back.