Benares is a modern Indian restaurant with banquet seating, dark hardwood floors, and a bar/lounge area. The eatery celebrates the cuisine of Northern India with a western twist.
During our meal the Chef brought out some of the restaurants most popular dishes tweaked with a few requests from us of classic Indian dishes.
We started out with the Bhel Puri, puffed rice crisps with chopped onions, potatoes, avocado & corn kennels served a trio of chutneys. The chutneys were flavorful yet not overly spicy.
Next came the Chicken Tikka, an indian classic, grilled Tandoori chicken marinated in yogurt & spices. A delicious vegetarian option, the Khasta Gobhi, lightly battered cauliflower cooked with garlic and crushed pepper in a tangy sauce. The final appetizer was the Konkani Shrimp, tossed in a spicy tomato sauce with cumin, cinnamon, and black pepper.
The entree list is extensive with a dedicated Tandoori menu. We highly recommend the Cheem Thenga, jumbo prawns grilled and simmered in coconut curry. The grilled fish marinated in spices, served with lemon sauce was also quite good. We did mention to the chef that we are seafood lovers and don’t eat much red meat so he brought out a seafood/chicken centric menu.
For meat lovers the “Barrah Masaledar”,lamb chops, and the “Raan E Akbari”, rack of lamb in a rum flavored sauce, served oven roasted with a vegetable medley have gotten winning reviews.
Indian restaurants have notoriously not been known for their desserts but the Atom Bomb changed our mind. Super moist chocolate lava cake served with rose petal cream is a must try!
There is an ample wine and beer list along with specialty cocktails. There are many classics like the Dark & Stormy and The Moscow Mule along with house specialties like the Benares Martini made with Bulldog Gin, Lillet, Grapefruit and Orange Peels Soaked in Housemade Bitters.
Benares is open 7 days a week for lunch & dinner. Take out and delivery options are available as well as a lunch menu.
Benares- Tribeca 45 Murray Street New York, NY 10007 (212) 766-4900 benaresnyc.com
FashionsWeek: Beauty, Fashion, Travel, Tech & Dining By Maya Litovsky 