I write this position review on one of my favorite dining establishments in lower Manhattan, BENARES Indian Cuisine Restaurant. It is my regular modus operandi to partake in imbibing my favorite beverage, Red Wine when I visit Benares. To date, concerning items on the food menu, I have enjoyed every dish I have tried. However, on a Monday or Tuesday of one week, before heading home after a couple of glasses of red wine, I chose to order a dish to take home. I inquired of the bartender, whose name is Kiran, as to what might be a good dish to order. I did inform him of what I have had and liked in the past. He then made a recommendation from within the Chicken section of the menu which is a dish called Chicken Shahi Korma - Chicken grilled in rich cashew nut and almond cream sauce. I agreed. The dish came with a standard side of rice. After getting home and serving myself a portion of the dish with the accompanying rice, I was massively pleased with its flavor and creamy texture. The creamy sauce was nicely flavored and the chicken had a mild crunch that reacted well to the taste buds. And it was made exactly to my taste specifications as I do not have a keen appetite for pepper-spicy dishes. I had enough of the dish left to consume another day. With it, I decided to blend in a half-cup of water sautéed scallions, and finely chopped onions and then poured the blend over a medium bowl of semi-al dente Angel Hair pasta. It was just delicious! The Chicken Shahi Korma greatly enhanced the experience of my little food experiment to the level where I intend to order another take-home dish of it the next time I visit. It was not my little food experiment but the original dish made at Benares that made the result so satisfying. Because of this, I sought out the name of the Chef whose name is Ajay. I must commend and thank Chef Ajay for a great dish. I also want to thank and commend members of the staff who I observe frequently perform in the dual roles of Bartender and Customer Servers. They are Kiran and Harish. Other great hard-working staff members were on duty on that Monday or Tuesday I was there, and I want to offer commendations to all. On a closing note, if you are in the Tribeca area of lower Manhattan and are feeling a flavor for Indian cuisine, look up Benares and drop in for a taste...
Read moreExquisite Dining at BENARES: A Culinary Jewel on Tribeca, NYC
Nestled on 45 Murray Street, BENARES transports its guests to the rich culinary traditions of Northern India with a modern, upscale flair. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance, impeccable service, and vibrant aroma of spices set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
For starters, the Benarsi Kachori is an absolute delight. This traditional dish, masterfully crafted, boasts crispy lentil-stuffed pastries paired with tangy tamarind and spicy mint chutneys. Each bite is a harmonious blend of crunch, tang, and spice—a perfect introduction to the meal ahead.
The pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the Laal Maas, a fiery Rajasthani lamb curry. This dish showcases tender, slow-cooked lamb in a rich, bold, and aromatic sauce infused with Kashmiri red chilies. The depth of flavor is extraordinary, balanced perfectly with the heat, making it an essential order for spice enthusiasts and anyone seeking a truly authentic Indian delicacy.
Complement your meal with freshly baked garlic naan and a side of aromatic saffron rice to elevate the experience further. The cocktail menu and wine selection also deserve a mention, offering thoughtfully curated pairings that enhance the flavors of the cuisine.
BENARES is not just a restaurant; it is a celebration of Indian heritage and culinary artistry. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Indian food or exploring it for the first time, BENARES promises to captivate your senses and leave you longing for your next visit.
Highly recommended for its bold flavors, elegant presentation, and the unforgettable charm of dishes like the Benarsi Kachori and Laal Maas. A true gem on...
Read morePlease avoid this restaurant at all cost unless you want to experience rude staff. The server is extremely condescending and rude and single handedly will bring down the business to this place. I have been here in the past and enjoyed the food, however, as soon as we sat down today the server told me in an extremely rude fashion that they received a complaint that my feet were out of my shoes. Mind you, they were only barely out and I don’t mind complying with the policies but the rude tone was extremely unnecessary. When we ordered beverages and I pointed out whom to serve it to, the server was again rude for no reason. He mentioned how this is a family restaurant and by my feet coming barely out of my shoes was against policies. I am not sure how this is against a “family restaurant”. When I asked him about the policy, he said he doesn’t have it. When I asked him about the complaint, he mentioned someone might complain about it. So he changed his statements from someone complained to someone might complain and had no policies. Then he spoke about they had a google review about this, well looking at the number of rude staff reviews it would’ve been better to work on his attitude. So basically there were no policies that he could share and was rude for no good reason. He went on to say that having my feet barely out of my shoes showed that I had no restaurant etiquettes and basically asked us to leave if we wanted to. This server is not only rude, condescending but also disrespectful. There is something called customer service which is...
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