Close-up of Nizami vegetable kofta with other vegetarian dishe sin the background

THE BEST INDIAN FINE DINING AT VARANASI, LEICESTER

11th March 2024

Last Updated on 6th April 2024 by Bejal

The wait is finally over, there is a new restaurant in town which not only has the wow factor that will literally take your breath away but will also leave an unforgettable taste on your palette. It’s time to get your glad rags on for a special evening out and sample an Indian fine dining experience at Varanasi, Leicester.

In This Article

After opening in Birmingham in 2016, and seeing its huge success in the city, the owner and his team, have brought a much smaller, sister establishment to Leicester, aptly named, Varanasi Boutique.

Read this review to discover what this new Indian fine dining venue in Leicester has to offer.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi. Alternate view of teh entrance hall of Varanasi with the counter on the right hand side and the Rajasthani male statues on the other.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi. Buddha head on console table with lanterns abd flickering lights at Varanasi.

The elephant head made of bronze with white pots and velvet teal draping around the sides at Varanasi, Leicester

Bejal walking down the entrance aisle in a floaty white dress and grey croc patterned heels.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi: The Name

Varanasi is a city located in northern India, in the middle Ganges Valley, it is the ultimate pilgrimage location for Hindus who believe that those that pass on the land here attain freedom and salvation from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Walking into the restaurant, gives you an air of holiness and calm.

The mirror window interiors draped with teal velvet curtains and a set table in front at Varanasi, Leicester.

Leicester Location

Located on High Street in Leicester City Centre, amongst a row of International eateries and pubs and only a stone’s throw away from the Highcross Shopping Centre, Varanasi has a prime city address. Housed in a double fronted former wholesale Grocers & Provision Merchants building, with pyramid fire flames at either side of the main door, Varanasi cannot be missed. It brings grandeur at street level.

The main dining room with a teal wall and plant to the left hand side at Varansi, Leicester

Varanasi Boutique Interiors

From the first moment you open the double doors and step inside Varanasi, it’s hard not to feel the sheer opulence of the surroundings. The Rajasthani attire inspired life size statues at either side of the hallway, the low lighting and flickering candles lead the way through to the main restaurant. The smell of incense and the prompt welcome from behind the main counter, sets the scene for things to come.

The Rajasthan men in a row at the entrance hall of Varansi, Leicester

The Rajasthani bronze statued men in the entrance, shaded with a plant at Varanasi, Leicester

It is said that the ‘owner of Varanasi travelled the globe researching the finest bars and restaurants from its interior design, how they operate and the creation and presentation of food’. It is easy to see how this well travelled vision has been translated into this space that we know as Varanasi Boutique, Leicester.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi. A zoomed out image of the bronze elephant head with a table of flickering candles and lanterns in front. There is also a fresh bouquet of flowers here at Varanasi, Leicester

Walk down through to the candle lit stairway to the main 160 seat restaurant and be met by the gentle flickering of candles, buddha figures, gold fringed, teal velvet curtains framing window like mirrors, occasional lanterns and orchids. The gentle waft of incense surrounds the space as the waiting staff come over to welcome you and get you seated comfortably.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi. A tall buddha statue with a view of the rest of teh restaurant to the right hand side.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi: The Menus

At Varanasi, food can be enjoyed from four menus with a fifth being dedicated to drinks and cocktails. The four food menus include:

A La Carte Menu – focussing on pre-starters, appetisers, mains and accompaniments that are special and unique to Varanasi. It showcases the fine flavours and unique new age dining that makes this restaurant stand-out amongst its counterparts.
Shahi Set Menu – includes a selection of pre-starters, starters, mains and accompaniments as well as desserts. This option is specifically available for large groups and corporate events. A minimum of four people is required with a price point of £49 per person.
Shahi Dawat Menu – A smaller selection of pre-starters, starters, mains and accompaniments and desserts. A minimum of four people is required with a price point of £59 per person.

The Cocktails

Varanasi Leicester also hosts an impressive cocktail bar with the same decor accents running through the restaurant. It’s a lovely space to sit along the bar, peruse the menu, watch the bar tenders at work creating the beautiful masterpieces that are surely too pretty to sip on?!

The atmospheric bar area at Varanasi in Leicester with counter top lanterns and flickering candles

The drinks and cocktail menu has and extensive selection of Gins, Whiskeys, Rums and Cognacs.

The drinks menu features a large range of mocktails, as well as lassis (yoghurt based drinks) in flavour offerings of rose, mango and mixed berries. However the cocktails list is extensive and more than pleasing to the eye and taste buds. Our recommendations would be The Lavender Garden Martini, The Dark & Stormy and Rose Petal Martini, which all accompanied the dishes beautifully.

Lavender Garden Martini – a refreshing and slightly sweet floral blend of Belvedere Vodka, lychee, cranberry and lime juices, lavender and sugar syrup and shaken with dried lavender. The finale is a beautiful colour topped with a pretty sprinkling of pretty hued floral petals.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi. he lavender garden Martini and dark & stormy cockatil on a black table with a reflection on the table at Varanasi, Leicester

The Dark & Stormy – A wonderful accompaniment to more stronger flavoured dishes, this mysterious cocktail included Gosling Black, Botran rum, ginger beer, lime juice, bitters and sugar syrup.

The lavender garden Martini and dark & Stormy cocktails surrounded by atmospheric lighting.

The Rose Petal Martini – the most delicate flavoured cocktails in a beautiful bright red hue. A fine mix of Beluga Noble Vodka, Kwai Feh liquor, lychee and lime juice, rose and lavender syrup, garnished with dried rose petals. Classic and elegant!

Res rose petal Martini on a black table at Varanasi, Leicester

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi. Rose petal Martini framed by the gold draping of a curtain at Varanasi, Leicester

Additionally there is a wonderful choice of red, white and rose wines as well as champagnes, ports, dessert wines, sparkling wines, beers and non-alcoholic options and juices.

The Merlot Primera Luz from Chile with notes of fresh raspberry and strawberry, and a light forest fruit flavour is perfect with the light curries and starters on the menu.

Varanasi is also home to the Midland’s most expensive cocktail, ‘The Jewel of Varanasi’. It’s Served in a crystal Brandy balloon, Paradis Imperial, Grand Marnier, seeds from a vanilla pod, quails egg, Lemongrass syrup, shaken and served with an edible flower and 24 ct gold leaf. Sounds extraordinary? It will set you back £500!

The Food – Indian Fine Dining at Varanasi

There is no denying that the fine dining menu at Varanasi brings a new age culinary experience that has been initiated by leading chefs in the haute cuisine niche. The a la carte menu is simply exquisite, it’s worth asking for recommendations from the waiting team because you don’t want to miss out on something you dismissed from the description.

Indian fine dining at Varanasi:top lay of shredded lamb, garlic lamb and pilau rice at Varanasi Leicester

Pre-starters

Whilst looking through the menu, start with poppadoms served with mint and mango chutneys and sip on your perfectly blended cocktails and drinks.

Poppodams in a black basket with mint and mango chutneys in a wire black bowl at Varanasi, Leicester

Starters

Two of the classic but perfectly executed starters are Papri chat and pani puri. They are packed full of flavour, containing the right spice levels and bring simple pleasure in eating classic dishes that have been cooked perfectly.

pani puri with coriander and mint water on a black plate with the papri chat at the side. in the background is the dark and stormy and lavender garden martini cockatils.

The Pani Puri are served as five portions of puffed crispy balls around a small bowl of spicy mint and coriander water. The perfect crunch and light flavour right from when you take your first morsel through to the last.

5 puffed pani puri on a plate with mint and coriander water and in the background there's a red/pink lavender rose garden martini with atmospheric lighting. Location is Varanasi, Leicester

The Papri Chat served in a bowl is just as it should be, bringing a lovely tanginess from the chutney mixed with the sweet of the yogurt and sprinkling of sev. Refreshing as a starter yet classic and good portion sizing.

The pari chat in a black bowl with atmospdheric lighting.

The Mains

The mains from the a la carte menu are simply divine.

Spoonful of Nizami vegetable Kofta curry at Varanasi, Leicester

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi: Spoonfull of pilau rice with other dishes in the background at Varanasi, Leicester

The vegetarian mains recommended did not disappoint. The Nizami vegetable kofta curry is aromatic, lightly spiced and a beautiful colour. Two small vegetable kofta sit in the middle of the plate in a lightly spiced sauce, which is neither too creamy nor sweet. It’s something different, inventive and simply melt in the mouth.

Close-up of the Nizami vegetable kofta curry at Varansi, Leicester

Carnivores the shredded lamb with Kashmiri herbs and spices is another great recommendation. A rich melt in the mouth meat curry which again doesn’t focus on spice levels but more aromatic flavours with a difference.

Close-up of shredded lamb, with other dishes in the background

Side Dishes

The pickled okra masal or achari Okra is a lovely side dish whether your main dish is vegetarian or not. It has a unique pickle, slightly sour yet spicy taste. The okra is cooked perfectly light and served in a bowl like a dry curried pickle dish.

Close-up of achari okra at Varanasi, Leicester

Garlic Naan & Pilau Rice

Light garlic flavours, melt in the mouth, soft flaky naan to mop up the sauces of the curry. The naan works well with a portion of light pilau rice. Together these are idea for sharing between two.

Close-up of pilau rice at Varanasi, Leicester

Varanasi has a team of chefs which originate from different parts of the Indian subcontinents, North India, South India and Bangladesh. This makes complete sense.

Indian fine dining at Varanasi: Top lay at Varanasi Leicester of main courses of Nizami kofta curry, achari okra and pilau rice

The Desserts

Select from a list of classic Indian as well as western desserts with a little twist to add the perfect ending to your Varanasi experience.

The Gulab Jamun with vanilla ice-cream are a complete treat. Two warm, delicately flavoured sliced gulab jamun are served split with a side of soft scoop vanilla ice-cream. The delicious cardamom and saffron flavours and sweet sauce pair perfectly with the cooler temperature of the ice-cream.

Glulab jamun with ice-cream on. a black plate with mango and summer fruits coulis at Varanasi, Leicester

For a more western option the cheesecake with summer fruit drizzle is a lovely choice. The buttery biscuits base with a creamy cheesecake mix is finished with a summer fruit jus and topped with edible flowers and mint. The dessert spells summer in each mouthful.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi: Summer fruit cheesecake topped with fruit on a black plate at Varanasi, Leicester

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi – The Service

The service is what one would expect from a fine dining establishment, attentive yet not intrusive. Discretion is used to slip the napkins back onto your lap, dishes and glasses are taken away without your gaze and the staff are on hand to provide recommendation and accompaniment suggestions based on your dietary preferences. We particularly loved the little touch of the small stool for handbags.

Private Dining

Varanasi offers guests the options of booking private dining experiences in their stunning two rooms towards the rear of the restaurant. They are intimate and can comfortably seat eight to ten guests around a table to create a more intimate setting away from the main restaurant. The exuberant decor follows through to these rooms and brings a sense of private luxury to hosting your very own special evening.

Amenities

One simply cannot end without mentioning the bathrooms. Lets just say they’re worth a visit, they are yet another stylish extension of the Varanasi experience. They say you can judge a restaurant by its bathrooms, well if Varanasi’s are anything to go by, you are in for one hell of a treat! The modern pipe like taps and white fluted sinks are understated yet a statement accessory.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi: The white fluted bathroom sink and gold taps in the ladies bathroom.

Indian Fine Dining At Varanasi Round-Up

This is no traditional Rajasthani inspired rasoi locale, this is exceptionally exquisite surroundings, mimicking the Moghul palaces of north India, blending seamlessly with the statement Budda statues, surpassed only by the haute cuisine and service.

Varanasi is the spiritual embodiment of the owner’s travel journey, as travellers ourselves, this is something that resonates and this fine dining spot brings something very different to Leicester that the city has not seen. The Varanasi team have created a unique experience both with the inventive food menu, the majestic decor to match and their commitment to customer service.

If Johnny Depp says. Varanasi is ‘the best Indian food I’ve ever tasted’, Leicester are very honoured the Varanasi team bought the boutique dining spot to the city.

Varanasi is a place for entertaining, celebrating special occasions, romantic dining, meeting up with friends and family. This is a culinary experience you cannot miss in the heart of Leicester city centre.

Bejal standing near entrance of Varanasi wearing a floaty white dress and grey pointed heels.

Indian fine dining at Varanasi: Close up of face of Rajasthani

The Details

Location: Varanasi Boutique Restaurant. 87-89 High Street, Leicester LE1 4JB
Contact: Tel. 0116 2518244
Menu: Varanasi Website
Dietary Requirements:: Vegans and vegetarians catered for as per menu. All other dietary requests should be discussed at the time of reservation via telephone.
Find it here: Map Location
Opening Hours: Mon-Thurs 18:00-22:30, Fri-Sun 17:00-22:30
Reservations: Essential to avoid disappointment
Price Range: £££

À bientôt

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Bejal

I’m Bejal aka Be, an ex-scientist turned travel writer and digital content creator. I have travelled to 6 continents, visited 70 plus countries, including an around the world trip, making me quite the expert in crafting intricate itineraries. I love to discover some of the world's more remote destinations and stay in some incredible hidden location eco-hotels. My aim is to transport you, my audience, to inspirational and cultural global spots that are less visited and allow you to see the 'real' and authentic side of destinations through detailed guides with a sprinkling of luxury. The spotlight is on eco-friendly responsible experiential travel with lifelong memories.