Disappointing Lunch Experience at Banaras, Bellevue: My family (3 of us) visited Banaras, Bellevue for lunch with high expectations based on online reviews. We had a reservation and only had to wait about 10 minutes to be seated. Unfortunately, our lunch experience fell short. Several menu items (5-6) were unavailable, including desserts like jalebi rabri. While a short wait is understandable, the service issues began soon after. After 10-15 minutes, we received only part of our lunch order: the babaji ka litti chokha, matki handi paneer, and garlic naan. The paneer was barely warm, bordering on cold, and the chokha came with a chilled eggplant bharta. We politely informed the server that the food temperature was incorrect. While they acknowledged that the dishes should be hot, the response was slow. It took another 10 minutes for them to replace the chilled eggplant bharta with a hot version, and they offered a complimentary sattu paratha. Here's where things became truly frustrating. Despite asking every 10 minutes for the remaining parts of our order (Pani ke bataashey, banarasi paneer mirch tikka, fried urad dal papad, laccha onion, lemon & green chili, and banarasi lassi), we waited for over an hour without receiving them. We eventually had to cancel the rest of the order due to the long wait. On a positive note, the garlic naan was delicious. However, the chokha had a strong, bitter mustard oil flavor that wasn't pleasant, and the lukewarm paneer was a letdown. The owner acknowledged similar complaints from other guests. He attributed the issues to inexperienced staff, but unfortunately, that didn't make up for our disappointing lunch. We ended up eating at a nearby Indian restaurant. Overall, while the restaurant has potential based on some menu items, the lack of available options, slow service, and lukewarm food left us feeling frustrated. Until they address these service issues, I wouldn't recommend Banaras to anyone. read more

We spent over two hours at this place hoping to catch a glimpse of Varanasi's charm, but unfortunately, there was nothing that remotely reflected the spirit or authenticity of the city. I genuinely don't understand how people feel comfortable using the name of such a sacred and culturally rich place without offering even a fraction of the experience it promises. The food was average at best and definitely overpriced for what was served. I don't mind paying more for a meaningful experience, but there was none to be found here. When we arrived, we had to wait in line, empty chairs at the front was turned out to be dirty. Once seated, the staff was still vacuuming around us. The music playing was loud and jarring, with no connection to the name or theme of the restaurant. Hygiene was a concern--our table had a partial view of the kitchen, which did not feel reassuring. While the person who took our order was polite, the person who served the food was rude and practically slammed the dishes on the table. We specifically requested saatvik food (no onion or garlic), but one of the dishes still came with onions. Mistakes happen, but instead of handling it professionally, staff members were arguing with each other loudly right in front of us and our kids, which was extremely uncomfortable. At the end, we asked for dessert and weren't even offered plates. We ended up asking for it to-go. They also add a 3% charge for using a credit card, which I'm not sure is even legal. I sincerely urge the owner to visit a few high-end American restaurants to understand what it truly means to provide a memorable dining experience and genuine hospitality. Most importantly, I recommend reconsidering the name--using the name of a holy city carries responsibility, and this place falls far short. read more

I've recommended this vegetarian Indian restaurant to countless friends, and they've all come back raving about it. Recently, I finally had the chance to try it myself--and it mostly lived up to the buzz! Here's my take: The Palak Patta Chaat was a standout with its delightful crunch--every bite was a textural joy. The Kachori Aloo Ki Subzi stole the show, though; it was hands down the most flavorful and comforting dish of the evening. The Aloo Tikki Chaat was a close second, served authentically with yogurt and chutneys instead of the more common chickpea curry pairing. The Thandai was refreshing and perfectly spiced, while the Lassi was so thick and creamy that you practically had to eat it with a spoon--definitely a unique experience! Here's where the restaurant truly shines. The Litti Chokha, Sattu Ka Parantha, and Aloo Puri were all exceptional. My only critique is the puri itself--it felt too plain and could be elevated to a Bedmi Puri for a more flavorful experience. Still, the accompanying dishes were so delicious that it made up for the shortfall. Unfortunately, dessert was a letdown. We tried the Gajar Ka Halwa and Jalebi with Rabri, but the rabri was far too liquidy. Plus, all desserts are served in individual cups, making them tricky to share--a bit of a disappointment for group dining. The restaurant excels in authentic and flavorful vegetarian fare, particularly in its starters and mains. While the desserts and a few details (like the puri) could use some improvement, this spot is definitely worth visiting for its unique offerings and dedication to authenticity. I'll happily keep recommending it! read more

We recently decided to try something different from the usual naan and curry dishes and found Banaras online. The menu intrigued us, so we headed over, only to find out they don't take reservations. When we arrived, we got added to the waitlist, but there was a mix-up, and the server put us down as a party of three instead of two. This increased our wait time to over half an hour, and we saw another couple get seated even though they arrived after us. However, the food made up for the wait. We started with the Banaras Kachori Aloo Subzi chaat from their specials, which was a unique and spicy twist on traditional chaat. We loved it! For the main course, we ordered Babaji ka litti choka, which was finger-licking good, especially with the ghee served on the side. We also had pyaaji kadhi pakoda with ghee and cumin rice. The kadhi was incredibly flavorful and appropriately spicy, which is a rare find in the US. For dessert, we had jalebi with rabdi, recommended as fresh, but the jalebi was a bit too sweet for our taste. Overall, the food was great, with a perfect level of spice for a spice lover like me. The service was good, and the ambience was decent, nothing too fancy. Despite the initial wait time hiccup, the dining experience was worth it for the delicious North Indian dishes! read more

While the ambiance and service were just okay, the food was definitely a highlight. The flavors were unique, a refreshing change from the usual North Indian restaurants. We hadn't tried authentic Banarasi food before, so we can't comment on the authenticity. Here's what we ordered: - Banarasi Lassi: More like Shrikhand with thick malai at the bottom. Delicious! - Thandai: Average. - Tamater ki Chaat: Very good, with a unique tangy flavor. Portion size is quite small though. - Rajma Galouti: Meh, our least favorite. - Kachori Aloo ki Subzi: Excellent. - Litti Chokha: Strong flavors (mustard oil, garlic). A unique dish, worth trying once. - Gorakhpuri Kofta: Loved it. Spicy but pleasantly surprising. - Matki Handi Paneer: Very good, bursting with flavors, medium spicy. - Sattu ka Paratha - Average, had the same filling as Litti. - Jalebi Rabri:Amazing. The jalebis were hot, crisp, and perfectly flavored. A must-try! However, the service could use improvement. They brought the appetizers and main course all at once, which made it a bit overwhelming. If the food had been served gradually, we would have enjoyed and relished each dish more. read more

Had an outstanding dining experience at Banaras in Bellevue! The culinary journey through authentic Uttar Pradesh flavors left me thoroughly impressed. Starting with the Banarasi Lassi and Palak Patta Chaat - a burst of flavors with crispy goodness, the Litti Chokha was a delightful surprise, perfectly capturing the essence of Banarasi cuisine. The Kachori and Aloo Sabji were spot-on, offering a true taste of traditional UP street food. What truly elevated the experience was the Smokey Soya Chaap - a unique twist that added depth to the menu. The cherry on top was the Banarasi Paan, serving as both a delectable dessert and refreshing mouth freshener. Friendly staff made the dining experience seamless. They were knowledgeable about the menu, offering recommendations that enhanced our meal. The ambience at Banaras is another highlight - a perfect blend of contemporary elegance and cultural warmth. I really liked their table lamps! Overall, Banaras is a must-visit for those seeking an authentic taste of Uttar Pradesh, accompanied by good service and a delightful ambience. Highly recommended! read more

Just as you start doubting the Indian food scene in Seattle, a game-changing restaurant appears, completely blowing you away! Let's begin with the lassi... When it arrived, I initialthought it was a dessert mistakenly brought to our table. But no, that was my lassi, and it was absolutely delicious. If I could rate them five stars just for nailing this one thing, I would gladly do so. The appetizers were exceptional too; the aloo chaat and spinach chaat were bursting with bold flavors, authentically 'banarasi'. The main course was equally impressive, whether it was the butter paneer, malai kofta, kadhi chawal, or simply puri bhaaji. And to top it all off, warm, crispy jalebies. The place is clean, the ambience is fantastic, and there's no wait time for seating. The staff is courteous and knowledgeable. Our server, Atharva, was particularly helpful in explaining the concept and the menu thoroughly. We're definitely going back to try everything on the menu, with the lassi being a constant favorite. read more

I had the most incredible dining experience at Banaras Indian restaurant. From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, with just the right touch of elegance. The staff were attentive, friendly, and went above and beyond to make sure every detail was perfect. The food? Absolutely divine! Each dish was a masterpiece, bursting with fresh flavors and beautifully presented. I highly recommend trying 'litti chokha' and Jalebi. which was an explosion of taste like no other. The restaurant was impeccably clean, and the service was prompt without feeling rushed. It's clear that everyone here takes immense pride in what they do, and it shows in every aspect of the experience. I can't wait to come back and try more from their amazing menu. Highly recommend! read more

5/22/26 - Kashi food Festival - Banaras never disappoints. It brings alive the true essence of Kashi -- Annapurna Maa ki nagari -- where tann, mann, aur aatma sab trupt ho jaate hain The Kashi Food Festival became another beautiful wave of nostalgia, especially with Farrey, Dal ka Dulha, Baigan ki Launji, and the legendary Laung Lata. Farrey tasted exactly like my mom and Nani's kitchen, Dal ka Dulha felt like pure childhood comfort, and the Launji was so perfect - it instantly pulled me into Maa ke haathon ka khana And Laung Lata... crisp, soft, aromatic -- Pehla hee niwala seedhe nanihal aur Dadi ke ghar ki galiyon mein le gaya - pure bliss Chef Yogesh and team have once again woven Kashi's flavors and memories into Bellevue, making it feel like home read more

Banaras in Bellevue is a hidden gem for Indian cuisine enthusiasts! My recent visit was a culinary delight, starting with the Mahavir Aloo Tikki- crispy and full of flavor. The Palak Chaat was a refreshing twist, bursting with tangy goodness. The Sultan Puri Matar paired perfectly with the comforting Litti Chokha. For the main course, the Dum Kaju Paneer was rich and creamy, while the Aloo Poori Tamatar was simply divine. To satisfy sweet cravings, I indulged in Banarasi Gujia Rabdi and airy Malaiyo, both heavenly! Don't miss the refreshing Mango Lassi and Indian Chai served in a charming kulhad. The warm atmosphere and friendly service made it an unforgettable experience. If you're in Bellevue, Banaras is a must-visit! read more

Pure Vegetarian Banaras Restaurant in Seattle is a delightful haven for those seeking authentic flavors from India and service and hospitality like in India, specifically from Banaras. Their laxman mirchi dish is a spicy sensation, combining tender ingredients with a fiery kick. The tamatar chaat is a tangy delight, perfect for those craving something refreshing. Don't miss out on their Banarasi lassi, a creamy indulgence that complements any meal perfectly. And for a flavorful experience, try their little choka dish, which is a delightful blend of tastes and textures. With its inviting atmosphere and delicious offerings, Pure Vegetarian Banaras Restaurant promises a culinary journey straight to the heart of India read more

The taste is SO authentic! Straight from the streets of UP. Omg, that lassi is to die for, the dairy freak in me wanted more, soooo much malai in that lassi, I was in heaven! Our table also ordered kachori aloo , litti chokha and paneer. Kachori and chokha litti - first class. I'm usually not too fond of paneer, but this one had a very nice non creamy gravy. And our desserts were malaiyyo and Jalebi rabdi. The makaiyyo is something so have seen only in Banaras during the winters, it's not available anywhere else. Great work on the menu and the most authentic taste implemented. This place is highly recommended. read more

We visited the restaurant for dine-in and had made a reservation for 8:45 PM, but after calling, the host kindly accommodated us at 7 PM instead. The overall ambiance was pleasant. We ordered Banarsi lassi, handi paneer, garlic naan, litti chokha, tamatar chat, aloo tikki chat, and paneer tikka. The paneer tikka was average, but the other dishes were tasty. Unfortunately, we found a hair in one of the dishes, which was replaced by the staff. We were disappointed to find that Banarsi paan and rabri jalebi were not available. Overall, it was a good experience, but there's definitely some room for improvement. read more

Bad experience with service! Should have trusted the reviews here. Despite arriving 30 minutes before the end of lunch service, I was informed upon arrival that the restaurant was not accepting further reservations due to an existing waiting list. Additionally, I found the website to be lacking in essential information - I wanted to check for infant policies, tried calling them but their number was not functional. The front desk acted unaware for their non functional phone number!! read more

I've visited Banaras multiple times now, and it never disappoints. The food is consistently fantastic, with a menu that stands out from typical Indian restaurants, offering unique and flavorful dishes. The presentation is impressive, and the service is excellent. I recently brought friends here, and they absolutely loved it too. The samosa chaat, jackfruit biryani, and jalebi rabri were the highlights of our meal, and I'm also a big fan of their soya chaap. read more

Easily one of the best Indian food experiences in the US. The flavors are authentic, the service is impressively fast, and the staff are genuinely friendly. The litti chokha and kofta were absolutely mouthwatering--easily the highlight of the meal. Dahi bhalla and kachori were also delicious and packed with flavor. To top it all off, the rabri jalebi was the perfect sweet finish. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

The food was exceptional, with an impressive variety of vegetarian options. Everything we tried was fresh and flavorful. The service was great, with our dishes arriving super quick--a pleasant surprise given hw packed the place was. Though the service is a bit slow, we still enjoy our food and overall experience here at Banaras! read more