In Hinduism, it’s said Shiva founded the ancient holy city of Varanasi on the banks of the Ganges in India, making it an important pilgrimage site. But I’m here to convince you to visit a different Varanasi altogether. This one can be found a little closer, being one of Birmingham’s most beautiful restaurants, on, of all places, Broad Street.
Varanasi was recently crowned the UK’s third-best fine dining restaurant by TripAdvisor’s The Travellers’ Choice Awards. It now holds a ‘Best of the Best’ title, which is awarded to only those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews. Out of our 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.
A taste of India
With 1,452 reviews, Varanasi holds a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. Having opened a decade ago in 2016, “inspired by the opulence and decadence of Dubai”, it’s nice to see that the fine dining restaurant is still beloved locally for its grand Indian palace-themed setting and authentic Indian cuisine.
We can’t delve into what all the reviews say right now, but in general, Varanasi is highly regarded for its attentive service, with a focus on welcoming staff and special occasions, and its mix of good value with high-quality food. The elegant atmosphere is also high on many diners’ favourites.
From bhunas and biryani to samosas and seekh kebabs, you’ll find everything you could want on its huge menu. And although mostly served à la carte, you may find ordering a set menu for the whole table easier if in a bigger group. I also recommend ordering something from the Indian-themed cocktail and mocktail menus.
As Birmingham’s biggest restaurant, spanning over three massive floors, there are even multiple private, secluded dining areas for anything from celebrations to business meetings, as well as booths for smaller parties, if you need them. Making Varanasi ideal for any occasion.
