The West End’s most exciting and vibrant Indian Restaurant in Mayfair
Atul Kochhar has been at the forefront of fine Indian dining in the UK for the past thirty years, becoming the recognisable and popular face of modern Indian cuisine as a celebrated restaurateur, television personality and cookery book author.
Kanishka opened in March 2019 to global acclaim and in 2023, Atul appointed his protegee, Ashok Kumar, winner of the prestigious Lumina Challenge 2023, as Executive Chef. Named for King Kanishka, an emperor of the Kushan dynasty in the second century, known for his military, political and spiritual achievements, the restaurant is inspired by this “King of Kings” achievements. Widely respected and honoured by his subjects, King Kanishka was regarded as the greatest king who ever lived due to his kindness, humility and sense of equality.
Atul was the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin star for innovative fine dining cuisine in 2001, winning a second in 2007. An author of six cookery books currently in print with a further books due, Atul today is Chef/Patron of a portfolio of seven British restaurants specialising in his brand of innovative Indian cuisine which invites diners to experience a journey of Indian gastronomic discovery. Continually expanding on his repertoire of regional Indian cuisine with regular trips back home, Atul continues to promote the best of Indian gastronomic fare combining modern techniques to traditional recipes and ingredients.
Ashok has over fifteen years’ experience in the hospitality industry, working alongside Atul in many of his restaurants, including the award-winning Indian Essence in Petts Wood. An exciting young chef, Ashok beat off strong competition to make it to the final of the National Chef of the Year 2022, winning the Lumina Challenge in 2023. Born into a household where food was the centre of their world, he came over to the UK at 24, clutching a hotel management diploma, before first coming under Atul’s wing at the Colony Bar and Grill in Marylebone. Forming something of a culinary partnership with Atul, his new role sees him following in Atul’s footsteps, using authentic techniques and flavours combined with the freshest British produce to produce dynamic seasonal menus, re-interpreting traditional regional recipes with a modern touch.
He is featured on the Great British Menu, London and Southeast region in 2024 where the theme is celebrating the Olympics and Paralympics with dishes for a banquet hosted by the British Ambassador in France and Team GB to wish our athletes good luck in Paris.
Creating Memorable Experiences
Come and enjoy Atul Kochhar’s innovative take on regional Indian cuisine, using the freshest of British ingredients to re-invent and transform traditional recipes with his inimitable flair and light touch. Experience the memorable and compelling flavours of India with its subtle blend of spices, perfect for all discerning palates.
Gifts at Kanishka Restaurant Mayfair
GIFT VOUCHERS
For the perfect gift, buy a culinary voucher for Kanishka by Atul Kochhar, allowing friends and family to enjoy a delicious and innovative gastronomic journey through the regions of India. Buy a Gift Voucher
Give the gift on experience and our Four-Hands collaborations are designed for making memories. When booking three or more Four-Hands experiences via gift vouchers, you can also enjoy a 25% off discount. Simply enter the code ‘fourhands25’ when purchasing your vouchers.
SIGNED COOKBOOKS
Author of six cookery books, the latest to hit the bookshelves is Atul’s “Curry Everyday“, a collection of over 100 vegetarian recipes and curries from Jaipur to Japan, perfect for recreating meat free Indian cuisine for a healthier lifestyle.
Our Chef Patron at Indian Restaurant Mayfair
Atul Kochhar has been at the forefront of Indian cuisine for over 30 year. He was the first Indian chef to receive a Michelin Star for innovative, fine dining cuisine in 2001 whilst at Tamarind, London.
Chef Atul achieved the star a second time in 2007 during his tenure at Benares, Mayfair.
Atul has become the recognisable face of modern Indian cuisine on television, in print media, at festivals and on the radio.
His innovative take on food continues to win Atul an admiring public through regular TV appearances including BBC’s Great British Menu, BBC’s Saturday Kitchen, James Martin Saturday Morning, Yes Chef, Curry On and The Chef. Most recently Atul’s entrepreneurial nature made him the perfect investor on BBC2 and Netflix series, Million Pound Menu.
With recipes, restaurant reviews and interviews featured internationally in print and online, Atul has also written 6 number admired cookbooks with a further 3 books confirmed.
While continuing as a restaurateur and balancing other commitments, it’s important to Atul that his time outside of the kitchen is dedicated to a further range of positive endeavours.
His charity work encompasses The Prince’s Trust and Great Ormond Street Hospital and One Family, amongst others. Atul is ambassador to The British Asian Trust, supporting high-impact charities in South Asia and the UK.