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Bengalureans will always make time to revisit the spots that put the city where it is today, especially if it comes with good food! Over the years, Bengaluru has seen an increase in the number of people visiting its cafes and restaurants serving a diverse range of gastronomic pleasures. Other than its fresh air and amazing weather, Bengaluru has so much to offer in terms of dining (and drinking), and it’s worth making it a point to visit some of the city's gastronomic wonders. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some of the best spots you need to visit, no matter what, when it comes to trying the best dishes in the city.
DYU Art Cafe
Art and craft have progressed from modest hobbies to powerful displays of personality. What was previously the exclusive province of galleries and studios has now spilt over into daily spaces, such as coffee shops, where creation and leisure coexist. Among them is DYU Art Cafe, creating the apt blend of lively flavours. This cafe is located in the Koramangala community, which is ripe for new chances. Freshly prepared coffee and excellent food, along with creative energy, provide the ideal setting in one unique venue. French croquettes, tuna melt sandwiches, chicken florentine, cold mocha, chicken salad sandwich, and vegetable stroganoff are all highly recommended dishes from the menu. Plus, the space frequently holds art workshops and exhibitions as well!
Address: KHB MIG Colony, Dyu Art Cafe 23, 22, 1st Cross Rd, Koramangala 8th Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095
Timings: 10 AM - 10:30 PM
Price: INR 1,600 for two
Koshy’s
Set GPS to Koshy’s on St Mark's Road. Favourites will always be favourites, yeah? Like the roast chicken and fish ‘n’ chips. The former, soft inside and crisp outside, arrive with lumpy (but delicious) mashed potatoes, chunky boiled veggies and gravy that maintains an amazing peppery standard all year, every year. The fish is deep-fried, and the tartare sauce isn’t just mayonnaise. Throw in home-cut chips, and you’ll feel like you’re in London. Prawn biryani is another winner here. Spicy and full of masalas, with massive prawns in them. Then, appam and stew for that traditional Sunday lunch with the family, or perhaps you’re the ghee rice and fish or chicken curry kinds. Breakfast is a legendary affair here as well–Spanish omelettes, Koshy’s special coffee, cream on chicken sandwich and for desserts try the caramel custard or peach melba.
Address: 39, St Mark's Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Timings: 9 AM - 11 PM
Price: INR 1,000 for two
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Central Tiffin Room (CTR)
Now known as Shri Sagar, Central Tiffin Room (or CTR) is an old-Bangalore institution and home to the best benne masala dosa in town. Plus, your pocket won’t feel a thing. Standing on one corner of 7th Cross in Malleswaram, CTR is synonymous with the benne masala dosa. Even as the waiter is carrying the yellow, plastic plates laden with the gleaming dose towards you (or to another table), you are very likely to swoon a little with the wafting aroma of melted butter. When it’s plonked in front of you, and you hastily tear off a piece, the ensuing crunch is music to the ears. Also, recommend that you insist on the pudina (mint) chutney instead of just the coconut one. With 66 years of practice, you know it doesn't get better! There’s also the Kali dosa set, a fluffy dosa without the added calories from the butter. Get the chow chow bhath. The smooth, melt-in-the-mouth kesari bhath starts your day on a sweet note. While the lightly spiced, khara bhath acts as the perfect foil to all the sugar.
Address: 7th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560003
Timings: 7 AM - 12:30 PM and 4 PM - 10:30 PM
Price: INR 150 for two
Also Read: Why Are Darshinis In Bengaluru Called So?
Meghana’s
Serving Andhra-style biryani, Meghana’s on Residency Road is a place where you can eat for days without having to burn a hole in your pocket. Strong flavours like bay leaf and saffron are what bring people back to the restaurant for its. If you're picky about meat, we suggest having the chicken boneless biryani. With flavoured basmati rice (mildly spiced), it is topped with boneless chicken pieces cooked perfectly. The mutton biryani is another speciality. Be sure to have the chicken 65, and if you like something spicier, the chilly chicken. They also have options like chicken tikka and tandoori. If you’re a seafood lover, try the prawn biryani. For you vegetarians, the folks here specialise in making vegetarian biryani as well. Offering versions with veggies like beans, potatoes and carrots, the paneer and mushroom biryani are personal favourites for many. If you’re one of those vegetarians who sway towards eating eggs, it is highly recommended to try the egg biryani.
Address: 57/1, 1st, Jayalakshmi Chambers, Residency Rd, next to Old Galaxy Theatre, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560025
Timings: 11:30 AM - 1 AM
Price: INR 1,000 for two
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Uru Brewpark
Some of the best memories are often made at Uru Brewpark, Bengaluru’s first brewpark that has a gin garden, a brewery and a bistro. You will love the open space the brewpark has, with your favourite spot being the cafe section with a bar in the centre, which opens out to the gin garden and the private barbecue section. It's an all-out experiential space that's got something for everyone. The microbrewery will be one of the first to have a healthy menu, so expect everything from sweet potato steak to Buddha bowls and kombucha to be part of the global menu. Plus, not to mention artisanal single-origin coffee and some signature cocktails. Filled with greenery, be sure to try their interesting cocktails and desserts like tiramisu and Kahlua mousse. It doesn't matter whether you're with family or friends; there is something to eat for everyone you want to bring along.
Address: Maratt Estate, Bannerghatta Rd, Dollar Layout, Phase 4, J. P. Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560078
Timings: 10:30 AM - 12 midnight
Price: INR 2,800 for two
Kopitiam Lah
Kopitiam Lah, India's first kopitiam, began operations in Indiranagar, Bengaluru, in mid-July 2024, and the chimes on its front door have not stopped ringing, nor have reservations slowed. Kopitiam Lah introduces the kopitiam tradition of Singapore and Malaysia to Bengaluru with thick, caramelised Hainanese-style kopi and a menu based on home cuisine. The location, led by pastry designer Joonie Tan and chef David D'Souza, combines rustic Southeast Asian ingredients with a sophisticated setting. Steamed eggs with XO sauce, okra with handmade soy, and kopi in varieties O, C, and Peng, as well as Milo peng. Their petite Asian bakes, such as rendang pies, char siu puffs, egg tart,s add to the charm, all served in a cosy, homely atmosphere.
Address: Ground Floor, 1088, 12th Main Rd, Doopanahalli, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008
Timings: 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Price: INR 2,000 for two
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Maya
Calling itself India's first slow-living restaurant and art gallery, this restaurant in Jayanagar wins for its farm-to-table concept and a menu that is a mix of Asian, Indian, and everything in between. Soups for those cold evenings, pizza for when you are with the gang, and mutton curry when you feel extra peckish. But the dessert takes the cake! The Portuguese Sawdust appears too heavy to tackle. But, surprisingly, it is airy and sweetly sweet; a fantastic design that disappears in 60 seconds flat! If you can taste the freshness in every bite, it's because they source their produce every day from local farmers in Bangalore. It is also amazing to learn that Maya plans to become a zero-waste restaurant in one year and feed starving animals as part of their efforts and campaigns!
Address: 5th block, 60, 10th main, 38th cross, 560041, Nagar, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560041
Timings: 12 PM - 11 PM
Price: INR 2,000 for two
Lavonne
Lavonne is located just off Double Road, so it’s a quiet part of Indiranagar — not too many cars zooming by, so sitting outside is a great option. The number of tables available is limited, as people seem to come and sit for hours on end, either chatting or doing work. The inside seating is also quite charming, although we found it a little bright. The eclair here is excellent; absolutely stuffed with smooth chocolate cream, and the pastry is delicate without being too soggy. The apple pie is crumbly on the outside and moist on the inside, and not the least bit saccharine. The drinks are by far what win your heart, though. The hot chocolate is rich and creamy, and the cappuccino is strong enough to give you a bit of a coffee rush! And they seem to have perfected their coffee-to-milk ratio, so kudos.
Address: Samrah Plaza, 4/2, Ground Floor, St. Mar, s Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Timings: 8:30 AM - 11 PM
Price: INR 1,300 for two
Image Credit: Pexels
Champaca
If you’re in search of hidden gems in the city, visit Champaca. Hidden away in the quiet lanes of Edwards Road, Champaca is a gorgeous, independently owned, women-run space that overlooks an avocado tree. Calling it a space is an understatement, for it's a bookstore, a library, and a cafe all rolled into one. Located on the rooftop of a bungalow, once you climb the metal staircase, you are greeted by a charming space that's naturally lit with seating for about 30 people at a time. They feature coffee from Third Wave Coffee Roasters and a menu of yummy food created by Copper & Cloves. While browsing their carefully curated selection of books, you can soak up Bangalore's old-world charm. Kale Caesar salad, chorizo tempeh tacos, and charred pumpkin wedges, wonderful for an unhurried brunch with coffee and books in a beautiful, tree-filled setting.
Address: 7/1, Edward Rd, off Queens Road, Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Timings: 10 AM - 7 PM
Price: INR 600 for two
