Eat, Drink And Shop: Here's Everything You Can Do In Jayanagar

You come to Jayanagar for the cult eateries which have built their reputation on single dishes. We'll have you know that till very recently, Jayanagar had a host of vans and even autos that served amazing dosas and idlis. That being said here's where to sit (or stand) and get your fill of tiffin.

Nondescript and unabashedly no-frills, Cool Joint is always bursting at the seams with quick-moving patrons. Apart from their iconic tomato cheese sandwiches and milkshakes, you can enjoy softee ice cream, cotton candy, and popcorn too. 

The dosas are revelatory, as is the coffee; ardent devotees of the thali will also do well to make a beeline for this decades-old institution. There’s no sitting here, so best pick up your plate and glass as quickly as they serve it. Head there post 10am but before 3:30pm to skip the crowd. 

More of the south Indian fare that Jayanagar renders so excellently. But it’s not run-of-the-mill by any means: the brief menu at Taaza Thindi contains all sorts of treasures, including an unforgettable khara bhath.

Shivaji Military Hotel is one of Bangalore’s most iconic military hotels, that is still standing strong every after the wear and tear of hundreds of people bustling through. If you're looking for authentic Donne Biryani, the unassuming Shiviji Military Hotel will have you going back for more. 

Craving sabudana vada and shrikhand instead of idli-sambar? Rajvardhan Foods is there for you. This modest establishment has been supplying the city with a short-and-sweet list of Maharashtrian favourites.

Even though south Indian snacks, tiffin, and breakfasts reign supreme, Jayanagar has a few cafes, and casual dining spots with multicuisine options. Most of them are reasonably priced, and you'll see many gimmicky spots around colleges and parks. Here are some to try. 

We don’t need to introduce Toscano, but if you’re looking to enjoy a glass of wine, artisan pasta or pizza overlooking a park with great company, this is where to go.

For all things clean, locally sourced, and organic, Go Native will sort you out. They have many local staples and seasonal specials on their menu. Feel free to also shop for handicraft and artisan-made lifestyle products in their store

For cute dates, and many types of tea and snacks, head to Tea Villa. At a tree-lined street, Tea Villa is ideal for dates where you don’t want to splurge, but still want to impress. A proper tea room, they provide those cute hourglasses to let your tea brew to the optimal level - giving you more time to bond with your date. 

If it’s coffee you seek, one street away from Tea Villa is Alchemy Coffee Roasters. Their portions are generous and their coffee is roasted in house. You can choose to sit outside or enjoy the ambience indoors that reminds us of a mountain cabin.  

If you’d rather not go all the way to Indiranagar or Koramangala, head to Glen’s in JP Nagar. You can enjoy their signature mini-cupcakes, or breakfast options like waffles, pancakes, and more. 

For those of you who love Pan Asian and world cuisine but only want to head to pure-vegetarian restaurants, head to Patios. Definitely try their poutines, as well as their other offerings including raw papaya salad, Che Thai and nachos. 

While Jayanagar hasn’t always been known for its watering holes, a few have popped up in the last decade. For evening drinks, and dinners, head to Once Upon a Rooftop to enjoy the evening air. If it’s a brewery you’re after, head to Brewmeister, or to Gustoes to enjoy their offerings on tap. Looking to enjoy wines, craft beer, and artisan cocktails? Maya is your answer. 

Sweet shops are aplenty in Jayanagar, but Mishra Peda by the 4th block market and (obviously) Kanthi Sweets is perfect if you’re looking to take home a box or few. Want to get ice cream? Jaynagar boasts of 2 Corner Houses - one in 9th Block, and one in 5th block. If you enjoy experimenting, head to Milano or Naturals. 

There’s plenty to shop at Jayanagar – from terracotta crockery to Khadi saris. If we were to list out every individual store that you can buy something at, you’ll be stuck on this list for days. Jayanagar boasts of large stores of big brands (Indian and international), designer brands, indie brands, suppliers of all sizes, and handicraft options too. Most stores are clustered around a particular area or street, so we’ll just direct you there to explore and splurge.

The big daddy of old-school shopping. Unfortunately, the original complex has been demolished after surviving multiple fires. While a section of it is still intact, most stores of the original Jayanagar 4th Block Complex have been moved to a multi-storey building opposite the bus stand. A treat to the window-shopper and the errand-shopper alike, Puja items, books, clothes, vegetables, you get pretty much everything here. And around the complex, find various stores from all brands be it American Tourister, Titan, Bata, and more. 

True to its name, the 9th Block area is chock-a-block with street vendors, small shops, and stalls of all kinds. The market is largely in a grid and on the streets, you can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables. Find all kinds of stores - from utensils, craft materials, and fancy stores, they’re all pretty much the same. You can usually get a good bargain too. 

Depending on who you ask, the Central here is either in JP Nagar or Jayangar. Right by the Jayanagar 9th Block market, the space is your one-stop shop for clothing, accessories, and home decor. It also has an Inox, McDonalds, and a cool concept restaurant called Jalsa. 

A shopping complex opposite Vijaya College on 11th Main, the High Street shopping complex has Chumbak, And, Chemistry, Ritu Kumar and a baby store called Baby Hug. They also have a jewellery store called Wondr that creates and sells accessories made of lab-grown (ethical) diamonds. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the Belgian Waffle Co here. 

Jayanagar has many stores for Western Wear. All popular brands are available here either around the 4th Block Market area. Notable ones include The Wearhouse and Lehar Casuals. At Jayanagar 11th Main check out Max, Levis, UCB, Arrow, and Jockey. There’s always Westside near Ashoka Pillar.  

Pro-Tip: For sustainable fashion, head to The Summer House, a boutique that primarily retails online, but you can write them a letter or visit their studio during one of their pop-ups. They’re known for their focus on minimalism and slow-living. Expect skirts, tops, dresses and shorts, and their revolutionary eco-friendly swimwear.

There are a whole bunch of Indian wear options on Jayanagar 11th Main especially. Here are some of the options that we love. If not there, you can always head to Marenahalli Road (between Jayanagar and JP Nagar) and pick up sarees from there. 

For the latest, designer-inspired lehengas, trust Velvet Sheen on 11th Main. Pick up blingy lehengas that can be styled with flowy kurtas. Or sheer ones embellished with lace and elaborate embroidery work. The underground store is also an excellent place to pick up trendy, sangeet and cocktail gowns that have a desi twist to them. 

Reportedly the same brand that Deepika Padukone bought her wedding saree from, the House Of Angadi has lovely, traditional weaves and unique designs. Their experience centre cum store on Ashoka Pillar road is worth a visit if you’re not restricted by budget and are looking to pick up classy sarees. 

If you love Jaipur prints then Anokhi should be your BFF. The Jayanagar 11th Main branch stocks all the classics - from cotton tunic tops to the funky block printed dupattas and short tops. All cotton, block printed, and full of colour of course. 

During the festive, and wedding season, you and the rest of the squad are sorted at Deepam Silks. Find luxuriant Kanjeevarams, soft Jute-silks, to practical everyday cottons in all hues of the rainbow. They also have a range of lehengas and semi-stitched Salwar-suit sets. 

Kalaniketan is what is known as a ‘family store’ because you get something for everyone in the family. Apart from being reasonably priced, their ethnic wear collection covers daily and occasion wear for whatever kind of South Indian you are (just check out the displayed mannequins and you’ll see).

With two locations in town, the Fazal’s on 11th main takes up many a bridal wear request. What’s interesting is that the 122-year-old brand also takes up uniform orders if you give them your requirements. They also stock innerwear (including stockings, shape-wear, and gloves, if you need), casual wear and loungewear. 

Sarees in weaves and fabrics from across the country, you’ll find great options for those one-off occasions where people ask you where you got such a unique piece. Elegant drapes like Ikat, Bandhini, Ajrakh, Chikankari, Kanjivaram, Chanderi, Banarasi and more are available here. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, check out their jewellery too. 

Go all out for that Big Fat Indian wedding and dazzle the crowd with Mayeeka’s extravagant collection. Though it’s down the road from the more popular section of Jayanagar 11th Main, it’s a great option far from the crowd. So you can leisurely browse through their collection and get something custom made, without fighting for the staff’s attention! 

There’s really no dearth of options, but if you’re one of those “I’ll check out the collection in all stores before I make a purchase” here are other brands for Indian wear. You can also look for tailors in alleys next to all large complexes.

Bigger brands: Soch, Nalli, Kumarans, Roop Sangam, Vijaylankshmi Silks, Fabindia 

Casual Indianwear: Asma, Awesome, Biba, Global Desi, Jayanagar Duppatta Centre 

If you’re not the kind of person who buys footwear off the street, or the shopping complex, there are always brands like Woodlands, Boots, Sketchers, Bata, and sports stores like Nike, Adidas, Puma, and others. For jewellery and accessories, there’s Time Stop, Tanishq, and multiple street shops with the usual array of junk jewellery, but there are some that have stood the test of time and trends

With two outlets in the city, many a bride and wedding guest have gone to Bhavani Kangan Store for their big day. They’re unmatched when it comes to imitation jewellery that look better than the real thing. With four floors of different types of jewellery for different occasions, you can even rent out jewellery for occasions at reasonable prices. 

Right next to Bhavani is Shringar Jewellers, which operates on a similar format, but they’re better known for their rental options (and have a smaller, but pricer selection for purchase) and also are official suppliers of imported skincare and cosmetic products. 

GRT: For gold, silver, and jewellery made of precious metals, head to GRT Jewellers in 4th Block. They take orders for custom jewellery as well

C. Krishnaiah Chetty & Sons: One of Bangalore’s oldest jewellers, CKC has a large showroom with temple jewellery, platinum options, and other traditional jewellery options. 

Kushal’s: Looking for fancy occasion friendly jewellery? Kushal’s has a range of unique, designer-esque jewellery but at reasonable prices. Jewllery here falls in line with Indian and Indo-western styles. 

Raikar’s: Best known for their exquisite silver jewellery options, the small store in 4th Block features many styles including tribal, western, and traditional Indian designs. That being said, their collections are always reflective of contemporary aesthetics. 

While there aren’t too many standout brands for home decor in Jayanagar, you can definitely head to Studio Pepperfry, Tassels, Home Town, Classic Decor, and Floating Walls for furnishings among other places. 

Shashi Bagchi’s terracotta store is an ode to the functionality and aesthetics of “cooked earth”. From sample decorative pieces, plenty of planters for indoor and outdoor settings to utensils, you’ll find it all here.

In the quiet bylanes of Jayanagr 4 T Block is Evotique which has a range of home decor and furniture options. What sets them apart is the fact that all furniture and decor in the store are made of recycled and reclaimed materials. From World War era lunch boxes made into clocks, to old temple doors turned into a statement table, their range is worth buying.

For those of you who want to add an artsy touch to your home, check out Raaga Arts. Their range fits into any home with an Indian aesthetic so you’ll find brass idols, bells, lamps, and intricate Tanjore Paintings. They also take up custom orders (if you want to size up or down). 

As the name suggests, it’s all things rural here; Grameena Angadi carries pottery, other handicrafts, wooden games, handlooms and khadi textiles, and herbal and organic fare.

A well known Bangalore based bookstore, Spana Bookstores has been providing books, games, and stationery for decades now. You can also place orders for specific academic and exam prep books if you need. 

Head to Buffalo back for farm-fresh, organic, and locally sourced produce and groceries. They also have a small cafe space with an experimental menu and use it to occasionally host events as well. 

Most of the things to do in Jayanagar involve the outdoors and parks. That being said, these are the standout ones. 

Even among Jayanagar’s several parks, the Nandanavana Park stands out for its kid-friendliness: toddlers and children can play on slides, tunnels, and other activities. Even better? It’s all for the princely sum of INR 5.

This lake has plenty of history to it: some accounts suggest it goes back as far as 1,400 years. Joggers, walkers, and residents favour the lake for a tranquil stroll.

Lalbagh is the end of Jayanagar, and we don’t have to tell you that you can head there to enjoy all types of natural beauty. It’s one of Bangalore’s oldest manicured gardens, and even has a monolith that iss 3000 years old.