The Most Iconic And Old-School Eateries We Love In The City

If you haven’t been to MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) then you are really missing out on being part of history. And of course on the legendary masala dosa. Quaint, double-storeyed, and packed to the point of people queuing on the street, a trip here must also include a Rava Idli (apparently they created it during WWII when rice to make idlis was scarce, so they experimented with semolina) – the best in the world, we say! They are open for dine-ins till 5pm, just not during the weekends. Coffee and Rava Idlis need to enter your system, right about now!

You may remember it as a burger kiosk beside Rex theatre, or a dining space in Mota Arcade. Or perhaps you’ve heard of it as currently dominating Museum Road’s diners. But heard of The Only Place you have! Started by the late Haroon Sait to bring a slice of quintessential America to Bangalore (chequered tablecloth and all), the burgers have a stand-off with steaks for most delicious, while the apple pie has been reigning queen since the 60s. They are open for dine-in till 4:30 pm on weekdays so don't just arrange for a stakeout, go for the kill. 

A legacy running successfully since 1930, your grandparents probably had their first date here over the then exotic strawberry ice cream. Owned originally by Englishman James Meadow Charles, it was sold (incidentally, in 1947!) to Indian Vraj Lal. Then came more than just ice cream. Despite a few ups and downs, the loyalists followed it around, ending up at its current addresses in Indiranagar and the original MG Road spot. Pizzas, ‘sand witches’ and milkshakes should be on your priority list. For nostalgia if nothing else. They are open for dine-in till 5pm and while we do recommend the dates, we urge you to maintain social distancing. 

An absolute Bangalore establishment, Koshy’s technically comprises Jewel Box, Parade Café and Koshy’s Bakery all in the same building. If you lived in times gone by, you may have bumped into Queen Elizabeth II or even Jawaharlal Nehru here. Now though, the artsy sort gather here for filter coffee and Prawn Biryani in the evening. For breakfast, bread-butter-jam with a side order of eggs (made to order), bacon and sausages is a staple. Or head here for an English Sunday lunch of roast chicken, gravy, stuffing and potato. Then lurk around for some coffee. And then some more. Until you need pakodas and a sandwich! Open for dine-ins till 5pm, embrace the old Bangalore charm, once again. 

Oh don’t we love our ‘tiffin’ and coffee. Home to writers, artists and poets in the 40s, and hungry townsfolk in current times. Bangaloreans will not think twice to traverse the lengths of the city for a plate of hot bene dose (bene = butter, copious amounts of butter) and a glass of piping hot unadulterated filter coffee after. Early morning breakfast here means waiting for a bit, but it is all worth it in the end. Old-world charm is maintained at this hotspot. It’s common courtesy to eat and take the coffee outside to make room for others. Word of advice: have a chat with some of the senior citizens while here. They’ll open your eyes to the Bangalore of the past. No really, it is said to be the oldest establishment for brekkie. Operating at 50% seating capacity, you will want to have a bite of awesome, all until 5pm on weekdays. Do know that crowds throng this place and you might want to be extra cautious. 

Oh how Airlines broke our hearts when they shut shop temporarily. But mercifully they reopened and fans flocked for their fill of ‘Airlines One-By-Two’ coffee, ‘masaldosa’ and then topped it off with hot Jalebis and Kesari Bhath. Then just keep chatting under the trees with the birds for company until someone from service throws your bill on the table, signifying your time out. If you’re smart, like most regulars are, you’ll quickly order sweet lime juice and channa bhatura (fluffy and divine) to buy more time. Or use their drive-in option. They're open for dine-in till 5pm. You should be glad to hear this because in a way, they're saving you from the onslaught of mosquitoes that begins once dusk sets in.

Set in the Centenary Building on MG Road, this legendary North Indian restaurant is perhaps the pioneer of the cuisine in Bangalore. Paneer, any kind, but especially the tikka is divine, and the kebabs, be it lamb or chicken, are soft, flavourful and succulent. Dal Makhani is what the place is famous for, and is to be paired with tandoori roti. That said, it hasn’t kept up décor very much, and the pricing does seem a bit high. Still, we’ll go there. Again. They are open on weekdays from 12pm - 3:30pm, only for lunch. 

Bringing you outstanding Masala Dosa, Khara Bhath, Kesari Bhath and filter coffee since 1943, there’s little about Vidhyarthi Bhavan that isn’t typical old Bangalore. Times and things may have changed around it, but this no-frills establishment keeps things as simple as always. Well, the amount of ghee they put might have increased further. But who’s complaining, eh? They're open for dine-in till 5pm and we must add, you might not have people gawking at your food, all set to pounce upon your table as soon as it is vacated but still, crowds may gather.

Ask anyone from the city where you get the best idlis in town and majority chances prevail that they will direct you towards this humble eatery. Located on a rather quaint residential area in Basavanagudi, this legendary outlet has come to be known for its piping hot idlis, crisp vadas, the chow chow bath and the star of the show, their flavourful watery chutney that bonds everything together. We dare forget to mention about the place's filter coffee. Such is the taste that you will perennially find this place inundated with people for as long as it is open. You can takeaway parcels as well.

Truly a cafe for the soul, Urban Solace, is as Bangalore as it gets. Music, comedy, Ulsoor lake, coffee...it's a proper adda. Apart from the chill vibes and the artsy culture the place has been a starting point for many (what, you didn't know that folks like Sanjay Manaktala and Kanan Gill kicked off their careers here?). Make sure to order their steaks, potato skins and loaded fries. But that of course is only after you've made your way through the waffles, and classic breakfasts. Oh, the breakfasts at Urban Solace - sausages, eggs, waffles, French toast, all the trimmings of a Breakfast Of Champions, get it here! While you're there, make sure to chat with owner Perry. He has so many intriguing stories you'll need round 2 of brekkie or at the very least a cup more of the House Coffee.

Pro-Tip: Keep an eye out for events here when they do kick off again!

COVID-19 Tip: The above eateries are operating following all government guidelines in view of COVID-19. However, we do urge you to practice restraint in hitting these spots en masse. Remember, you can also order your food from these places online through food delivery websites.