Famous Eateries In Bangalore: Iconic Restaurants You Must Visit Once In The City

If you haven’t been to MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms), then you are 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 plate of 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! Coffee, dosa and rava idlis need to enter your system, right about now! Oh, and the little bowl of ghee they serve with their idli. 

Must-Try: Masala Dosa, Rava Idli, South Indian Meals, Coffee

Cost For Two: INR 250 

Timings: 6:30 AM to 11 AM and 12:30 PM to 9:30 PM. Closed on Mondays. 

Rating: 4.3 on Google

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 about traversing 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

Must-Try: Bene Masala Dosa, Idli, Goli Baji, Filter Coffee  

Cost For Two: INR 150 

Timings: 7:30 AM To 12:30 PM and 4 PM to 9:30 PM 

Rating: 4.4 on Google 

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? 

Must-Try: Masala Dose, Khara Bath, Filter Coffee  

Cost For Two: INR 10 

Timings: 6:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 2 PM to 8 PM - Monday to Thursday. 6:30 AM to 12 noon and 2:30 PM to 8 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Friday closed.  

Rating: 4.4 on Google 

An establishment since 1982, Corner House Ice Cream has been dishing out everything from the hugely popular Death By Chocolate to scoops of ice cream to generations of Bangaloreans. It remains one of those iconic eateries in Bangalore that has stood the test of time and continues to serve pretty good food. If you are ever overwhelmed by the choices, go for the Hot Chocolate Fudge: it's a simple, comforting combination of vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, and peanuts.

Must-Try: Hot Chocolate Fudge, Death By Chocolate, Vanilla Ice Cream

Cost For Two: INR 300

Timings: 11 AM to 11:30 PM

Rating: 4.5 on Google

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, ending up at its current addresses in various parts of Bangalore including the original MG Road spot. Pizzas, sandwiches, and milkshakes should be on your priority list. For nostalgia if nothing else. 

Must-Try: Vanilla Ice Cream, Ice Cream Bowl Special, Black Forest Special, Cheese Grill Sandwich 

Cost For Two: INR 500 

Timings: 10 AM to 1 AM   

Rating: 4.1 on Google

You may remember it as a burger kiosk beside the old Rex Theatre, or a dining space in Mota Arcade. Or perhaps you’ve heard of it in the current Museum Road location. 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 the most delicious, while the apple pie has been reigning queen since the 60s. Oh and come Thanksgiving, then their roast turkey is all the rage. 

Must-Try: The Whopper Burger, Sergeant Pepper Steak, Chicken Schnitzel, Apple Pie 

Cost For Two: INR 1,400 

Timings: 12 noon to 3:30 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM.  

Rating: 4.2 on Google

Airlines is one of those few outdoor restaurants in Bangalore that has vibes that just keep giving. Crowded all through the week, especially on weekends, where you'll find people of all ages having breakfast to coffee after their walk at Cubbon Park. Order your dosa and coffee, and then just keep chatting under the trees with the birds for the 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 to buy more time. Or use their drive-in option. Oh and we will tell you this, we don't think the food is what it used to be back in the day, but it's one of those places that you go for the experience and vibes. 

Must-Try: Filter Coffee, Sweet Lime Juice, Vada 

Cost For Two: INR 500 

Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM 

Rating: 4 on Google

Ask anyone from the city where you get the best idlis in town and the majority chances prevail that they will direct you towards this humble eatery in Basavanagudi. Located in 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 chutney that bonds everything together. We dare forget to mention 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.

Must-Try: Idli, Khara Bath, Vada, Filter Coffee

Cost For Two: INR 100 

Timings: 6 AM To 12 noon and 3 AM to 7 PM. Sunday closed. 

Rating: 4.5 on Google

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. 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.

Must-Try: Classic Chicken Burger, Traditional English Breakfast, Pasta Arabiatta, Coffee

Cost For Two: INR 950

Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM on Monday to Friday and 9 AM to 11 PM on Saturday and Sunday

Rating: 4.2 on Google

Sunny's on Lavelle Road is known for their European fare, laidback vibes, and the fact that they have been dishing out some good food for over 20 years. You'll love the setup -- a pretty duplex bungalow smack in the CBD that's perfect for an evening date or a family gathering. We love that dogs are welcome too. Our favourite spot is al fresco area but the upstairs wrap-around verandah is great for a view and a meal with the trees for company.

Must-Try: Chicken Diane, Lamb Chops, Angel Hair Pasta, Sunny's Own Chicken Burger, Crab Cakes

Cost For Two: INR 2,500

Timings: 12 noon to 3:15 PM and 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM on Monday, and 12 noon to 10:30 PM on Tuesday to Sunday  

Rating: 4.1 on Google

The 13th Floor continues to be a great spot, smack in the centre of town, for great views and good food. The space has been around since the 90s and many Bangaloreans still swear by the place for the vibes and ambience because it was one of those places that used to play lots of rock music back in the day. We recommend getting there early to get a table by the balcony area.

Must-Try: The Maharaja Platter, Black Pepper Fish, Wasabi Mushrooms

Cost For Two: INR 2,500

Timings: 12 noon to 12 midnight

Rating: 4.3 on Google

Pecos is probably where most Bangaloreans had their first beer while listening to rock music. The OG Pecos or Pecos Classic was opened in 1989 on Rest House Road near Brigade Road and it's a whole vibe. If you love rock and retro music, you will love the whole vibe of the space. It's filled with posters, audio cassettes, and other rock paraphernalia.

Must-Try: Mushroom Dry Fry, Chicken Kebab, Pecos Chilli Pork, Coorgi Pork

Cost For Two: INR 1,400

Timings: 10:30 AM to 11:30 PM  

Rating: 4.3 on Google

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. 

Must-Try: Chicken Tikka Masala, Dal Makhani, Murg Pakoras

Cost For Two: INR 1,700 

Timings: 12 noon to 3:30 PM and 7 PM to 11:30 PM 

Rating: 3.9 on Google

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. Although the newer (and the older folks) have mixed feelings and reactions to the place concerning their food and service, generally most Bangaloreans continue to swear by the place for the old-world charms. 

Must-Try: Bread Butter Toast, Prawn Biryani, Coffee

Cost For Two: INR 950

Timings: 9 AM to 7:30 PM

Rating: 3.9 on Google