New In Town: Places To Shop, Eat, & Visit In Bangalore

With the decor a nod to the classic British-style pubs—think maroon wooden accents, greens, and comfy chairs and stools—Sally by 1522 has a menu that's got something from everywhere with drinks that are both classic and of course beers flowing. Speaking of beers, there's also a unique beer-on-subscription offer on the cards. 

Eight has opened up at Phoenix Mall of Asia with a focus on Eastern and Pan-Asian flavours. Think tataki, ceviche, robata grill, izakaya menu, dim sums, baos, sashimi, nigiri, and cheung funs. Some things we hear you need to try include Japanese Eggplant Tobanjan, Har Gao, Peking Dumplings, and Jasmine Smoked New Zealand Pork Ribs. 

Koramangala's Jugini does progressive Indian cuisine with cocktails in a beautifully done-up space with rustic vibes and elements. Some of the dishes we are looking forward to try include Bhopali Hunter Style Gurda Kalegi, Mutton Sukkha, Prawn Chettinad Varuvalm, Kundapur Prawn Roast, and Chuda Ghugni Box. 

The 300-seater microbrewery in Yelahanka is designed to look like a European town square complete with lampposts, cobblestone floor, and manicured greens all around. Orah's menu has Gongura Patta Chaat, Black Sesame Chicken Tikka, and Mangalorean Mushroom Sukka along with beers on tap and crafted cocktails. 

IZA in Yemalur serves up Pan-Asian favourites along with sake, wine, and cocktails. They have a sushi belt and some well-crafted cocktails on the menu too. The menu includes dishes such as Korean Meatballs, Crispy Chilli Edamame, and Sichuan Pomfret. They also have dishes from Taiwan, Indonesia, and Singapore as well. 

The popular Kerala burger joint has set up shop in town and is serving some seriously good burgers. Their tenderloin burger is the most popular and they do bagels, hot dogs, and loaded fries. We recommend the Smash Burger and the Asian-slaw Burger. Oh, and there's coffee on the menu too. 

Plaka by Chef Ajay Chopra celebrates the chef's 25-year culinary journey with regional dishes such as Potlam Biryani and Egg Kalaki along with creative dishes in the form of Chur Chur Naan Boar and Strawberry and Cream Tres Leches. The cocktail menu here is inspired by the different areas of the city. 

Pijja takes pizza and makes it fully desi inside their two-storied space that features graffiti and art on the walls. The space is more than a pizza joint with the space inviting artists and creators to use their Jam and Podcast rooms. The menu includes both classic flavours as well as twisted desi options such as Andhra Chili Margherita, Lamb Ullarthu Fior Di Latte, and Caccio e Pippali. They also offer pizza by the slice and there's coffee too! 

Mumbai's KOKO brings together luxe Asian gastro-pub vibes, as well as private and alfresco dining spaces and a menu that's all-inclusive and features Japanese and Cantonese favourites. The concoctions from the bar are potent and well-crafted—and our picks include Tom Yum Cup and Miso Caliente. In the food, try the Hamachi Maki, Singapore Black Pepper Dumpling, and Peking Duck with Pancake. 

The British chain of pizzerias has opened up not one, but three new locations including their 100th international PizzaExpress with the store located inside Phoenix Mall of Asia. You can get your pizza in two bases—1965 Original Traditional Pizza or the Romana Pizza. Try their signature Dough Balls with Trio Dips and pizza such as Calabrese, Leggera, and Calzone. 

Chef Rhea Aaron's Klaa Kitchen has opened up on Indiranagar's Double Road and it's a little slice of Goa in Bangalore. You don't need to catch a flight to Goa to dig into a fish thali that features crab xec xec and rava fish fry. There's Chorizo Pulao, Cafreal, Vindaloo, Balchao, and Recheado on the menu as well. The Chorizo is straight from Goa. Oh, we hear that the cutlets are a must-try. And that one shouldn't miss on the Serradura. 

Touted to be India's largest brewpub (that's spread over 65K square feet) and features what is supposedly the tallest waterfall and the biggest bridge inside a brewpub as well. Their crafted cocktails are regional and unique with names like Lakhimpur Kheri, and Kollam. In terms of food, their Indian food stands out from the rest along with street-food-inspired bar bites. They plan to keep hosting events and live music frequently as well. 

Echo at Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road is a rooftop lounge bar and dining space with alfresco seating, live music, and an extensive gin cocktail menu that showcases over 30 gin brands. The menu spans regional and bar bites, and their Loaded Nachos are highly recommended. 

Bangalore's newest and trendiest gourmet table and wine bar, Swwing in Indiranagar is the brainchild of food entrepreneur Akshay Luthriya and Chef Tarun Sibal. The restaurants draws inspiration for its tropical vibe and cuisine from but not limited to countries like Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Singapore and Korea. Go here for the food, stay for the wine and the ambience that's great for mid-week quiet dinners and date nights. We recommend the Cocoa Butter Prawns, Sundal Hummus, and Goat Gochujang Ghee Roast. And in the drinks section, we say try the Swwing A Ling and Tropical Bellini.

The city's first Victoria's Secret has opened up inside Phoenix Mall Of Asia and it has everything from body care to lingerie. The brand's signature bras, panties and sleepwear from collections such as Dream Angels and Victoria’s Secret PINK Wear Everywhere Bra are all stocked here. Fragrances, body mist, and body lotions are there from the Bombshell, and Very Sexy collections. 

Bangalore's first Nestasia store is at Ecoworld, Bellandur and they have everything from home decor to ceramics and everything in between. You'll find yourself obsessing over their entire range of ceramic dinnerware, serveware, and kitchenware. The store does not rival the online store's collection however you'll find the best of what the brand has to offer.

H&M Home is finally here and all our plans of saving up or having any semblance of financial control have gone for the toss. For those of you who have already visited H&M Home stores or who have browsed through the online store, you know what to expect. Pick up everything from ceramic to decor and soft furnishings to bath.