Eat, Shop, & Drink: Here's Everything You Can Do In Ulsoor

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The quaint neighbourhood of Ulsoor or Halasuru is one of the oldest hoods in Bangalore and is part of the larger Central Bangalore area. Its neighbouring hoods and localities include Shivaji Nagar, Indiranagar, Commercial Street and MG Road. Its most prominent landmarks are Ulsoor Lake and Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple or Halasuru Someshwara Temple. Ulsoor's food scene and shopping scene is limited but it makes for a good place to hang away from the hustle and bustle of the bigger neighbourhoods. 

Where To Eat

Tiamo

The uber-romantic, chic, and upscale restaurant located inside Conrad Bengaluru overlooks Ulsoor Lake and their Sunday sundowner brunch is a good way to end the week. When you throw in pool-side dining as well as the open-air setting with their Italian and Mediterranean menu, you've got a nice date night spot too. 

Yauatcha

It calls itself a Chinese dim sum teahouse with all-day dining and we agree. The luxury restaurant serves Cantonese and Pan-Asian fare. The terrace space is perfect for date nights. We recommend the Kung Pao Chicken, Baked Chicken Puff, Sliced Lamb in Kam Heyong Sauce, and Emperor's Fried Rice.

Bengaluru Oota Company

A meal must be had at Bengaluru Oota Company that's known for serving up authentic Gowda and Mangalorean dishes along with pop-ups featuring regional food from around the country. The community-style restaurant accepts reservation-only dine-in. Fun fact, the restaurant was featured as one of the must-visit restaurants in the Essence of Asia 2021 list by Asia's 50 Best Restaurants. 

PS: Yes, we know it's not in Ulsoor, but honestly Jogupalya is next door. 

Om Sai Skanda Dosa Camp

The small darshini is known for its crispy dosas and fluffy idlis, and a meal for one that would cost you less than INR 70. There's no seating, you'll have to stand and have your food, and come evenings, there will be a crowd, so best to skip the queue and go here for an early dinner. Or breakfast even. 

Maverick & Farmer Coffee

The new kid on the block is located in Sivanchetti Gardens, a road off Ulsoor, and has good coffee and nibbles on the menu. The outdoor seating overlooks South United FC's football ground and come evenings, it's a good place for a hang with the gang. A meal for two is an easy INR 800. 


Kaara By The Lake

As the name suggests, it is bang opposite the entrance to Ulsoor Lake and the spot is perfect for a lunch date with the BFF as well as taking quick work meetings. Coffee comes recommended and for substantial bites, stick to their pasta. They also have a breakfast menu. 

Cafe Cassia & Deli

Located in the same building as Cinnamon, Cassia's courtyard dining is one for the Insta feed. You can spend the day working out of here (there's WiFi) while you munch on their small plates options such as Hummus, and Jalapeno Poppers. Mains include noodles, spaghetti, and Asian rice and curry.  

Skywalk Building On Assasaye Road

This building hosts a number of restaurants, cafes, and small joints that serve everything from shawarma to burgers. Our favourite hang in and around Ulsoor also happens to be in this building. 

Watson's: The no-fuss restobar is popular amongst the residents here but you'll also find patrons from around the neighbourhood here. The music doesn't blare through the speakers, and you can hear your friend, and often you'll get pulled into some random dance or drunken singing that breaks out as the night progresses. 

Lagom Patisserie: You'll come for the cakes and stay for the cakes. Take some tea cake loaves and muffins for home. If there's an occasion, hit them up for some customised cake as well. 

Urban Solace

No trip to Ulsoor is done without popping by to Urban Solace and attending one of their many community events such as open-mics and comedy nights. If the owner Perry is around, do say hello. He'll be more than happy to tell you what to try and what events are coming up. Speaking of food, their steak comes highly recommended as do their breakfast spread, wine, and sangria. 

Where To Shop

1MG Mall

From H&M to Marks & Spencer, and Foodhall to Hamley's, 1MG Mall is where you can do your bulk of shopping in Ulsoor. The mall has something for everybody including kids. You can spend an entire day here shopping, or pop by to Yautcha for lunch or dinner before or after you are done shopping. 

Cinnamon

Located inside an old colonial bungalow in Sivachetti Gardens, Cinnamon is a lifestyle store that offers everything from apparel to home decor, and tableware to accessories. The store has products from various designers and studios around the country including Eka, 11:11, AlterEgo, and Payal Pratap. 

Ulsoor Market

Ulsoor Market is one of the oldest markets in the city and it's like entering a whole different side of Ulsoor when you are here. You can pick up condiments from the many spice shops in the bylanes, fresh vegetables and herbs from the vegetable vendors, and even meat and poultry from the various meat shops. You'll find stores selling homewares, apparel, and pooja essentials here as well. You can discover more about Ulsoor Market here in this guide.

Ambara

 Ambara is a garden, home decor and lifestyle studio that's located inside a house that overlooks Ulsoor Lake. When you walk in, you'll be greeted by many plants -- from succulents to flowering plants. Inside, you'll find everything from kid's toys to handmade clothes, and jewellery to home decor and kitchen accessories. 

Things To Do

Ulsoor Lake

Spend your evening strolling in Ulsoor Lake, feeding the many doggos that you'll spot snoozing away to glory, and taking in all that fresh air. It's a great spot for catching the sunset in the city. Sit on the many benches that dot the space and do some work or just catch up on some reading. No one will bug you. 

Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple

Located near Ulsoor Market itself, Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple is a must-visit whatever your religious affiliations are. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Shiva and it is said to be one of the temples in the city dating back to the Chola period. The entrance of the temple or the gopura is an architectural marvel. During Shivratri, the whole place is decked up and it's a sight to catch.