We love our vegetarian fare. We have planted ourselves at some of Bangalore's finest vegetarian restaurants to savour everything from an all-out Burmese affair to healthy green spa cuisine that ticks off all those health goals you are on. And the beauty about this list is that, whether you are a vegetarian or curious omnivore, it's got something for everything. In no particular order, here are Bangalore's best vegetarian restaurants.
We are fans of Burma Burma's vegetarian-only Burmese fair that takes you across the length and breadth of Rangoon. The elevated casual spot has three restaurants in the city (Indiranagar, Brigade Road, and Yelahanka) and you'll often find that getting a table here on weekends, actually most days can be slightly difficult. They don't take reservations, but we've no reservations in telling you that the experience that we've had each time we've dined here is simply good. From their Samuza Hincho, a Burmese classic where samosa is served in a flavourful broth and chickpeas to the popular Oh No Khow Suey, there's a lot to tuck into. Oh and don't forget to order their teas to go with your meal. After all, they are Burma Burma Restaurant and Tea Room.
Must-Try Dishes: Samuza Hincho, Mandalay Laphet Thoke, Wa Potato, Brown Onion & Roasted Chilli Buns, Burmese Oh No Khow Suey, Kaya Oh, Burmese Fried Rice, Rangoon Curry, Mock Duck & Baby Potato Curry
Price For Two: INR 1,800
Zomato Rating: 4.8
If you are the curious omnivore type or just a passionate vegetarian who wants to try things beyond the realm of paneer, Phurr is where you need to head to. With interesting options such as Buryani Nuggets and Ratatouille Gujiya, Phurr in Jayanagar has got a crowd and a half on almost all days and there can be a bit of waiting especially during dinner time and on weekends. But once you've planted yourself in the casual meets fun vibes space, the menu is for you to explore. It takes your Indian classics and gives a twist while also catering to the requirements of people who might want to have pasta. But we say go for the former. Plus, it's also one of those few places we've come across in recent times that have an interesting sober cocktail menu -- the Jack's Sparrow and Citrus Hermit drinks are our favourites.
Must-Try Dishes: Biryani Nuggets, Ratatouille Gujiya, Aloor Dum with Fresh Ground Kasundi, Black Pepper Saag Gravy, Zatar Naan, Foccacia Pav Bhaji, Kolkata Aloo Biryani, Phurrrrr, and Feni Nest Rabdi
Price For Two: INR 2,000
Zomato Rating: 4.2
Sante Spa Cuisine is where you need to head to enjoy healthy bites that will help you tick off all your eating goals. Whether you are dining at Indiranagar or Jayanagar, Sante Spa Cuisine has not just an all-vegetarian affair but also vegan and guilt-free options. The menu has Asian elements along with your cafe fare and Indian options. Come in for the dim sums, and stay for the flatbreads and biryani. We've been meaning to go back here since almost everyone from our friend circle is a regular here. Oh and did we mention they have a range of guilt-free desserts too? Yeah, it's pretty cool! Oh and if you're looking at beverages, do try their Activated Charcoal Lemonade.
Must-Try Dishes: Ibiza-style Avocado Tartare, Beetroot and Spinach Hummus, Crunchy Chlorophyll Dim Sum in Red Curry, The Green Pizza, Cauliflower Rice Nasi Goreng, Quinoa Biryani, Salted Caramel Mud Cake
Price For Two: INR 1,800
Zomato Rating: 4.9
The Indiranagar vegetarian restaurant or craft kitchen as Street Storyss calls itself serves up baos, chaats, and everything in between for a fun vegetarian affair. The restaurant is cute and casual and we've often sent our friends in their direction when they were looking for a vegetarian restaurant that served something for everyone. What's not to like at a table that has crispy lotus stem and dahi kebab along with a portion of dal makhani and Nasi Goreng? They also serve a few vegan and Jain options if your dietary preferences are beyond just vegetarian. Be sure to book a table ahead since they do quickly fill up during the weekends.
Must-Try Dishes: Oriental Green Salad, Dahi Khakra Chaat, Cream Cheese Dumplings, Chimichurri Paneer Tikka, Ghee Roast Soya Chaap, Khao Suey, Dark Chocolate Mousse
Price For Tow: INR 2,500
Zomato Rating: 4.6
Gramin is where this writer often takes his mum when she's looking for some good old North Indian food in the city. The restaurant is in Koramangala and it's been a long-time vegetarian favourite in Bangalore. We love their home-style meals and rustic look. Plus, we love that they serve rotis (they have over 20 types made with different grains!) hot from the pan, and not all at once. Do be prepared to wait, because of the small space and how popular Gramin is. They offer Jain, vegan, gluten-free and organic items on their menu, and some can be customised per your request as well. And their food doesn't feel greasy and unhealthy. Ask for their thalis if you are going on a weekday for lunch.
Must-Try Dishes: Masala Papad, Paneer Koliwada, Jaljeera, Tandoori Roti, Butter Kulcha, Makki Ki Roti, Veg Kolhapuri, Paneer Balti, Dal Ghee Tadka, Nizami Handi, Darbari Paneer
Price For Two: INR 1,200
Zomato Rating: 4.1
JustBe by Nidhi Nahata in Sadashiv Nagar touts itself as the country's first whole-food plant-based restaurant and they have everything from grazing platters to whole wheat pizza. Plus, the menu will have you eating superfoods such as barley, and food made without processed ingredients, refined sugars, oil or dairy. The whole cafe space is divided into experiential zones and some of the areas have old-school bookshelves and a few games, to keep you engaged.
Must-Try Dishes: Matunga Toast, Go Nuts, Aqua Bowl, Som Tam, Mac and Cheese, Soi
Price For Two: INR 1,200
Zomato Rating: 4.3
Green Theory is a cosy little nook in the centre of town that's surrounded by greens and lots of sunlight during the day. The menu is global treats at this quaint restaurant and you've everything from pizzas to burgers. Plus, there are plenty of vegan and customisable Jain options as well. And if you're not hungry, just enjoy some salad and artisan coffee or tea. We've often come here late afternoons for a quick catch-up or to finish some work.
Must-Try Dishes: Mexican Bowl, Classic Pull Apart Garlic Bread, Bombay-style Chilli Cheese Toast, Chinese Bhel, Farmhouse Flatbread, Penne Norma, Hingwale Aloo & Methi Puri, Mexican Grilled Cottage Cheese
Price For Two: INR 1,700
Zomato Rating: 4.0
When you are done shopping, head to the restaurant at Go Native which offers a variety of dishes with seasonal and local ingredients. Think millets, sprouts, sabudana, and the like. The menu has Asian influences with regional staples with a twist. They have an all-day breakfast menu and there's a kombucha, mango lassi, artisanal teas, and coffee to go with your food.
Must-Try Dishes: Spinach Neer Dosa with Mango Gassi, Stuffed Guntur Idli, Tofu Coconut Cake, Babycorn Porichathu, Sundried Tomato Paneer Tikka, Kathal Donne Biryani
Price For Two: INR 1,200
Zomato Rating: 4.7
Moglu is the latest vegetarian restaurant that's opened up in town and we are yet to dine here but we've heard from little birdies that their experience has been good. With a focus on evolving menus, patrons can expect a menu that doesn't stick to any particular cuisine. Their 'borderless concept' brings flavours around the world. Plus, they have a serious range of sober cocktails that we are waiting to try as well.
Must-Try Dishes: Buratta with Green Beans & Toasted Lentils, Barbecue Mushroom Burger, Spinach Coconut Lentil Soup, Massaged Kale, Spaghetti Tempeh Bolognaise
Price For Two: INR 1,200
Zomato Rating: Newly opened