Before independence, the incredible breakfast joints to the old-world establishments, that have served iconic personalities like Jawaharlal Nehru and Queen Elizabeth II came from Bengaluru.

It is home to some of the country’s most popular restaurants. We’re going down memory lane to list out a few that are must-visits.

Bengaluru’s culinary culture has two very distinct sides – the young and the old-school. The former is marked by the string of new cocktail bars, fine-dining restaurants, and experimentative coffee houses that have cropped up in the city. The latter, however, is where most locals’ hearts lie.

Serving up decadent ice-cream sundaes, frothy beer, various varieties of buttery dosas, and succulent steaks, vintage restaurants in Bengaluru serve as time capsules, resisting the change in the face of globalization and a pandemic. 

In fact, Bengaluru-based historian Ramachandra Guha had once famously stated, “I may die before my favorite café does. I can probably (just about) live without music, cricket, and even books, but life without Parade’s (Koshy’s) is impossible to contemplate.” Whether you enjoy turning the pages of history through food or are just looking to discover a different side of the IT hub of India, these restaurants will never disappoint.

1. Koshy’s (1952)

Plausibly one of the most iconic restaurants in Bengaluru, Koshy’s began as a bakery in 1940 and was later built on St. Mark’s Road (where it now stands) in 1952.

This restaurant comes with an extensive menu that features many delicious dishes.

Regulars would (and continue to) order without so much as a glance at the menu and popular dishes spotted across tables would range from hot dogs to Kerala fried chicken, but not without a glass of tea. Fried food and gingham table cloths are a common feature of the cafe, which has served the likes of Jawaharlal Nehru, Nikita Khruschev, and Queen Elizabeth II. Journalists and students frequent the spot as well, as do a string of families. If visit here must try the chicken live toast, bacon omelet, mushroom toast, ham sandwich, and vegetable cutlet.

2. The Only Place (1965)

This most popular and famous steakhouse, one of the first in the city, on Museum Road, has been offering Bangaloreans the choicest cuts for over 57 years. It first began as Regent Guest House on Brigade Road, frequented by expatriates, US Peace Corp volunteers, Iranians, Palestinians, and other foreigners.

Haroon Sulaiman Sait, the founder, stated in an interview with the Indian Express that due to a lack of continental food in the city, international guests would eat breakfast in the hotel, in turn introducing the staff to a range of different foods. Eventually, pizzas and pasta became a common feature in the restaurant. Today, the only notable change at this place is that the burger which once sold for Rs 2 costs a little more than Rs 200.

3. India Coffee House (1957)

Located a few steps away from The Only Place is this vintage eatery that’s known, as the name suggests, for its coffee. Particularly, filter coffee without the chicory. The space was first launched in the city in 1957 before being shut down by the government due to a change in policies. Almost after around a year, the former staff set up shop on MG Road and named the place India Coffee House.

Eventually, branches started to crop up across the country. In Bengaluru, the space continues to draw crowds, despite the scores of artisanal coffee shops that have opened in the city. To date, portraits that tell tales of yesteryears hang on the walls here and the service staff wears a colonial-era red and white uniform. The most popular order from the menu is coffee, masala dosa, beetroot cutlets, and eggs with toast.

4. MTR, Lalbagh Road (1924)

A household name, not just in Bengaluru, but India MTR is over a century old. Yes, you heard that right. If you are in the city, do visit this place for grabbing quality South Indian comfort food. 

The restaurant, when it was first set up, only served coffee and idlis. In fact, this is also known as the inventor of Rava idlis. 

According to them, during World War II, when rice, which is the staple item used in idli, was in short supply, they experimented with making idli using semolina and created Rava idli. 

The recipes and formulas for their popular dosas, idlis, and coffee have reportedly not changed over the years, despite their expansion around the world. Do give it a shot once here.

5. Airlines Hotel (1968)

Walk by St. Mark’s Road in the city and you’re bound to find a throng of people heading to this spot. Once there, the waft of smoke mixed with the fragrance of steaming hot dosa and freshly brewed coffee is unmissable. Established in 1968, Airlines Hotel is the best spot for a quick bite and long hours spent talking. Wooden tables set up in an open garden with a canopy of trees add to its charm, as does the warmth of the staff who are always up for a quick debate.

It is frequented by travelers, cyclists, and professionals who work around the area.  In addition to the dosa and coffee, the restaurant has delicious chow chow bhath, Kesari bhath, and lunch thalis. You could also try their pizzas and other continental fares.

6. CTR Shri Sagar (1920)

This is one of the most beloved spots to grab dosa in the city and has been around for over a century now! The showstopper here is the benne (butter) dosa, which is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. The restaurant was started by a few brothers in the 1920s and was a popular meeting point for writers in the 1940s. 

Time here, like other spots on this list, stands still, with vintage wall clocks and old, near dilapidated paintings on the walls. The cash counter is vintage as well. Having said that said, lines here are long, especially over the weekend so expect a wait time when you head to the restaurant or be sure to drop by early (even 8:30 am is too late). Try the idli, vada, poori, Kesari bhath, and filter coffee as well while you’re there.

Let us know your experience at these places. We wish you and your family a healthy and happy life 🙂