I can count the number of days in my life that I’ve spent in Bangalore on one hand – most of those days were to fly in and out for a client meeting or an event. Even in that limited time, I’ve made it a point to explore some of the city’s culinary gems. Over my last two trips, each lasting just 1.5 days, I visited five exceptional restaurants in Bangalore. These weren’t random choices; I had done my homework – following them on social media, hearing about them from friends, noting their accolades at Culinary Culture events (where I represent Goa as a food hunter), and getting insider tips from my brother, who lives in Bangalore.
Here are the spots I’ve been to and would wholeheartedly recommend.
Farmlore
Farmlore, located on a 37-acre farm in Sathanur Village just outside Bengaluru, is a true farm-to-table experience. Rated as India’s #1 restaurant by Culinary Culture and listed among Asia’s 50 best restaurants in 2024, Farmlore offers a unique dining adventure. The culinary team is led by chefs Johnson Ebenezer and other great chefs who bring a wealth of experience from Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. Their expertise is evident in the innovative and beautifully presented dishes.
I visited them as part of a Culinary Culture event, and we were treated to a multi-course meal spread across the farm. From cold tomato soup served under tomato plants in the greenhouse to grilled octopus with chocolate, each dish was a testament to the farm’s bounty and the chefs’ creativity. One particularly memorable dish was the ‘Ant Bites of Farmlore,’ macarons with mango flower and garnished with red ants from the mango tree. The ants are said to add a hint of astringency, though I must admit, I’m no expert on the flavor profiles of insects. The menu at Farmlore is ever-changing, dictated by what’s growing on the farm, ensuring that each visit is a new experience. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and local sourcing is evident in every bite, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast.
There’s so much to say about Farmlore, but I’ll let my reel do the talking, go ahead and watch!
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Lavonne Cafe
Lavonne Cafe, with multiple locations across Bangalore, including Indiranagar and St Mark’s Road, is a haven for pastry and coffee lovers. Founded by Vinesh Johny, another Culinary Culture awardee, Lavonne is renowned for its artistry in baking and pastry. During my two-day stay, I couldn’t resist visiting twice in one day. For breakfast, I indulged in perfectly poached eggs with all the trimmings, and later, I returned for their heavenly croissants and sandwiches. The cafe’s ambiance is upscale yet cozy, making it an ideal spot to relax and enjoy some of the best bakes in the city. Whether it’s their apple tarts, cheesecakes with fresh berries, or classic gateaux and eclairs, Lavonne never fails to impress.
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Chinita Real Mexican Food
Chinita Real Mexican Food brings authentic Mexican flavors to Bangalore with locations in Indiranagar and Koramangala. This restaurant uses the freshest ingredients to create dishes that are bursting with flavor, and the food hits the spot. Start your meal with the refreshing Almond Horchata, a traditional Mexican drink made from almonds and rice, and don’t miss the Chinita Salad, a delightful mix of fresh ingredients with a house-made queso dressing.
I savored their mouthwatering tacos and nachos topped with heavenly guacamole. The Braised Pork Tacos were a standout, perfectly complemented by roasted tomato salsa and a squeeze of lime. The atmosphere at Chinita is always buzzing, making it a lively place to enjoy a meal with friends or family. Don’t miss their Chilli Chocolate Cake for a sweet and spicy finish to your dining experience.
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Kappa Chakka Kandahari
As a Food Hunter with Culinary Culture, I’m always on the lookout for top-notch eats across the country. Our yearly lists feature the best restaurants and chefs, aka Food Superstars. I love discovering local gems and visiting restaurants in other cities recommended by my fellow food hunters. That’s how I stumbled upon Kappa Chakka Kandahari in Bangalore, helmed by the legendary chef Regi Matthews. He always kindly extends an invitation whenever we meet but alas, he wasn’t in the country when I dropped in. The name Kappa Chakka Kandahari was brilliant, catchy and intriguing for someone who doesn’t speak Malayalam. It translates to tapioca, jackfruit, and bird’s eye chili – 3 important ingredients in Kerala cuisine.
I went here with 2 friends and tried three of their chef’s tasting menus, which was awesome since I got to choose what I liked most and have a ton of variety on the table. We got the ‘Toddy Shop Memories, the Rajayogi and the Malabar Musings, One of the perks of travelling with 2-3 people is tasting everyone’s food – personally I liked the fried fish, the mutton coconut fry, Chemmeen Varatiyathu, dry roasted prawns and others – the names are too complex to write down here, but know that whatever your food preferences are – whether veg, chicken, meat or seafood – you have a tasting menu made for you.. and if you don’t have a large appetite, the a la carte menu has all the items on it anyway.
Boteco, MG Road
Boteco Restaurante Brasileiro on MG Road is possibly the only authentic Brazilian eatery I’ve come across. It channels the lively spirit of a traditional “boteco” (neighborhood bar) with South American flair, from churrasco grills to caipirinhas. The ambiance strikes a balance between elegant casual – warm terracotta tones, wooden accents, and a compact bar area -and vibrant energy, making it ideal for dates, groups, or solo diners seeking a break from Bangalore’s usual fare. At Rs. 2000 per person, it is worthwhile for the novelty factor.
The menu shines in bold, shareable plates. The little pão de queijo (cheese bread balls made with almond flour) are a must-try starter, with your choice of filling (we picked sausage) We also opted for the Feijoada, the hearty black bean stew with pork and sausage – just to see how different it is from what we make in Goa – and it was quite different in terms of looks and flavour. I couldn’t get enough of the casquinha de siri (spiced crab meat cooked with coconut milk and served in a sea shell). It delivered briny, creamy goodness and we licked that shell clean. For dessert, we picked the ‘Quindim’ which is a baked Brazilian custard with coconut. We chose this as it was the most exotic-sounding and we had never seen or heard of it before. Surprisingly, it tasted very similar to the Letria Tart we make in Goa, in taste and texture but not in presentation.
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Kopitiam Lah, Indiranagar
It took us a couple of days of calling to get reservations (strangely, the restaurant was close to empty when we finally got reservations and visited). Right off the bat, I’ve got to mention that I love the name of the restaurant. it is a vibrant tribute to Malaysia’s iconic kopitiam culture – a blend of “kopi” (Malay for coffee) and “tiam” (Hokkien for shop), with “lah” adding that quintessential Malaysian slang flair for emphasis.
But it’s not just a restaurant or a coffee shop; it’s a social sanctuary where flavours from Chinese, Malay, and Indian influences converge. Kopitiam Lah’s menu is a heartfelt nod to Malaysian hawker stalls, blending unpretentious street food with modern twists. If you can, visit for breakfast. With staples like Kaya Toast – crispy bread slathered in pandan-infused coconut jam and cold butter – or Half-Boiled Eggs with soy sauce and pepper, you’re in for a treat. I really wanted to visit for breakfast, but when in Bangalore for just a couple of days, how can I resist a legendary dosa and filter coffee?
Lunch and dinner feature heartier options: Nasi Lemak, Malaysia’s national dish of coconut rice with anchovies, eggs, and chicken; Char Kway Teow, smoky stir-fried noodles with pork crackling and wok hei; and Otak Otak, aromatic steamed fish custard wrapped in banana leaves. Don’t miss the Rojak salad, a tangy mix of fruits and veggies in tamarind-prawn paste dressing, or Curry Laksa with roti canai. Desserts and bakes, in partnership with Lavonne, include Kopi Tiramisu – a coffee-infused pastry twist – and pandan chiffon cakes.
Beverages are a highlight, with over 20 coffee and tea varieties. And yes, expect to pay premium prices. We had a great time, the food is excellent, and so are the drinks! Wonderful service – that deserves mention.
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Although my trips to Bangalore have been brief, these restaurants have left a lasting impression on me. Each offers a unique dining experience that showcases the diversity and quality of Bangalore’s food scene. I look forward to exploring more of what the city has to offer on my next visit. If you have any recommendations, I’d love to hear them!
If you’re in Goa and would love some of those South Indian flavours, here are some South Indian restaurants to try.
