The first thing that comes to mind when one mentions Bengaluru's eating out culture, it is more often than not its oh-so-amazing microbreweries. On the flip side, what many don't know is that Bengaluru's food scene goes much beyond its bars and the city is actually a great place to enjoy varied flavours of the world. American steaks, Persian kebabs, Japanese sushi and Mexican churros are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the city's diverse gastronomical options.
Here are Bengaluru's top 10 restaurants where you can enjoy exotic flavours from all corners of the world:
1. Vietnamese
One of the most underrated Asian cuisines, Vietnamese food promises not just an explosion of flavours but also a sensory extravaganza. If you're in Bengaluru and looking for a truly authentic Vietnamese fare, Hanoi will undoubtedly be your best bet. The chic restaurant offers a simplistic, family-friendly restaurant vibe with the food taking all the spotlight. Head over to Hanoi, embrace Bengaluru's pleasant weather and hog on to a steaming Vietnamese hot bowl—what more can one ask for in life?
Cost: ₹1,200 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: Beef potato clear soup, Vietnamese steamed rice rolls, Pho, Che thai
Timings and location: Noon to midnight; 7, 80 Feet Road, Koramangala 4th Block, Bengaluru
Contact: 080-41405599
2. American
With more than five branches spread across the city, Truffles is nothing less than a local legend in Bengaluru's food scene. Right from chargrilled steaks to sinful desserts, Truffles dishes out everything American cuisine is known for. The place is frequented by people of all groups while college goers swear by its delicious yet pocket-friendly offerings. If you're someone who takes their burgers seriously, miss this one at your own risk!
Cost: ₹1,000 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: All American cheese burger, chicken wings in barbecue sauce, veg club sandwich, brownie fudge sundae
Timings and location: Noon to 10:30 p.m.; 28, 4th B Cross, Koramangala 5th Block, Bengaluru
Contact: 080-49652818
3. Persian
With a gorgeous setting that offers a scintillating view of Bengaluru's skyline, Persian Terrace makes for a great offbeat place you must visit with your special someone. The fine dining space is located inside the luxurious Sheraton Grand and offers handpicked delicacies from Middle East. Apart from the delicate flavours of Persia, the restaurant also offers authentic Lebanese and Mediterranean food. Persia Terrace also hosts a lot of food festivals which make for the ultimate gastronomical experience.
Cost: ₹2,500 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: Baba ganoush, shawarma salad, mahi-e-kebab, Iranian ice cream
Timings and location: 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Sheraton Grand Bangalore Hotel at Brigade Gateway, Rajajinagar, Malleshwaram, Bangalore
Contact: 080-49653037
4. Italian
Combining lip-smacking Italian meals with an unmissable classy decor, Chianti has emerged as the go-to option for the best Italian food in Bengaluru. The eatery boasts of an expansive menu and a well-trained staff who will always be more than happy to help you out pick just the right dish for you. And since no Italian meal is ever complete without a glass of wine, they also have a beautiful collection of wines from all over the world!
Cost: ₹2,500 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: Calamari fritti, ravioli di spinaci e ricotta, del chianti, tiramisu
Timings and location: Noon to 3:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Shop 1, Ground Floor. Ascendas Park Square Mall, Whitefield, Bangalore
Contact: 080-41265000
5. Japanese
If you're someone whose idea of Asian cuisine is restricted to dumplings and noodles, a visit to Shiro will open up a new world altogether. The skilled team of chefs manage to bring the delicate flavours of Japan right in to the heart of Bengaluru's Lavelle Road and how! Right from sushis to Japanese curries, Shiro does justice to each and every flavour of Japan. To up the entire experience, the restaurant also hosts live musicians who transport you to a magical world with their serene performances.
Cost: ₹3,000 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: Sushi platter, tofu in Thai peanut sauce, chicken yakitori, chocolate cherry bomb
Timings and location: 12:30 p.m. to midnight; 2nd Floor, UB City Mall, Vittal Mallya Road, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
Contact: 080-41738861
6. Mexican
Brainchild of a group of people who fell in love with Mexican food, Chinita Real Mexican Food is an eatery built on sheer passion. Since the restaurant is owned by food aficionados who have actually studied and learnt the cuisine, Chinita Real Mexican Food offers the zing and tang Mexican food is best known for. To add to that, the restaurant's ambience is as colourful and vibrant as its food, thus promising a wholesome dining experience.
Cost: ₹1,200 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: California burrito, braised pork, grilled tacos, chocolate chilli cake
Timings and location: 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; 25, 1st Floor, 5th Cross, Koramangala 5th Block, Bengaluru
Contact: 080-45128765
7. Greek
While Greek as a cuisine, is yet to become mainstream in India, that in no way is stopping the folks over at Marzipan Cafe & Bakery. One of the very few places in Bengaluru where one can enjoy Greek cuisine, Marzipan is modelled to resemble an exotic and traditional Greek eatery. While the white and blue interiors remind you of Santorini, a bite into the Greek delicacies literally transports you to those picturesque streets of Greece.
Cost: ₹900 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: Greek style curry, tyropita, chicken and mushroom pizza, marzipan cake
Timings and location: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; 22, Ulsoor Road, (ground floor of Sunrise Chambers), Bengaluru
Contact: 09844422724
8. Tibetan
Hidden in the by-lanes of Bengaluru's busy Commercial Street, Utse Kitchen is an underrated gem, to say the least. The humble eatery offers an exciting range of Tibetan as well as Nepalese delicacies. The homely atmosphere, generous servings and warm hospitality only add to make Utse an extremely cosy dining experience. Shop till you drop at Commercial Street and unwind at Utse with a hot bowl of noodles the next time you're in Bengaluru!
Cost: ₹750 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: Everest thali, Himalayan soup, Tibetan noodle salad, devil's curry
Timings and location: 10 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; 73, Kamaraj Road, Commercial Street, Bengaluru
Contact: 080-25566688
9. French
Want to roam about on the streets of Paris while savouring French food but your bank balance won't allow it? Don't worry because Bengaluru's Le Casse Croûte takes care of the food part, to start with. This unique food truck has taken Bengaluru with storm with its limited but spot on French menu. Despite a small setup, Le Casse Croûte rates high on the authenticity level while the outdoor seating area makes for a great spot to enjoy Bengaluru's famed pleasant weather.
Cost: ₹500 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: Monsieur Cesaire, pate toast, ratatouille, crepes
Timings and location: 11:30 a.m. to 11:15 p.m.; 1675, Ground Floor, 4th Cross, 9th Main, HAL 3rd Stage, Thippasandra, Bengaluru
Contact: 09901428604
10. Korean
Yet another niche cuisine to India, Korean food has recently found a lot of takers in Bengaluru owing to a strong influx of expats to silicone city. And if there's one restaurant which is leading the baton for Korean food in the city, it is none other than Thran. A simple eating joint at heart, Thran boasts of a huge menu, offering something for just about every taste palate. Not just that, one can also enjoy a decent selection of wines here while relishing drool-worthy Korean food.
Cost: ₹1,400 for two (approx.)
Standout dishes: Beef bulgogi, kimchi ramen, omulet rice, fried chicken
Timings and location: Noon to 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; 507, Ground Floor, 4th Cross, 2nd Block, CMR Road, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru
Contact: 080-42050685
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