10 New Restaurants In Bangalore Pushing Food & Design With Landscaping, Sculptural Art and More

A city in perpetual flux, famed for its dreamy weather, and relaxed pub culture, Bangalore is currently experiencing a rebirth with immersive dining experiences. While breweries remain an evergreen investment, newer more nuanced experiences are entering the mix. Global and domestic hospitality brands have opened outposts bringing in curated experiences and an elevated fine dining experience to a city that tends to pick its favourites quickly and rarely ventures beyond its selected mix. DP curates a guide to Bangalore’s expanding pub culture for the novice and the veteran F&B connoisseur. This guide includes a brewery, a dreamy escape perfect for brunch, a Top Golf course with craft beers, vegetarian Andhra cuisine in an ancestral home, cocktails in an urban jungle, delicious Goan food and more.

Also read: 3 New Restaurants In Hyderabad: An Exploration Of Telugu Cuisine, An Ode To Natural Architecture And A Bohemian Oasis

#1 Bastian

Surrounded by lush greenery, Bastian Garden City has brought the spirit of a chic holiday to an unsuspecting corner of St Marks’ Road in Bangalore. Designed by Minal Chopra, Bastian draws inspiration from the boho-chic vibes of Tulum, the serenity of a holiday in Thailand and the sweet memories of a night well spent on vacation. The tribal-inspired print that adorns the walls and flooring complements the bohemian touches of taupe, feathers, and woven roof covers. Spread across two floors, with a soaring bar, two courtyard spaces and one large open interior space, Bastain is currently one of the best spots to catch a sunset. 

Backed by a stellar F&B team, the food and drink menu translates the holiday spirit flawlessly. Their ‘Mango Ceviche’ and ‘Avocado Poke’ are perfect for the summer and pair well with the Baño Picante Cocktail or the Mojo Tropicana Mocktail. The bar menu is backed with intricate mixology techniques that work with clear and darker spirits. Other highlights include the ‘Grilled Chicken Taco,’ ‘Vegan Mango Thai Pudding,’ and the ‘Pull Up Cake.’ The dreamy decor, and the relaxed, sunlit ambience pair well with some smooth cocktails and delicious small plates is an easy way to recreate a dream vacation experience. They currently offer lunch and dinner seating– by reservation for large parties but will soon host brunch seating too. 

#DPLoves-  The dreamy vacation vibes make it the perfect spot to come here for brunch or before sunset to enjoy the cocktails and a refreshing selection of small plates. 

Also read: A Guide To Mumbai’s Latest Bar Scene: 3 Must-Visit Spots

#2 Kling Brewery  

Another feather in the city’s brewery hat, Kling brings craft beer to the heart of Bangalore. Located in a prime spot on Church Street, patrons can opt for a more intimate evening in their courtyard seating, or indoor seating, or engage in some people-watching while sipping a cocktail or chasing pints. With a vaulted ceiling made of terra-cotta brick and a lime-plastered wall, the open design that spotlights the bar creates an inviting ambience akin to open cafes and bars in European cities with warmer weather. Designed by architect Ajinkya Unhale of UnEarth Studio, the traditional slate-clad floors are a refreshing departure from F&B spaces that work within boundaries to create an ambience rather than blend with an outdoor environment. 

The 40-foot-long bar made of Indian natural stone, the views of the brew house, the lush garden and the mood lighting make this a great stop after a long day of shopping or ideal for a post-work drink given its central location. Their menu has a blend of tandoor offerings, classic Continental dishes and Pan-Asian cuisines. If you are a veteran pub connoisseur this one is worth a visit for its relaxed vibes. 

#DPLoves: The open design that seamlessly blends the outdoor spaces of Church Street with the indoor designs of Kling Brewery.  

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#3 Prime Golf 

As the city experiences better connectivity through the quickly developing metro line, many suburbs of Bangalore have become increasingly accessible. This development has also resulted in an interesting mix of restaurant experiences in various parts of the city instead of having them all concentrated in the centre. Prime Golf in Whitefield blends the best of leisure and sport: drinking beer and playing golf at “Asia’s largest microbrewery.” While it is popular among Bangaloreans, there aren’t many courses and places to enjoy good match play. Spread over rough 3.5 acres, Prime Golf offers craft beers, creative cocktails, and sumptuous plates alongside rounds of golf. Designed by Sunita Reddy of Acme Designers, the interiors take inspiration from the golf course while keeping the ambience casual and relaxed. 

The founding team at Prime Golf is committed to breaking out of the tradition of exclusivity in golf and making it more accessible by providing trained professionals to assist patrons as they experience state-of-the-art facilities.  The menu is a blend of Pan-Asian, Continental and innovative adaptations of popular South Indian foods like the Ghee Roast, Chettinad Chicken, and a variety of sumptuous tandoor options. The brewery presently offers six distinct craft brews that range from orange peels with spices to a tropical pineapple-passion fruit blend. Over weekends the space hosts family-friendly events that go the extra mile with immersive experiences. The space is also equipped with an LED screen that is great for catching sporting events. A multi-functional space, they can seat up to 1500 people! 

#DPLoves: The craft brews and the beginner-friendly top golf course. The space will soon open a full-fledged golf course as well. 

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#4 Jamie Oliver Kitchen 

Every home chef has experienced the thrill of whipping up a Jamie Oliver recipe. While the recipes are easy to follow, it’s the English panache with which the celebrity delivers them that’s hard to get right. However, the popular chain has finally made its way to India with an outpost in Indiranagar. Jamie Oliver Kitchen takes its global presence seriously and embraces this in its menu and flavour profile. Launched in 2019, Jamie Oliver Kitchen is an international brand under the Jamie Oliver Restaurants umbrella. Designed by M Singh Saggu & Associates or MSSA, the space blends biophilic design with neutral hues. 

The kitchen is a more casual dining experience with a menu that showcases the best recipes of the renowned British chef. Ranging from European classics to Middle Eastern, South American, and Asian cuisine— the menu has options for both kids and adults. “Creating the menu was a really brilliant process – working with my food team, exploring the recipes my amazing Indian audience has loved most over the years and collaborating with our chefs in Bengaluru to bring some local magic, too,” says chef Jamie Oliver on opening the fifth outpost in India. The space is designed to be a relaxed verdant space tucked away on the busy streets of Indiranagar. Interspersed with bright pops of colour, it serves as the perfect cosy backdrop for a deeply satisfying Jamie Oliver signature dish.

#DPLoves: The menu offers a range of global flavours with the signature Jamie Oliver touch. 

Also read: 3 New Bars In Bangalore: Tap Into Cutting-Edge Design And A Fusion Of Global Flavours

#5 Radio Bar 

Mumbai’s Radio Bar opens its Bangalore counterpart in Bellandur offering an ode to the pre-streaming era of music. Designed by Mehak Kapoor of Istaka, the space highlights the charm of retro music, the space is filled with CDs and cassettes as decor. Led by Aspect Hospitality Group, this is one of three Radio Bars in India. For those unfamiliar, the city has a complicated relationship with live music and the regulations that govern live music acts in the city– it’s a careful dance. The emergence of Radio Bar promises to be a platform for live music and performances that support homegrown and emerging acts. 

Their menu ranges between Indian and Asian with tantalising twists on homegrown popular street foods, Radio has something for one & all.  Irani Keema Pav, Creamy Paprika Mushroom Bruschetta, Makai Chana Shami Tikka and Zaffrani Paneer Tikka. Their bar offerings include wordplay on music and local references– ‘Billie Gin’, ‘Tequira Tequira’ and ‘Kokum Together. ’Other themes that stand out in the space are the checkered floors, vintage curved bar counters, quirky neon lights and sleek furniture that are a subtle nod to the art-deco aesthetics of performance venues. 

#DPLoves: The tape recorder and cassettes are a clever design touch as are the small plate and drink pairings—both ideal for large groups of music enthusiasts. 

Also read: Modern Workplaces In India: Japandi Minimalism, Biophilia And Beyond

#6 Eight

Designing exclusive dining destinations inside malls is always a tough challenge. In designing ‘Eight,’ Minnie Bhatt staggers the visitor experience across various zones – each with a different experience. The exterior “lobby” has an open and welcoming ambience that immediately signals the Asian food on the menu. Upon entering the space, patrons are greeted by a bar designed to divide the interior space into 4 sections with access on all sides. The seating ranges from private booths to a private alcove-like space. Made of corrugated corten steel with elements of wood, metallic glass and rice paper— the decor is a delicious peek into the food offerings. Large hand-painted calligraphy on textured blue walls, stunning overhead lamps, and chic seating adorn the space. The restaurant extends into an outdoor terrace filled with plants and natural light. By creating levels within the space, Bhatt transports patrons to an exquisite dining experience.

Focused on Asian cuisine that ranges from sushi to wok-tossed dishes. Their offerings also include ‘Tataki’ and ‘Timaki’ (or sushi in a cone) which are variations of sushi and sashimi selections. Other interesting additions include Peruvian ceviche and savoury puffs with Asian-style fillings. Crispy Aromatic Duck Pancakes, Lamb Chop Mangolian Smoked Cheese, and Mushroom Bao are some of the delectable offerings on their menu. Their cocktail selections like ‘Octopus,’ ‘Thai Boxer’ and ‘Hokkaido Martini’ are all instances of a menu dedicated to the Asian theme. Reminiscent of a restaurant on the streets of an Asian city, ‘Eight’ is a lovely sojourn into Pan-Asian cuisine. 

#DPLoves: The striking blue walls and the selection of lights create the perfect backdrop for an intimate brunch or dinner date. 

#7 Klaa Kitchen 

A celebration of Goan cuisine and soul food through the lens of Chef Rhea Aaron, Klaa Kitchen is a classic in the making. Reminiscent of family-favourite restaurants for Sunday lunches, the two-floor space gets its name from the word “classic.” A labour of love through time, Chef Aaron’s passion seeps into the space and her family and culinary history are visible in the design details. The retro saloon doors to the kitchen, the chalkboard with daily specials, and the hand-painted Portuguese tiles alongside commissioned artwork by Goan artists Rae Zacharia, Vela Goa, and Atia Sena bring warmth to the space. Nostalgia is heavy in the air and greets patrons as soon as they enter and encounter founder Varun Aaron’s collection of vintage radios on the wall inside. Designed by Maze Concept Design Studio and driven by the founder’s vision, it is a rendition of a Goan home filled with wholesome food and a laid-back ambience. 

Spread across two floors with a quaint staircase leading to a rooftop with views into the kitchen and a balcony with street views, the space is picturesque. Each course on the menu offers a glimpse into the chef’s journey with food, which began when she was a little girl helping out in the kitchen. A section in the menu includes family specials that the Chef grew up eating and another recipe she has created. The ‘Prawn Rissolis with Balchao Dip,’ Chorizo Scotch Egg’ and ‘Thousand Layer Potato’ are some of the more iconic dishes served at Klaa. Their drink selections have been inspired by Goan weather while the desserts include classics like ‘Caramel Pudding,’ ‘Serradura’ and ‘Pastis de Nata.’ There is a familiarity and sense of comfort when patrons enter the space. A true labour of love, Klaa Kitchen stands out for its mouth-watering food offerings and nostalgic designs. 

#DPLoves: There is a familiar nostalgia and warmth in the space that permeates into the sumptuous and generous plates of food. It’s perfect for large groups and family-style meals. 

Also read: 3 New Restaurants In Goa: Old Portuguese Houses, French Gourmet Cuisine, And Heritage Indian Recipes

#8 Idylll 

A fresh take on Indian bar food, the team at Idylll weaves together the diversity of Indian cuisines with modern casual drinks and dining. At its heart, its philosophy celebrates the essence of Indianness through a holistic sensory experience— whether through its cocktail menu or food. Designed by The Purple Ink Studio, the space is spread across two floors in the busy streets of Indiranagar. While the lower floor is for fine dining, the upper level is geared towards cocktails and small plates experience. The space also includes a private dining room, 2 bar stations and a wall unit full of merchandise. The entire space champions terra and monochrome designs as a homage to Jaipur. With frescos and sculptures adorning the wall, the interiors play with texture and reflection inviting patrons to a unique experience. The warm lights and moving video installations on the wall create a sense of intimacy and disorientation. The bar has been designed using warm backlit stone and resembles an otherworldly structure. 

The five circles in the logo represent a tree trunk and symbolise Idylll’s journey from raw traditional roots to exquisite modern dining experiences. Just like the interior spaces have been layered with nuances and details to disorient, the menu is an amalgamation of Indian cuisine from across the map. Dishes like ‘Boccocini Paniyram,’ ‘Ajmeri Kadhi Kachori,’ ‘Halim Ragi Tarts’ and ‘Inji Puli Lamb Chops’ blend regional cuisines with fine dining. Drinks like the ‘Amla Picante,’ ‘NRI,’ ‘Nizami Sour’ and Kashmiri Old Fashioned’ are clever blends of classic cocktails with Indian flavours. According to Jai Sharma, MD at Envelop and co-founder of Idylll “The biggest and most fascinating challenge we faced when envisioning Idylll was crafting a space that puts a light on Indian cuisine from a refreshing perspective. 

#DPLoves: The selection of pan-Indian cuisine across the menu alongside an exciting mix of cocktails inspired by local ingredients.

Also read: An Accent Worth Every Cent, Introducing Indian Accent At NMACC

#9 Ishtaa

Located in one of the oldest neighbourhoods of South Bangalore, Ishtaa is a beautiful embodiment of the neighbourhood spirit. Upon entering the terracotta brick building through its large green door, patrons are greeted with a tasteful curation of modern Indian design that serves vegetarian Andhra cuisine. Sprawling across 8000 sq-ft the space combines the bones of a renovated bungalow and an additional built structure that was imagined from the ground up by Studio Ruh. A Bangalore-based design known for their attention to detail and clean minimalist tastes, the team that worked on this project includes Kavya Sheth, Shruthy Sanghvi, Keerthana Durai and, Reeha Kaleel. Together they have brought the outdoors of Jayanagar into ‘Ishtaa’ by incorporating several trees into the design of the space. Working with Navneeth Kumar of Green Shack, the team retained three large trees within the interior space alongside the inclusion of plants spilling out from the roof on the outside and a selection of potted plants inside. 

Using art inspired by local Andhra like sculptures, old lamps, and ornaments, ‘Ishtaa’ is filled with the nostalgia of an ancestral home. The rattan and fibre lamps are a clever and subtle touch of modern design in the space. The entire palette is earthy with appearances of terracotta, wood, vegetation, and the occasional fibres. The menu promises sumptuous vegetarian Andhra treats like ‘Rayalseema Yerra Karam Dosa,’ ‘Kaaju Paneer Pakoda’ and ‘Panasapottu (or Jackfruit) Biryani.’ While the menu appears very similar to your darshini or local Andhra joint, it has some hidden gems like a special kids’ menu (with chocochip uttapams) and some intriguing examples of delicious Andhra cuisine. 

#DPLoves: The marigold-like sculptural lamps at the entrance and a design that is committed to bringing in the outdoors. We particularly loved how 3 full-grown trees have been incorporated into the space. 

Also read: This 2D Airbnb Celebrates India’s Architectural Heritage And The Magic Of Living Inside A Palace Painting

10 #Reservoire 

Opening their second outpost in the city, ‘The Reservoire’ in Indiranagar is spread over three floors, spread across 6000 sq ft the space also has a skylight that doubles as a retractable roof that opens up to a starry night or lush, tropical courtyard depending on the time of day. In a city that’s quickly filling up with concrete, it’s always a great touch when food & beverage spaces account for the surrounding greenery. Designed by Studio Camarada the theme is inspired by landscapes, nature, and water as a nod to their name. The team has also collaborated with Goan artist Siddharth Kerkar to bring an artistic flair to the space. The wing lamps that hang at the centre of the space by Kerkar are iconic sculptural additions to this maximalist space. Created using fabric, metal and intricate hand-painted textures on the lamp they resemble the surface of water. 

Founders of Studio Camarada, Andre Camara and Shravya Shetty, have also worked with a Goan artist who goes by Subin Babu to create paintings that adorn the walls of this lush bar and restaurant. Other artistic details include the large installation of wings behind the bar (an extension of the nature theme), a stone waterfall at the centre and swatches of ikat fabric wrapped around the pillars. A notable highlight of the space is the landscaping which makes this interior space appear lush and refreshing. Dubbed India’s Largest Cocktail Bar that features over 120 different drinks, their menu is divided into three large themes: ‘Classic Period,’ ‘Avenger Series’ and ‘Water of Life.’ From timeless classics to creative mixes, their menu includes selections like ‘The Great Gatsby,’ ‘Black Widow,’ and ‘Casablanca’ mixed by experts across India. Their menu includes local and global cuisines that complement their extensive cocktail menu. 

#DPLoves: The marriage of nature, landscapes, and art in this beverage-forward space in one of the busiest parts of the city.