Monday, March 31, 2008

My favourite Bangalore Restaurants!

Bangalore has restaurants to suit myriad taste buds. But may not necessarily suit all pockets. But if one day you decide to let the wallet wander, maybe you would find this post useful.

All comments here are based completely on my personal opinion about the restaurant. Am not a food critic nor a restaurateur, am just an average software engineer who loves to try out new restaurants.

Mediterranean:
1)One of my favorite restaurants , Infinitea does well to suit people like me. Its menu boasts of a good selection of Mediterranean food. Those looking for a filling meal can try the Pesce Florentine. Those who wish for a more light meal can enjoy the summer pasta salad. And this restaurant only does it better by serving different types on cold and hot tea. Enigma on the rocks should suit those who do not want to have merely tea!!,while the jolly few can try the different ice teas. Kiwi is my favorite one. In hot teas, Kashmiri tea and Green tea are a good try. Penny Rosette is more those who can taste the subtle flavors.The Spinach soup gets a mention too frankly because, would you ever think Spinach soup would taste good?!
Avg bill for 2 should be about Rs 500.
Rating 4/5 (extra rating for the very well done decor)

2)Herbs and spices,80ft road Indiranagar: This one is so delightful, that you dont mind the small space with simple decor. Infact, alongwith the open roof , the place warms you up. It has a impressive menu, not a extensive one albeit. The desserts are just not to be missed. There isn't much of choice when it come to beverages apart from the standard. Evenings are the best time to visit this place.
Avg bill for 2 should be about Rs 800.
Rating 3.5/5 (the desserts get the extra)

These restaurants get a mention because they serve what they say, that is Mediterranean or European. They do not "indianize" anything.. So if you are the spice and tasty kind, maybe European is not your piece of pie !!

3)Little Italy,100ft road Indiranagar: A completely adorable place. One of the best pizzas I have had in a long time. And here is the biggie..its Completely Veg. The P20 and the P32 (I wish I remembered the names!!) were really good. Tiramisu comes close to the original. Those who have read my post on creme brulee would empathize why I fear to try it in any restaurants in India.
Avg bill for 2: Rs 500
Rating 4/5
pic:Bread Basket at Little Italy


Sea Food:
Ask any on my Goan friends in Bangalore, and you would know that Mangalore Pearl, Frazer Town, is synonymous with sea food. There is just no other. And best of all, it suits the pocket so well. The fresh sea food really makes you wonder how they manage to keep the prices so reasonable.

In 300 bucks two can easily glut over prawn fry, squids, prawn masala, ponpallein, rice and caramel pudding. Oh, and don't forget the sol kadi!


I refuse to mention any other restaurant here!

Chinese:
Mainland China,Church Street, does very well to serve close to authentic Chinese food. The jasmine tea in the beginning of your meal should not be missed even if you are not too fond of tea.

Magnolia,Koramangala may not be as impressive as Mainland China, but the food is quite good. Especially the Spicy Crab Meat Soup.

China pearl, koramangala is an average restaurant for the Chinese food lovers who would like a more moderate budget but quality food.

Indian/Punjabi:
Sikander, Garuda Mall
9 mile Dhaba Hebbal Road
Copper Chimney, Bangalore Central

Sizzlers/Steaks:
Juke Box, Koramangala - Sizzlers and beer, does anyone want anything else?
Kobay's, Garuda Mall

Carribean:
Sue's Kitchen, Indiranagar, this is the only one i found in Bangalore!

I have to mention Ebony/13th floor , Barton's Center MG Road, just for its location. Nested on the 13th floor , this restaurant is frequently visited by foreigners for its lovely view. Its impossible to get a table in the balcony without prior reservations and if you are seated inside, you might as well have dined some place else. Its the Bangalore city view in the night with cool breeze that makes this place special. The food is just an excuse. And yes, the view comes with a price!

Salads:
Namdharis, Koramangala- The healthy eaters, don't fret. Namdhari's is a good choice for salads. You can shop for your health groceries too.

Pure and Naturals:
Has a nice menu with hot and cold salads alike.

3 comments:

komes! said...

Posting on behalf of Ranju:

Nice choice of restaurants ... probably b'lores food courts need a mention too (even though theyre not restaurants in the true sense) ... Forum ... first of its kind in B'lore, Garuda ... for its choice of courts, Sigma ... for its serenity, RMZ ... for the i-candy.
check out Shiok on CMH road and its not Chinese ... its SE-Asian
Let me mention H&S, Whitefield for the last time ... so Im putting it in writing ... try it for the ambience ... u might just be able to c the place in its old glory.

Vijay Kamath said...

Some more to the list -
Dahilia: For authentic Japanese. Really good sushi!
Fanoos: Great rolls. The beef roll is the best.
Empire: Good for kebabs.
Samarkhand: Afghan cuisine. Good ambiance, great biryani.

Also, for Chinese cuisine, 'Oriental Spice' must be mentioned.

Rahul said...

You've named and praised my most favorite, Little Italy :)

Try out:
1. Shiok on CMH road - Best authentic Thai food in B'lore
2. Upbeat on Banaswadi Main Road
3. Sharma's on 80ft Road koramanagala - North Indian home made food
4. Golconda chimney beyond marathalli junction on rightside - normal indian food