Best cafés in Bengaluru

What is it? A patisserie-school-turned-café that made croissants a citywide obsession.

Why go? The almond croissant is the headliner, shattering into fine layers while still soft inside, but the rest of the counter deserves just as much attention. The lemon tart is sharp without being cloying, the mushroom quiche has a light custard centre, and the Belgian hot chocolate edges into dessert territory. Service is brisk, the room always buzzing, and the quality rarely wavers. Regulars often walk out with boxes for ‘later’, though most admit they never last the ride home. Lavonne doesn’t just serve pastry, it sets the standard for it in Bengaluru.

Time Out tip: Croissants vanish by 11am. Miss them and the lemon tart is your best fallback.

Price: ₹900-1,200 for two.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 8.30am-11pm.

Address: 263, 3rd Cross Rd, 2nd Stage, Defence Colony, Domlur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560071

What is it? A large café that doubles as Bengaluru’s unofficial co-working hub.

Why go? Paper & Pie has enough space to host freelancers, students, and long brunches without feeling cramped. The menu covers all the bases, like pancakes, eggs, sandwiches, and shakes – and while nothing is wildly experimental, everything is steady enough to keep people coming back. Coffee is strong, service is quick, and there are plenty of plug points, which explains why half the tables are filled with laptops. If you’re more interested in people-watching than working, the glass frontage and corner tables offer a good view of Indiranagar traffic while you pick at dessert.

Time Out tip: Their cinnamon babka’s a winner.

Price: Around ₹1,200 for two.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 8am-11pm.

Address: Metro Pillar Number 55, 842/A, 100 Feet Rd, Indira Nagar 1st Stage, H Colony, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560038

What is it? A darshini (quick-service restaurant) with a four-item menu that has barely changed in sixty years.

Why go? The menu is very simple – just idli, vade, khara bath and filter kaapi, all served quick and eaten quicker. You won’t get tables here because everyone stands, balances plates in one hand and coffee in the other, and finishes in minutes. The line outside can look intimidating, but it moves fast, and so will you once you’ve got your plate. It’s affordable, filling, and a fun spot to take someone if you want a no-frills, low-budget date or a hangout that still feels special. Good food has that effect.

Time Out tip: The vades are at their best before 8am. Go early.

Price: ₹200 for two. 

Timings: Mon-Fri. 6am-12pm and 3pm-7pm. Closed Sunday.

Address: Pushp Kiran, 19, Rangarao Rd, near Shankar Mutt Road, Shankarapura, Bengaluru, Karnataka, 560004

What is it? A garden café that has been serving filter coffee and South Indian staples since the 1960s.

Why go? Long tables shaded by old rain trees give Airlines its charm. Dosas arrive crisp and golden, idlis are soft with a good amount of coconut chutney, and the coffee is served quick and strong. Generations of Bengalureans have gathered here for casual breakfasts, late-night dinners, and everything in between. It’s one of those rare central-city spots that still feels spacious, and the open-air setting makes it hard not to linger. Even on busy weekends, the service runs like clockwork. 

Time Out tip: Always pick an outdoor table.

Price: ₹400-700 for two.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 7am-11pm.

Address: No 4, State Bank of India Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

What is it? A German-style bakehouse known for its breads, pretzels, and Berliners.

Why go? The pretzel here is easily one of the best you’ll find in the city, and the sausage sandwich is worth going back for. Their burger is fine, though the Middle Eastern-inspired chicken with microgreens and pesto can feel a little dry. Skip second guessing and just pick a Berliner from the menu – whichever one is left, because they sell out fast. Beyond the food, the café itself is quiet, very limited seating, and a nice spot to sit with coffee after a morning walk in Cubbon Park, which is close by. The only hassle is parking, so you’re better off taking public transport.

Time Out tip: Go early if you want the Berliners. They usually disappear by midday.

Price: ₹600-1,000 for two.

Timings: Tue-Sun. 9am-7pm and 8am-6pm (on weekends). Closed Monday.

Address: The Landmark, 28, Assaye Rd, Sindhi Colony, Cox Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560005

What is it? A coffee roastery that also does a full vegetarian menu.

Why go? The coffee here has a lot of character. A pour-over doesn’t taste the same as an espresso, and you can actually tell the difference between beans. Food isn’t filler because their sourdough is chewy and satisfying, the salads have crunch, and the Bombay Bun Bhaji is the one dish regulars keep asking for back whenever it rotates out. The space feels open without being sterile; you can sit with a cup for an hour and not feel pushed out. 

Time Out tip: If the Bun Bhaji is on the board, order it before you look at the rest of the menu.

Price: ₹800-1,200 for two.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 8am-11pm.

Address: 2985, 12th Main Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038

What is it? A café that highlights Indian beans, switching up roasters often.

Why go? Nerlu takes its beans seriously, with a menu that changes depending on what’s coming in from Chikmagalur, Kodagu, or even Nagaland. A pour-over here can surprise you with fruity or floral notes, and the espressos are sharp and consistent. Food is kept simple with sandwiches, tartines, and salads.The real sleeper hit, though, is the churro french toast. It’s one of the best things on the menu and not something most people know to order. Both outlets are bright, quiet, and full of natural light, so you can easily spend hours here if you care about what’s in the cup.

Time Out tip: Ask about the beans before you order. The staff know their coffee well and are very enthusiastic to explain.

Price: ₹400-800 for two.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 9am-10pm. 

Address: Ground Floor, 30, Crescent Rd, Madhava Nagar, Gandhi Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

What is it? A café where you can eat, chat, and paint a mug if you feel like it.

Why go? The menu is basic fare – burgers, fries, sandwiches, pasta. Honestly, nothing that’ll blow your mind, but it does the job when you want something easy. What really puts Claytopia on this list is the paint-a-mug thing. You pick a piece of pottery, splash some colour on it, and a week later, it’s fired and ready. It’s cheesy, but fun if you’re with friends who don’t mind messing around. The outdoor seating under trees is the best part; you forget for a bit that you’re in the middle of Koramangala. It’s not fancy, it’s not new, but it’s the kind of spot people here grew up with.

Time Out tip: Go on a weekday afternoon. On weekends, it’s loud and full of kids’ birthday parties.

Price: ₹700-1,000 for two.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 11am-11pm.

Address: SBI Park, 11, 80 Feet Rd, near Wipro Park, 3rd Block, Koramangala 1A Block, SBI Colony, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560034

What is it? A café with red-and-white interiors, glass walls and outdoor seating that feels built for Instagram.

Why go? You’ll get cool pictures here, no doubt. The space photographs well and the food looks the part too. The menu is heavy on American breakfasts and burgers – pancakes stacked high, shakes that could pass as dessert, and platters that leave you full for hours. The burgers and shakes are the highlights, both solid and satisfying. It’s not a spot you’ll keep returning to every weekend, but it works as a one-time visit when you want the combination of decent food and good photos.

Time Out tip: Go for a burger-and-shake combo, and you’ll walk out happy (and very full).

Price: ₹800-1,200 for two.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 8am-11pm.

Address: 4th B Block, 82, 7th Cross Rd, opposite BDA Complex, KHB Block Koramangala, Koramangala 4-B Block, Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560034

What is it? A clean, well-kept café in Indiranagar with lots of light and greenery.

Why go? The place is spotless, the lighting is easy on the eyes, and the plants outside make it calm to sit for hours. It’s a good spot if you want to work in the afternoon or just take a slow break. The lemon tea cake is the highlight because it’s soft, light and full of flavour. Eggs florentine are also a safe bet for brunch. Even the bathrooms are clean, which says a lot. The staff are friendly, and Adam, who served me, was especially sweet and attentive.

Time Out tip: Sit by the window in the afternoon. 

Price: ₹800-1,200 for two.

Timings: Mon-Sun. 9am-11pm.

Address: 46, 9th Main, 80 Feet Rd, opposite to BSNL, HAL 3rd Stage, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560075