best south indian restaurants in bangalore (2026)

tldr: out of 22 south indian restaurants, my top picks are vidyarthi bhavan (best dosa, basavanagudi), mtr (best overall breakfast, lalbagh road), ctr (best benne dosa, malleshwaram), nagarjuna (best andhra meals), shivaji military hotel (best military-style non-veg), and karavalli (best fine dining south indian). full reviews with prices, what to order, and honest opinions below.

i haven’t done a dedicated south indian food crawl in bangalore yet. this guide is based on extensive research - local food blogs, google reviews, youtube food tours, and recommendations from bangalore locals who’ve eaten at these places their entire lives.

i’ve been to vidyarthi bhavan and mtr personally during bangalore trips. the rest is thoroughly researched from multiple sources. where i’ve eaten, i’ll call it out.

here’s what you need to understand about south indian food in bangalore: this city doesn’t do south indian food as a cuisine category. it does south indian food as a way of life. the morning filter coffee, the tiffin (breakfast) at a darshini (standing restaurant), the afternoon thali, the evening snacks at a military hotel - it’s all woven into how bangalore eats every single day.

the restaurants on this list aren’t “south indian restaurants” in the way a north indian city would categorise them. they’re just… restaurants. many have been around for 50-100 years. they don’t need marketing because everyone already knows them. they don’t change their menus because the menus don’t need changing.

that’s what makes bangalore’s south indian food scene special. it’s not trying to impress anyone. it just is.

the awards (my picks)

best masala dosa: vidyarthi bhavan, basavanagudi - the one and only since 1943
best benne dosa: ctr (central tiffin room), malleshwaram - since 1920
best rava idli: mavalli tiffin rooms (mtr), lalbagh road - they literally invented it
best andhra meals: nagarjuna, koramangala/indiranagar - unlimited thali done right
best military hotel: shivaji military hotel, jayanagar - mutton dry fry is legendary
best filter coffee: brahmin’s coffee bar, basavanagudi - rs 20-25 for perfection
best fine dining south indian: karavalli, the gateway hotel - coastal karnataka at its finest
best budget south indian: veena stores, malleshwaram - khara bath + kesari bath for under rs 100
best udupi restaurant: sri udupi park, multiple locations - consistent and reliable
best biryani (south style): meghana foods, multiple locations - andhra-style, massive portions
best idli: mtr, lalbagh road - soft, fluffy, perfect

the full list

#	restaurant	area	style	cost for two	rating
1	vidyarthi bhavan	basavanagudi	karnataka/dosa	rs 200	9.5/10
2	mavalli tiffin rooms (mtr)	lalbagh road	karnataka/tiffin	rs 250	9/10
3	ctr (central tiffin room)	malleshwaram	karnataka/benne dosa	rs 200	9/10
4	nagarjuna	koramangala/indiranagar	andhra meals	rs 700	9/10
5	shivaji military hotel	jayanagar	military hotel/non-veg	rs 500	8.5/10
6	karavalli	residency road	coastal karnataka fine dining	rs 3500	9/10
7	brahmin’s coffee bar	basavanagudi	filter coffee/tiffin	rs 100	8.5/10
8	veena stores	malleshwaram	karnataka/tiffin	rs 150	8.5/10
9	meghana foods	koramangala/multiple	andhra biryani	rs 600	9/10
10	nandhana palace	koramangala/multiple	andhra meals	rs 600	8/10
11	sri raghavendra military hotel	shivaji nagar	military hotel	rs 400	8/10
12	nalapak military mess	basavanagudi	military hotel	rs 450	8/10
13	by2 cup	malleshwaram	filter coffee	rs 80	8/10
14	taaza thindi	vv puram	street-style tiffin	rs 150	8/10
15	sri udupi park	multiple	udupi vegetarian	rs 250	7.5/10
16	south india coffee house	basavanagudi	kerala-style tiffin	rs 200	7.5/10
17	halli mane	multiple	karnataka thali	rs 400	8/10
18	ragi mudde mane	jayanagar	ragi/karnataka	rs 350	7.5/10
19	a2b (adyar ananda bhavan)	multiple	tamil vegetarian chain	rs 300	7.5/10
20	maiyas	multiple	karnataka tiffin chain	rs 300	7.5/10
21	vidyarthi bhavan (new)	basavanagudi	south indian	rs 250	7/10
22	donne biryani house	multiple	karnataka biryani	rs 400	8/10

heritage institutions

these restaurants are older than independent india. they’re not just restaurants - they’re cultural monuments that happen to serve food. every bangalorean has a relationship with at least one of these places.

1. vidyarthi bhavan

basavanagudi, gandhi bazaar / cost for two: rs 200 / 9.5/10

vidyarthi bhavan is the most important food establishment in bangalore. opened in 1943, it has served the same masala dosa to generations of bangaloreans. the recipe hasn’t changed because it doesn’t need to. the dosa is a masterclass in simplicity - rice and lentil batter, fermented overnight, spread thin on a hot griddle, filled with a potato masala that’s spiced with curry leaves, mustard seeds, and turmeric. served with coconut chutney and sambar.

the dosa here is different from what you’ll get anywhere else. the batter has a unique fermentation flavour that comes from decades of using the same process. the griddle is seasoned with years of ghee. the potato filling has a consistency and spice balance that’s been calibrated over 80+ years. you can taste the history.

the place is always packed. weekends have queues of 30-40 minutes. the seating is communal - you share your table with strangers. the staff moves with practiced efficiency. nobody lingers. you eat, you appreciate, you leave. the whole experience costs under rs 200 for two people, which makes it the best food value in bangalore.

visited: yes. the masala dosa was everything the reputation promised. the chutney was the secret star.

what to order: masala dosa, filter coffee. don’t overthink it.

verdict: the single best food experience in bangalore. the masala dosa is a national treasure.

2. mavalli tiffin rooms (mtr)

lalbagh road (also jp nagar and other outlets) / cost for two: rs 250 / 9/10

mtr opened in 1924 and hasn’t stopped serving since. they literally invented the rava idli - during world war 2, when rice was rationed, they created a version using semolina (rava) instead. that innovation has been on every south indian restaurant menu in the world ever since. mtr invented it. let that sink in.

the menu is a comprehensive tour of karnataka tiffin: masala dosa, rava idli, bisi bele bath, kesari bath, vada, filter coffee, set dosa, onion dosa. every item is made with the precision that comes from 100 years of practice. the rava idli is soft and fluffy with a unique texture. the bisi bele bath (a rice-lentil-vegetable dish) is complex and warming. the filter coffee is excellent.

the lalbagh road outlet is the original and the best. it’s a multi-storey building now - very different from the modest original. the newer outlets (jp nagar, etc.) maintain the quality but lack the history.

weekday mornings are manageable. weekends have serious queues, especially the lalbagh road outlet.

visited: yes. had the rava idli and masala dosa. both were impeccable. the filter coffee was the best i’ve had in bangalore.

what to order: rava idli (mandatory), masala dosa, bisi bele bath, kesari bath, filter coffee. the lunch thali is also excellent.

verdict: the most historically significant restaurant in bangalore. the rava idli is their invention, and it’s still better here than anywhere else.

3. ctr (central tiffin room)

malleshwaram, 7th cross / cost for two: rs 200 / 9/10

ctr is older than mtr. opened in 1920, it’s been serving benne dosa for over a century. benne means butter in kannada, and ctr takes that literally. the dosa is cooked on a griddle that’s seasoned with a century of ghee and butter. the result is golden, crispy, rich, and absolutely soaked in flavour. it’s smaller and thicker than a regular dosa - more like a crispy, buttery pancake.

the benne dosa originated in davangere (a city in central karnataka), but ctr has made it a bangalore institution. the potato masala filling is simpler than vidyarthi bhavan’s - less spice, more potato, letting the butter and dosa be the stars. the chutney is fresh and complements the richness of the dosa.

the place is tiny. maybe 30-40 seats. the queue on saturday mornings stretches down the street. you stand, you order, you eat, you leave. there’s no menu browsing. everyone knows what they came for.

what to order: benne masala dosa. just that. maybe a coffee.

verdict: the best benne dosa in bangalore and arguably in india. 100+ years of practice shows.

4. brahmin’s coffee bar

basavanagudi, ranga rao road / cost for two: rs 100 / 8.5/10

brahmin’s coffee bar is bangalore’s most no-frills food experience. there are no tables. you stand at a counter and eat off steel plates. there’s no menu on the wall - you know what they have: filter coffee, idli, vada, and kesari bath. the filter coffee is rs 20-25 and it’s perfect - strong, frothy, served in the traditional davara-tumbler set.

the idli is soft and pillowy. the vada is crispy and properly doughnut-shaped. the kesari bath (sweet semolina) is the secret star - bright yellow with saffron, dotted with cashews and raisins, perfectly sweet without being cloying. the total bill for two people with coffee, idli-vada, and kesari bath comes to under rs 100.

the crowd is diverse - college students, office workers, retirees, couples, all standing shoulder to shoulder eating the same thing at 7:30am. that’s old bangalore.

what to order: filter coffee, idli-vada, kesari bath. total: under rs 100.

verdict: the cheapest outstanding meal in bangalore. the filter coffee alone is worth the trip.

5. veena stores

malleshwaram, 15th cross / cost for two: rs 150 / 8.5/10

veena stores is another standing-and-eating institution. the specialty is the khara bath + kesari bath combo, served on a single plate. khara bath is spiced semolina with vegetables and tempering - savoury, warm, comforting. kesari bath is the sweet version - saffron, ghee, sugar. one plate, two flavours, complete satisfaction.

the combo costs about rs 40-50 per plate. add a filter coffee and you’re at rs 70-80 per person. the quality is remarkable for the price. the tempering in the khara bath is done with care - fresh curry leaves, mustard seeds, cashews, and the right amount of ghee.

veena stores is in the heart of malleshwaram’s market area. combine a visit here with a walk through the market and ctr is a 5-minute walk away.

what to order: khara bath + kesari bath combo. filter coffee.

verdict: the best budget breakfast in malleshwaram. under rs 100 per person for a genuinely satisfying meal.

andhra-style restaurants

andhra cuisine is bangalore’s adopted food culture. thanks to a massive telugu population, bangalore has some of the best andhra food outside andhra pradesh and telangana. the key characteristics: more spice, more oil, more flavour.

6. nagarjuna

koramangala, indiranagar, jayanagar (multiple) / cost for two: rs 700 / 9/10

nagarjuna is bangalore’s gold standard for andhra meals. the unlimited thali experience here is an event: rice, sambar, rasam, pappu (dal), multiple curries, pickle, gunpowder (a spicy lentil powder you mix with rice and ghee), papad, curd, and buttermilk. all unlimited. the staff keeps coming back with refills until you physically stop them.

the gunpowder is the hero. mixed with hot rice and a spoon of ghee, it’s one of the most satisfying bites in indian food. the non-veg options (chicken curry, mutton curry) are excellent - spicy, flavourful, and generous.

the koramangala outlet is the most popular and can have waits of 15-20 minutes during lunch. the meal costs about rs 300-350 per person, which is incredible value for the quantity and quality.

what to order: andhra meals (unlimited thali). mix gunpowder + ghee + rice first thing. order the chicken or mutton curry on the side.

verdict: the best andhra meals in bangalore. the gunpowder + ghee + rice combo is addictive.

7. meghana foods

koramangala, indiranagar, jayanagar (multiple) / cost for two: rs 600 / 9/10

meghana foods is covered in my bangalore food guide as the best biryani in the city, but it deserves a mention here too. the andhra-style biryani is spicy and flavourful with massive portions. the chicken biryani is the bestseller.

beyond biryani, their andhra meals are solid too. the style is slightly different from nagarjuna - more biryani-focused where nagarjuna is thali-focused. both are excellent.

what to order: chicken biryani or mutton biryani. the meals are also good.

verdict: the best andhra biryani in bangalore. go to nagarjuna for thali, meghana for biryani.

8. nandhana palace

koramangala, jayanagar, multiple outlets / cost for two: rs 600 / 8/10

nandhana palace is the third pillar of bangalore’s andhra restaurant scene. the meals here are similar to nagarjuna in format - unlimited thali with rice, curries, pappu, rasam, and gunpowder. the spice level is slightly more accessible than nagarjuna, which makes it a better entry point if you’re not used to andhra heat.

the biryani here is good but a tier below meghana. the thali is the stronger offering. the chain has expanded aggressively with outlets across bangalore.

what to order: andhra meals, chicken biryani if you want both.

verdict: the most accessible andhra restaurant in bangalore. slightly less fiery than nagarjuna, equally satisfying.

military hotels

military hotels are a karnataka-specific food tradition. despite the name, they have nothing to do with the military. the name dates back to the british colonial era when non-vegetarian restaurants that served soldiers adopted the term. the food is karnataka-style non-veg: mutton, chicken, and offal cooked in traditional masalas. simple, bold, unpretentious.

9. shivaji military hotel

jayanagar 4th block / cost for two: rs 500 / 8.5/10

shivaji military hotel is the most famous military hotel in bangalore. the mutton dry fry here is legendary - pieces of mutton cooked until they develop a dark, spicy crust. the texture is somewhere between a roast and a fry, intensely flavourful, slightly chewy, and absolutely loaded with masala. paired with ragi mudde (ragi flour ball), it’s the definitive military hotel experience.

ragi mudde is the traditional karnataka accompaniment to mutton. it’s a ball made from ragi (finger millet) flour and water, with a neutral taste and a dense, sticky texture. you tear off pieces with your fingers and dip them into the mutton curry. the combination of the neutral ragi with the intense mutton flavour is what makes this pairing work.

the place is basic. steel plates, simple seating, fluorescent lighting. the food is the only decoration you need.

what to order: mutton dry fry, ragi mudde with mutton curry, egg dosa.

verdict: the best military hotel in bangalore. the mutton dry fry is worth the trip to jayanagar.

10. sri raghavendra military hotel

shivaji nagar area / cost for two: rs 400 / 8/10

sri raghavendra near shivaji nagar is the military hotel for the old-city crowd. the food is similar in style to shivaji military hotel - mutton dry fry, chicken masala, ragi mudde - but with its own flavour profile. the masalas are slightly different, a bit more coconut-based, and the portions are generous.

shivaji nagar itself is one of bangalore’s most authentic food neighbourhoods. the area around the market has dozens of non-veg restaurants and biryani joints. sri raghavendra is consistently one of the best.

what to order: mutton dry fry, chicken masala, ragi mudde. the mutton soup (if available) is a great starter.

verdict: the best military hotel in the shivaji nagar area. slightly less famous than shivaji military hotel, equally good food.

11. nalapak military mess

basavanagudi / cost for two: rs 450 / 8/10

nalapak is the military hotel option in basavanagudi. the name “military mess” gives it a slightly different identity, but the food is the same tradition: karnataka-style non-veg with mutton as the star. the mutton liver fry here is particularly good - if you eat offal, this is the place.

the crowd is local and the vibe is no-nonsense. open during standard meal hours (lunch and dinner), closed between.

what to order: mutton dry fry, mutton liver fry, ragi mudde, egg dosa.

verdict: the basavanagudi military hotel. good for combining with a vidyarthi bhavan morning and a vv puram evening.

udupi-style restaurants

udupi cuisine (from the temple town of udupi in coastal karnataka) is pure vegetarian south indian food at its finest. it’s the tradition that gave india idli, dosa, and sambar as we know them today.

12. sri udupi park

multiple outlets across bangalore / cost for two: rs 250 / 7.5/10

sri udupi park is the reliable udupi restaurant chain in bangalore. every outlet maintains a consistent menu: masala dosa, set dosa, idli, vada, rice plates, and filter coffee. nothing extraordinary, nothing disappointing. the dosa is properly made, the sambar has depth, and the pricing is honest.

this is the restaurant you go to when you want solid south indian food without thinking about it. it’s the baseline. the standard. the safe choice.

what to order: masala dosa, set dosa, filter coffee. the mini tiffin (multiple items) is good value.

verdict: the most reliable udupi restaurant chain in bangalore. always consistent, never exciting.

13. maiyas

multiple outlets / cost for two: rs 300 / 7.5/10

maiyas is a bangalore chain that’s been around for decades, serving karnataka-style vegetarian tiffin and meals. the quality is a step above sri udupi park - the dosas are crispier, the chutneys are more flavourful, and the thali at lunch is well-composed. the rava idli here is a decent alternative to mtr’s when you don’t want to deal with mtr’s queues.

what to order: rava idli, masala dosa, the lunch thali.

verdict: the best karnataka vegetarian chain. a reliable step up from the average darshini.

14. a2b (adyar ananda bhavan)

multiple outlets / cost for two: rs 300 / 7.5/10

a2b is the tamil nadu import that’s found a solid following in bangalore. the food leans more tamil than karnataka - the filter coffee is excellent (arguably the best chain filter coffee), the idli is pillowy, and the sweets counter is extensive. the south indian thali is well-portioned and consistent.

what sets a2b apart is the sweets and snacks section. the mysore pak, the adhirasam, and the various halwas are all good. it’s a restaurant where you go for a meal and leave with a box of sweets.

what to order: filter coffee, idli, masala dosa, and pick up sweets on your way out.

verdict: the best tamil-style south indian chain in bangalore. excellent filter coffee and sweets.

karnataka-specific restaurants

these restaurants focus specifically on karnataka cuisine beyond the standard tiffin items.

15. halli mane

multiple outlets (indiranagar, koramangala, others) / cost for two: rs 400 / 8/10

halli mane (which means “village home” in kannada) serves traditional karnataka food in a rustic village-themed setting. the ragi mudde, the akki roti (rice flour flatbread), the bisi bele bath, and the traditional karnataka non-veg items are all well-made. the jolada roti (sorghum flatbread) with ennegayi (stuffed brinjal) is a classic combo.

the restaurants are decorated like a karnataka village home - low seating, banana leaf plates, traditional decor. it’s educational for non-karnataka visitors and nostalgic for locals.

what to order: ragi mudde with mutton curry, akki roti, bisi bele bath, jolada roti with ennegayi.

verdict: the best traditional karnataka restaurant in bangalore. the village setting adds to the experience.

16. donne biryani house

multiple outlets / cost for two: rs 400 / 8/10

donne biryani is a karnataka-specific style of biryani served in a donne (a bowl made from areca palm leaves). the biryani itself is different from hyderabadi or andhra styles - it uses seeraga samba rice (a short-grain aromatic rice), is flavoured with fennel and mint, and has a distinct karnataka flavour profile. the mutton donne biryani is the must-order.

donne biryani house has popularised this style across bangalore with a chain of outlets. the quality is consistent and the pricing is honest.

what to order: mutton donne biryani. the chicken version is good too but the mutton is better.

verdict: the best karnataka-style biryani in bangalore. a different beast from meghana’s andhra biryani.

17. ragi mudde mane

jayanagar / cost for two: rs 350 / 7.5/10

as the name suggests, ragi mudde mane specialises in ragi mudde (ragi flour balls) with various accompaniments. the ragi mudde is well-made - soft, fresh, and properly portioned. the mutton curry and chicken curry options are both good. it’s a simple, focused restaurant that does one thing and does it well.

what to order: ragi mudde with mutton curry or chicken curry.

verdict: the most ragi-focused restaurant in bangalore. come here specifically for ragi mudde.

filter coffee spots

no south indian food guide is complete without addressing filter coffee. bangalore takes its coffee seriously.

18. by2 cup

malleshwaram (also other locations) / cost for two: rs 80 / 8/10

by2 cup has become one of bangalore’s favourite filter coffee spots. the name refers to the practice of ordering “by 2” - splitting one cup of coffee between two glasses, which is how many south indians drink their filter coffee. the coffee here is strong, properly decocted, and served in the traditional steel davara-tumbler.

the malleshwaram outlet is the best, located in the heart of the market area. pair it with a visit to ctr or veena stores for the full malleshwaram breakfast experience.

what to order: filter coffee. that’s it. that’s why you’re here.

verdict: the best dedicated filter coffee shop in bangalore. perfection in a steel tumbler.

19. south india coffee house

basavanagudi / cost for two: rs 200 / 7.5/10

south india coffee house is a piece of indian cafe history. the indian coffee house chain was founded in the 1940s and has been serving filter coffee and basic south indian tiffin ever since. the basavanagudi outlet has the old-school charm - servers in white uniforms and headbands, classic seating, and a menu that hasn’t changed in decades.

the filter coffee is good (not the best in bangalore, but historically significant). the dosa and idli are simple and reliable. the experience is the draw more than the food.

what to order: filter coffee, masala dosa, idli.

verdict: the most historically significant coffee house in bangalore. come for the experience.

fine dining south indian

20. karavalli

the gateway hotel, residency road / cost for two: rs 3500 / 9/10

karavalli is covered in my bangalore food guide, but it deserves special attention in a south indian food guide. this is not just bangalore’s best fine dining south indian restaurant - it’s one of the best south indian restaurants in india, period.

they serve coastal karnataka, kerala, and coorgi cuisine. the kane rava fry (semolina-crusted ladyfish) is the signature. the appam with mutton stew is comfort food elevated to fine dining. the coorgi pandi curry (pork in a dark, tangy gravy with kachampuli vinegar) is complex and unique. the neer dosa (thin rice crepes) are delicate and perfect.

the setting is heritage-themed with brass lamps, antique furniture, and a courtyard that feels like a different era. the service is formal but not stiff. the wine list has options that actually pair well with south indian flavours.

the pricing is premium (rs 3500-4000 for two with drinks), but for the quality and experience, it’s justified. this is a once-in-a-trip restaurant.

what to order: kane rava fry, appam with stew, coorgi pandi curry, neer dosa, any of the thalis.

verdict: the best fine dining south indian restaurant in bangalore and one of the best in india. non-negotiable for serious food lovers.

street-style south indian

21. taaza thindi

vv puram food street, basavanagudi / cost for two: rs 150 / 8/10

taaza thindi is one of the most popular stalls on vv puram food street. they serve dosa, paddu (rice dumplings), and other tiffin items at street-food prices. the paddu is the must-order - small, round, crispy rice dumplings served with chutneys. the dosa varieties are creative without being gimmicky.

vv puram food street is covered in my bangalore food guide, but taaza thindi deserves individual recognition. it’s the stall most locals will point you to first.

what to order: paddu, masala dosa, any seasonal special.

verdict: the best street-style south indian on vv puram food street.

the dosa comparison

because everyone argues about dosa in bangalore:

	vidyarthi bhavan	ctr	mtr	nagarjuna
type	masala dosa	benne dosa	rava dosa, masala dosa	plain/masala dosa
texture	crispy, thin	thick, buttery	varies by type	crispy, standard
filling	spiced potato	simple potato	spiced potato (masala)	standard potato
unique factor	80-year-old recipe	century of butter	they invented rava idli	gunpowder pairing
queue time (weekend)	30-40 min	20-30 min	30-45 min	15-20 min
cost	rs 75-90	rs 60-80	rs 80-100	part of thali
my rating	9.5/10	9/10	9/10	9/10 (for thali)

all four are exceptional. the ranking depends entirely on what you’re in the mood for. crispy masala dosa? vidyarthi bhavan. butter-soaked dosa? ctr. full breakfast experience? mtr. dosa with a massive thali? nagarjuna.

the food pilgrimage route

if you have one day to experience bangalore’s south indian food, here’s the optimal route:

morning (7:30am): brahmin’s coffee bar (basavanagudi) - filter coffee and idli-vada to start the day. 20 minutes.

breakfast (8:30am): vidyarthi bhavan (basavanagudi) - masala dosa. it’s a 5-minute walk from brahmin’s. 30-40 minutes including the queue.

mid-morning (10:30am): ctr (malleshwaram) - benne dosa. take an auto from basavanagudi, 15 minutes. queue time: 15-30 minutes.

lunch (1pm): nagarjuna (koramangala) - andhra meals with gunpowder. 20-minute drive from malleshwaram.

snack (4pm): mtr (lalbagh road) - rava idli and filter coffee. the afternoon crowd is smaller than morning.

dinner (7pm): shivaji military hotel (jayanagar) - mutton dry fry with ragi mudde.

dessert/snack (8:30pm): vv puram food street (basavanagudi) - paddu, holige, and whatever catches your eye.

total cost for the day: approximately rs 800-1000 per person. that’s seven iconic food experiences in one day.

quick pick: what are you craving?

masala dosa? vidyarthi bhavan
benne dosa? ctr
rava idli? mtr
andhra meals? nagarjuna
andhra biryani? meghana foods
karnataka biryani? donne biryani house
mutton? shivaji military hotel
filter coffee? brahmin’s coffee bar or by2 cup
under rs 100? veena stores or brahmin’s coffee bar
fine dining? karavalli
traditional karnataka? halli mane
reliable chain? maiyas or a2b
street food? vv puram food street / taaza thindi

questions people ask about south indian food in bangalore

what is the best south indian restaurant in bangalore?

vidyarthi bhavan in basavanagudi for dosa, mavalli tiffin rooms (mtr) on lalbagh road for the full south indian breakfast experience, and nagarjuna for andhra-style meals. for fine dining south indian, karavalli at the gateway hotel is in a league of its own. the best depends on what you’re looking for - heritage institutions, andhra meals, or military hotels each have different winners.

best dosa in bangalore?

vidyarthi bhavan in basavanagudi has the best masala dosa in bangalore - crispy, perfectly spiced potato filling, legendary chutney. ctr in malleshwaram has the best benne dosa (butter dosa). mtr on lalbagh road does the best rava dosa. each place specialises in a different dosa style, all are iconic.

best military hotel in bangalore?

shivaji military hotel in jayanagar 4th block is the most popular military hotel in bangalore - the mutton dry fry and ragi mudde are legendary. military hotels aren’t related to the actual military - they’re karnataka-style non-veg restaurants from the colonial era. other good ones include sri raghavendra military hotel near shivaji nagar and nalapak military mess in basavanagudi.

what is benne dosa?

benne dosa is a karnataka specialty dosa made with extra butter (benne means butter in kannada). it originated in davangere but bangalore has some of the best versions. ctr (central tiffin room) in malleshwaram is the most famous benne dosa spot - the dosa is golden, crispy, and dripping with butter. it’s smaller and thicker than a regular dosa, more like a crispy pancake.

best andhra restaurant in bangalore?

nagarjuna is the most popular andhra restaurant in bangalore with outlets in koramangala, indiranagar, and other areas. the andhra meals (unlimited thali) with gunpowder, rasam, and pappu are excellent. meghana foods is the best for andhra biryani specifically. nandhana palace is another solid andhra option with a slightly more accessible spice level.

south indian food in bangalore isn’t a cuisine category. it’s the city’s heartbeat. from a rs 20 filter coffee at brahmin’s to a rs 3500 thali at karavalli, the depth and quality of south indian food here is unmatched by any city in the world. yes, including chennai. bangalore’s diversity (karnataka + andhra + tamil + udupi + kerala + coorgi) gives it a range that no single-state city can match.

for the complete bangalore food picture, read my bangalore food guide. for craft beer (which pairs surprisingly well with spicy andhra food), check out the best bars in bangalore. and for the cafe culture that runs on filter coffee, here’s my bangalore work cafe guide.

eat where the locals eat. stand where the locals stand. and always, always order the filter coffee.