Bangalorean’s guide to 12 cafes almost as good as filter kaapi

As fresh-faced (read: underage) college students in Garden City, our eyes were firmly fixed on the pub scene. But as the semesters progressed, nights grew longer and our palates more nuanced, we realised how important it was to find the best coffee in Bengaluru.

Little did we know that, right under our noses, was brewing a third-wave, caffeine-fuelled revolution. While the filter kaapi after an MTR binge remains non-negotiable, ELLE DECOR India’s list of the 12 best coffee shops in Bengaluru promises exceptional artisanal coffee, a glimpse of classics and more.

Araku, Indiranagar

If you have ever been to Indiranagar and have not been envious of the caffeinated happy faces inside Araku, you’re doing Bengaluru wrong. We suggest you take a plunge and step in. Being their first Indian flagship, this two-storeyed cafe houses a Modbar, an in-house roastery and a bookstore. What’s not to love?

We recommend: Biscoff Snowball best suited for the sweater weather

 

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Beanlore Coffee Roasters,  HSR Layout

If you too have an aversion to all things mainstream, you should consider visiting this Studio Camarada creation in HSR Layout. Believe us, apart from being one of the best coffee spots in Bengaluru, their interiors will make the drive worth it. Dive into their delectable menu as a convenient and scrumptious excuse to while away a few more hours.

We recommend: Beanlore’s Cereal Latte for the breakfast of champions.

Café Stone at CINNAMON, Rukmani Colony

Bengaluru’s history isn’t always easy to uncover, but places like Café Stone at CINNAMON, designed by Mathew and Ghosh Architects, reveal its essence. Located in the courtyard of a restored bungalow, this café is surrounded by exquisite wares handpicked by Radhika Poddar, stately classical columns and segmented arches. Did we mention that your pets are welcome too?

We recommend: Yogi’s choice (Smoothie Bowl) and an artsy latte

 

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Champaca Bookstore, Vasanth Nagar

If you are experiencing a creative block, you must make your way to Champaca. Mull over your thoughts by the window overlooking Champaca trees or browse their bookshop which boasts an enviable collection. Champaca designed by Office of Cognitive Design (OCD) is independently owned and run exclusively by women with a diverse community of patrons. While the cafe only exists supports the bookstore, we believe there is no better pairing.

We recommend: A simple cappuccino and a tote bag for the books you will definitely end up taking home

Deliciae, Indiranagar

Those of us who have an insatiable sweet tooth will understand that coffee is paired best with a slice of cake. How about a coffee shop that looks like dessert? Deliciae’s first outlet in Bengaluru is a bijou pastel space in Indiranagar designed by Sadhvi Shetty, the Creative Head of Kara Hem. With a marble bar top, woven textures on café tables that contrast with the micro terrazzo flooring and fluted glass panels that connect the patisserie visually to the kitchen, this might quickly become your go-to dessert destination.

We recommend: A sugar overload and an Americano to balance

DYU Art Café, Koramangala

Amidst Koramangala’s start-up bustle, DYU Art Café offers a welcome reprieve in the form of one of the best coffee spots in Bengaluru. Housed in a charming bungalow with sloping roofs and open courtyards, it’s an ideal spot to soak in Bengaluru’s weather. Bonus points if you find yourself here in the quintessential untimely August rain and wonder what took you so long to find yourself in this city. 

We recommend: Iced coffee after a hearty breakfast spread

Paper & Pie, Indiranagar

Bengaluru might well have pioneered the work-from-café trend — or at least, we like to think it did. Paper & Pie is the ultimate working café. Indulge in their Chikmagalur coffee, but stay for the fig and goat’s cheese toast. For serious productivity, they even offer a fully equipped meeting room and a podcasting space.

We recommend: Spiced Orange Cold Brew if you’re feeling experimental 

Kopitiam Lah, Indiranagar

Translating simply to “coffee shop,” Kopitiam Lah brings a taste of Malaysian café culture to Bengaluru. Nestled on the bustling 12th Main Road, this 72-seater space, designed by Stapati’s George Seemon and Tony Joseph, takes inspiration from traditional Malay kopitiams. 

We recommend: Rose milk (that may well make you forego the Corner House DBC next door)

 

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Ner.lu Cafe, Race Course Road

Nerlu Café in Bangalore champions Indian coffee. Founded by a design firm Praxis Inc, it showcases coffees from over 200 independent Indian roasters, many of whom lack physical retail space. The coffee discovery menu features 10 rotating coffees every two weeks, brewed by skilled baristas using a Hario Switch, allowing customers to explore the diverse flavors of Indian coffee.

We recommend: A Minty Ale

 

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Suay, JP Nagar

For those seeking productivity in a quiet, earthy setting, Suay ticks all the boxes with their serene co-working spots. This minimalist café, designed by Studio Camarada, transforms a former JP Nagar home into cosy pockets and nooks. Whether you’re enjoying your coffee in solitude or engaging with fellow caffeine enthusiasts, Suay hits the mark. 

We recommend: Vietnamese espresso and Banh mi

 

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Subko Ajji House, The Courtyard, Shanti Nagar

My first encounter with Subko was in their Mary Lodge outpost in Mumbai. The idea of this Maximum City fixture being in my not-so-quaint town was something unimaginable yet exciting. At their Ajji House designed by M9 Design Studio and Subko’s in-house team at Studio Substance, you will feel a sense of discovery in its 70-year-old brick walls and red oxide floors. A glimpse of the old Bengaluru. Located on Double Road which was once a quiet neighbourhood — albeit predating my eclipse with the city — Subko’s new home carries with itself the layers of memories.

We recommend: Their signature buttery croissant and South Indian filter coffee that Ajji would approve

The Kind Roastery & Brewroom, Bellandur

You might know Bellandur only for its iconic lake, but what you should also note is that its slowly emerging as a cultural hub. The Kind Roastery & Brewroom, previously a JP Nagar local, expands its footprint in Bengaluru with a new outlet in Bellandur’s The Bay, EcoWorld designed by The Local Studio. Inside a zen-like experience awaits with a neutral color palette with hints of earthy tones and terracotta. The brew bar, clad in vertical sandstone strips, takes centre stage highlighting the artistry of the coffee-making process. But what’s a kaapi experience without a katte? At the entrance, The Kind Roastery & Brewroom greets you with their take on an informal alfresco katte with trees with pebble-shaped seating. 

We recommend: Vietnamese espresso

 

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