What’s new in Bengaluru’s dining scene

Every time I go to Bengaluru, I swear the city has opened at least 20 new restaurants or bars every local’s been raving about. The city’s dining scene moves at a pace that’s impossible to keep up with, but that’s also what makes it exciting. One night, while heading back to my hotel after an event, I looked up at the terrace of Bastian Garden City. It was 1 a.m., but people were dancing and soaking in the night like it had only just begun. I don’t know how to explain, but it was the kind of energy that makes you want to cancel your early morning plans and join in. As I plan my next trip to Bengaluru (and inevitably add far too many pins to my Maps), here’s a roundup of the city’s newest restaurants, bars and culinary experiences that deserve a spot on your list.

The Azulian House by The Leela Palace Bengaluru 

The Azulian House by The Leela Palace Bengaluru is an agave-themed immersive restaurant that brings together globally inspired cuisine and cocktails in a setting inspired by a botanist’s home. The concept features ingredient-driven menus by Chef Zafar, drawing from Peruvian flavours and locally sourced Indian produce, alongside one of the city’s most extensive tequila and mezcal selections. The space is surrounded by lush greenery, herbs and edible gardens, so expect a multi-sensory experience rooted in good food and storytelling.

Where: The Leela Palace, 23, HAL Old Airport Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008 

Heyou

Heyou, the latest venture from Bengaluru-based Keen Mustard Ventures is a two-level space designed around the natural rhythm of a night out. You’ll find a blend of globally inspired cuisine with a flavour-forward cocktail programme, encouraging guests to graze, share and linger. From inventive cocktails like the Kokum Silk and Umami Club to a menu spanning baos, grills, pasta and Indian comfort food, Heyou is built for modern, communal dining. The concept joins the group’s growing hospitality portfolio which includes Daysie, Serious Slice, Quarter House, Suzy Q and 1Q1.

Where: Ground Floor, No. 18, Ramanashree Arcade, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001

FOO 

FOO has opened its third and biggest Bengaluru outpost yet in Indiranagar, bringing its signature contemporary Asian dining experience to one of the city’s liveliest culinary hubs. Spanning 2,660 sq. ft., the new restaurant maintains FOO’s much-loved menu of over 100 Asian tapas, handcrafted sushi, dim sum and Nikkei-inspired dishes, complemented by inventive cocktails infused with Asian flavours like yuzu, miso and sake. 

Where: Ground floor, 608, 12th Main Rd, 7th Cross, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008 

Thursday Rituals at Yazu

Getting you in the weekend mode early, Yazu is giving Thursdays a delicious new identity with the launch of Thursday Rituals, a weekly Pan-Asian dining experience. Priced at ₹1,800++ per person, the curated set menu features a generous spread of the restaurant’s signature sushi, dim sums, small and large plates, rice, noodles, and desserts, paired with specially priced handcrafted cocktails inspired by Asian flavours. 

Where: Marks Square, St Mark’s Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001 

Idoru by Izumi pop-up at ZLB23

Idoru, the experience-led cocktail bar from the team behind Izumi, is making its first-ever guest shift outside Mumbai with an exclusive one-night takeover at ZLB23, The Leela Palace Bengaluru. Leading the takeover are Rahul Kamath, Bar Operations Head, and bartender Khanimwon Ramrar, who will present four signature cocktails like Enmi, To Odoroki, Ikura Opera, and an umami-forward take on the Margarita, along with scrumptious bites.

Where: The Leela Palace, 23, HAL Old Airport Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Kodihalli, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008

The Drawing Room by Smoke House Deli 

Every Thursday, The Drawing Room by Smoke House Deli is bringing a fresh midweek ritual to Bengaluru with Tequila Thursdays, a weekly cocktail-led experience celebrating bold tequila creations. The menu features inventive takes on classics like the Picante and Paloma, with serves like Oriental Picante, Pickled Cranberry Picante, Roasted Hazelnut Paloma and more.

Where: Ward 72, Plot 1209, 100 Feet Rd, HAL 2nd Stage, Doopanahalli, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008 

All-new menu by KICO

KICO’s new menu is centred around its philosophy of community-led dining, spanning breakfast, small plates, global mains and comforting classics like the Signature Basque Cheesecake French Toast, Lamb Keema Dosa, Chicken Souvlaki Open Taco, Firecracker Cottage Cheese, Stuffed Chicken Roulade and Goan Prawns Curry. It’s designed for everything from leisurely breakfasts to after-work catch-ups and weekend feasts.

Where: Marks Square, St Mark’s Rd, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001 

Happy feasting!

You may also read: The best new restaurants, menus & pop-ups in Delhi NCR