Best restaurants for a memorable dinner in Bengaluru, India

To begin our list, we’re eager to highlight an esteemed establishment renowned for its Franco-Italian fine dining. Located on the 5th floor of The Leela Palace Hotel, Le Cirque Signature has become a top venue for special occasions in Bengaluru. The setting features a remarkable ornate window grille, high vaulted ceilings, and a sophisticated palette of beige tones. The intricate hanging lamps cast a soft light on crisp white tablecloths, making the atmosphere just perfect. And if that's not enough, there's also a beautiful terrace where you can enjoy your meal under the stars.

The ambiance is elegantly quiet, creating the backdrop for those conversations to flow effortlessly. In the kitchen, Chef Ranjan Rao masterfully balances exquisite flavors and visually stunning presentations. The restaurant offers a rotating five-course fixed menu, with two options at each stage. For appetizer, diners can choose between burrata with slow-cooked tomatoes or pan seared Atlantic scallops. Soups come in the form of roasted cauliflower with black truffles or butternut squash velouté. The next round showcases green pea split & barley risotto or king prawn fagottini. As you might have noticed, there's always a vegetarian option — except, perhaps, when it comes to desserts. Speaking of which, the meal concludes with ever-classic tiramisu or delicate hazelnut mille-feuille. But for those with a serious sweet tooth, they've got a distinct selection where the star of the show is decadent crème brûlée, definitely worthy of all the hype.

Degustation menu — INR 6300 plus taxes

Recognized by the Restaurant Awards 2024 Bengaluru Edition for its genuine Indian cuisine, Riwaz rightly earns its spot on our list of the city's best restaurants. In fact, finding authentic dishes with all that original flair here isn't as easy as you'd think. And this establishment nails it with a refined twist, all thanks to the expert touch of acclaimed masters. Nestled in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, the venue is a visual treat, too. It’s draped in warm hues, with subtle nods to tradition throughout the decor. The open kitchen adds a bit of culinary theater, while expansive windows let in a beautiful play of light.

Riwaz serves up a stellar selection, with plenty of options for the health-conscious crowd, including vegetarian and organic ones. Occasionally, they host guest chefs to craft special menus, which is always a winning move. The tandoor & grill section will satisfy almost any craving, no matter what you're in the mood for, whether it's a carnivorous feast like slow-cooked mutton leg or char-grilled lamb chops with aromatic garlic and spiced yogurt or something lighter like stuffed potatoes with dried nuts or spicy deep-fried green pea patties. Their staples also include saffron-infused basmati rice with your choice of mutton, chicken, or seasonal veggies, as well as irresistible rotis and naans, perfect for scooping up every last drop of flavor. 

Tandoori Murgh — INR 950 

Dal Tadka — INR 550

At Burma Burma Restaurant & Tea Room, the concept is easily read through its name. It means this spot is your go-to for a taste of authentic Burmese cuisine and a deep dive into tea culture. The brainchild of Ankit Gupta, the establishment channels the rich traditions of his mother's family hailing from Myanmar, where the country’s diverse landscapes come together in a flavorful culinary tapestry with plenty of character. Partnering with a childhood friend, Gupta has crafted a space that goes beyond just good food, offering a multifaceted experience that has won over patrons. Today, the brand's reach extends across multiple Indian cities, regularly winning awards and accolades from critics.

For a vibrant and eclectic journey, the chefs throw in influences from other cuisines like Chinese and Thai. Burma Burma’s vegetarian and partly vegan menu showcases a variety of much-loved curries in different styles: Rangoon, Mekong, edamame & tofu, mock meat, or lemongrass. The all-time favorite Oh No Khowsuey is a luscious, creamy coconut milk creation infused with lemongrass and tamarind, topped with Asian vegetables and accompanied by your choice of noodles. They've also got a tempting lineup of fried rice, stir fries, grilled sticky rice, bowls, and steamed buns. And since the Burmese have a thing for tea, not just as a drink but as an edible ingredient, you'll find those leaves popping up in various dishes — an intriguing twist for the curious foodie.

Average bill — INR 2100-4200

For the health-conscious diners in Bengaluru, Santé is a spot you won't want to miss. Its name, which translates from French as “health”, sets the stage for what’s to come. From the moment you walk in, the serene, verdant space with its light tones and natural materials makes you feel right at home. The restaurant champions a philosophy of honesty and transparency, spotlighting the freshest organic produce sourced from premier farms and local artisans. What’s more, it avoids refined ingredients in favor of earthy, wholesome flavors. In other words, your nutritional needs are in good hands here.

The menu showcases an Ayurvedic-inspired, plant-based Sattvic cuisine, going back to the basics and cooking only enough to highlight the food's real essence. And if you think this means bland fare, fret not — Santé doesn’t skimp on taste while staying true to its roots. Their farm-fresh salads are anything but ordinary, with combos like roasted fennel mingling with red lettuce and rose petal vinaigrette; quinoa paired with apples, cranberries, walnuts, and feta; or oyster mushroom with pearl millets. Bread handcrafted from scratch and rustic pizzas topped with cashew cheese are simply divine. And substantial delights such as Thai red curry, chickpea pappardelle, or spiced mushroom dim sum are all made to plate-licking perfection. Make sure to indulge in guilt-free desserts: think granola-based citrus cheesecake, decadent chocolate truffles, or peanut butter mud cake. 

Average bill — INR 900

Prepare to be teleported to a trattoria in Emilia-Romagna, where pasta is holy and wines are divine. Bologna, one of the city’s finest Italian spots, stays faithful to its roots despite being miles away from its homeland, serving up authentic Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena vinegar, and prosciutto. The vibe is warm and welcoming here, as it should be, with romantic lighting and a charming terrace, making it just right for those late-night rendezvous.

While dishing out time-tested staples, this spot also knows how to cater to local palates with plenty of veggie options. Kick off your feast with antipasti like broccoli with pesto, refreshing caprese, crispy calamari rings, or a cold cut meat platter. For mains, homemade tortellini luxuriating in rich Bolognese sauce is the pièce de résistance. Alternatively, dive into seafood spaghetti, pillowy potato & spinach gnocchi, or ricotta-filled ravioli, paired with a variety of sublime sauces. And don't skip creamy risotto — whether it's loaded with shrimp, mushrooms, chicken, or veggies, it's crowned with that heavenly tang of Parmigiano. If you're feeling indecisive, they’ve got you covered with a 4-course degustation set, so you can sample a bit of the best. And, to keep things true to form, a glass of Italian wine is a must. Yet, a robust coffee with a classic tiramisu is also a great way to wind down the evening.

Average bill — INR 2100-4200

In Bengaluru, boredom and hunger for gourmet delights are never on the menu. We hope our guide steers you right when you’re planning your next refined dining adventure in this eclectic city. If you’re on the hunt for must-try local specialties, make sure to check out this link. And don’t keep your culinary discoveries to yourself — share your favorite restaurants and dishes in the comment section below.