Caperberry Bangalore

This one is located on Dickenson Road (right behind the Tanishq showroom). It is a very well done place - excellent food and very nice services. I was quite amazed that it was not crowded on a Friday evening when we went for dinner. There are decent portions of whatever you order - chicken, fish or vegetarian. I tried the grilled John Dorry (if I remember the name correct!). It was white fish - Australian, which had its own taste. I liked it. The chicken, duck and mushrooms looked good too!

Dessert was OK though. It was a fancy preparation (live chilled cooking in liquid nitrogen at minus 196 celsius) but I honestly did not relish the taste as much as I liked the main course. Must mention that the chocolate cake provided by them was at the perfect temperature. Was impressed by that!

Was not in for wines as I had to drive family back but then this is one place where I would say wine would go very well with the food.

If you are in the mood for something different - European - try this place.

For the ambience, service and quality - I would admit I found the prices reasonable.

Style - 4 stars

Would I go there again - Yes!

Food for two - Rs 1000 (without liquor)

Lido (Coffee Shop) at Hotel Ista, Bangalore

The old Lido cinema screen gave way to creation of the Lido mall and the Fame Cinemas in Bangalore (just off MG Road). As I write this - Big Bazaar is looking at setting up shop there. But the hidden treasure there is the hotel Ista (on top of the complex) which has its own entrance and its own set of beautiful restaurants.

By Bangalore standards - this is by far the best coffee shop I have come across - whether it is ambience, quality of food or service - a fantastic combination!!!

We went in to be awed by the open feeling in the coffee shop which is on a covered-open air setup (on a partially open 4th floor terrace which is covered well). The coffee shop opens up right into the pool and the palm trees make the ambience vey romantic! My mom thought it was a Persian touch although I felt there was a contemporary touch to it. We ended up agreeing that it is a mix of both.

They have continental, oriental, italian, western and indian on their coffee shop menu which I think is great for choice. We ordered as we wanted. Thin crust pizzas and vegetable shaslick. Couldnt have asked for more. The pizzas were fresh from the oven (including the crust) and the shaslick had grilled veg sheeks with rice and tomato based sides (of course the menu had a more sophisticated description than what I give).

There was a nice menu for the buffet (but not for me - it was a cold menu!).

I would not do justice if I do not mention the exquisite italian brouche with olive oil - that keeps you busy while you wait for food.

Romantic evening, business meeting, casual dinner, friends get together or just some coffee - I would go there again!

Style - 5 stars

Would I go there again - ABSOLUTELY!

Food for two - Rs 1000

Pinxx at Royal Orchid Hotel in Manipal Centre

This coffee shop is in the Royal Orchid Hotel and is a great place for coffee or even a breakfast, lunch or dinner. What our family loves about this place is decor, good food (the changing variety in the buffet) and choice. In particular - I would say that lunch buffet is a good one to try out. I dont rate the service amongst the best but the Royal Orchid chain has never been able to train their staff to the levels that others in their league do . I must say though - its still great value for money. Go there for a quick lunch during the week or a relaxed dinner! Decor is contemporary but appears a bit cramped up to me at times. I found the tables too small - specially when there is 4 of us on the table.
Its located right off MG Road so the location is extremely central. Definitely worth a try. Valent parking is a bonus given that this is on MG Road.

Style - 2 stars

Will I go there again? - Yes
Buffet lunch for two - Around Rs 650