Le Jardin Bangalore

This is the coffee shop at the Oberoi in Bangalore (which I regard as one of the established best hotels in the city). Went there for lunch and tried the pre-set menu (with combination of buffet). Basically the salads and dessert are spread out while you can selectteh main course from a choice of 10-15 dishes. Its a different idea but the food tastes good - its as simple as that. I tried the prawns and fish curries. was good. The dal and aloo subzi is always there to accompany the main course order. They can do better with an assorted bread basket! The taste of the food is nice and leaves a light feeling. The curries are fairly spicy but I guess the advantage here is that you can order it as you like - service is pretty personalized. Overall a good experience when you are ready to spend on the higher side. BTW - I would strongly recommend a cup of coffee at their open air bar (Polo Club) - it is served in a tray with some cookies and you will really enjoy it after a nice meal.

Style - 4 stars

Would I go there again - Yes!

Food for two - Rs 2500

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

Coffee Shop at Zuri...

Its a pretty new hotel - hardly about 6 months old (is what the traditional moustached guard told us). Service is nice and the atmosphere pretty good. Really liked the mix of traditional and contemporary decor. All we had was tea for the lady and coffee for the man (of course sugar for my little prince Rohin!) but it was nice. I really like my coffee in the right proportion - neither too bitter nor too sweet - neither too much milk nor too less. And that is what I was served. Jaya felt that the tea was OK (she would rather have had a service tea than the readymade one that she ). The cookies served along with the tea were delicious - their bakery has to be good! Service was as expected. I wouldnt say it stood apart but then it wasnt something to complain about either. We landed at around 4pm so didnt expect too many people around anyway. Its a bit away from the city - in Whitefield but then I guess the hotel has been built to cater that area itself. We also asked if we could be seated outside by the pool side but they wouldnt serve tea/coffee there (would serve drinks there though).

Style - 3 stars

Will I go there again? - Maybe
Our bill for 1 tea + 1 coffee - Rs 270