Koshy's

Koshy's is a cafe-restaurant at 39 St Marks Road in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru, opened in 1940 and long associated with the city's writers, journalists, artists and politicians. It sits within walking distance of MG Road and Cubbon Park, and its old-world interior has made it a favoured rest stop for visitors exploring the central business district. The menu is multi-cuisine, mixing Anglo-Indian cafe fare, Kerala dishes and a wide range of Indian and continental plates. All-day breakfasts, Kerala fish curry, chicken stew with appam, biryani and caramel custard are among the items most often ordered, and the caramel custard is a well-known finish to a meal. Filter coffee and tea are the main hot drinks. The dining room is spacious and unhurried, with dark wood, ceiling fans, vintage fittings and a mix of long-standing regulars and tourists, so the mood is conversational rather than loud. Lingering over coffee is normal and the pace is far slower than at Bengaluru's tiffin rooms. Dress is casual and no formal code applies. Alcohol availability depends on the venue's current licence, so visitors should confirm on the day. Mains run about INR 350-650, placing the cafe in a moderate price band by Indian standards, and it is open daily from around 9 AM to 11 PM, though hours can change. Reservations are not usually needed for individual diners, since the venue is walk-in, but booking ahead is sensible for group dinners, and evenings and weekends are the busiest periods. Late morning and mid-afternoon are the quietest times to visit. A typical visit combines a meal with a walk along nearby Church Street, MG Road, Cubbon Park and the Commercial Street shopping area, all within a short distance. For travellers who want a full day of central Bengaluru heritage, Koshy's makes a natural midpoint between museum visits in the morning and evening drinks or shopping elsewhere in the city.