The Only Place

The Only Place is a steakhouse at 13 Museum Road in central Bengaluru, near MG Road, and is regarded as the city's first steakhouse, established in 1965. It has kept a Continental grill-house identity through decades of change in the surrounding area, and it is one of the few Bengaluru restaurants where beef steak is a central item, which is notable because beef availability differs across Karnataka and India. The kitchen serves Continental cooking in a traditional style. The best-known dish is grilled steak with mushroom sauce, and other regular items include baked dishes and apple pie, which many diners order as a dessert. The menu also includes pork, chicken and fish, so groups with different preferences can be accommodated, though the identity of the house rests on grilled meats. The dining room is informal and old-fashioned, with wooden tables and a comfortable, casual feel that suits lunch and dinner alike. Noise levels are moderate and the room is popular with groups, families and regulars who have visited for years; there is no strict dress code. Beer and other drinks are typically available in line with the venue's licence, and visitors should confirm the current selection. Meals cost about INR 700-1,400, placing the restaurant in a mid-to-upper price band by Bengaluru standards. The restaurant is walk-in oriented, but reservations are sensible for dinner groups, and weekends and evenings can be busy. Lunch is generally quieter and suits visitors who want to sample the grill without a wait. It is typically open daily from late morning until late evening, but hours can change and should be confirmed locally. Because the location is close to MG Road, Brigade Road, Cubbon Park and the Bangalore Museum area, a meal fits easily into a day of sightseeing in central Bengaluru. Visitors who avoid beef should note that the menu includes other proteins, though the reputation is tied to steak.