Urbanaut

by urbanaut Lightroom is dedicated to kids and young adults, so their book stacks are curated similarly. It’s the best place to go to introduce a child to the rabbit hole of reading– especially if you’d like them to sample a range of genres and authors from the start. Their latest venture, Lightroom Seconds, buys and sells secondhand books that are in great condition but don’t cost as much. A great leveller of the playing (reading?) field, if you ask us.

Honoré

by urbanaut A wide range of artisanal bread baked with lots of care. Free of preservatives and bleach, this is the place for serious bread-buyers. You’ll have to place an order in advance if you want to make a purchase!

The Ants Store and cafe

by Map My Stories A wonderful handicraft store featuring works from the north east of India

Lake View Farm

by Map My Stories A green communal space housing an organic stores, indie brands for fashion & decor, salons and art studios. Also includes an on-site farm to table restaurant.

Kay Vishu’s Bonsais

by Map My Stories A residential bonsai garden owned by Lt Col B. K. Viswanatha and his wife Kanthimayee Viswanatha. They have been teaching, creating and marketing bonsai since 1980.

The Purple Turtles

by urbanaut The best light store ever! They also have quirky furniture, plants and accessories. Everytime you walk in, you’ll find pieces that you need in your life.

Beruru Indiranagar

by urbanaut A gorgeously curated decor store for your garden and outdoor needs - planters, furniture, crockery and much more by the same creative minds that brought us the now indispensable Purple Turtles.

Pottery Town

by urbanaut A lovely local place to buy terracotta and earthen pots at bargain prices. Perfect for house plants and general decor

Krishnendra Nursery

by urbanaut Siddappa road is filled with the best nurseries to buy plants at affordable prices. Krishnendra Nursery comes highly recommended for their high-quality plants and good service. Support a good local business and buy your plants here !

Lavonne Café

by urbanaut Lavonne in an institution in Bangalore, both for whipping up delectable eats and for training future pastry chefs. The café is managed by the eponymous institute’s students and serves French-style pastries and bakes along with salads, pastas and the usual beverage suspects. We’d recommend starting off with desserts, to shuffle up the order of things — we think you’ll find you’d quite like to stuff yourself with that!

Balaji's Antiques and Collectibles

by urbanaut An antique store with rare collectibles, furniture and art. Find old photographs, glassware, figurines and beautiful wooden furniture.

Crave By Leena

by urbanaut Delectable and dairy-free desserts delivered home. Alliteration aside, this is an excellent option for those looking to satisfy their sweet cravings without compromising on quality or dietary restrictions. Gluten-free and whole-wheat options are also available. They've got a great range - brownies, cupcakes, breads, pastries, cheesecake...you name it. Happy snacking!

Yogisthaan

by urbanaut A nice change from the usual bustling café, Yogisthaan provides a mellow and relaxing atmosphere, very saatvik and healthy food (check out the menu beforehand if you can so that you're not too surprised) and a good spot to work out of and not be disturbed.

Goobe's Book Republic

by urbanaut Goobe’s is an eclectic library-slash- bookstore on Church Street and yet another Bangalore institution, as far as books go. Owner Ravi Menezes and his team of enthusiastic librarians and booksellers do more than give out books– they try to uphold a “think for yourself” philosophy. You’ll find literary classics, autobiographies, graphic novels and quite a lot of science fiction in here.

Superkicks

by urbanaut A sneaker boutique tucked away on 12th Main. Well rounded collection of lifestyle kicks.

Bhartiya Jalpan

by urbanaut Fantastic spot for Indian street and comfort food - the chaat (this is difficult to explain and is best understood if one tries it) is superlative. Stock up on sweets and snacks to take home as well.

Bamboopecker

by urbanaut This is your one-stop-shop for everything bamboo. Beautifully designed and eco-friendly, visit this spot to pick up decor, mats, lamps, baskets, and even some jewellery. There are also products made from bamboo, cane and mud.

Oriri Studio

by urbanaut Whether you want to learn pottery or you’d rather support the arts with your wallet, Oriri Studio is the place to head to. The studio currently focuses on ceramics but you’ll find it’s just as ideal for practicing your painting, pottery or decoupage. Founder-owner Meenakshi and her team also lease the space out for workshops and hobby classes at any level of experience.

Good Earth Store and Cafe

by urbanaut Homeware and lifestyle store renowned for their impeccable design

Bare Necessities - Zero Waste Solutions

by urbanaut One stop shop for all your zero-waste needs. Bring your own containers and refill as much as you need. Waste not, want not - we love this store.

The Bookworm

by urbanaut The Bookworm is a Bangalorean favourite for new and pre-loved copies of books of nearly every genre under the sun. Dig through the piles to find antique gems such as a 20-year-old copy of The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to The Galaxy or an ornately bound Shakespeare. Owner Krishna Gowda is well-loved for his earnest attitude and readiness to help find any book, even if it means upsetting a few precarious piles of novels. You can also return books bought from The Bookworm to get 50% back in store credit, although we dare say you’ll spend that money on another tome.

Varnam Craft Collective

by urbanaut Home to both authentic and reimagined wooden toys, jewellery and decor in the Channapatna style, worked on by local artisans. They also feature products made in other local handicraft traditions. Perfect to browse on an afternoon when you’re looking for a souvenir or gift.

Mysore Saree Udyog LLP

by urbanaut Bangalore is famous for its silk and there really is no better place to buy fabric, saris, scarves and other accessories than Mysore Saree Udyog. Despite being unbelievably busy, they have excellent customer service. If you have time - making clothes from fabric bought here will get you a lot of compliments. It’s a treasure trove.

RainTree

by urbanaut Beautiful boutique with home decor, clothing (Anokhi) and lovely little cafe to boot

VegNonVeg

by urbanaut A well curated sneaker boutique housed within one of India’s most promising contemporary label stores - bhane.

Cinnamon

by urbanaut From contemporary chic to bohemian eclectic, this collection of boutique stores will satisfy all your fashion and home decor needs. Located within a lovely 19th century bungalow, you’ll find Indian labels, kids clothes and a lovely selection of jewellery too.

Begum Victoria Cheese

by urbanaut Started by Bangalore’s favourite chef Manu Chandra, along with two partners, Begum Victoria handcrafts organic cheese, which is ripened in their own cheese cave. I can vouch for their brie, manchego and fontina, which are on the stronger side.

Champaca Bookstore, Library, Cafe

by urbanaut An intimate and quaint cafe and bookshop on the terrace of an old house. They have a delicious menu designed by Copper & Cloves and coffee by Third Wave Coffee Roasters. Soak in Bangalore’s old world charm while browsing through their carefully curated selected books.

The Yellow Dwelling - HSR Layout

by urbanaut Home decor that is cheerful, sustainable, and affordable.

The Rogue Elephant

by urbanaut A lovely al fresco restaurant in an old colonial bungalow in one of Bangalore’s historic neighbourhoods. They have a simple menu with Indian and Western home-style food like tasty curries with rice, roast chicken and fried fish, and also serve up lighter options like salads and sandwiches.

Nari & Kāge

by urbanaut Beloved cheese makers Nari & Kage have a straight-from-Europe cheese shop in Koramangala with the most delightful facade and even better contents. Visit for a wonderful experience and leave with a bag full of gourmet cheese

Ice & Spice Burgers

by urbanaut Bangalore’s OG Burger Queen Mrs Kuttapa bringing joy to the city with her burgers, cutlets and mayo subs. An iconic food institution in Bangalore, she’s back in business at the age of 76!

TWELVEBYTWO

by urbanaut They can often seem like buzzwords but at Twelvebytwo, they’re taken as lodestars. The small gift shop curates a selection of eco-conscious, sustainably made, ethically sourced goods. Ideal for gifting or as a reminder of your holiday, it’s a hidden gem to stop into.

Ainmane Cafe and Speciality Store

by urbanaut A super cute neighbourhood store that provides authentic Kodava (from Coorg) coffee, snacks, jams and pickles. If you’re into civet coffee, get your fix here! The store curates authentic items like they’re prepared in the households of Coorg.

Capsul

by urbanaut Women owned, women led, India’s first multibrand streetwear store. Discover over 25 limited edition brands; select Indian streetwear brands. Curators of Cool.