Airlines Hotel — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Airlines Hotel: A Timeless Icon on Lavelle Road Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Bangalore, the Airlines Hotel stands as a timeless icon of the city's culinary heritage. Situated on Lavelle Road, this drive-in restaurant has been a favorite food joint for food enthusiasts for decades, offering a taste of nostalgia. Maintained Taste and Quality: One of the hallmarks of Airlines Hotel is its unwavering commitment to maintaining the taste and quality of its offerings. Whether it is the crispy dosas or the aromatic filter coffee, each dish exudes authenticity and flavor that keeps patrons coming back for more. Charming Outside Seating: The allure of the Airlines Hotel extends beyond its delectable menu to its charming outside seating area, nestled under the shade of a majestic banyan tree. Sitting here in the evening, savoring delicious bites while enjoying the ambiance, is an experience like no other. Drive-In Service: While the restaurant also offers service indoors, it is the iconic drive-in experience that truly sets Airlines Hotel apart. Having your food served right to your car adds an element of novelty and nostalgia to the dining experience. Although service may be slower during peak hours and weekends, it only adds to the charm of the experience. Adjoining Attractions: A visit to the Airlines Hotel is not just about the food but also about the vibrant atmosphere of its surroundings. Adjacent to the restaurant, you will find the historic Bowring Institute and other nearby attractions. Additionally, Sree Raj Lassi Bar, a 51-year-old lassi bar, and Corner House Ice Cream Shop are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth. Well-Managed Parking: While parking may be chargeable and occasionally require a short wait, the management ensures that the process is smooth and efficient, allowing diners to enjoy their meal without hassle. Our Experience: Opting for outside seating, we indulged in the quintessential South Indian fare of masala dosa and coffee. The dosa was crispy and flavorful, although the sambar leaned towards the sweeter side. The authentic filter coffee served in traditional glass tumblers was a definite highlight, complementing the meal perfectly. Service was prompt, and the staff was courteous and attentive throughout. In conclusion, Airlines Hotel continues to uphold its legacy as a culinary institution, offering a delightful blend of tradition, taste, and ambiance that keeps patrons returning time and again. Whether you are a local or a visitor to the city, a visit to this iconic establishment is a must for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Bangalore's...

Airlines Hotel – Nostalgia Served on a Plate

One of those rare places in Bengaluru that takes you back to old Bengaluru. Conveniently located near MG Road and Cubbon Park, it’s an easy spot to reach, with parking available (though charged). The setting is its biggest charm, a big banyan trees provide shade for the open air dining area, and there’s also indoor seating for those who prefer it. Sitting under the trees with a plate of hot dosa and a cup of filter coffee is an experience that never gets old.

The menu focuses on South Indian food like masala dosa, idli-vada, bisi bele bath, chitranna, puliyogare, and strong filter coffee. Their dosas, especially the butter masala dosa, are a highlight crisp, golden, and drenched in ghee. One dosa can easily keep you full for hours. While the coffee is decent, it’s the dosas that really steal the show. On another visit, we tried rotis and curries, bhel puri, jamoon, uppitu. The taste was excellent.

Service is quick and friendly, with helpful staff managing orders efficiently, even during busy hours. However, during peak times, you might find a slight delay. Getting parking inside is a bit tough, or else the ambience is very good, especially in the evenings with soft lighting and the hum of conversations, feels relaxed and welcoming. The washrooms are clean.

Prices do feel slightly on the higher side when compared to the overall setup and facilities, but the nostalgic charm and location make up for it.

Airlines Hotel isn’t about fine dining but it’s about heart, history, and the joy of eating in the open air. Whether you’re a local craving that “old Bangalore” vibe or a visitor wanting a true taste of the city, this spot is worth a stop. If you want to experience the old vibe of Bengaluru with original taste of filter coffee, masale dose, then this is the spot.

I would rate 5/5, More than just food, it’s...

Airlines is one of those spots that are considered signature landmarks, but I had never visited this place. Even though I've been to Smoor, Corner House, and the little sandwich shop at the entryway, I haven't had the opportunity to visit Airlines until today.

Visited this place along with my friends who just wanted to accompany me but they ended up eating the majority of the food we ordered not because they were hungry, but because it was that tasty..! One of my friends even drank the sambar and sagu that came along with the Dosa.

Initially we sat outdoors but due to bengaluru's rains, we apparently had to sit inside. The indoor seating arrangement is neat and decent, the warm lighting gives the old school vibes.

We were attended by Mr.Abhi, one of the staff, who helped us to choose the dishes from the menu. We ordered a Masala dosa, a medu vada dip for me and coffee for my friends. The coffee and vada arrived in no time. The coffee was strong and flavourful..ekdum kadak..!

The round fluffy Vada dipped in yellow sambar looked beautiful, I did ask my friends to take a bite, and BOOM.. we did ask for 2 extra spoons. Next we got crispy well roasted masala dosa and I asked again for my friends to take a bite, BOOM.. again same story...!

Lastly we ordered a Rava idli, guess what this time i didn't ask my friends to take a bite, because they were just waiting with their spoons.. Ready..! We asked for the bill after realizing it was meant to be a light snack and remembering how many calories we had consumed.

We paid the bill and left for our respective house. Guess what, I got the opportunity to visit this place again in a few minutes, because I had left my spectacles on the table we dined at. Luckily it was right on the table intact.

Had a great time visiting here.. A must visit restaurant for south delicacy lovers.

PS: This review is only for...