Esplanade — Restaurant in Bengaluru

Had visited the place today for lunch. There were some good and not so good aspects to the place that we found. First starting from what was nice : The place looks pretty and has a nice ambiance. Something that reminds you of Kolkata (as per the person I went with who's a Bengali) The staff at entrance is courteous. Even with today being vasant panchami and the crowd being on the higher side, they ensured things were as smooth as possible by two people team. Portion size as per the price is around the decent to good zone.

Places to improve: For a while after sitting we had to repeatedly ask for the order to be taken. Later on the time between starters and main course was too long and at the end we had to ask half a dozen times to get the bill and PAY!

We opted to eat vegitarian for the day. From the way people were queing and being there we hoped the food would be a banger and the best Bengali food we ever had in the town, but that was sadly proved wrong. Mochar Cutlet : Tasted like a normal fried cutlet, have had better ones in some other restaurants in town that specialise in bengali cusine. Masoor Dal : If we were in a north indian restaurant and they served it as dal fry I would have accepted it, but it was a let down when we were anticipating a Bengali dal. It was too thick, with strong garlic notes. Lacked the lightness of masoor dal from Bengal that I have loved to appreciate over past few years. Dokar Dalna : Appreciate that the no of dalna pieces were good in quantity but it lacked the gravy. It was served more on the drier side and it was on the more sweater note. Would have appreciated had it had some more gravy and the sweatness was tamed down slightly. Rice : Decent quantity, steamed. Was good and had no scope of mess up. Jhur Jhuree Aloo Bhaja : well it's potato and its fried, very less scope of being bad. Was a good one.

Overall we came here craving some good soul filling veg food and left thinking we would have been better going to our og spot in Koramangala. May be it was a bad day or maybe they specialise more in non veg than veg idk. I as a non bengali felt the food has a potential to be better and so did my bengali co diner. At around ₹1200+ for all this I feel there are better places in the city for veg Bengali food that leaves you salvating.

When we asked for the bill, we were handed over a review form wherein honestly we wrote down that it wasn't the best we have had till now. After this was a struggle of the manager loading is with what was so bad and not handing over the bill until we were ok with writing behind the review page some points where we found it lacking. It felt sorta bad that when we were ok speaking it out and telling it properly they wanted us to write it and only post that went around handing the bill.

Overall a good ambiance place, avoid...

Bangalore has no shortage of Bengali restaurants, but Esplanade stands out as a place that truly captures the essence of Bengali cuisine. From slow-cooked delicacies to the unmistakable aroma of mustard and panch phoron, this restaurant delivers an experience that feels both nostalgic and indulgent.

What We Ordered & Loved Gandharaj Iced Tea – Light, fragrant, and refreshing, this iced tea had the perfect balance of citrusy Gandharaj lemon without being overpowering. A great palate cleanser before diving into the rich flavors of the meal.

Mochar Cutlet – A crisp and well-seasoned banana blossom cutlet, golden brown on the outside and soft inside. The mustard-based kashundi dip added just the right kick, making this a standout vegetarian appetizer.

Chhanar Paturi – This was one of the highlights of the meal. Fresh cottage cheese marinated in mustard paste, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed to perfection. The balance between the sharp mustard and the creamy texture of the chhena was impeccable.

Panch Phoron Grilled Fish – A unique take on Bengali fish preparations. The fish was grilled just right, with a subtle smoky flavor and the signature five-spice blend adding complexity to the dish. A must-try for seafood lovers.

Jhur Jhure Aloo Bhaja – Simple yet addictive. These finely sliced, crispy fried potatoes were light, well-salted, and the perfect accompaniment to dal and rice.

Aam Diye Taker Dal – This raw mango-infused lentil dish was a comforting addition to the meal. The mild sourness of the mango paired beautifully with the lentils, making it a refreshing yet hearty dish.

Aloo Diye Murgir Jhol – A classic home-style Bengali chicken curry with soft, well-cooked potatoes soaking up the flavorful, light gravy. This was comfort food at its best, perfect with a side of steamed rice.

Chital Macher Muitha – A rare find in Bangalore, and they got it just right. The fish dumplings, made from chital maach, were soft yet held their shape, coated in a well-seasoned tomato-based gravy. Every bite brought back memories of traditional Bengali home cooking.

Ambiance & Service The interiors are warm and inviting, with subtle nods to Bengali culture without being overdone. The service was prompt and attentive, with the staff providing helpful recommendations and ensuring a smooth dining experience.

Final Verdict For anyone craving authentic Bengali flavors in Bangalore, Esplanade is an excellent choice. Whether you're in the mood for homely comfort food or a deep dive into Kolkata’s culinary heritage, this place delivers on all fronts. A bit on the premium side, but absolutely worth it for the quality and authenticity. Would...

With very heavy heart, I am writing this, I generally want all businesses to be successful hence try to give honest feedback. But this one is the worst experience of life, related to food.

They seriously need to understand what is customer and how to manage booking/ reservation.

Neither I recommend this hotel nor I will visit ever (tough for me to write this).

Sorry I am shoked to know that they have only one table to accommodate 8 people. That was occupied for 2+ hours and no alternative planned till we started to challenge. The booking done one day in advance: ( they only proposed the time of 2:30 pm, where I wanted 2:00 pm, I accepted 2:30 pm) still, there was no respite for an elderly lady who accompanied us.

Tough to explain. Fine fine restaurants also provide a timeline. This has become tougher than that.

They also had decency to tell us to leave the restaurant (they do not need customers like us).

This may be well hyped for bloggers and celebrity, but tough for common people (my experience).

There were multiple people with 4 seaters were squeezed in where we were waiting. The explanation they have a specific table for us (fail to understand), 2 tables of 4 = 8. That also could not be arranged.

Going by the long wait time clearly demonstrates that they need operational efficiency and understanding the value and time of the customer.

No review for Food as we did not have that. Writting this review from another well crowded restaurant from same area where we got our seat within 20 mins (same 8 people).

I know there may be counter comments and justification from owner. The question will remain, can you look inside and improve your efficiency so that you stay well relevant to your customers. Keep one thing in mind no one goes to restaurant to argue or fight (specially with family) , but to have good food and good family time. Noone should spoil that with their inefficiencies.

If you do not know how much time a table take to finish then why tell customers that 15 mins it will be free? Then you come after 15 mins and say, we do not know, then 3:30 pm last order. If there is one table, that is occupied beyond 3:30pm then what the Waiting customer will do?

To the owner: You will have plenty of customers no doubt. But at least I will be wishing your customers to have a better experience. Wishing both you and your customers a happy...