Tucked away in the heart of Bangalore, Airlines Hotel is more than just a place to eat—it’s a legacy. Known for its old-world charm, open-air seating, and an undeniable whiff of nostalgia, this iconic spot has been serving food lovers for decades. Whether you’re a Bangalorean at heart or a visitor looking to soak in the city’s food culture, Airlines Hotel is a must-visit.
The Ambiance: Old-School Charm with a Garden Café Vibe
We had a morning meeting near Cubbon park, and subsequent to that could hear our tummies grumble, While deciding where to go grab a bite, P suggested this canteen nearby and said it was real good etc. Said ok, lets go. We drove down the road, and I saw the board “Airlines Hotel” and got excited. I have always wanted to visit, more out of curiosity than anything and so looked forward to the meal there.
Towering trees provide a canopy of shade, while the outdoor seating lets you enjoy Bangalore’s (still) pleasant mornings. The casual, no-frills setup—think plastic chairs, steel tumblers, and an open courtyard—creates an effortless charm. Despite being a bustling eatery, there’s a certain laid-back feel to it, making it the perfect spot for a relaxed breakfast with friends or family.
Here’s what we tried:
Masala Dosa – OMG, Amazing!
This is easily one of the best masala dosais in Bangalore. Perfectly crispy on the outside, with a well-balanced, mildly spiced potato filling inside. The chutneys and sambar complemented it beautifully, making every bite a delight. The dosai was piping hot, like we could feel the heat when we kept our hands near the open side of it.
Filter Coffee – The South Indian Classic
No South Indian breakfast is complete without a cup of strong, aromatic filter coffee. Airlines Hotel does it right—frothy, rich, and just the right amount of strong to kickstart the day. We had one at the beginning of the meal, and I was so full by the time I had ploughed through half the dosai that we decided to share the 2nd one, instead of a full coffee each.
Mangalore Buns – Soft, Fluffy, and Irresistible
A personal favourite! The slightly sweet, deep-fried buns were light yet indulgent, pairing wonderfully with the coconut chutney. If you haven’t tried Mangalore buns before, Airlines Hotel is a great place to start. The staff suggested we tried the buns before we move to the dosai and he was spot on..
Bonda Soup – A Perfect Warm Hug
The golden, crispy bondas served in a piping hot, flavourful daal based soup were simply divine. The contrast of crunchy and spicy warmth was spot on, making it an excellent start to the meal. I ordered it based on the staff’s recommendation, he said it stands out when I asked if I had originally ordered the bonda sambar ..
Service: Efficient & Friendly
One of the highlights of our experience was the service. The staff was warm, attentive, and ensured a smooth dining experience despite the crowd. Our orders arrived quickly, and the servers made sure we had everything we needed without any delays.
Final Thoughts: Worth the Experience?
While the food, ambiance, and service were excellent, the pricing did feel a bit steep for a traditional South Indian breakfast spot. However, the experience of dining under the trees, sipping on hot coffee, and indulging in classic comfort food makes it a worthwhile visit.
Would I go back? Absolutely—maybe not for an everyday breakfast, but definitely for a nostalgic and leisurely weekend treat!
We were slightly surprised with the pricing- total was Rs740 ..
Pro Tips:
- Go early! It gets crowded, especially on weekends.
- Try their Mangalore buns if you haven’t before.
- Be prepared to pay a premium for the ambiance and legacy.
Have you been to Airlines Hotel? Share your experience in the comments below!
