Some evenings don’t just pass—they stay with you. They become memory markers of joy, love, and quiet luxury. Our anniversary dinner at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru, was exactly that kind of night: effortlessly beautiful, deeply personal, and utterly magical.
A Space That Breathes
Stepping into ITC Gardenia felt like a breath of fresh air—literally and emotionally. With its nature-inspired architecture, soft lighting, and abundant greenery, the hotel doesn’t just offer luxury; it offers peace. There’s something calming about the energy of the place, which made it the perfect setting to celebrate something as special as an anniversary.
We were headed to Cubbon Pavilion, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, and even before we reached our table, we felt the love. The staff welcomed us warmly and greeted us with an anniversary wish—one of those small, thoughtful gestures that set the tone for the rest of the evening.
The Food: Elegant, Flavourful, and Thoughtfully Curated
Dining at Cubbon Pavilion was a delight for the senses. The menu had an extensive spread across Indian and international cuisines, and we decided to slow down, savour the evening, and take it course by course. The Broccoli soup, the hot slice of pizza, the cheese board, the different kinds of hummus & other dips, the breads… I can go on…
The food were fresh and full of flavour, and the main course felt like comfort food elevated. Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the desserts—and they had quite a spread. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying. Every dish was plated with care and carried a sense of intention.
The Service: Thoughtful, Gentle, and Just Right
What truly elevated the experience was the incredible staff. Attentive without being intrusive, warm without being overly familiar—they struck the perfect balance. They made sure we were comfortable, helped us make the best choices from the menu, and quietly orchestrated an evening that flowed effortlessly.
A Moment of Reflection
As I sat there, basking in the warm lighting, watching the soft smile on Partha’s face, I felt a wave of nostalgia. I couldn’t help but think about the wonderful people back in Chennai—my old food review gang & the lady who worked at ITC —who would have loved this space, the menu, the plating, the pacing of the meal. We’ve shared so many food adventures together, and I missed having them around to dissect every bite and marvel at the menu alongside me.
I also found myself comparing this experience to the grandeur of ITC Grand Chola, a space I know well from my Chennai days. Where the Chola is all about opulence and scale, ITC Gardenia is about calm elegance and sustainability. Both are incredible in their own ways—but Gardenia felt more us for this particular evening: serene, soulful, and quietly luxurious.
The Icing on the Cake
But the true magic? It was getting to experience it all with Partha. To pause, reflect, laugh, share stories, and simply be present with each other in a space that celebrated us. It reminded me that while food, ambiance, and service matter (and they absolutely did), what really makes an evening special is who you’re sharing it with. This anniversary dinner at ITC Gardenia will remain a milestone memory—a gentle, love-soaked pause in the middle of busy lives.
If you’re in Bangalore and looking for a place to celebrate something (or someone) special, I’d recommend this with all my heart. It’s more than a meal—it’s an experience.
The entire meal costed around Rs6200/-
The Hotel and ambiance is totally worth a visit…
