Araku Coffee, Indiranagar

Single-estate coffee from the Araku valley, served like it matters. The pour-over made me rethink what coffee tastes like. Sit at the bar and ask what's brewing that day. The baristas will walk you through the flavours.

Koshy's, St. Mark's Road

Ceiling fans, old waiters, and a whole table arguing about politics over cold coffee. It's been like this since the 1940s. Order the fish and chips or the appam with stew. Don't rush; nobody else is.

Brahmin's Coffee Bar, Shankarapuram

No chairs, no menu card. Idli, vada, a chutney you'll dream about, and coffee in a steel tumbler. Done in ten minutes. Go early; it closes for a few hours in the afternoon. Have the chutney twice, they'll top it up without asking.

Matteo Coffea, Church Street

Strong espresso, a buzzing room, and Church Street right outside the door for a walk afterwards. Pair it with Blossom Book House down the road. Coffee first, then lose an hour in the stacks.

Dyu Art Cafe, Koramangala

An old Kerala-style house with a courtyard, red oxide floors and paintings on every wall. You forget you're in Koramangala. Go on a weekday morning for the English breakfast and a courtyard table. Weekends fill up fast.

Indian Coffee House, Church Street

Waiters in white turbans and cummerbunds, a mutton cutlet, and filter coffee for less than a parking ticket. Don't expect wifi or speed. Bring a friend and an hour.

Champaca Bookstore, Library & Cafe

A bookstore and a cafe in one airy room, surrounded by trees. I went for a coffee and left with three books. Ask the staff for a recommendation. They read everything and the picks are always good.

Glen's Bakehouse

The red velvet everyone talks about is actually worth it. Warm lights, a quiet corner, and a slice that's too big to share. Pick an outlet with outdoor seating and go after 4, once the lunch crowd has cleared.

Lavonne Cafe

It's a baking school with a cafe attached, and you can taste it. Croissants that shatter when you touch them. Go before 11 for the best of the morning bakes. Weekend afternoons, the viennoiserie is often sold out.