When renowned designer Vinita Chaitanya was asked to create her first public space, the Garden Cafe, she drew inspiration from the tranquil greenery of Cubbon Park, a place she frequents on sunny mornings. This 70-seater cafe, nestled within the 12,000-square-foot Foodstories campus, offers an immersive dining experience in the heart of Bengaluru, combining the old-world charm of the city with contemporary culinary experiences.

Foodstories, a gourmet retail chain with established locations in New Delhi and Hyderabad, chose Lavelle Road, Bengaluru’s upscale hub, as the perfect site for its newest venture. Co-founder Avni Biyani shared, “When we first saw this location, my father imagined a secret garden cafe. After discovering Vinita’s work, particularly her love for old Bangalore, we knew it was the perfect fit.”

Designed within a tight 60-day schedule, Garden Cafe exudes the city’s slow, nostalgic essence. The cafe features a semi-alfresco design under a forest-green cast-iron pavilion, complete with monkey-top details inspired by the park’s central gazebo. Victorian-style lamps and cobbled pathways lead visitors from the street into the cafe’s serene, garden-like ambiance.

Chaitanya crafted every element with care, from the sun catchers that reflect rainbow light to the specially mixed terrazzo flooring. Even whimsical touches like blown-glass birds perched on branches add to the cafe’s charm. A standout feature is an aged Gulmohar tree, symbolizing the cafe’s deep connection to Bengaluru’s history.