Bengaluru, popular for tech companies and its bustling city life, is also home to many book cafes which add to its charm. These cafes are not only about coffee and comfortable seating, but are also spaces where reading, creativity, community engagement and friendships thrive. From Indian language bookstore cafes to those inspired by international cultures, these places foster a joy of reading in the city.
Kitab Cafe, Sahakar Nagar
At Kitab Cafe
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Kitab Cafe in Sahakar Nagar combines literature and dining. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a sign that says, “We serve stories”. The cafe’s menu is creatively designed using literary references, with offerings such as Pride and Prejud-iced Tea, Charlie and the Chocolate Brownies, Harry Potter’s Dumplings, Eat Pray Pasta, to name a few. Even the bill is presented inside a business-themed book. It is an inviting space for readers as the cafe is filled with books from different genres and a unique presentation that ensures literature is at the heart of this establishment.
Comics Cafe, Indiranagar
This place in Indiranagar combines comic book culture with a cafe setting. The store has the latest editions of manga, DC and Marvel comics imported from the United States and Japan. Customers here can make a purchase from the cafe section, which includes coffee and light snacks, and then enjoy access to these books. Additionally, the cafe runs a unique initiative where children are taught how to make comic books which are then published at no cost to them.
“The aim is to work with children and help them explore comic making,” says store manager Emmanuel Dandge. Founder of the cafe, Gaurav Kapoor, is a comic book enthusiast himself. “I was inspired to start Comics Cafe by the culture of anime otaku (a Japanese word that describes people with consuming interests) and my experiences at Comic Con. I also love teaching children and am present at all the workshops we conduct on weekends. We also have fun activities where people can paint on 3D printed miniatures. I want to create a space where children can tell their own stories,” says Gaurav.
Cafe Plume, Indiranagar
Cafe Plume
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Also located in Indiranagar, Cafe Plume brings customers a different literary experience. Established in 2019, this cafe is dedicated to authentic French desserts, drawing from family recipes and a deep passion for baking by Cheffe Aurélie, who left a career in fashion to pursue her dream of patisserie.
Here one can find books on crime, fiction, self help and autobiographies as well as a dedicated bookshelf for French literature, to cater to a section of their patrons. Alongside its selection of coffees, teas and hot chocolate, the cafe serves an array of breakfast items, croques, quiches, soups, salads and viennoiseries.
Atta Galatta, Koramangala
Atta Galatta
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Those looking for a space dedicated to Indian writing should make a beeline for Atta Galatta. The bookstore-cafe exclusively stocks books by Indian authors in various languages. The space was created with the intention of fostering a community around Indian literature and encouraging visitors to linger, browse and engage.
“This is a bookstore and cafe where people can loiter, spend time with books and eat snacks,” says Prerna Prakash, the store manager. Founded by Lakshmi and Subodh Sankar, a couple who love books, Atta Galatta has grown into more than just a bookstore. “We have performances, workshops, wellness-focused activities, and literary events. It’s about building a space for people who love books,” adds Prerna.
Champaca Bookstore, Cunningham Road
Champaca Bookstore
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Among the places listed here, Champaca stands out as an independently owned, women-run bookstore and cafe. Established in 2019, Champaca offers a wide range of books spanning genres such as nature writing, caste, gender, history, fiction, crime and translations. The cafe section serves tea, coffee, desserts and snacks, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxed reading atmosphere.
“People can read and purchase books here, and we also have a monthly reading challenge with prompts. For instance, in January, the theme was ‘walking’ so we suggested books related to that,” says Sindhu M, the bookstore administrator. Champaca also runs a newsletter that keeps its readers engaged with upcoming events and reading recommendations.
Dialogues Cafe, Koramangala
At Dialogues Cafe, Koramangala
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In Koramangala, Dialogues Cafe incorporates board games, books and a co-working environment. The cafe provides an open workspace and a reading corner where people can come and exchange books. Monopoly, Sequence, Jenga, and Catan are some of the board games at the cafe, apart from a chess board.
The cafe also hosts board game meetups, book club meetings and poetry open mics as well. They have books of all genres and serve a diverse food menu, making it a go-to spot for many.
These cafes, creating welcome spaces for literary enthusiasts, stand testament to the city’s love for storytelling and creativity.
Published – December 05, 2025 02:12 pm IST
