Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » The Bangalore Kitchen – Seattle
The Bangalore Kitchen - Seattle
Photo from The Bangalore Kitchen
The Bangalore Kitchen at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍛 Indian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 26 of the guests
#627 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#14 Indian Restaurant out of 22 in Seattle
Good
6.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
257
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Authentic Flavors
- Lively Atmosphere
- Friendly Service
Frequently criticized
- High Prices
- Long Waits
- Missing Components
The restaurant The Bangalore Kitchen is a vibrant Indian restaurant located in Seattle’s bustling Ballard neighborhood. You’ll find a casual atmosphere perfect for any meal, whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a full dinner.
This spot is known for its diverse menu, including excellent vegan and healthy options, making it a welcoming choice for various dietary preferences.
Overview: Introducting The Bangalore Kitchen
The Bangalore Kitchen offers a taste of genuine South Indian cuisine, with many appreciating its authentic flavors and well-prepared dishes. The dining experience is often enhanced by a lively location and a generally pleasant atmosphere.
However, patrons frequently encounter a long line and some find the offerings to be overpriced for the portion sizes. While the staff is often noted for their friendliness, the overall value proposition can be a point of contention.
Good
6.8
out of 10
257
Reviews
60.3%
Satisfaction
75
negative
27
neutral
155
positive
The Bangalore Kitchen earns a respectable overall score of 6.8, indicating a generally positive reception, though customer satisfaction sits at a more mixed 60.3%. This suggests that while many enjoy their visit, a notable portion leaves with reservations.
This assessment is drawn from a substantial 257 customer remarks, with 155 positive observations outweighing 75 negative ones. Delving deeper, the Food (7.3) is a clear highlight, often praised for its quality and taste.
The Ambience (8.1) also contributes positively to the experience, creating an inviting setting. However, the Value (3.3) is a significant concern for many, while Service (6.2) generally performs adequately, though it sometimes struggles with efficiency during busy periods.
What people like
- Authentic, flavorful dishes
- Inviting, lively atmosphere
- Friendly, efficient service
What people don't like
- Perceived high prices
- Significant wait times
- Missing dish components
If you prioritize genuine flavors and a pleasant setting, The Bangalore Kitchen is worth considering, especially for its well-regarded dishes. Be prepared for potential queues, but the overall experience often leaves a positive impression for those seeking authentic cuisine.
With a solid recommendation score of 7.3, it’s a place to try if you’re willing to overlook the value aspect and potential wait. It delivers on taste and atmosphere, making it a good choice for a focused culinary experience.
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Verdict: Our expert take on The Bangalore Kitchen
Food (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 100% of the guests
The food here generally hits a good note, with a solid score of 7.3 and many customers raving about it. Out of 170 opinions, 116 were positive, highlighting the authentic flavor, delicious Benne (butter) masala dosa, and overall food quality. Theres also a great variety of options to explore, making it a culinary adventure.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 68.2%, and 37 opinions pointed to some areas for improvement. Some found the chutney bland or noted the absence of sambar, while others felt the portions were small and the food could be overpriced' for what you get.
Food
170
Reviews
68%
Satisfaction
37
negative
17
neutral
116
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Authentic Bangalore dosas
- Delicious food quality
- Great variety of options
What people don't like
- No sambar provided
- Portions feel small
- Chutney can be bland
Often praised
- dosasThe food was delicious, and the owners were wonderful. We even got the dosa batter to take home because the dosas were so soft. The service, atmosphere, and food all received a perfect 5/5 rating.
- FoodFood:4
- chow chow bathI ordered the dosa and chow chow bath, and they were incredibly delicious
- foodI absolutely love this farmers market, and it’s always a pleasure to see this stall here! The food is genuinely delicious, and it’s clear a lot of care goes into the preparation. I personally missed having sambar with the dosa — but I understand they’re showcasing a specific regional style of serving dosa, which is cool in its own right.
- butter masala dosahighly recommend trying the butter masala dosa
- dosaMy experience was that this place is a fun treat if you're at the Farmers Market. The dosa was good, but I'm not sure it was worth the 20-minute line and then an additional 30-minute wait. It was also a little pricey for what it is.
- South Indian foodBest South Indian food in Seattle
- authentic flavorsThe location is convenient, but be prepared for a long line — it’s a popular spot with a lot of foot traffic. Still, the wait is usually worth it for the tasty, authentic flavors. Definitely recommend if you're in the area!
- badam milkThe badam milk was good.
- doseThe dose is the real deal and to die for.
Frequently criticized
- sambarMy experience at this restaurant was quite disappointing. For $17, I received a podi dosa that was served with only a bland green chutney and no sambar, which I found to be very bad value. Adding to my unease, I witnessed one of the workers take some food and put it in their mouth, then proceed to serve dosas with the same glove on.
- chutneyThe chutney and rava idli were really sub-par
- dosaOverpriced dosa, less in quantity, no sambhar, lacks spiciness
- Donne biriyanidon’t sell Donne biriyani
- DosaThe Dosa, which itself is small, with only chutney, no sambar feels extremely pricey.
- Kesari baathKesari baath was very bad
- SLU pop upThe SLU pop up was disappointing. There was no dosa on the menu.
- South Indian restaurant sceneespecially given the grim South Indian restaurant scene
- better dosasbut back it up with better dosas then
- chicken biryaniMy chicken biryani had no chicken and lacked good favor
If you're craving authentic South Indian flavors, especially dosas, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be prepared for potentially smaller portions and the absence of sambar, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
Service (6.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 67% of the guests
The service here presents a bit of a mixed bag, with an average score of 6.2 and 50% customer satisfaction. Many appreciate the friendly staff, including the servers and owners, often noting their willingness to speak Kannada, which adds a nice personal touch. Based on 24 positive remarks, guests often find the service fast and the staff super friendly, even when lines are long.
However, there are challenges, with 19 negative remarks highlighting issues like poor volume management and communication, especially when popular dishes run out. Guests frequently mention long lines and significant wait times, which can be frustrating after a long drive and parking search. Some even reported slow service due to crowds, making the overall experience less enjoyable.
Service
48
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
19
negative
5
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Speak Kannada
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Poor communication
- Dishes run out
Often praised
- ServiceService:4
- serviceservice were both excellent, rated a perfect 5/5
- Kannadaspeak to you in Kannada as well
- staffstaff that cheers you on instantly
- catering serviceused their catering service for the breakfast...it was an absolute hit.
- entire staff's ever-smiling facesentire staff's ever-smiling faces while they did their job
- folks who run itThe folks who run it are nice though
- huge lineThe huge line every weekend is a testimony
- line moves quicklybut it does move quickly
- long waitmakes the long wait justifiable
Frequently criticized
- long lineMy experience at the restaurant involved a long line.
- serviceMy experience was quite disappointing. I ordered a $15 small dosa without sambar, and had to wait 20 minutes in the cold with obviously no service. It felt like a scam lol.
- wait timeFirst, the long queue and wait time. If you’re planning to spend just a couple of hours at the market, a big chunk of it could easily go into waiting at this one stall, making it harder to enjoy the rest of the market. Second, the food felt significantly overpriced.
- 20 minute lineworth the 20 minute line
- 30 minute waitthen a 30 minute wait
- communicationConsidering that they are open till 2pm, it’s very disappointing. At the very least, they should communicate that they are out of certain dishes. After a 45-minute drive, 15 minutes to park, and 15 minutes in line, I left without the idly mutton.
- drive45 min drive.
- endless queuewaiting in an endless queue
- huge queueThere is a huge queue
- line15 mins in the line.
If youre prepared for potential waits and understand that popular items might sell out, youll likely enjoy the friendly staff and personal touches. However, if you're on a tight schedule or expect seamless communication about dish availability, you might find the experience frustrating.
Ambience (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 38% of the guests
The vibe here is definitely a winner! With a 8.1 score, the ambience is rated as good, and customer satisfaction is also good at 77.8%. Many folks loved the lively location and the atmosphere that gives a feel being with Indians, often highlighting it as a family-run gem.
These positive feelings stem from 14 enthusiastic comments. However, its not entirely perfect. Out of 18 total comments, there was just 1 mention about the parking spot, suggesting that finding a place to park might be a slight inconvenience.
This minor point doesnt overshadow the overwhelmingly positive feedback, but it's something to keep in mind.
Ambience
18
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
1
negative
3
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Lively atmosphere
- Authentic Indian feel
- Charming family-run
What people don't like
- Parking difficulty
Often praised
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- atmosphereatmosphere was excellent, rated a perfect 5/5
- experiencevisit this place for the experience
- family-run gemappears to be a family-run business, which adds to its charm
- feel being with IndiansThe place gives a feel being with Indians
- lively locationMy experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed their dosas and other south Indian snacks, which were served in a lively location at the Ballard Sunday market. The chow chow bath was also excellent.
- reusable bowls and utensilslike that they use reusable bowls and utensils
Frequently criticized
- parking spotlooking a parking spot
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere and a lively feel, this spot is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared that finding a parking spot might take a moment, but the overall experience seems to make it worthwhile.
Value (3.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 40% of the guests
While the overall sentiment around value is quite low, with a score of just 3.3 and customer satisfaction at a mere 4.8%, there was a rare glimmer of positivity. One diner did find the moderate prices acceptable, suggesting that for a select few, the cost might not be an issue. However, the overwhelming majority of feedback, with 18 negative comments out of 21, points to significant concerns regarding the overall value and price.
Many felt the food was pricey and expensive, often describing it as overpriced for what was received, especially considering the portion sizes and lack of accompaniments.
Value
21
Reviews
4%
Satisfaction
18
negative
2
neutral
1
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
What people don't like
- Overpriced food
- Poor value
- High prices
Often praised
- moderate pricesThe prices at this establishment are moderate
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience was quite disappointing. I ordered a $15 small dosa without sambar, and had to wait 20 minutes in the cold with obviously no service. It felt like a scam lol.
- expensiveso pretty expensive, after tip
- priceyit a bit pricey at over $15
- $16for $16
- driveit’s worth the drive
- foodthe food felt significantly overpriced
- overpricedthey were overpriced
- price per person$30+ per person is too expensive
- pricesWhile the prices are on the higher side
- valueSecond, the food felt significantly overpriced. While I appreciate the quality ingredients and small-batch approach, you can get a more complete dosa experience — with multiple chutneys, sambar, variety, quantity and dine-in comfort — at other spots for much better value. All in all, it’s a tasty treat if you’re already at the market and in the mood to splurge a bit — just be prepared for a wait and a lighter plate.
If youre considering this spot, be prepared for a potentially high bill for what you get. The overwhelming feedback suggests its overpriced and offers poor value. It might be a place to splurge if youre already there, but dont expect great bang for your buck.
How are the prices at The Bangalore Kitchen?
You’re looking at roughly 22 per person – reported by 26 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For an Indian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Looking at the numbers, most diners spend in the $11–$20 and $21–$30 brackets, showing prices cluster nicely around that average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 26 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for an Indian restaurant in this category. Its a good spot if youre looking for quality without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about The Bangalore Kitchen
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Group Type
- Large Group
Group Size
- Large Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
10
Authentic Bengaluru Dosas in Seattle!
My experience at this restaurant was exceptional, particularly with their dosas, which are authentically Bengaluru style and made with love. They are absolutely delicious and the best I've had outside of Bengaluru. Beyond the dosas, their other dishes are also amazing.
I was so impressed that I used their catering service for the breakfast at my Kannada wedding, and it was an absolute hit. I couldn't recommend them enough!
- dosas10
- other dishes9
- catering service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
10
Best South Indian in Seattle!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I found it to be the best South Indian food I've had from a shop in Seattle. The lamb kheema was incredibly flavorful and delicious.
I also appreciated their commitment to sustainability, as they use reusable bowls and utensils. I highly recommend this place!
- South Indian food10
- lamb kheema10
- reusable bowls and utensils8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Good Dosas, Authentic Indian Feel
My experience at this restaurant was quite positive. The dosas were good, offering a different take on the Indian version. The place successfully provided a feel of being with Indians, contributing to a pleasant atmosphere.
- dosas8
- Indian version6
- feel being with Indians8
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Breakfast
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
9
Delicious Dosas and Idli Worth the Wait!
My experience at this restaurant was 100% worth waiting on line for! My friends brought me here because I was craving dosas and idli. The food was sooo gooddd, making it the perfect meal to start your day with.
- dosas and idli10
- waiting on line9
- meal9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
6
Disappointing 'Special Dish' Availability
It’s great to have Bangalore options in Seattle, but they really need to have better volume management. Third time the “special dish” of the day was done by noon! Considering that they are open till 2pm, it’s very disappointing.
At the very least, they should communicate that they are out of certain dishes. After a 45-minute drive, 15 minutes to park, and 15 minutes in line, I left without the idly mutton. I would change the language from “till we run out” to “available till 11am”.
- special dish2
- volume management3
- communication3
What The Bangalore Kitchen offers
Crowd
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Vegan options
- Healthy options
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What kind of dietary options and meal types can you find at The Bangalore Kitchen?
At The Bangalore Kitchen, you’ll discover a diverse Indian menu featuring excellent vegan and vegetarian options, alongside healthy choices and small plates perfect for a quick bite. You can enjoy lunch, dinner, breakfast, and even dessert.
Is The Bangalore Kitchen wheelchair accessible, and what are the parking options?
Yes, The Bangalore Kitchen is fully wheelchair accessible, offering both an accessible entrance and restroom for your convenience. Parking in Ballard can be challenging, but free and paid street parking options are available nearby.
How does The Bangalore Kitchen generally perform?
The Bangalore Kitchen holds an overall score of 6.8, indicating a good performance. Its Ambience (8.1) and Food (7.3) are particularly strong, while Service (6.2) is adequate, and Value (3.3) is a notable area for improvement.
What do customers enjoy most about the food and atmosphere?
Many customers praise the authentic flavors of the dishes, particularly the dosas, and appreciate the lively location and family-run gem feel that contributes to a pleasant dining experience.
What are the main concerns customers have?
The primary concerns revolve around the perception of dishes being overpriced and the frequent long line and wait time that can impact the overall visit.