Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is a city that delights the senses with its vibrant street food, rich culinary heritage, and diverse flavors. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a visitor looking to explore local gastronomy, Kolkata offers an array of dining experiences that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through the hottest dining destinations in Kolkata in 2023. From iconic cafes to royal Mughlai-inspired eateries, these ten trendsetting restaurants are a must-try for any food lover.
So, get ready to indulge in the flavors of Kolkata as we unveil the top culinary destinations that should be on your list this year.
- Flurys: A Legacy of Delight Established in 1927, Flurys is a legendary café that has become an institution in Kolkata. With multiple locations across the city, including Park Street and South City Mall, Flurys continues to captivate food enthusiasts with its delectable offerings. This iconic café is known for its exquisite cream cakes, scrumptious pastries, delightful sandwiches, and a pot of the finest Darjeeling tea. Step into Flurys, and you’ll be transported to a bygone era of elegance and indulgence. The prices at Flurys range from INR 300-800 per person, depending on your selection.
- Aminia: Simplicity at Its Best With multiple locations across Kolkata, Aminia has carved a niche for itself in serving authentic Kolkata cuisine. This restaurant embodies simplicity, offering flavorful dishes at affordable prices. Aminia’s menu highlights include their succulent Mutton Reshmi Butter Masala and mouthwatering Chicken Cheese Kebab. The emphasis is on quality ingredients and traditional cooking methods, resulting in dishes that are both comforting and delicious. A meal for two at Aminia costs around INR 600-800, making it an excellent choice for a satisfying culinary experience.
- 6 Ballygunge Place: A Gastronomic Haven in Ballygunge Located in the heart of Ballygunge, 6 Ballygunge Place is a haven for fish lovers and connoisseurs of Bengali cuisine. Chef Sushanta Sengupta showcases the rich flavors of Bengal through his culinary creations, featuring dishes like Kacha Aam Diye Ilish Macher Roll (Hilsa fish roll with raw mango) and Begun Ilish Jugalbandi (Hilsa fish with eggplant). The restaurant offers a buffet-style dining experience, allowing you to indulge in an array of culinary delights. The average cost per person for the buffet at 6 Ballygunge Place is around INR 1,000-1,500, providing excellent value for the variety and quality of food offered.
- Peter Cat: A Royal Indian Experience on Park Street Situated on the iconic Park Street, Peter Cat is a renowned restaurant that promises a royal dining experience. Inspired by Mughlai flavors, Peter Cat is known for its signature dish, the Chelo Kebab platter. This dish features succulent kebabs served with buttered rice, a fried egg, and a dollop of butter on top. The regal ambiance, coupled with the rich culinary heritage, makes Peter Cat a favorite among both locals and visitors. The average cost for a meal for two at Peter Cat is around INR 1,200-1,500.
- Zeeshan: Aromatic Delights on Syed Amir Ali Avenue Located on Syed Amir Ali Avenue, Zeeshan offers an authentic taste of Kolkata’s Mughlai cuisine. The restaurant’s specialties include delectable biryanis, succulent kebabs, and aromatic curries. Zeeshan’s Dum Pukht Biryani and Mutton Kakori Kebab are highly recommended for their rich flavors and tender meat. The restaurant’s elegant decor and warm hospitality add to the overall dining experience. The average cost for a meal for two at Zeeshan is approximately INR 1,000-1,500.
- Mocambo: Where Heritage Meets Modernity on Park Street Mocambo, located on Park Street, seamlessly blends heritage and modernity, creating a unique dining experience. This iconic restaurant has been serving Kolkata for over six decades and continues to attract patrons with its fusion of continental and Indian cuisines. Mocambo’s specialties include their famous Chateaubriand Steak and Fish a la Diana, which are perfect for meat lovers. The average cost for a meal for two at Mocambo is around INR 2,000-2,500, reflecting the quality and exclusivity of the dining experience.
- Rendezvous: A Fine Dining Affair at Monotel, Salt Lake Nestled within the elegant Monotel in Salt Lake, Rendezvous offers a refined dining experience that combines global flavors with local influences. With its elegant decor and top-notch service, Rendezvous ensures a memorable dining affair. The restaurant’s menu features an array of international dishes crafted with precision and finesse. Their Grilled Lobster and Sous Vide Duck Breast are highly recommended for their exquisite flavors. The average cost for a meal for two at Rendezvous is around INR 1,500-2,000.
- The Corner Courtyard: A Tranquil Oasis on Sarat Bose Road Situated on Sarat Bose Road, The Corner Courtyard is a hidden gem that offers a serene dining experience away from the bustling city. This quaint restaurant boasts a charming courtyard and serves delectable European and Mediterranean fare. The menu features a range of options, from wood-fired pizzas to baked dishes, ensuring there’s something for every palate. The average cost for a meal for two at The Corner Courtyard is around INR 1,500-2,000, making it a worthwhile destination for a relaxed evening.
- Oudh 1590: A Royal Mughlai Experience in Deshapriya Park West Located in Deshapriya Park West, Oudh 1590 takes you back to the era of royal Nawabs and Mughlai delicacies. The restaurant’s menu showcases the rich heritage of Awadhi cuisine, featuring kebabs, biryanis, and traditional dishes from Lucknow. Don’t miss their signature Galouti Kebabs and Lucknowi Biryani, which are a testament to the authentic flavors of Oudh. The average cost for a meal for two at Oudh 1590 is around INR 1,200-1,500.
- Jam House: A Melodic Dining Experience on Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road Situated on Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Road, Jam House offers a unique blend of a restaurant, bar, and live music venue. Known for its vibrant atmosphere, lip-smacking finger foods, and eclectic music performances, Jam House guarantees a memorable evening. The restaurant’s menu features a range of global cuisines, including Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean dishes. The average cost for a meal for two at Jam House is around INR 1,500-2,000.
Kolkata’s dining scene is a true reflection of the city’s rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary traditions. From legendary cafes to royal Mughlai-inspired eateries, the city offers an array of dining destinations that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re craving traditional Bengali cuisine, international flavors, or fusion delights, the ten trendsetting restaurants mentioned in this article are a must-try in 2023. So, embark on a culinary journey through Kolkata and indulge in the flavors that make this city a food lover’s paradise.