B Hari

November 23, 2024

Kolkata: 37 Must-Visit Eateries

Kolkata, the cultural capital of India, is a food lover’s paradise. From traditional Bengali delicacies to flavors from across India and beyond, the city offers a diverse and rich gastronomic experience. Here’s a guide to 37 must-visit eateries in Kolkata, each known for its unique charm and specialties. The list does not include clubs , some of them as good or better than commercial establishments .

Breakfast Spots

  1. Flurys (18A Park Street | Continental) Established in 1926, Flurys is an iconic tearoom known for its elegant ambiance and classic English Breakfast. Don’t miss their signature cinnamon rolls and selection of teas. https://www.flurys.com/
  2. Putiram Sweets (Surya Sen Street | Bengali) A heritage sweet shop famous for Kochuri with potato curry and Phulkopir Shingara (cauliflower samosa), a favorite among locals for its authentic flavors. Putiram Sweets
  3. Arun Tea Stall (Wood Street | North Indian) This vibrant stall offers Club Kachori Sabzi and crispy samosas, best enjoyed with their saffron-infused kesar chai. It’s a popular spot for students and office-goers. Arun Tea Stall
  4. Ramakrishna Lunch Home (Deshapriya Park | South Indian) Known for its authentic South Indian breakfast, this spot serves dosas, sambar vadas, and idlis with delectable coconut chutney. Ramakrishna Lunch Home
  5. Annaras (Shakespeare Sarani | Gujarati) For a taste of Gujarat, Annaras delivers with its khaman, khandvi, thepla, and fafra. A haven for those seeking traditional Gujarati snacks.Annaras
  6. Russell Punjabi Dhaba (Russell Street | Punjabi) This rustic dhaba specializes in hearty Punjabi parathas paired with kesar chai, providing a robust start to your day.Russele Punjabi Dhaba
  7. Tasty Corner (Bhawanipur | North Indian) Known for its crispy kachori sabzi, parathas, and khasta kachoris, this eatery has a loyal customer base thanks to its fresh, flavorful offerings.Tasty Corner
  8. Sree Hari Mistanna Bhandar (351/B Bakul Bagan | Bengali) A gem for Bengali breakfast, offering an array of traditional sweets and savory delights to start your day on a high note.






Lunch and Dinner Favorites

  1. 6 Ballygunge Place (6 Ballygunge Place | Bengali) Set in a century-old bungalow, this restaurant offers a complete Bengali culinary experience with its authentic thalis.
  2. Peter Cat (18A Park Street | Mughlai) A Park Street legend, Peter Cat is celebrated for its iconic Chelo Kebab platter—a blend of buttered rice, kebabs, and a poached egg.
  3. Mocambo (25B Park Street | Continental) Since 1956, Mocambo has been a go-to for Continental cuisine. Their Prawn Cocktail and Devilled Crabs are especially noteworthy.
  4. Arsalan (Multiple Locations | Mughlai) Renowned for its fragrant and flavorful biryani, Arsalan is a household name for Mughlai cuisine lovers.
  5. Oh! Calcutta (Forum Mall, Elgin Road | Bengali) This elegant restaurant offers a modern take on Bengali classics like Daab Chingri and Bhapa Ilish, paired with indulgent desserts like Nolen Gur ice cream.
  6. Bhojohori Manna (Multiple Locations | Bengali) With its homely ambiance, Bhojohori Manna serves traditional Bengali dishes such as Shorshe Ilish and Kosha Mangsho, ideal for lunch or dinner.
  7. Kasturi Restaurant (7A Mullick Bazar | Bengali) Specializing in Dhakai cuisine, Kasturi is loved for dishes like Shutki Maach and Mochar Ghonto, offering a truly authentic Bengali experience.
  8. Shiraz Golden Restaurant (Multiple Locations | Mughlai) This heritage eatery is famed for its tender mutton biryani and kebabs, making it a staple for Mughlai cuisine in Kolkata.
  9. Zaranj (9A Camac Street | North Indian/Mughlai) Known for its luxurious ambiance, Zaranj serves succulent kebabs and rich curries like Butter Chicken, perfect for a lavish dining experience.
  10. Bohemian (32/4 Old Ballygunge Place | Modern Bengali) Innovative fusion dishes like Vodka-infused Prawns and Gondhoraj Lime Chicken make Bohemian a standout for adventurous foodies. ( Probably shut now )
  11. China Town (Tangra) (Park Circus | Chinese) This area is synonymous with Indo-Chinese cuisine, offering classics like Hakka Noodles and Chili Chicken in a bustling atmosphere.



Snacks and Street Food

  1. Mitra Café (47 Jatindra Mohan Avenue | Indian) Established in 1920, Mitra Café is iconic for its Brain Chop and crispy Fish Fry, showcasing Kolkata’s snack heritage.
  2. Kusum Rolls (Park Street | Rolls) A street-food legend, Kusum Rolls offers everything from simple Egg Rolls to indulgent Chicken Tikka Rolls.
  3. Sharma Snacks (Bhawanipur | North Indian) Famous for its piping hot samosas and khasta kachoris, Sharma Snacks is a beloved spot for North Indian snacks.
  4. Ganguram & Sons (Multiple Locations | Bengali) This historic sweet shop also excels in savory snacks like kachori and singara, complementing its wide range of Bengali sweets.
  5. Apanjan (Kalighat | Bengali) Known for its crispy Fish Fry and Kabiraji Cutlet, Apanjan offers a nostalgic, old-world charm.
  6. Machhli Baba Fries (Gariahat | Fried Snacks) As the name suggests, this eatery specializes in fresh Fish Fries, made with high-quality bhetki and a secret spice mix.
  7. Vivekananda Park Area (Vivekananda Park | Street Food) The area’s puchkas (pani puri) are legendary, offering a burst of tangy and spicy flavors that are quintessentially Kolkata.
  8. Dacre Street (Dacre Lane) (BBD Bagh | Street Food) A food hub offering a variety of street foods like chow mein, egg rolls, and chili chicken, popular among office-goers.
  9. Theatre Road (Theatre Road | Street Food) Known for its creamy Kulfi and spicy Jhalmuri, Theatre Road is perfect for a quick and satisfying snack.



Sweets and Desserts

  1. Balaram Mullick & Radharaman Mullick Sweets (Multiple Locations | Bengali) Famous for innovative sweets like Mango Sandesh and Chocolate Rosogolla, this shop blends tradition with creativity.
  2. K.C. Das (Esplanade | Bengali) Credited with popularizing the rosogolla, K.C. Das is a must-visit for this iconic Bengali sweet.
  3. Chittaranjan (CR Avenue | Bengali) Another legendary shop for rosogolla, Chittaranjan is known for its authentic preparation methods.
  4. Nalin Chandra Das & Sons (Hatibagan | Bengali) Offering a wide range of traditional Bengali sweets, this shop stands out for its time-honored recipes.
  5. Bhim Nag (College Street | Bengali) One of Kolkata’s oldest sweet shops, it specializes in classic treats like Mihidana and Sitabhog.
  6. Banchharam's (Multiple Locations | Bengali) Banchharam’s is a household name for quality Bengali sweets, from rosogollas to sandesh varieties.
  7. Ganguram (Multiple Locations | Bengali) This shop, with roots dating back to 1885, excels in both traditional and innovative Bengali sweets.
  8. Hindusthan Sweets (Mukundapur | Bengali) Known for its fresh Nolen Gur Sandesh and seasonal specialties, Hindusthan Sweets is a local favorite.
  9. New Bharat Sweets (Bhawanipur | Indian) Offering a wide range of Indian confections like laddoos and burfis, this shop is ideal for festive treats.
  10. Gokul ( AJC Bose Road) Gokul is famous for its premium-quality North Indian sweets like kaju katli and motichoor laddoos. A great spot to pick up sweets for special occasions.

Kolkata’s culinary scene is as diverse as its culture, offering something for everyone. Whether you’re a foodie on the hunt for traditional flavors or modern twists, these eateries promise an unforgettable journey through the City of Joy. If you have a favorite place which has been missed out and needs to be added , please do send it in the comments sections.

Based on feedback from friends the list is expanded to include :

  1. Adi Haridas Modak of Shyambazar 5 matha more in the Breakfast option. Dish - kochuri, cholar r dal & chana r jilipi.
  2. C/O Bangali of Hatibagan more as lunch. Specific dish for non veg people sudori chicken, basanti polao, Mutton kosha & methi malai bhetki.
  3. Dwarik's lal doi🤔
  4. Dada Boudi Biryani ( outside Kolkata)
  5. Chaat outside Vardaan market
  6. Ramesh puchkawala in AE block, near tank 4 Salt Lake
  7. Nasta for kachori, jalebi in Kankurgachhi
  8. Rao's Udipi Home near Lake Place
  9. Balwant Singh for evening snacks, doodh cola
  10. Rang De Basanti dhaba in sector V
  11. Agarwal's near Vardaan market for Cheese Maggi,
  12. Chandu near Lake Kalibari for Bhel muri,
  13. Ghantiwala, opp Belle Vue Nursing Home for Kesar paan
  14. Suchali's in Sector V for Coffee, croissant 
  15. Veneto, South City Mall for Tiramisu
  16. Firangi Madras, Bangur for a twist in South Indian snacks
  17. Vien for Gud Rosogolla 
  18. Chaigram ( Special invitation)
  19. Biryani Babu ( Special Invitation)
  20. Samosawala ( Special Invitation)
  21. Wah Puchka ( Special Invitation)
  22. Roastery at  Hindustan Park ( all day breakfast)
  23. Craft Coffee , Ballygunge ( All day breakfast)
  24. Gupta Brothers , Multiple locations
  25. India Restaurant , Muglai 
  26. Sienna , Hindustan Park
  27. Peter Hu, Casual Dining Restaurant
  28. Vardaan Street food, Victoria Vada and Cheela
  29. Diya Bati for Budget meals
  30. Share Market - for Chena. Gulab Jamun and chena toast
  31. Shibuji ( Paan and chat)
  32. Anamika Rolls ( Alipore)
  33. Khirki ( New Alipore ) for Bhel and Chaat
  34. Nakur Nandy , Hedua for Sandesh 
  35. Girish Chandra , Sandesh
  36. Elgin Roastery
  37. Maharaja in Sarat Bose Road , for Puri , Sabzi and Chai
  38. Suresh Sweets , Dhakuria , Nalen Gur sweets 
  39. Dwariks - Lal Doi ( Famous for 140 years)




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