Kolkata isn’t just a city — it’s an emotion served on a plate. From sizzling street food to age-old Bengali recipes, trendy Asian kitchens to global fusion bistros, the City of Joy offers a feast for every palate. Whether you’re a local foodie, a traveler exploring Kolkata for the first time, or simply someone who lives to eat, this guide brings together the best restaurants across cuisines — Traditional Bengali, Thai, Chinese, Italian, Global — and also celebrates Kolkata’s unbeatable street food culture.
Let’s explore Kolkata, one delicious bite at a time.
1. Traditional Bengali Food – Where Flavours Speak History
Kolkata’s Bengali cuisine is a symphony of mustard, fresh fish, spices, and age-old culinary traditions. These restaurants represent the heart of Bengal.
Devi Chowdhurani – Salt Lake, Sector V
Devi Chowdhurani is one of Kolkata’s finest modern Bengali restaurants, offering a soulful mix of tradition, elegance, and authentic flavours. Located in Sector V, it is especially known for its Aiburobhat Thali, a beautifully curated pre-wedding feast that showcases the essence of Bengal’s culinary heritage. The menu features classics like bhaja platter, ilish bhape, chingri malai curry, kasha mangsho, potol’er dolma, and seasonal delicacies prepared with care.
What makes Devi Chowdhurani exceptional is its warm ambience — inspired by Bengali culture — and its perfect balance of homely and premium taste. The service is thoughtful, the portions generous, and the entire dining experience feels comforting yet special. Whether you’re celebrating rituals, hosting guests, or simply craving authentic Bengali food, Devi Chowdhurani delivers a memorable culinary journey rooted in tradition, warmth, and the joy of sharing food.
6 Ballygunge Place
6 Ballygunge Place is a heritage restaurant housed in a picturesque colonial bungalow that takes you back in time. Known for preserving age-old Bengali recipes, the restaurant serves dishes crafted with authenticity and passion. Their signature dishes — Kosha Mangsho, Shukto, Chingri Malaikari, Bhetki Paturi, and Daab Chingri — reflect the subtlety and richness of Bengal’s cuisine.
The elegant, old-world charm of the interiors adds to the experience, making guests feel like they are dining in a family’s ancestral home. With a well-loved buffet and seasonal festivals (especially during Ilish season), the restaurant consistently draws crowds seeking comfort and nostalgia. If you want true Bengali flavours served with tradition and grace, this restaurant is a must-visit.Oh! Calcutta
Oh! Calcutta brings a refined, gourmet approach to Bengali cuisine. With its elegant interiors and consistently flavorful dishes, the restaurant elevates traditional flavours while staying rooted in authenticity. Their iconic Smoked Hilsa, Daab Chingri, Kolkata Biryani, Kosha Mangsho, and Bhapa Ilish have earned a loyal following among locals and travelers alike.
Every dish celebrates Bengal’s rivers, spices, and culinary history. The ambience is sophisticated yet warm, perfect for family gatherings, business meetings, and festive lunches. Seasonal Hilsa festivals draw huge crowds, and the attention to detail in presentation makes every meal special. Oh! Calcutta is perfect for those who want to experience the grandeur of Bengali cuisine at its finest.
Bhojohari Manna
Bhojohari Manna is the heart of homemade Bengali comfort food. Named after a beloved Bengali song, the restaurant serves dishes that feel intimately familiar — like something prepared in a grandmother’s kitchen. Their wide-ranging menu includes mochar ghonto, posto bora, lau chingri, pabda jhal, ilish bhape, dimer devil, and hearty kosha dishes.
The flavours are mild, balanced, and soulful — never too spicy or oily. The ambience is simple and cosy, making it ideal for everyday meals. Bhojohari Manna is perfect for diners who want affordable, honest, home-style Bengali cooking.
Saptapadi
Inspired by Uttam Kumar and Suchitra Sen’s Golden Era, Saptapadi adds cinematic charm to Bengali dining. The décor features retro film posters, soft lighting, and a romantic vintage vibe.
Their menu blends traditional Bengali dishes with creative fusion twists — like Gondhoraj Chicken, Macher Paturi, Kosha Mangsho, and flavourful curated thalis.
The restaurant serves nostalgia with a modern twist, making it ideal for date nights, family dinners, and special celebrations. Food lovers who appreciate both heritage and innovation will enjoy Saptapadi’s charm.
2. Thai Food – Fresh, Aromatic, and Delicious
Thai cuisine in Kolkata is growing rapidly, offering dishes full of fragrance, spice, and balance.Baan Thai – The Oberoi Grand
Baan Thai inside The Oberoi Grand is the city’s most iconic Thai dining experience. With handcrafted décor, traditional Thai artefacts, and soothing lighting, the restaurant transports you straight to Bangkok.
Expert Thai chefs prepare signature dishes like Tom Yum Goong, Thai Green Curry, Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, and Basil Chicken using authentic herbs flown in from Thailand.
The ambience is luxurious yet serene — ideal for romantic dinners, celebrations, or corporate dining. For an authentic Thai experience served with luxury and precision, Baan Thai remains unmatched.
SOI – Park Street Area
SOI is a vibrant Thai and Southeast Asian restaurant known for its warm ambience and flavour-packed dishes.
Specialties include Thai Red Curry, Pad Thai, Lemongrass Chicken, Thai Fried Rice, and refreshing Thai-style bowls. The plating is elegant, and the flavours are aromatic without being overpowering.
Affordable pricing, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere make SOI a favourite for casual meals, weekday lunches, and weekend dinners.
Titli – Southern Avenue
Titli offers modern Asian dining with a strong Thai influence. Located near the scenic lake area, it’s known for its calm ambience and youthful vibe. The menu includes Thai Basil Chicken, Thai Green Curry, Massaman Curry, Pad Kra Pao, and flavourful dim sums.
Perfect for friends, couples, and relaxed meetups, Titli is appreciated for its freshness, plating, and well-balanced flavours.
Asia Kitchen by Mainland China
Asia Kitchen combines Thai, Chinese, and Japanese dishes into a polished dining experience.
Their Thai selections — Basil Chicken, Tom Kha Soup, Thai Satay, and Red Curry — are particularly impressive due to their aroma and authenticity.
The ambience is lively, the service fast, and the food consistent, making Asia Kitchen a go-to spot for families and corporate groups.
Spice Kraft – Ballygunge
Known for its artsy plating and fusion flavours, Spice Kraft offers excellent Thai-inspired starters and curries.
Dishes like Red Curry, Thai Corn Cakes, and Lemongrass Grilled Fish highlight the fresh, bold flavours of Thai cuisine.
The cozy interiors and creative approach make it perfect for date nights and Instagram-friendly meals.
3. Chinese Cuisine – Kolkata’s Eternal Love Story
Kolkata’s Chinese food is legendary thanks to the historic Chinese community in Tangra.
Eau Chew
Family-run since 1927, Eau Chew is heritage dining at its best. Known for its iconic Chimney Soup, this restaurant offers soul-satisfying Chinese dishes prepared without MSG and with homemade sauces.
The nostalgic décor and comforting flavours make it ideal for those seeking old-school Chinese food. Must-tries include fried wontons, roast pork, pepper chicken, and the famous pan-fried noodles.
Mainland China
The city’s favourite fine-dining Chinese chain, Mainland China combines elegance with authentic flavours.Diners love the Kung Pao Chicken, Crispy Lamb, Hunan Fish, dim sums, and comforting bowls of noodles.This restaurant is perfect for family gatherings, celebrations, and corporate meals.
Tangra Chinese Restaurants (Kim Fa, Golden Joy, Beijing)
Tangra is the birthplace of Indo-Chinese food, where Kolkata’s iconic Chilli Chicken, Hakka Noodles, and Drums of Heaven were created.
Rustic, spicy, bold, and addictive, Tangra restaurants continue to be a cultural treasure for food lovers seeking the original Kolkata-Chinese flavours.
Yauatcha – Quest Mall
Yauatcha delivers world-class, modern Chinese dining with handcrafted dim sums, gourmet tea pairings, and a sleek ambience.
Dishes like Har Gau, Chicken Char Siu Buns, and Prawn Siu Mai are exquisitely prepared.
This is luxury Chinese cuisine at its best — perfect for celebrations and elegant dinners.
Bar-B-Q – Park Street
Bar-B-Q is an iconic Indo-Chinese restaurant buzzing with energy and nostalgia.
Famous for Chilli Chicken Dry, Garlic Prawns, Singapore Noodles, and flavour-loaded starters, the restaurant remains a long-time favourite for families and students.
The lively vibe of Park Street adds to the charm.
4. Italian Cuisine – Comforting, Classy & Absolutely Delicious
Italian food in Kolkata ranges from romantic fine dining to casual pizza cafés.
Serafina – Quest Mall
Serafina offers rustic Italian flavours with wood-fired pizzas, creamy pastas, and gourmet desserts.
The ambience is warm and perfect for dates or family gatherings. Dishes like Four Cheese Pizza, Truffle Pasta, and their legendary Tiramisu make this a must-visit.
Fabbrica Della Pizza
Famous for authentic Neapolitan pizzas, Fabbrica uses wood-fired ovens and high-quality ingredients to deliver soft, airy, perfectly charred pizzas.
The casual ambience makes it great for relaxed meals with friends or family.
Traffic Gastropub – CC2
Traffic Gastropub blends quirky décor with amazing Italian and global dishes.
Their pastas, pizzas, and bar snacks pair perfectly with the energetic atmosphere and live music.
Ideal for birthdays, group meetups, and weekend fun.
Mrs. Magpie
This charming café offers European and Italian-inspired meals along with its adorable mini cupcakes.
The décor is cute and Instagram-worthy, and the menu includes lasagna, quiche, spaghetti, and fresh bakes — perfect for brunch or cozy dates.
Ottimo – ITC Royal Bengal
Ottimo is Kolkata’s most luxurious Italian dining experience.
With gourmet cheeses, handcrafted pastas, and wood-fired mains, the restaurant provides a premium feast for special occasions.
Beautiful plating and grand ambience make it unforgettable.
5. Global Cuisine – Explore the World on Your Plate
These restaurants serve international dishes with flair and style.
The Salt House – Shakespeare Sarani
Salt House blends Mediterranean and European flavours in a beautiful rooftop setting overlooking a lush garden deck.
From artisanal pizzas to grilled plates and brunch dishes, everything is fresh and flavour-forward.
Perfect for romantic evenings, work meetings, or relaxed meals with friends.
The Grid – Topsia
A buzzing microbrewery with bold global flavours, exciting cocktails, and a futuristic vibe.
Their baos, burgers, pizzas, pasta, and desserts are exceptional.
Perfect for parties, large groups, and weekend fun.
Monkey Bar – Camac Street
Monkey Bar offers playful global fusion dishes in a stylish, energetic setting.
From creative bar bites to hearty mains, the menu is fun, bold, and consistently delicious.
Ideal for young foodies and nightlife lovers.
The Garden Lounge-Saltlake Sector V
The Garden is a cafe offering European and global bites with great ambience.
A favourite for evening hangouts and comfort-food cravings.
6. Kolkata Street Food – The Soul of the City
No food guide is complete without street food.
Top Picks
- Phuchka – Vivekananda Park
- Kathi Rolls – Nizam’s, Park Street
- Chowmein & Chilli Chicken – Gariahat
- Fish Fry – Mitra Café
- Kesar Chai – College Street & Zakaria Street
Affordable, flavour-packed, and unforgettable — Kolkata’s street food is a culinary adventure in itself.
Final Bite
Kolkata’s foodscape is a beautiful blend of heritage, diversity, and innovation. Whether you’re enjoying an Aiburobhat thali at Devi Chowdhurani, a bowl of Thai curry, a slice of Neapolitan pizza, global fusion small plates, or simply phuchka by the lake, the city ensures that every meal feels like a celebration.
Kolkata isn’t just a city of joy — it’s a city of food.
