Between pandal-hopping with family, adda with friends and romance with your beau, Puja is also about pet pujo! With a new eatery mushrooming in almost every corner of the city, there are many to choose from.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! My Kolkata has curated a list of brand new restaurants that not only have lip-smacking food and drinks, but the perfect ambience too…
Sorano
This contemporary dining space on Ho Chi Minh Sarani, off Kolkata’s restaurant hub Park Street, is complemented by the simplicity and freshness of Italian cuisine. Drawing inspiration from traditional Italian homes, the restaurant has high ceilings and raw finishes, all of which elevates the rich colonial structure of the building. A large mosaic clad wood-fired oven serves pizzas with exotic toppings and fresh cheeses that are made in-house. Don’t miss the Boards and Burrata sections on the menu! Owned by Saket and Nivedita Agarwal (the duo behind Casa Toscana back in the day), the restaurant also makes its own pasta, which has the perfect al dente bite every time. Sorano makes a smooth transition from fine-dining to semi-casual as night falls.
Location: 1st Floor, Harrington Mansion, 8, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kankaria Estate (opposite the US consulate general)
4th Street Dining Hall
It’s natural that during Durga Puja, your heart will crave some Bangaliana! Head to this new Bengali restaurant in Salt Lake that is serving up regional favourites. With menu items like Bhuna Chingri to Mourala Mach’er Jhal Peyaji, you can find the classics as well as some unique preparations.
Location: Block HB 286, Sector III, Salt Lake
Zyqa by Aauris Hotel
Indulge in some exquisite modern Indian food at Aauris Hotel’s newest addition. Zyqa marries traditional Indian flavours with unique gastronomical techniques to create a party of flavours in your mouth. Their fusion food includes dishes like Mushroom Kulcha with Truffle and Ghee Roast Mutton Boti, which will leave you hungry for more. Don’t miss out on their handcrafted cocktails!
Location: 1st floor, Aauris Hotel, 4 Robinson Street
Mangio by Kookie Jar
The cosy interiors and modern aesthetics of the new Mangio address in Alipore make it a great place to catch up with friends for adda over a great meal. It shares space with a gallery so you can see art on the walls, and on your plate! Signature main course items in sync with the Durga Puja festival include the Kolkata Bekti with aromatic herbs baked in paper, Leg of Roast Mutton with braised leek and spear mint jus, and the Beetroot Goat Cheese Ravioli. From the house of Lovey and Puja Kapur’s Kookie Jar, you can be rest assured the handcrafted desserts are top notch. So end on a sweet note with a Blueberry Yuzu Cheesecake, Warm Chocolate Mousse, or their profiteroles and house-made ice cream.
Location: 2H, Alipore Avenue ( ahead of the SBI Alipore roundabout towards Majerhat Bridge)
Shamiana by Taj City Centre
Did someone ask for luxe? The flagship all-day dining / coffee shop brand from The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, travelled to Dubai and Ahmedabad before arriving in Kolkata earlier this year. It is housed inside Taj City Centre, the 147-room star property by IHCL and Ambuja Neotia Group. The 124-cover restaurant is dressed up in shades of beige and blue and washed with natural light from the skylight roof. It serves up a buffet and a la carte menu featuring ‘travelling Shamiana’ items. Try their craft burgers, international grills and Bengali delicacies, world cuisine and chef’s special desserts. “Our signature items include Asparagus Roesti, Orecchiette Pasta, Blackened Salmon and Kosha Mangsho with Dhakai Porota,” shares executive chef Subrata Debnath.
Location: Rajarhat, Action Area II D (adjoining City Centre New Town mall)
Wykiki by Taj City Centre
If you’re craving Asian food, then Taj City Centre has another gorgeous place for you to explore. With indoor and alfresco seating on the sixth floor of Taj City Centre, Wykiki spotlights Asian delicacies with dishes like Crispy Lotus Root with Sticky Rice and Sweet and Sour Dip and desserts like Matcha Cheesecake. What’s not to love!
Location: Taj City Centre, City Centre New Town, Action Area II D
Yeti Kolkata - The Himalayan Kitchen
Momos, tingmo, thukpa, ema datshi — is your mouth watering already? This restaurant, also on Park Street, brings the wonders of Himalayan cuisine to the table. Their interiors with soft lighting and cosy seating will make you reminisce the spirit of the hills with Tibetan prayer flags lining the ceilings. Indulge in delicacies like Saag Maas, a wide variety of momos and curries, along with Nepali thalis.
Location: 1st floor, Annex building, Celica Park, 24, Park Street