Food remains a special aspect of Kolkata’s identity and the culture is continually evolving as new places bring fresh takes and diverse offerings to the menu. A Mexican menu that goes beyond the regular Tex Mex, a slice of Siliguri, Yoshoku cuisine at a high-energy supper club or a wine menu representing different regions and palates — there’s a lot of dining to do this March. The best part? These four new restaurants are located within close reach of each other making it easy to hop from one to the next without breaking a sweat.
HASHTAG, Chowringhee
While the bar inside has a vintage vibe, the deck at Hashtag offers a view of Kolkata’s iconic architectural landmarks like Cathedral Church, Victoria Memorial, Vidyasagar Setu, Howrah Bridge, and Eden Gardens
Yes, Siliguri’s Hashtag has arrived in Kolkata and
it comes with its own charm. Spread across two floors with outdoor seating, the
venue offers a welcoming atmosphere, a vintage vibe with rustic brick walls and
iron railings, and statues channelling a Roman-inspired theme. The first floor
has cosy sections, including a ‘secluded’ elevated wooden platform and a
red-themed area offering a clear view of Kolkata’s colonial architecture. The
bar, shaped like a ‘U’ has an antique look with wooden shelves and a grandfather
clock. The balcony-style second floor overlooks the first, is a charming space
with chandeliers and brown leather sofas. There’s also a special section
dedicated to Charlie Chaplin called ‘Hello Charlie’.
Pan Seared Bhetki Fillet, (right) Spicy Green Noodles and Cream Cheese Momos are some of the dishes on the menu
There’s a little something for everyone on the menu. For a hot kick with every bite, go for the Spicy Green Noodles tossed in coriander and green chilli paste. The Pan Seared Bhetki Fillet is a light but wholesome option, its crispy texture paired with a sweet-tangy asparagus orange sauce. The Cream Cheese Momos are not only soft but delicious, and that crispy chilli oil just hits the right spot.
Nitin Agarwal (right) and Ankit Tibrewal of Hashtag
“We launched Hashtag in Siliguri in 2016. Expanding to Kolkata was a natural next step — it was near and we were eager to grow. We want everyone to feel welcome because we have something special for everyone,” said founder partners Nitin Agarwal and Ankit Tibrewal.
Address: 8th floor, 50 Chowringhee Road
Open: Noon to midnight, closed on Tuesdays
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,500 onwards (approx) for two, without alcohol
MEHICO, Ho Chi Minh Sarani
At Mehico, transport yourself to the heart of Oaxaca with the central bar that channels the spirit of a traditional cantina
If the vibrant flavours of Mexico was on your travel bucket list, well, now you can experience it without leaving the city! Spread across 1,900 sq ft, Mehico immerses you in Mexican vibes even before you step inside. From faux paddy and cactus, to a tortilleria where you can see tacos and tortillas made from scratch, every detail transports you to the lively streets of Mexico.
Pass through a blue door, get greeted by a neon “Que Pasa?” (what’s up) sign and step into, at first, a simple setting of chairs and tables. Then make your way to the inner section — a lively space filled with sombrero lanterns, red and blue wicker high chairs, and vibrant wall hangings. Here, there is the bar and DJ booth where tequila and Mexican music both flow freely.
The lively interiors of Mehico with sombrero lanterns, wicker chairs and a large Mexican sacred heart
The menu features traditional Mexican dishes like Baby Corn Elote (street corn doused in toppings and sauces), types of tacos, and Talyuda nachos bursting with Oaxacan goodness. Wash it all down with tequila, the OG Mexican favourite, or cocktails from the bar, including the Centro Paradiso, with spicy, peppery and citrusy notes, or the Mercado e Merida, where each sip offers a spicy kick with tropical sweetness.
The menu features traditional Mexican dishes including Baby Corn Elote (street corn doused in toppings and sauces), different types of tacos, and more
“Inspired by their travels to Mexico, owners Saket Agarwal (co-founder of Manifest Hospitality) and wife Nivedita have infused Mehico with the essence of their experiences abroad. From the menu to the decor, every aspect reflects their passion for bringing the spirit of Mexico to the city,” said Joshua Benjamin, marketing manager, Mehico.
Address: 11/1A Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Open: Noon to midnight, every day
Pocket pinch: Rs 2,400 (approx) for two, without alcohol
BOMBASTIC SUPPER CLUB, Park Street
With these alluring booths at Bombastic Supper Club, one is likely to pull off a Sheldon Cooper and say, “That’s my spot.”
Thanks, Shaggy [remember Boombastic?], but Kolkata will take it from here. The sprawling 7,000 sq ft Bombastic Supper Club on the sixth floor of Celica Park is an ode to modern Japan with its poppy colours and eclectic antiques. Whether you opt for booths, private sections or other seating arrangements, each corner is a burst of colours. A standout feature in this hotspot is the striking red origami trail across the ceiling, reminiscent of the movements of the dragon puppet used in traditional dances. The visual feast doesn’t stop here — there is one specific wall that steals the show with its mesmerising chain art. Made up of chains, it creates the impression of a painting, creating the great backdrop for those date-night photos.
Drama runs deep through the decor, from this artistic wall made up of thin hanging chains to the origami trail above
Bombastic introduces Kolkata to Yoshoku cuisine, food that is rooted in Western cuisine but adapted to Japanese fashion. Try the Crispy Black Rice Salad, a mix of red onion, coriander, mint, bird’s eye chilli, roasted peanuts and whipped yoghurt. For the sweet lovers out there, the 60% Dark Chocolate Oozing Delight is pure bliss, with its rich molten centre paired perfectly with the French Vanilla ice cream.
The Crispy Black Rice Salad and 60 % Dark Chocolate Oozing Delight are big hits
“At Bombastic we have tried to embody boldness with elegance. We are a high-energy supper dining place, not a restaurant, fine dining, or a club. We’re a destination where every moment is a memory in the making,” said Aditya Agarwal, general manager.
Address: Celica Park, 6th floor, Park Street
Open: Friday, noon - 1am; Saturday, noon to 2am; and noon to midnight the rest of the week. Closed on Mondays
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,500 (approx) for two, without alcohol
PEPE ROSA, Ho Chi Minh Sarani
The ambience at Pepe Rosa is all about old-world elegance, from velvet cushioned seating to Roman artwork on the walls
Pepe Rosa has upped the ante for Italian eateries with its easy charm and a well-stocked wine bar. The expansive 5,500 sq-ft restaurant is divided into three zones, each equally elegant and accessorised with plush seating and modern Roman artwork. While a red-and-white colour scheme dominates the first two sections, the last one — also a shisha zone — is done up in blue and white. The checked floor pattern and arches add to the old-school luxury vibe of the venue.
The woodfire pizza section and wine bar, with its ‘50 Shades of Wine’ board, are eye catchers
Two sections of the restaurant are sure to catch your eye — the woodfire oven pizza section and the wine bar. The elaborate menu of pizzas leaves you spoilt for choice of crust and toppings, and you can see it being made live! If you like a good wine, you can take your pick from their ‘50 Shades of Wine’ bar, which boasts picks from various regions in India and outside.
The menu features unique Italian dishes like the Double Ravioli
If you enjoy a light yet cheesy pasta dish, the Double Ravioli should be your pick. With a double filling of charcoal pumpkin and creamy ricotta spinach, the raviolis are served in a sauce of smoked butter, scallion and pecorino romano. If salads are your preferred pick, try the Four Way Burrata — four small servings of burrata topped with a balsamic reduction, orange caviar, nougat and caramelised onions with pesto, and some greens on the side.
“We have a modern take on Roman art, which is why you will see that the figures in the artworks have a phone or a speaker in their hands. We have tried to make this a place for all. By the end of the day, when dinner is done we want to turn this into a place to party. The last section is designed in a similar manner with a DJ booth and reactive lights that will blink according to the music,” said manager Apu Pustu.
Address: Harrington Mansion, 1st floor, Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Open: Friday, noon - 1am; Saturday, noon - 2am; Sunday - Thursday, noon - midnight
Pocket pinch: Rs 2,500 (approx) for two, with alcohol