As the weather cools and Kolkata’s winters set in, the city’s open-air spaces become a cherished delight for dining out. Savouring the crisp air with a cup of chai or enjoying a brunch, or even chilling with friends over drinks and dinner in an alfresco setting is one of the joys of winter in the city. You watch the city hustling by, or enjoy a serene sunset as you spend time with your partner, friends or family.
For all your dining-out plans this season, My Kolkata has a list of restaurants — rooftops and otherwise — you can check out
Date night at Botanik
This captivating open-air lounge nestled within the Golden Parkk Hotel has the perfect rooftop garden setting. With a view of the Victoria Memorial and a beautiful sunset moment at the right time, the place promises a romantic time as well as a groovy night thanks to the dance floor. Divided into three zones — a chic lounge, a spacious open-air deck, and a covered glasshouse — the space ensures comfort, especially during the winter. The sprawling 9,500-square-foot accommodates up to 220 guests and the menu boasts a diverse range of global fusion delights on the menu. This one is a great pick for your evening soirees or date night. Plus, they also organise candlelight dinners!
“Botanik is a crown jewel that sits on top of the Golden Parkk Hotel. It is a true hub for party lovers. On the other hand, it gives a breath of fresh air due to its open terrace seating concept. With the greens and floral colours, one feels like they’re in a natural setting,” said Gaganjeet Gujral, owner.
The food — we tried the north Indian fare — was particularly good, too, when we visited recently.
Address: Golden Parkk Hotel, 13, Ho Chi Minh Sarani
Pocket pinch: Rs 2,000 for two, with alcohol
Waterside views at OG By The Lake
OG By The Lake is a sprawling 16,000-square-foot dining destination in Tangra’s Calcutta Boating and Hotel Resorts. Accommodating up to 250 guests, it offers both indoor and outdoor seating, including a glass house. You can enjoy the water views, and also spot the Science City dome and the hubbub around Maa flyover from your perch.
Embracing a rustic minimalist design, dominated by black and white and complemented by splashes of colour, the ambiance is great for a brunch at the cafe and for evening get-togethers. The glass walls frame expansive garden views, while a sheltered patio invites guests to savour the elements. The outer deck, closest to the water, boasts lively floral displays and comfortable seating. On the upper level, tailored for events and exclusive gatherings, you get a panoramic 360-degree view of the surroundings, while a smaller glass enclosure caters to more intimate gatherings. The multi-cuisine menu offers a range of Asian, Continental, Italian and north Indian dishes.
“There is nothing more beautiful than winter sunsets by a lake with a cup of coffee in your hand. OG is all about peace, tranquillity and a happy vibe,” said Kamran Ahmed Khan, co-director, OG Kitchen and Hospitality Pvt.
Address: 11A, 1J, Mirania Gardens, East Topsia, Tangra
Timings: Noon - 11.30pm
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200 for two, without alcohol
Party it up at Capella, AltAir
The popular rooftop lounge atop AltAir in Bidhannagar recently revamped their whole look. Divided into indoor and outdoor spaces, the place now has a dimly-lit scene in every corner. The outdoor seating area comes with a view of the skyline and an island bar from where you get a 360-degree view of your surroundings. The indoor space has been turned into a nightclub with LED lights, with ample seating to enjoy the beers from their brewery.
Capella is also known for their Sunday brunches where a lavish spread of food accompanies live food counters with bottomless alcoholic beverages. Friday and Saturday are dedicated to bar nights.
“Our same crowd comes back to our revamped Capella but we also see new faces. The experience of winters here can’t be described. One must come and experience them. You can feel the breeze and see the view of the sky. It is a different experience,” said Ayan Mitra, vertical head, AltAir and Casual Smart Dine.
Address: Ambuja Neotia EcoCentre, 20th Floor, EM-4, Street No. 13, EM Block, Sector V
Timings: 4pm - 2am, Sunday to Thursday; 4pm - 4am on Friday and Saturday
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200 per person, without alcohol; Rs 2,000 per person, with alcohol
Charming sunsets at Roots Lounge
Set against the stunning backdrop of Victoria Memorial and St. Paul’s Cathedral, this rooftop location in Elgin Road serves up cafe vibes on the outside and a party on the inside. Spanning an expansive 12,000 square feet, this venue blends indoor opulence with an awe-inspiring outdoor vista. With a capacity to accommodate over 350 guests, is great for a number of occasions from parties and dinners, to dates and casual outings with friends.
The kitchen experiments with diverse flavours in various cuisines including Indian, Asian, European and desserts. To wash it all down are handcrafted cocktails and mocktails. The bar boasts an extensive selection of top-tier spirits as well. The outdoor section is lit up with subtle warm lighting in the evenings, and you can sit back sipping on your cocktails enjoying a sunset with iconic views of the cityscape.
“At Roots Lounge, every detail is crafted with precision. Our oasis embraces elegance, offering awe-inspiring outdoor views. The captivating Victoria sunset, with its gentle touch on the cathedral, adds an ethereal charm,” said Monojit Roy, Head of Operations, Roots Lounge.
Address: 55, 55/1, Chowringhee Road, Elgin Road
Timings: Noon - midnight on Monday and Tuesday; noon - 1am on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; and noon - 2am on Friday and Saturday
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,300 for two, with alcohol
Three floors of fun at Social, Park Street
After a six-year wait, popular hotspot Social finally opened in Kolkata in October 2023. The Park Street venue covers three floors each offering different experiences. While the first floor is for dining and small stage performances, the second floor is dedicated to working spaces and night parties. It is the third floor that offers an open-air space with the vibes of a rooftop garden. You can dine outside, sitting on comfy wicker and wooden chairs under hanging lanterns, as you see pizzas being made live. Watch as your Pepperoni and Bacon Pizza, Truffle Shiitake and Button Mushroom Pizza, or Smokey White Chicken Pizza are made right in front of you through the glass.
“The inspiration has been that adda culture of Kolkata, where people just sit around and interact and talk to each other. This is a space inspired by that. Everything that you see here has been taken from scavenger hunts, from auction houses in and around Kolkata. It’s full of Kolkata and it’s through a Social lens,” said Riyaaz Amlani, CEO of Impresario Hospitality and Entertainment.
Address: BFL Bangur Estate, 1A, Russel Street, near India's Hobby Centre, Park Street Area
Timings: 9.30am - 1am
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,700 for two, with alcohol
Garden vibes at The Black Cat lounge
The Black Cat Lounge, opposite Allen Park on Park Street, is a unique space where modernity meets old-fashioned design aesthetics. Spread across 13,000 square feet, its diverse zones cater to various moods and events, accommodating over 200 guests. The indoor seating comes with multiple sections and has a marble-top bar right beside the restobar’s most arresting design element — a moving black cat statue with wings. The standout feature, however, is the outdoor area designed like a serene garden, with vertical landscaping and colonial-inspired balcony patterns. By day, it's a place to relax and by night, it transforms into a vibrant club setting.
“We have designed the outdoors with a garden theme. It overlooks Park Street and Camac Street so you can see the hustle and bustle. You can relax underneath baffle ceilings, which gives you a soothing time during the winters,” said Aunindo Bose, owner and managing director, The Black Cat.
Address: Level 4, Park Center Building, Celica Park
Timings: Noon - midnight, Tuesday to Friday and Sunday; noon - 1am on Saturday
Pocket pinch: Rs 2,000 per person, with alcohol