Farzi Café: July opened with a bang as national chain Farzi Café from the house of Massive Restaurants opened their first Calcutta outlet at Golden Parkk. Spread across 4,500sq ft space, divided neatly into three sections, Farzi Café boasts of fab interiors by Ameet Mirpuri that pays tribute to Calcutta that instantly became one of the most Instaworthy places in the city. An infectious vibe and a meticulously curated F&B menu that includes sips and bites such as Farzi Bubble, Butter Chicken Bun, Tempura Fried Prawns, Dal Chawal Arancini and Farzi OK make the place a hit.
Meal for two: Rs 2,000-plus without alcohol and Rs 3,000-plus with alcohol.
SodaBottleOpenerWala: A subsidiary of Olive Bar and Kitchen Pvt. Ltd, SodaBottleOpenerWala opened their ninth outlet in the city at South City Mall in November. The national food chain that focuses on reviving the dying culture of the Bombay Irani cafes, opened their biggest outlet in the country in Calcutta. The 135-seater outlet is beautifully done with chandeliers, antique mugs, tiffin boxes that lend an old-world charm. The menu boasts of around 90 dishes with a focus on traditional Parsi cuisine and Bombay street food. Vada Pav, Bhendi Bazaar Sheekh Paratha, Patra Ni Macchi, Mutton Berry Pulao, Aloo Aunty’s Vegetable Cutlet, Chilli on the Juhu Beach, Rustom Narangi and Pheteli Coffee are some of the must-try from the food and beverage menu.
Meal for two: Rs 1,500 (with alcohol)
One8 Commune Kolkata: The brand opened at 13, Ho Chi Minh Sarani in August. Owned by star cricketer Virat Kohli, the resto bar is spread over 4,500sq ft and can seat 100 and is a mix of comfort and cool. While the Virat Kohli signature wall is the Instagram corner, you’ll find a bit of Calcutta all around One8 Commune’s second outlet, after their first one in Delhi. From the yellow taxi tables and the Howrah Bridge at the bar to the Kolkata Prawn Cutlet on your plate.
Meal for two: Rs 1,600-plus (without alcohol); Rs 2,400-plus (with alcohol)
Effingut: The most recent national brand to enter the F&B scene in the city is Effingut! The popular brewery present in Mumbai and Pune has opened gates on the seventh floor of Magma House on Park Street. Spread across almost 7,500sq ft with 350 seating, various sections and ample moving space, the cocktail bar and pub has different vibes at different sections. From eye-catching wall decor, games, events, digital NSM jukebox… there are a lot of interesting corners to watch out for. As they await their brewery licence, indulge in craft cocktails that will blow your mind. Food can be broadly segregated as diverse and eclectic. Grilled Fish in Banana Leaf, Thecha Chicken, Bunny Chow are some of your pop picks on the menu. If you are planning to get a buzz on your Instagram, don’t forget to try their A Bath with a Stranger — a gin cocktail!
Meal for two: Rs 2,000-plus with tipple
Karim’s: Established in 1913, Karim’s, the legendary name on the Mughlai map of India, travelled to north Calcutta in September. Located in the old theatre para Hatibagan, this new dine destination has original recipes, with spices all the way from Delhi and has got the foodies drooling since then. From the popular Dil Pasand Mutton Seekh Kebab, Mutton Burra, Mutton Quorma to Nihari, the menu of the 92-seater restaurant is a delight.
Meal for two: Rs 1,000 (all inclusive)
Kake di hatti: Straight from Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, the heritage north Indian vegetarian eatery Kake Di Hatti since 1942 has opened gates on the first floor of Neeranand Plaza in Bhowanipore. Spread over 2,300sq ft area, the 64-seater outlet is split into a 40-seater space and a 24-seater private dining area. The ‘King of Naan’ is passed down from four generations of owners and spells a neat blend of the traditional and the modern with shades of coffee, blue, and peach and a mishmash of cultural markers of Delhi and Calcutta, Mughal-style mirrors, and relics of yesteryears. The elaborate menu features a sumptuous spread of specialties from tandoori starters Kake’s curries, dals, Kake naan rolls, and the widest variety of naans of the biggest sizes! Hariyali Naan, Mooli Naan, Cheese Broccoli Naan... the list goes on. Also on offer are an array of beverages and mocktails, shakes, desserts to choose from, and thalis like Special Jain Thali. Hop in for a ‘naan-tastic’ feast to round up the year.
Meal for two: Rs 500-plus
Unplugged courtyard: The first national brand to hit Calcutta in 2021 was Unplugged Courtyard. With outlets in Delhi, Gurgaon and Agra, the brand came to the rooftop of Golden Parkk with a lounge spread across 7,000sq ft space. It is divided into three sections that include both indoor and outdoor seating. The USP and our fave section is the open-air space Terrazza that offers a stunning view of the Victoria Memorial. The menu is global while there are cocktails and shisha flavours aplenty to choose from. Palak Patta and Kurkure ki Chaat, dim sums, Naga Chilli Chicken Wings are some pop dishes.
Meal for two: Rs 1,300-plus (without alcohol)