Coined as a ‘food lover’s paradise,’ Kolkata never backs off when it comes to showing her vintage charms! The entire city is filled with restaurants and bars that exude the vintage ‘Calcutta’ of the British era and let you step back in time and experience the rich flavours of the bygone era.
Speaking of vintage charm, some of the best restaurants in Park Street, Kolkata have still maintained their themes and delicacies to let you savour the timeless elegance. In this article, we will take a look at some of the classic bars and restaurants that have reserved their age-old charisma, which makes them fall under the category of ‘must-visit’ places if you happen to visit the City of Joy.
Must-Visit Restaurants & Cafes That Portray Vintage ‘Calcutta’
Peter Cat
Claimed to fame for its popular Chelo Kebab, Peter Cat is one of the most iconic best restaurants in Park Street Kolkata and has been serving since 1975! The interior ambience with its dim lighting and sofa-like sitting arrangements exudes the allure of the vintage Calcutta.
The variety of delicacies and consistent quality has earned this restaurant the 17th place in Taste Atlas’s list of 150 Most Legendary Restaurants in the World last year! Although not a bar in itself, Peter Cat does serve alcohol and has a separate drinks menu curated for the hard drinkers!
The Bridge
Looking for couple-friendly restaurants in Kolkata? Well, if delicious food is the way to your heart, The Bridge by The Park Hotels Kolkata happens to be one of those all-day dining restaurants that you can place your trust in.
The surprising factor about this place is that it has got the best of both worlds- indoor as well as alfresco dining space! And both are equally peaceful and will offer you with a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Bridge is one of those Park Hotel Kolkata restaurants that serves three-course meals- breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and that too, for seven days a week! The 17m waterfall, along with the exquisite continental dishes are sure to make you fall in love with the place.
Bar-B-Q
This particular restaurant serves one of the best Chinese cuisines in Kolkata. A classic example of the black-and-white times, the old-fashioned low-hanging fans, and the interior balconies gift the place its timelessness! Walk in at any point and you start to feel the 60’s charm surrounding you.
What’s best? The cuisine, of course! And very naturally, each of the Chinese dishes are ‘oh-so-wow’! What’s going to surprise you though, is the variety of delicacies on the menu card. Although Chinese rules supreme, you will find Indian dishes like Tandoors and Fish, and even pure vegetarian delicacies as well. With a dedicated bar that serves from standard to premium-rated alcoholic beverages, the warm and inviting ambience will be the catch of the place!
Mocambo
If you want your taste buds to experience the Continental flair, Mocambo’s a must-visit place. The bar-cum-restaurant, established in 1956, still carries the legacy of the Britishers with its charming interiors and European delicacies like steaks and hams. You can also find a range of delightful Italian cuisines, but the crispy prawns served with tangy sauce are to die for!
Located at the heart of Kolkata in Mirza Ghalib Street, Mocambo’s been a hot favourite for city dwellers, and should be on your bucket list if you are a foodie!
Someplace Else
Craving for a retro-themed place with live gigs to relax after a hectic day at work? There’s nothing better than Someplace Else! This British-themed pub opened its doors in the City of Joy in 1994, and has been dominating the live-music pub scenery ever since!
With a touch of classic British interiors and a limited but quality menu structure, Someplace Else by The Park Hotels Kolkata can give you a rock and roll vibe with its ambience and chilled beers! Added to that, the band performances are like the cherry on top.
Wrapping It Up
The City of Joy has always been a place of mixed cultures, especially when it comes to food. This very culinary diversity gave birth to some of the most iconic restaurants for lunch in Kolkata that are continuing the legacy of the British era, and carrying on to remind us all that Calcutta has a charm and sophistication of its own!