Kolkata, the City of Joy, pulsates with a vibrant culture deeply intertwined with its culinary heritage. For decades, the aroma of home-cooked Bengali meals was largely confined to private residences. However, the city’s dining scene has undergone a delicious transformation. Now, a plethora of Bengali restaurants beckon, each promising an authentic taste of the region’s distinctive flavors. From humble eateries to opulent fine-dining establishments, Kolkata offers a diverse range of options to satisfy every palate and budget. Many of these restaurants have not only become beloved local favorites but have also expanded their reach across India, introducing the nation to the magic of Bengali cuisine.
Bengali food, especially for seafood enthusiasts, is often characterized by its delicate balance of flavors and its reliance on fresh ingredients. Fish takes center stage in many preparations, showcasing the region’s abundance of rivers and ponds. To fully appreciate the nuances of a Bengali meal, it’s customary to follow a specific order: starting with vegetable dishes, progressing to fish, and then concluding with meat. This sequence is believed to allow the subtle flavors to unfold gradually, creating a harmonious and satisfying dining experience.
Here’s a curated guide to nine exceptional restaurants in Kolkata where you can embark on a culinary journey through the heart of Bengal, experiencing the best that the region has to offer. This guide will lead you through the best of the best, to experience 9 Restaurants to Enjoy the Best Bengali Food in Kolkata.
1. Aaheli
Nestled within the Peerless Hotel, Aaheli stands as a pioneer in Kolkata’s Bengali culinary landscape. Established in 1993, this elegant fine-dining restaurant was the first of its kind, dedicated to showcasing the diverse flavors of Bengali cuisine. Aaheli takes pride in reviving the "zamindari cuisine," the exclusive recipes of aristocratic landowners, offering a glimpse into the culinary traditions of Bengal’s elite.
The ambiance at Aaheli is meticulously crafted to enhance the dining experience. Live Bengali music fills the air, and the waiting staff is dressed in traditional attire, creating an atmosphere of refined elegance. Every dish is prepared with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a symphony of flavors that delights the senses.
Among Aaheli’s many culinary offerings, the kosha mangsho, a slow-cooked spicy mutton curry, is particularly renowned. Many consider it to be the best in the city, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors. For a truly immersive experience, opt for one of the thalis (platters), a multi-course meal that offers a sampling of the restaurant’s finest dishes.
It’s worth noting that while the Peerless Hotel serves alcohol, Aaheli itself does not. However, the exceptional food and ambiance more than compensate for this minor detail. Aaheli is truly one of the 9 Restaurants to Enjoy the Best Bengali Food in Kolkata.
Address: 1st Floor, Peerless Hotel, 12, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, New Market Area, Dharmatala, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700013, India
Phone: +91 90077 70841
2. 6 Ballygunge Place
Housed in a beautifully restored century-old bungalow in the upscale Ballygunge neighborhood, 6 Ballygunge Place exudes an old-world charm that complements its authentic Bengali cuisine. The restaurant’s recipes are drawn from a treasure trove of cookbooks, including those containing traditional recipes from the family of Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore. This dedication to preserving culinary heritage is evident in every dish.
The daab chingri, large prawns cooked with mustard in a tender green coconut, is the restaurant’s signature dish. The creamy, flavorful curry infused with the subtle sweetness of coconut is a culinary masterpiece. For those who wish to sample a wide range of dishes, the buffet is an excellent choice. It features a selection of the restaurant’s most popular offerings, making it ideal for diners who may be overwhelmed by the extensive à la carte menu.
6 Ballygunge Place also has a branch in Kasba called 6 Ballygunge Place Thali, which specializes in eclectic dishes served on platters. This allows diners to explore a variety of flavors and textures in a single meal. The restaurant is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It is one of the 9 Restaurants to Enjoy the Best Bengali Food in Kolkata.
Address: 6, Dr Amiya Bose Sarani Rd, near Patha Bhavan School, Ballygunge Place, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019, India
Phone: +91 33 2460 3922
Website: http://6ballygungeplace.in/
3. Oh! Calcutta
Oh! Calcutta has evolved into a renowned chain of fine-dining Bengali cuisine restaurants with branches in major cities across India. This popularity is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and innovation. Oh! Calcutta presents classic Bengali dishes as they have been made historically over generations, preserving the authenticity of traditional recipes. However, the restaurant also takes pride in its wonderfully innovative interpretations, pushing the boundaries of Bengali cuisine while remaining true to its roots.
Notable dishes include the smoked hilsa fish, known for its delicate flavor and smoky aroma; bhetki macher paturi, a fish fillet marinated in a spicy mustard paste and steamed in a banana leaf; chingri malai curry, a creamy coconut prawn curry; and kancha lonka murgi, boneless chicken in a cilantro/coriander and chili gravy.
If you happen to be in Kolkata during the monsoon season, don’t miss Oh! Calcutta’s Hilsa Festival, an annual tribute to the city’s beloved fish. This festival showcases a variety of hilsa preparations, allowing diners to experience the versatility of this prized ingredient.
Address: 4th, Forum Mall, 10/3, Elgin Rd, Sreepally, Bhowanipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700020, India
Phone: +91 93306 27510
4. Saptapadi
Saptapadi offers a unique dining experience, blending authentic Bengali cuisine with a nostalgic tribute to Bengali cinema. The restaurant is named after a hit 1961 Bengali romantic drama starring Suchitra Sen and Uttam Kumar, two iconic figures in Bengali film history. The decor reflects this theme, with movie stills and old portraits of the stars adorning the walls. Soft, romantic music from Bengali cinema plays in the background, creating a charming and nostalgic atmosphere.
Founded by chefs Ranjan Biswas and Swarup Mondal, who have extensive experience working in luxury hotels, Saptapadi offers a menu that fuses contemporary and traditional dishes. Signature dishes include saptapadi avinaba murgi and saptapadi avinaba mangsho, chicken or mutton tempered with black pepper.
Address: 48, Mahanirban Rd, Dover Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029, India
Website: http://www.saptapadirestaurant.com/
5. Kasturi
Located in the bustling New Market area, Kasturi offers an affordable and delicious introduction to authentic Dhakai Bangladeshi cuisine. Established in 1994, Kasturi was a pioneer in bringing this distinct culinary style to Kolkata. Despite its unpretentious decor, the restaurant’s popularity is evident in its crowded dining room, a testament to the quality and value of its food.
The signature dish at Kasturi is kochu pata chingri bhapa, steamed prawns with mustard and taro leaves. This flavorful and aromatic dish is a must-try for anyone seeking an authentic taste of Dhakai cuisine. Kasturi also has branches in Ballygunge and Hindustan Road, making it easily accessible to diners across Kolkata.
Address: 7A, Marquis St, Esplanade, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016, India
Phone: +91 83349 22221
6. The Bhoj Company
Also located in the New Market area, The Bhoj Company is another excellent option for experiencing Dhakai Bangladeshi cuisine. This small restaurant, which opened in 2012, has quickly gained a loyal following, leading to the opening of new outlets in BBG Bagh and Salt Lake. The food is inexpensive, authentically prepared, and generously portioned, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious diners.
Many consider The Bhoj Company’s kochu pata chingri bhapa to be the best in Kolkata, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor. Other standout dishes include aloo posto, potato in poppy seed paste, and chitol macher muitha, fish balls. The Bhoj Company also offers a wide variety of thalis (platters), allowing diners to sample a range of dishes in a single meal.
Address: 30A, Mirza Ghalib St, Fire Brigade Head Quarter, Esplanade, Opp, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016, India
Phone: +91 33 4006 6003
7. Bhojohori Manna
For those seeking a quick and satisfying taste of home-style Bengali cuisine, Bhojohori Manna is an excellent choice. With outlets located throughout Kolkata, there’s sure to be one nearby. The restaurant is named after a famous Bengali song by Manna Dey, which tells the story of a magical cook who traveled the world, acquiring a unique culinary style.
The outlet at 18/1A, Hindustan Road, Gariahat, is the most upmarket and highly recommended. Other branches can be found at Ekdalia Road, Hazra, Salt Lake Sectors I & V, Star Theater (Hatibagan), Ruby (Kasba Industrial Estate), and Esplanade. Be sure to arrive early to avoid waiting for a table, as Bhojohori Manna is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Address: 18/1A, Hindustan Rd, Dover Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029, India
Phone: +91 33 2466 3941
Website: http://bhojohorimanna.com/
8. Koshe Kosha
Koshe Kosha, founded in 2007, is an ode to "kosha" dishes, particularly kosha mangsho (meat slow-cooked with spices). The restaurant initially focused on perfecting this iconic dish, along with basanti polao (rice). Over the years, Koshe Kosha has expanded its menu to explore the wider culinary heritage of Bengal.
Signature dishes now include chingri malai biryani and bhekti paturi. The mocha chingri (banana flower cooked with prawns) is also a delicious option. However, kosha mangsho remains the most sought-after favorite, a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and flavor.
The restaurant’s decor, adorned with handicrafts from the state, creates a rustic yet vibrant village-style atmosphere. Koshe Kosha has branches located throughout Kolkata, including Ripon Street, Hatibagan, Gol Park, and Chinar Park.
Website: https://koshekosha.com/
9. Sonar Tori
Sonar Tori in Salt Lake is a welcome addition to Kolkata’s fine-dining Bengali restaurant scene. The restaurant boasts a gorgeous space, with opulent chandeliers and creative lighting, designed to evoke the grandeur of the British era in Kolkata. The two private dining rooms are decorated in rich red and purple palettes hued with gold, making them perfect for special occasions.
The menu at Sonar Tori features lost recipes from aristocratic Bengali households, as well as agrarian classics that are still prepared in humble homes. The impressive Bengali thali has 16 dishes that change every four days, offering a diverse and exciting culinary experience. The pickles are a particular highlight, with three different kinds kept on the table, including an unusual cabbage pickle. The list of 9 Restaurants to Enjoy the Best Bengali Food in Kolkata would not be complete without mentioning this fine dining option.
Website: http://neotiahospitality.com/sonar-tori.html
These nine restaurants offer a diverse range of experiences, from budget-friendly eateries to opulent fine-dining establishments, showcasing the best of Bengali cuisine in Kolkata. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, these culinary destinations are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you with a lasting appreciation for the flavors of Bengal.
