Kobe Sizzlers (City Centre Salt Lake)

Kobe Sizzlers Interiors

Perhaps Kobe Sizzlers is the only Restaurant in Kolkata which devotes to serving only Sizzlers apart from sandwiches and a few starters. Situated in the heart of City Center Salt Lake, Kobe Sizzlers is the true flavor of the very contemporary European grills and steaks. They have been the oldest Sizzler restaurant chain in India since it opened its door in Mumbai in 1975. They now have over 19 outlets in not only cities of India but abroad as well. Thick wooden tables, jute stringed chairs and modern abstract paintings on the wall make the décor. Interesting pieces of intricate wooden artwork separate each table from one another. There are cushioned long low benches on one side which maybe a bit uncomfortable for those requiring a back rest. The ambiance is pretty sophisticated.

Flame & Grill - South City Mall

Flame & Grill (South City) Interiors

In spite of the hot, humid and sweaty weather of Kolkata, people love to utter the words "Flame and Grill". It instantly reminds one of 'KEBABS" and various sumptuous Indian dishes. Flame and Grill is one of the finest restaurants serving amazing kebabs and yes of course a never-ending delicious buffet!! Flame and Grill is in the topmost floor of the hugely popular South City Mall, a perfect place to attract the crowd! The ambience of the restaurant gives you the rejuvenated feeling of getting ready to indulge yourself in the pool of kebabs and many more items. The entire decor has a dark and wooden look!! The restaurant can comfortably accommodate more than 50 persons and the entire atmosphere makes one feel composed and active simultaneously! The restaurant has an interesting work of art, also used as a partition! It stretches from the ceiling till the floor in the form of a grid with each square containing a bottle of spice, herbs or masala!! To talk about the sitting arrangement, the tables, which are low in height along with wooden long chairs accommodating 2 people atleast! The most interesting fact about the table is its attatched "hot wok" (personal grill chamber)!!

The Flying Monk (AJC Bose Road)

Potato Basket with chicken

The Flying Monk, the name instantly catches anyone by surprise! Situated near AJC Bose Road, at Woodburne Park, this Oriental restaurant specializes in South-East Asian (Japanese, Singaporean, Korean, Malaysian, Indonesian, Thai) cuisine. It mainly targets the sophisticated upper class of South Kolkata who would not mind to spend some extra to taste innovative food from the South-East Asian countries which are rarely available in stand-alone eateries (not 5-stars). The theme of the restaurant revolves around Chinese puzzles or Tangrams and gives the ambiance a funky feel. 

Jimmy's Kitchen (AJC Bose Road)

Jimmy's kitchen interior

Well there are very few in Kolkata who haven't heard about Jimmy's Kitchen. Serving one of the best Chinese food for more than a decade, it is a favorite haunt for young and aged both. Situated near Kala Mandir on AJC Bose Road, it remains filled up in weekends and in most weekday evenings too. The Decor is simple and easy on the eyes. Sitting arrangement is pretty good with comfortable sofas and chairs. They also serve alcoholic beverages and the collection is quite varied.

The Funjabi Tadka (Southern Avenue, Rashbehari)

Funjabi Tadka Entrance

Tandoori Anda

If you want to have "fun" with some "punjabi food", just move into this amazing restaurant, "The Funjabi Tadka". The brand is a take-off from Chef Harpal’s show ‘Turban Tadka’ of the “Food Food” channel. This 3000 sq. ft. premium fine dining outlet is located in the upmarket area of Southern Avenue, an area where all can get a good glance of it. Inspite of several punjabi restaurant dotted all over Kolkata, The Funjabi Tadka is a little different in the aspect of, obviously the taste of the food, the decor and yes, the price as well. To start off with, it’s the decor which catches your eyes. The "desi" look of the interiors attracts your attention completely!

Bohemian (Ballygunge)

The entrance

Chef Joy Banerjee has opened the doors to experimentation! The moment you see the menu of Bohemian, you notice words that have been regularly used in our staple Bengali diet, but unlike what we have ever tried before. We normally shy away from “shei Bangali khabar” when we dine out, but Bohemian is all set to change that habit in us. Chef Banerjee has used known spices and recipes from our Mother and Grandmother’s kitchen and has transformed them into a global dining experience. The palate is so subtle in its newness that even Bengalis who have grown up with these flavours, discover something new with every spoonful.

Wall graffiti in the loo

Unlike other restaurants where the waiters politely take down whatever you order, suggesting only when asked, here the people are encouraged to assist the diners to choose the best from the menu, for a great culinary experience.

The menu is detailed and thorough, with ample choices among appetizers, salads, mains and desert. The restaurant doesn’t serve liquor, but there are some interesting sorbets and mocktails to choose from.

Palate cleansers and appetizers

Keema wraps

The top pick in appetizers are the Vodka Soaked Prawns with Grilled Garlic Aioli, Joyous Mutton Chops, Lemon Chicken on Lemon Skewers and Chilli Pickle and Cheese Baked Crab with Kolmi Greens. This last item is a treat. Served in an earthen bowl, like the one on which ‘firni’ is served; it is delicious and you are left wanting more. There are some healthy options for salads, with lots of greens and it is served with garlic bread on the side. To wash down your food, try the refreshing Orange and Aaam Adaa Sorbet, or drink up a Sex on the Beach.

Bacon wrapped prwans

Lemon chicken skewer

Vodka soaked prwans

Bohemian serves all their mains with rice and Kolmi greens. They also decorate the sides of the dish with sprinkled spices. For main course, Bohemian has some good options and you are almost at a loss as to what to choose.

Joyous mutton chops

Chicken supreme s

            
Dig into their Bhekti in Bengal Berry Sauce, teamed Breast of Chicken with Radhuni enriched curry sauce, Prawns stewed with Spicy Alphonso Sauce and Adaa Mouri Mangsho. There are numerous vegetarian options as well. You can dig into a dish of Mushroom and Pineapple Skewers with Spicy Coriander and Kalojeera, Cauliflower and Peas in Lemon, Chilli and Coconut Cream.

Aada mouri mangsho

The service is fast, with food reaching the table in 15 minutes top!! Once you taste the food, you will be left exclaiming in delight. The sauces are well seasoned and the poultry, meat and fish well cooked and tender. You will never realise that your traditional Bengali spices could create such delicious fusion food.

Spicy Grilled Bhetki with Radhuni-Enriched Curry

Everybody loves a round of dessert to wrap up and Bohemian excels here as well. They have a Malpoa Cheese Cake that is the talk of the town. If you are someone who is a die-hard chocolate fan, then the ‘Death by Chocolate’ will surely leave you stunned. The smooth luscious chocolate served in a Cognac glass, tempts you to try some more. You can also try Yoghurt and Kalojeera Brulee, and Gondhoraj Soufflé.

Mutton in green mango & cheese sauce

The only problem when it comes to dessert is that the portions are not the same for everyone, so you might be stuck with a diner who gets a bigger looking portion than you.

Bohemian adds to its culinary experience with its hippy decor. There is a display of rock and roll posters in the front while the walls have framed photos of tarot cards. The eccentric nature of the decor is extended even to the loo; it has bright colourful walls with lyrics from famous Bengali songs scribbled all over.

Malpua Cheese Cake

death by chocolate and gondhoraj souffle

Bohemian is a little over priced, with most of the food items priced between Rs. 150 – 350. A meal for two would cost you around Rs. 1300 (without taxes). A small restaurant with a maximum capacity of 30-40 people, it is always recommended that you book in advance.

If you want to experiment with food, then you should surely visit Bohemian. Tuck into the delicious fusion food and get in touch with your Bonghippy side!

Review done by- Suchismita Dattagupta

Location: Building No. 32/4, Old Ballygunge, 1st Lane, Near Sitala Mandir, Ballygunge, Kolkata- 700019

Contact No.: (+91)(33) 66064206 (+91)(33) 64601002, (+91)(33) 64604001, (+91)(33) 64609005

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The Rouge (AJC Bose Rd)

Rouge regular Red Velvet cupcake with chocolate ganache frosting

The Rouge, a little dessert or a cafe joint! Attractive place, with nice decorated seating arrangements, well furnished! The place looks like a fairytale because of its flower printed walls and colorful decoration and the locality is perfect for catching the after school or college crowd. But there are very, very few seats in here and it's situated on this dirty patch of road under the AJC Bose Rd Flyover near Minto Park, very easily missed. It has only 4 tables with yellow and green cushioned chairs. The front glass pane is decorated with croquembouche. 

Dawaat-e-Shiraz - Tulip Inn (Park Circus)

Main Entrance

 

Tulip Inn- Kolkata is a chic 3 star deluxe hotel, modern and contemporary in design; it has retained the spirit and charm of the traditions of India and blended these with the latest technology. The hotel is located at a very convenient location in the heart of the city nearby Park Street with all major tourist attractions, corporate hub and recreational facilities in vicinity.

Interiors of Daawat-e-Shiraz

Ceiling Lamps

Tulip Inn and Shiraz Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. launched Daawat-e-Shiraz, touted to be Kolkata’s first Awadhi fine dining restaurant. It is situated right at the place where the original mallik-bazar Shiraz had been. Shiraz golden restaurant though had been shifted right on the opposite flank of the road. This 50 cover restaurant takes pride of serving traditional “Bawarchi Khana” of the Nawab of Awadh. The expertise of the chefs adds to the fineness in preparing a wide array of delicacies for the connoisseurs delight. According to history, when Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was dethroned and banished to Metiabruz, he brought with him an entourage of 1000 Bawarchis (mughal chefs) and Khansamas from Lucknow. The Nawab, known for his penchant to splurge on art, music and food had granted a rare authority to his chefs. Chef Shammuddin, a direct descendant of Wajid Ali Shah’s royal kitchen was the first one to introduce authentic Awadhi cuisine in Kolkata. It was he who created the recipe of what Kolkatans fondly call the world renowned “Shiraz’s Biryani”. The recipe, that gives it a cut above the others, is still a secret and is only shared with the next generation of the family. Although Awadhi cuisine has traveled far and wide, but it is believed that only a handful of chefs with royal Khansamas lineage know the secret ingredients. Spices like zafran, cinnamon and cardamom, dried fruits and herbs are used extensively.

Complimentary Papad & chutneys

Tandoori Chiken

Kebabs and Biriyani

Interiors

The interiors of Dawaat-e-Shiraz are inspired by very contemporary and elegant existence; the food is authentic, delicate, and traditional and the atmosphere is a brew of many moods. There are see-through glass panes on the side of the main Park St. The intricate lamps on the ceiling give perfect lighting to the white marble tables surrounded by large comfy cushioned chairs. The atypical combination of cuisine attaches a certain sense of uniqueness to the place. It features quite a detailed menu. Complimentary papad, chutney and their own unique sauces are given to diners. One can begin their meal with the Paya Shorba followed by Kabab-e-Tashtari which just melts into your mouth. The main course includes Dal Awadhi, Kofta Nargisi, Sheermal, Bakarkhani, Murg Anjeer, Oudh Murg Biryani, Oudh Gosht Biryani, Gosht Shahi Stew and Lucknowi Masaledaar Macchi, amongst host of other delectable delicacies. The biryani is light, fluffy, fragrant and quite unlike the overpowering preparation that is usually paraded as the real thing. The meal allows just enough room for desert and the Shahi Chand ka Tukra, Awadhi Firni etc, which are the exact climax one would be looking for. Any kebab and tandoori items might take 15-20 minutes to be served from the time ordering. Being a 3-star, the prices are on the higher side, but the food is worth it. Biriyani costs around Rs. 312 (inc. taxes). Half Tandoori chicken costs the same and is served cut into 4 pieces. A fully fledged meal for two would cost Rs. 1000- 1200 (inc. taxes). It is open from 1200 hrs to 1530 hrs and 1930 hrs to 2330 hrs daily. Parking could be a problem in busy hours. Head here when you have a couple of hours to spare and craving for good Awadhi food.

Tulip Inn main building view

Location: Tulip Inn Hotel, 56 Park Street, Mallik-bazar crossing, Kolkata – 700016

Contact No.: (+91) 33 40250000, (+91) 33 40250001, (+91) 9830053062, (+91) 8420009917

Visit http://www.tulipinnkolkata.com/ for more information.

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Waterside Cafe- Hyatt Regency

The Waterside Café of Hyatt Regency Kolkata, a spacious and stylish, 24hours café located within the massive Italian architecture building, is famous for the beautifully landscaped gardens and water view of the property. Beautiful aesthetics, be it day or night, high French windows opening to the landscaped greens, and an aqua pool beyond add to the charm. Its high ceiling overlooks the atrium lobby, floor to ceiling window overlook the fountain and pool side. The other restaurants of Hyatt are La Cucina (Italian), Guchhi (Indian), Poolbar (Outdoor Dining), The Bakery, The BAR. Relaxed sofa lounge seating along with regular comfortable and stylish sitting arrangements are available for guests to witness a classy world cuisine throughout the day. The regular Indian/European buffet for lunch and dinner might seem repetitive, but the European bistro-style a la carte won't disappoint you. There are steaks, salads, sushi, crepes and delectable desserts to savor. At the Waterside Cafe there is a show kitchen, a fantastic wine list and an unlimited, fresh bread basket with the chef's compliment. The venue offers Wi-Fi connection available 24 hours with an interactive bar. The Bakery (timing 8:00 hours till 23:00 hrs) offers an interactive show kitchen of the restaurant and a 24 hour Flower Shop gives guests an innovative and unique experience. It is the perfect place for dining out with family or for business purpose. I had gone with my family and some guests, and we opted for the buffet dinner. The spread was huge. At least 20 types of salads were there. Some of the tasty main course items were Salgam masala, paneer butter masala, karai murgh, kochi patha jhol, vetki bhapa, mutton tikka kebab, hari daal, beef steak, peas polao, mixed vegetable permigiana. The dessert items of this place are most well-known in Kolkata. Out of the extensive number

of desserts, the best ones were Strawberry savarine, strawberry compote, stuzzel cake, Chocolate banana cake, gooseberry financier, fig compote, coconut tart, prune compote, Chantilly cream, hot chocolate brownie, chocolate mousse, choco pinakota. There are 3 flavors of ice-cream: vanilla, chocolate & butterscotch, with hot chocolate sauce and almond toppings. The Special Dishes of the Day were Thai soup, mutton kebab, pizza margarita & chicken black pepper pizza. The Continental food & desserts was superb, no doubt, but the Indian dishes were not very good as compared to 5-star status. 

Service was very nice. The per-head price for buffet was Rs. 2100 (inclusive of taxes). Whiskeys (60ml) are available from Rs. 800. For more information about Hyatt, visit their website: http://kolkata.regency.hyatt.com/

Location: JA-1 Sector III, Salt Lake City.

Contact No.: +91 33 2335 1234

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Machaan - Mani Square Mall

Machaan, a unit of Mainland China group, is a unique experience at Mani Square Mall @ EM Bypass. A big grey elephant and the tribal men with spears and gear piques your interest as you come inside through the main entrance- then you enter a jungle instead of a restaurant as is evident from the pictures I have uploaded alongside. The place is dark with dense jungle foliage covering most of the space. And for company you have an elephant, giraffes, crocodiles, and monkeys, parrots, squirrels, bears staring at you from tree-tops and an Anaconda! However unfortunately they have invested/wasted lot of money on interiors & its maintenance which starts irritating you after some time as you can’t even see the faces of persons sitting with you or the food that is served or the menu card properly. They serve to every table complimentary spicy papaya chutney, pudina chutney, Onion chaat, Papaad and pickels in brass utensils regardless of what food you order. The waiters are dressed in Cheetah skin color clothes and sounds of various animals / birds are played in the background to add to the jungle ambience. There is a balcony in the form of a tree house, which however has tables for 4 persons only. The waiters are attentive and change the plates, cutlery after starters, main course and also clean the tables at regular intervals. The toilets are located in forest caves and have a dungeon type entry, but the wash-basins were not clean and didn’t have proper taps. Drink pegs cost from Rs.400 to 800 inclusive of taxes. I would like you to try out the Campfire Gosht Shorba for soup, which tastes like mutton daal. In the main course you can take Hunter Chicken, Junglee masalo ka Raan (Full) (Really soft and tasty mutton), Dahi Gosht, Junglee Masale ki Murgh and Dal Machaan; alongside which you can have tandoori roti or Green healthy naan (corn & methi stuffed- its delicious). Gulab Jamoon would be nice for desserts. The quantity of the mutton/chicken dishes are more than enough for 4 persons. The food cost for two persons (without drinks) is approximately Rs. 1200- 1300 inclusive of taxes. The weekdays buffet is priced at Rs. 500 (Non-veg) and Rs. 450 (Veg) inclusive of taxes. Visit their group of restaurants for more information: http://www.speciality.co.in/

Location: 4TH Floor, Mani Square, 164/1, Maniktala Main Road, EM Bypass, Kankurgachi

Contact No.: +(91)-33-66346432
    Prices Updated Mar 2013
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The Sonnet - DD Block Saltlake (Near City Centre)

 

The Sonnet is a wonderful 4-star hotel located on DD block of Saltlake, near City Centre, which opened a year ago. It provides many facilities like business centre, car service, Wi-Fi, 24 hour coffee shop, Jacuzzi pool, gym, banquet hall, parking space and others. It has a stylish poolside lounge called ORION with dance floor & DJ, perfect for an intimate party. The bar called, UNWINE, offers an impeccable selection of liquors, wines & cocktails. AURA is the restaurant which has a lavish ambience and serves Indian, continental & Oriental cuisines. The central air conditioning provides moderate temperature; the interiors are royally decorated with perfect lighting, plush sofas, comfy chairs, marble tables and expensive cutlery. Waiters are well-dressed & friendly. The dinner buffet is really excellent especially the veg & chicken kebabs and Vetki Fish fries. There is also biriyani, mutton and chowmein apart from various kinds of salads. The desserts are yummy. The per head cost is Rs. 700 (including taxes) on a weekend, however its lesser on weekdays. The no. of items in the buffet should be increased if they want to compete with other star hotels, though I wouldn’t mind if the price becomes a bit higher. More restaurants should also be opened alongside. Certainly check out their website for more info: http://www.thesonnet.com/

Location: Block DD. Plot No.:08, Sector-01, Salt Lake

Contact No.: +91-33-66339000