Mags (Magnolia) - Park Street

The dim lighting at MAGS (also known as Magnolia) is perfect cover for its simple brown interiors. The furniture isn’t anything fancy either. Mags sticks to the theme of simplicity with basic chairs, leather-covered sofas and sturdy tables. However, the no-frills interior doesn’t mean that it’s unclean. The restaurant and bar cover two floors, the lower level being the “family section”. However, the upper level is mostly frequented by men who drop by for a few after-hour drinks. Because of the rock-bottom prices for the tipple, one can drink like a fish here, even on a shoe-string budget. There’s lot to choose from as well—regular whiskeys to premium liquor like Teachers. If you're lucky, you’d find Black Label as well at prices you could expect only in Goa. Beer, vodka, rum and cocktails round off the bar menu. As with most multi-cuisine restaurants that serve alcohol, the food isn’t impressive enough to write home about. The vegetable dishes on the menu are simply there to make it look complete. But surprisingly, the non-veg items are great: be it starters or the mutton and fish dishes in the main course. The hot garlic chicken tastes sweeter than gulab jamun! Chili Chicken dry and spring chicken are the best starters. Do try out the Tutti Frutti in desserts.

Location: 12 K, Opposite Park Hotel, Park Street

Contact No.: +(91)-(33)-40011443, +(91)-9231549154

Olypub - Park Street

Beef Steak - Chateau Briand

Chicken A la Kiev

Mutton steak - Hamburger Steak

Olypub Entrance at Park Street Kolkata

OLYPUB is a pilgrimage for all those who love - beer, beef, Kolkata and life. Its a truly old place - one of those that emit the ‘old is gold’ feeling quite strongly.

Waldorf - Russell Street

WALDORF is one of the oldest and most traditional restaurants in Kolkata. The decor is elegant and the dishes served are exotically flavored. Its dimly lit inside with many fish acquiriums on many sides. A good meal for two persons is around Rs. 400 - 500. Originally Waldorf was situated at Park Street (present day MARCO POLO IN CHINA). Due to legal problems it has relocated to Russel Street (The Street opposite to The Park Hotel). I've tried out chicken sweet corn soup and the prawn wafers, followed by chicken noodles, sweet & sour chicken and garlic chicken. Though my favourite side dishes are Chilli Pork and Chilli Prawn Balls.

Location: 13 D, Russell Street, Midleton Row

Contact No.: +(91)-(33)-65354952, 40011424

Peter Cat - Park Street

Chelo Kebab

Kolkata's renowned PETER CAT restaurant has managed to survive both fire and the passage of time. It remains as popular now as it was when it opened, way back in the swinging sixties. This makes it one of the oldest restaurants in Kolkata. If you haven't heard of it yet, you no doubt will. Peter Cat's warm and dimly lit interior speaks of history. Waiters look resplendent in crisp Rajasthani white and red costumes, which match the colors of the restaurant's interior but curiously contrast with its name -- a name that doesn't give away much at all. If you dig around though, you'll discover it’s the namesake of a famous cat who lived in Lords cricket ground in London from 1952 to 1964 (and Kolkata is a city addicted to cricket). Another thing is the food. The menu, which comes in the shape of a cat's head, contains some real delights. Of course, I have to mention the chelo kebab. Two minced mutton kebabs and one chicken kebab, served with rice and an egg, it's legendary amongst the residents of Kolkata. However, if you feel like a break from Indian food, you'll welcome the sizzlers. They're just as sought after. I ordered the chicken steak sizzler (chicken breast, vegetables, egg, and sauce) and it was cooked to perfection. Both meals are priced at around Rs. 200.

Location: 18 A, Near Music World, Park Street

Contact No.: +(91)-(33)-22298841, 22172942

Chicken Steak Sizzler

Mayonnaise Chicken

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