Christmas 2024: A Full-Day Guide To Eating Around In Park Street, Kolkata

Located near Maidan and Victoria Memorial, Kolkata's iconic Park Street is a popular destination for foodies, history enthusiasts, and live music fans. Once known as "the street that never sleeps," it was the heart of Kolkata's nightlife, filled with vibrant restaurants and lively pubs that created an unforgettable atmosphere. However, the charm of Park Street has diminished over time, with many cherished establishments closing their doors. Nevertheless, each year, the spirit of Park Street shines brightly during the Christmas and New Year celebrations, drawing crowds to the spectacular Park Street Carnival. The carnival hosts a variety of stalls along Park Street offering dishes from different communities in Kolkata, including Anglo Indians and Chinese. This annual event serves as a reminder of the street’s enduring appeal and encourages us to appreciate the rich culture and history that continue to define this remarkable area. Here is a full-day guide to eating out in Park Street when you visit Kolkata, from golden oldies to trendy new spaces.

Breakfast

Flurys

While only a few of Park Street's early legendary eateries have stood the test of time, Flurys remains a beloved destination in Kolkata since it first opened as a tea room for the British in 1927. Although it has changed ownership over the years and the charm of its interiors has faded, its nostalgic appeal still captivates thousands, especially during Christmas. Have their classic English breakfast platter and wrap up with their famous rum ball. Be sure to order their Christmas Dry Cakes - a dense and moist cake filled with dry fruits and nuts. · A rich and flavorful cake made with dry fruits and plums. Be sure to order the Christmas dry cakes, a dense and moist cake filled with dried fruits, nuts, or plums.

Address: 18A, Mother Teresa Sarani, Park Street area, Kolkata

Lunch

Golden Dragon

While walking around Park Street, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to lunch. If you want to try the legendary Kolkata Chinese cuisine, visit Golden Dragon, one of the oldest Chinese restaurants in the Park Street area. This restaurant has been family-run for generations and has been around for decades. Among the popular dishes here are the Mei Foong noodles and roast pork.

Address: 40, Park Mansion, 57A, Park St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Bar-B-Q

Another great option for Chinese food is the iconic Bar-B-Q. Designed by German architect Messerschmidt, Bar-B-Q is spread over three buildings and features vintage décor. The portions are massive, so keep that in mind when ordering. Be sure to try the Kung Pao Chicken, Drums of Heaven, Double Fried Pork, and Golden Fried Prawns. Take a seat by the windows and look out over life on the busy street below.

Address: 43, 47 & 55, Park St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Kwality

If you're searching for a restaurant with a diverse menu, visit Kwality, a legendary spot on Park Street. They offer a variety of cuisines, including North Indian, Mughlai, and Continental dishes. Be sure to try the Chicken Cutlet, which comes with French fries, and the festive Chicken Roast. They are particularly famous for their Pindi Chana served with fried Kulcha, also known as Chole Bhature.

Address: 17, Park St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Peter Hu?

This relatively new entrant on Park Street is always brimming with energy. With its stunning green staircase and expansive glass windows offering a view of the lively street, this restaurant is a creation of the same team behind the iconic Peter Cat and Mocambo. They offer pan-Asian and Continental flavours, showcasing popular delights like Belgian Pork Skewers, Brie Cheese and Truffle Dumplings, and the irresistible laksa.

Fire And Ice

This highly recommended gem in the vibrant Park Street area draws a devoted crowd for their mouthwatering pizzas, desserts, excellent coffee, and a curated selection of wines and aperitifs. The walls feature posters from Italy, iconic scenes of Sophia Loren and, of course, the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn in "Roman Holiday." This award-winning, family-run, authentic Italian pizzeria has an international presence in Kathmandu and Colombo, offering the best pizzas in town. You might run into the owner, Italian Annamaria Forgione, enjoying a cup of their delicious Italian cappuccino.

Address: Kanak Building, Jawaharlal Nehru Rd, Park Street area, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071

Evening

After a delightful jaunt around Park Street, where you can uncover its hidden gems like fascinating auction houses, treat yourself to a refreshing break in the early evening. You have several options. Head over to Flurys again, where you can savour expertly brewed Darjeeling tea paired with delicious thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches, pastries, and a variety of other tempting delights. Indulging in a quintessential English high tea here will make your day truly special.

Oxford Cha Bar

Another great place to take a break is the Oxford Cha Bar inside The Oxford Bookstore. It offers an excellent selection of teas from India and around the world, along with a variety of savoury snacks to enjoy. While there, you can also browse the bookstore, which gets decked out for Christmas, and check out the impressive selection of books available.

Address: 2nd Floor, BLOCK-C, Apeejay House, 15, Park St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Blue Tokai Cafe

This is part of the Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters chain, known for serving excellent coffee varieties, many of which come from single estates. The cafe is located inside the fabulous Bahrisons Bookstore. In addition to coffee, they offer kombucha and a selection of snacks, including savoury croissants, sourdough bread sandwiches, salads, and desserts. One advantage of having your evening snack break here is the fantastic collection of books available for browsing, ranging from graphic novels and manga to a great selection of poetry and works by authors like Rebecca Solnit, which can be hard to find in other bookstores.

Address: 31, Chowringhee Road, Park Street Area, near India Hobby Center, opposite The Park Hotel, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Dinner

Trincas

Park Street was once the go-to destination for dinner in Kolkata, and many people still flock to the area for its wide variety of dining options, bars, and nightclubs. If you're seeking nostalgia, visit Trincas, which was once known for its live music scene. After experiencing a phase of decline, the venue has successfully reinvented itself. As you enter the restaurant, you'll notice its wooden décor and interiors adorned with red velvet and gold trim, reminiscent of French jazz bars from the 1930s and 40s. The retro lightbulb signage evokes old French theatres, while the black and white photographs and wooden elements pay homage to British pubs. Try their heritage recipes, from the Chicken A La Kiev to Sichuan-inspired Chinese cuisine.

Address: 17, Park St, near Oxford Book Store, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016

Mocambo

Opened in the 1950s, Mocambo is an iconic eatery on Park Street that has stood the test of time. This restaurant exudes nostalgia and charm, featuring wooden signage, red leather booths, liveried waiters, and a menu that feels straight out of the past. Known for its retro ambience and dishes generously topped with white sauce and cheese, Mocambo is particularly famous for its crab cakes. In February 2024, Mocambo made it to the inaugural ‘Ultimate Restaurant Ratings' launched by Culinary Culture.

Olypub

Visit the legendary "Olly" on Park Street for a drink after or before dinner. This place has been graced by icons such as Satyajit Ray and actor Uttam Kumar. Renowned for its beef steak and affordable drinks, be prepared to wait for a table on weekends, as it can get busy. Sometimes, guests may even share tables.

Address: Ground Floor, 25B, Mirza Ghalib St, Taltala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016