Tolly Tales
34 Dr Sarat Banerjee Road (off Lansdowne, en route to Rabindra Sarobar)
Open: Noon to 11.30pm
Tolly Tales is the place for the cinephile who enjoys Pork Ribs as much as Satyajit Ray movies. Why?! Because Tolly superstar Dev’s resto-lounge blends his love for films and food with a retro vibe and a quaint charm. Bathed in soft light, the 70-seater restaurant serves up Indian, Continental and Chinese. If you want to chill with buddies over beer, head to the private section complete with comfy sofas and tables. The Bengali film posters on the walls are a visual treat. And keep an eye out for Dev, who just might drop by to enjoy his fave chicken biryani.
Pop picks: Mushroom Trifolati, Beer Batter Fried Fish, Pork Ribs, Tolly Tales Tikka Masala, Whisky Flavour Roast Lamb
Pocket pinch: Rs 950-plus for two

 

 

 

 

Santa’s Fantasea
BF 189 (near Swimming Pool), Sector I, Salt Lake
Open: Noon to 3pm, 6pm to 10.30pm
Here’s where the meat gets really interesting. Dishes inspired by what the tribes of India have been eating, combined with seafood, is what makes this a meat lover’s haven. What’s more, tribal recipes use very little oil! Stepping into the restaurant is like sinking underwater for a moment, with the blue walls and swimming fish, but it clears up into a woody area, where caricatures grin down at you from the walls. 
Pop picks: Bansa Pora Mutton and Jadoh Rice, Kerala Mutton Soup, Burnt Chilli Octopus 
Pocket pinch: Rs 700-plus for two

 

 

 

Chai Break
P-184 C.I.T. Scheme VI (M), first floor (above Bandhan Bank)
Open: 7am to midnight 
The ninth outlet of veg chain Chai Break, spread over 2,000sq ft, has three zones — a private party section, a hookah lounge, and a non-hookah dining zone. This is the first Chai Break that has eggs on the breakfast menu. So now, relish your omelette along with the hash browns, waffles and pancakes. They also serve a range of shisha.
Pop picks: Adrak Elaichi Chai, Pizza Calzone, Cheese Omelette, Spaghetti Aglio Olio, Ice Bucket Hookah and Paanch Paan
Pocket pinch: Rs 800-plus for two

 

 

 

American Cave
98 Nalini Ranjan Avenue, New Alipore (next to Bidya Bharati Girls’ High School)
Open: 10.30am to 11pm, every day
Tolly actress Tonushree Chakraborty entered the culinary world with a bang with her first restaurant American Cave in April. Serving Tex-Mex fare and classic American fast food, the 1,200sq ft restaurant surprised us with a wide variety of dishes to choose from — think burgers, sandwiches, steaks and salads. What’s more? The banquet area upstairs can easily accommodate up to 100 people, just right for private parties!
Pop picks: Honey Glaced Chicken Wings, The Sasquatch Burger, and the super thick shakes
Pocket pinch:Rs 600-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Barbeque World
1 Sikdar Bagan Street, Hatibagan (near Mitra cinema)
Open: Noon to 3.30pm, 7pm to 11pm
Within two months of opening her first restaurant came Tonushree’s second serve, this time focusing on mughlai and barbecue cuisine. The 120-seater Barbeque World serves up a mean unlimited buffet for lunch and dinner. Each tabletop is fitted with a grill where your unlimited kebabs can slowly char… just the aroma is enough to make you drool! If you can make it past the kebabs, the rotating buffet menu has much to offer like Kosha Mangsho, Mutton Biryani, Shahi Paneer and more.
Pop picks: Crispy Chicken Lollipop, Mutton Biryani and all the kebabs, especially Ajwaini Mahi Tikka
Pocket pinch: Rs 499 per person for unlimited buffet and Rs 249 per person for unlimited starters and kebabs. Prices are all-inclusive. 

 

 

 

 

 

Crossroad Cafe
40/1 Prince Anwar Shah Road (coming from South City, at the corner where you turn right for the Lake Gardens flyover) 
Open: 11am to 11pm
Walk in and settle down to a range of burgers, pizzas, sandwiches, burritos and pastas. Affordable and wholesome are the key words. Watch out for the quirky paintings on the walls. 
Pop picks: Blueberry Yogurt Smoothie and Grilled Fish
Pocket pinch: Rs 600-plus for two

 

 

 

 

Mumble’s Lab
10E Hungerford Street (off Theatre Road, towards Birla High School)
Open: 1.30pm to midnight
Fact is, everybody loves ice cream. Prepared live with liquid nitrogen that is poured into a mix of chosen sauces and milk, the churned ice cream dramatically birthed out of a dense smoke is something that makes kiddies, and the adults accompanying them, go wow!
Pop picks: Mumble Lab’s signature Ghb — Ginger Honey and Basil — that reminds us of grandma’s concoction to cure all colds. #Nostalgia
Pocket pinch: Rs 180 to Rs 300, depending on the size of the cup

 

 

 

 

Pour house
Megatherm Tower, Block GP, Plot 1, first floor, Sector V (next to RDB Cinemas)
Open: Noon to midnight
At Sector V’s latest pad, afternoons are about food, evenings are about laid-back hookah sessions, and nights mean clubbing. The 8,500sq ft area includes an open-air space, a private section, a sprawling bar (liquor on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and a dedicated dance floor where one can jive to Kala chashma and Cheap Thrills. 
Pop picks: Lehsuni Tangri Kebab, Paneer Cordon Bleu and Paan Candy Hookah
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,500-plus for two

 

 

 

Route 17
17A Dr Sarat Banerjee Road (next to Deshapriya Park post office)
Open: 11am to 11pm
The ground floor of an 80-year-old house near Southern Avenue got revamped into a snug comfort-food cafe that caters to Chinese cravings. Route 17, which derives its name from a part of its postal address, is a pocket-friendly cafe that wears a homely feel. And the inclusion of hookah will complete your eating-out experience. 
Pop picks: Chilli Paneer in Plum Sauce, Prawn in Chicken Blanket, Singapore Noodles
Pocket pinch: Around Rs 450 for two

 

 

 

 

10 Downing Street
PS Srijan Corporate Park, Block GP, Sector V, Salt Lake
Open: Noon to 11.30pm 
Spread across 10,000sq ft, it is the 13th and the largest outlet of 10 Downing Street in India. It wears a distinctly English pub look and is divided into zones. Pick a seat near the island bar or plonk yourself on the giant couches. The mezzanine floor is ideal for corporate parties. The pub is yet to get a tipple licence, so the focus is on the big fat menu. 
Pop picks: Mahi Lahsooni, Keema Hari Mirch Do Pyaaza and Fried Ice Cream
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two 

 

 

 

Country Roads
The Galleria, Plot No. BG 8, second floor, New Town (opposite Axis Mall)
Open: Noon to midnight
Ah, the sweet smell of freshly brewed beer! At this New Town address, the craft beer might be the talking point but the food is just as good, offering Chinese, Indian and Continental fare. Plush booths, large tables with stools dot the 110-cover restaurant making it the perfect chill zone after work.  
Pop picks: Chilli Babycorn Fingers, Tarragona Pesto Grilled Fish and the craft beer. Scottish Ale is t2’s fave 
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Hoppipola
Acropolis mall, fourth floor
Open: 12.30pm to midnight (last order 11.15pm)
Sip on some fancy cocktails, nibble on finger food, play super fun games like beer pong and Jenga, tap your feet to live music and just spend hours soaking in the vibrant vibes with your buddies. Hoppipola is the perfect place to chill out any time of the day. With innovative cocktails being the menu highlight, the food is there to complement the drinks. There are pizzas, pastas, wraps, sandwiches and sliders to take care of hunger pangs. 
Pop picks: Bird Cage, Hoppi Bath Tub, Da VinciTini from the sip menu and Paneer Sanskari Tacos, E-Toast and Hot Chick from the bite list
Pocket pinch:Rs 1,200-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

The grid
Haute Street Corporate Park, 86A Topsia Road(same building as Ojas Banquet)
Open: Noon to midnight
Industrial mood, electrifying vibe, a Lego bar and mind-blowing visuals — high-energy resto-bar The Grid opened in July and is already the hot spot that side of town. Besides the detailed decor, the menu of The Grid is varied with equal attention to veg and non-veg bites. t2 can’t wait for the swanky brewery — awaiting a licence — to open! Till then, down yummy cocktails and polish off plates of delicious dessert.
Pop picks: Berry Pulao, Smoked Aglio Oglio, Guptaji’s Chocolate Toast, Trio Daiquiri, Rosy Gimlet
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Paris Cafe
17/1D Alipore Road (bang opposite State Bank of India)
Open: 7.30am to 11pm
The city got a third helping of the pretty Paris Cafe in April, this time in Alipore, after Ballygunge and Salt Lake Sector V. An addition to the signature vintage charm is the al fresco seating. Sneha Singhi, a Le Cordon Bleu alumnus, has introduced new dishes like shakes with cakes and doughnuts on top, croissant sandwiches, baked dishes, bagels, Japanese Souffle Cheesecake, home-made oils, butter, s’mores and more! 
Pop picks: Red Velvet Shake, Mushroom Involtini, Mac & Cheese Sandwich, S’mores French Toast
Pocket pinch: Rs 600-plus for two

 

 

 

Fung Shway
122A Southern Avenue (opposite Nazrul Mancha)
Open: Noon to 3.30pm (lunch), 7pm to 11pm (dinner) and drinks and snacks in between
Fung Shway, which was located in Dover Lane, shut its doors in 2004 after serving up some fine Thai cuisine for almost a decade. It reopened at this new location in January. The 85-cover restaurant-bar serves Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian and Thai. The menu is designed by chef and musician Dilip Massey and has everything from sushi to Penang Curry.
Pop picks: Thai Steamed Whole Fish, Black Magic Noodles and Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,200-plus for two

 

 

 

 

Cafe Mezzuna
South City Mall, second floor
Open: 12.30pm to 11pm
The 90-cover sibling of the popular Forum hangout is the coolest thing about South City Mall’s F&B scene now. Having finally got the liquor licence last month, there’s no stopping Mezzuna 2 from becoming a chill-out zone for the young and young-at-heart this side of town. From the signature cocktails to an elaborate European and Continental menu, Mezzuna scores with both the sips and bites. 
Pop picks: Beer Batter Fried Fish, Three Mini Burgers, Harissa Spiced Grilled Chicken
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Mad Hatter’s
40A Creative Studio, Ballygunge Place (in the lane beside 6 Ballygunge Place)
Open: Noon to 9pm
Yellow walls, warm lighting, comfort food and a menu you can go nuts about. Which means, there’s plenty of DIY and things you can tweak to your taste. Also, hop downstairs to the boutique to browse and buy saris, kurtas and pretty li’l purses. 
Pop picks: Bacon ’n’ Potato Salad and Seafood Soup
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two

 

 

 

 

Brickwood
10 Wood Street (diagonally opposite 22 Camac Street back gate)
Open: 8am to 10.45pm
Sitting under umbrellas on the portico, hot chocolate or a cooler shared by two, notes of Italian music drifting out, and a brick-lined oven preparing your order. It’s not a dreamy Italian village we’re talking of but a quaint pizzeria on Wood Street. While pizza remains the best part about Brickwood — because hey, it’s pizza! — what t2 especially digs at this casual dining address is fai da te, Italian for ‘do-it-yourself’ or ‘self-service’. Plus, the prices on the menu are inclusive of tax so you know exactly what you have to pay. A good ending to a great meal!
Pop picks: Pollo Con Aglio and The Brickwood signature pizzas. Also the recently introduced breakfast menu that has sandwiches, omelettes and baked-on-toasts. Bella!
Pocket pinch: Rs 500 for two

 

 

 

 

 

Keventers Milkshake
Forum mall,fourth floor
Open: 10am to 10pm
The heavier Thick Shakes contain more ice cream and the kids will love this. Pick up a Fruity Shake if you’re looking to keep going for a while. The Classic Shake is light and smooth...a great anytime beverage. And... they let you take the bottle home!
Pop picks: Red Velvet Shake, Butterscotch Classic Shake 
Pocket pinch: The small bottles are priced Rs 99 plus tax 

 

 

 

 

 

Barcelos
Acropolis mall,fourth floor
Open: Noon to 11pm
The South African brand serving Portuguese and Middle Eastern cuisine opened in Calcutta after making its mark in 18 other countries. Start with the signature burgers and move on to salads and sizzlers. The bottles of sauces on each table, the lively painting depicting the town of Barcelos on one wall, the colourful burgers and the ambience is what makes this 110-seater restaurant peri peri good!
Pop picks: ½ Chicken, Chicken Espetada, Peri Peri Paneer Sizzler and the colourful burgers
Pocket pinch:Rs 1, 200-plus for two

 

 

 

Zucca Lounge
P264 C, Hemanta Mukhopadhyay Sarani (near Vivekananda Park)
Open: Noon to midnight (Mon-Thurs) and noon to 3am on weekends
One of the few restaurants in the city that has a rooftop seating area — plush white cabanas, couches or even a swing, take your pick and watch the gorgeous sunset from there. The cafe downstairs is done up in dark pinewood and large windows that overlook treetops, making the cafe-lounge a green and serene place to chill at. A large beverage menu (sadly, no liquor) and varied food items make Zucca a #win!
Pop picks: Creole Style Fish and Chips, Masala Fries, Oreo Poppers Shake
Pocket pinch: Rs 700-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Bodega Cantina-Y-Bar
Park Centre, 24 Park Street (opposite Allen Park)
Open: Noon to midnight
This “canteen” on Park Street serving global cuisine is a delight to dine at, with special attention given to little details. The 82-seater restaurant is spread across two floors — a bar area downstairs (if you’re not a teetotaller, park yourself at the long bar and try as many drinks as you can; they are all boozy and so good) and the upstairs, which is for dining. Special mention about the chill weekend vibe at Bodega! Head there for cocktails before hitting the clubs. 
Pop picks: Sticky Pork Belly Bao, Beef Chilli Fry, Grilled Artichoke, Rocky Road and the Sangria
Pocket pinch: Rs 2,500-plus for two, with alcohol

 

 

 

 

 

 

One sports Lounge
Infinity Benchmark building, ground floor (opposite RDB Cinemas), Sector V, Salt Lake
Open: 11am to 2am
With Tendulkar, Messi and Ronaldo playing up the walls, this 4,860sq ft sports lounge screens live matches and packs in a dance floor, a hookah section and a private section. Hence, expect to get everything in ‘one’ place. Until the alcohol licence arrives, tuck into the food and puff on the hookah.
Pop picks: Jumbo Prawn with Horseradish Sauce, and the hookah
Pocket pinch: Rs 800 (including taxes) for two

 

 

 

 

BJ’s Sports Cafe Cum Lounge
104/1A Sarat Bose Road, opposite 85 Lansdowne
Open: Noon to 2am
This sports-themed cafe has Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (almost) dashing out from the wall! The furniture is sporty too... think table legs resembling wickets and hockey sticks, and boxing gloves used as decoratives on the wall. 
Pop picks: The matka hookah that has a clay pot as the base of the hookah, and Nutella Crepe with Ice Cream
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two

 

 

 

 

Alla Bella Mozzarella
99/5/2A Ballygunge Place (in the lane diagonally opposite 6 Ballygunge Place) 
Open: 12.30pm to 10.45pm
The interiors are reminiscent of a medieval tavern, as pizzas emerge from a wood-fired oven. The pesto sauce is home-made. What’s more, these days they have Paris Cafe catering an Alla Bella special dessert, though their own Wood-Fired Fondant calls out to all chocoholics. 
Pop picks: Penne Pesto, Pizza A La Corleone and Wood-fired Cioccolato Fondente
Pocket pinch: Rs 900-plus for two

 

 

 

Mumbai Local
19 Ballygunge Park Road (in the lane diagonally opposite Ice Skating Rink, where the restaurant Villa 19 used to be)
Open: 12.30pm to 4pm, 7pm to 11.30pm
Want a jhakkas meal, aamchi Mumbai style? Indian or Oriental, especially food from the Mumbai khau galis, is what you get at the latest theme restaurant in the city. From hand grips dangling from Mumbai local trains to kali-peeli taxis and the Marine Drive, the decor of the 78-cover restaurant will give you a real feel of the tinsel town. Dosas from Ghatkopar, milkshakes from Bachelorr’s (Chowpatty), sandwiches from Mamaji’s Grill at Tardeo and bhel from Vithal’s…. they have dishes inspired by a varied range of #FaaduItems on the menu.
Pop picks: Berry Nu Pulao, Rustom’s Favourite Dhansak, Dhobi Ghat Chana Bhatura
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two

 

 

 

 

F.R.I.E.N.D.S Cafe
175/A Motilal Nehru Road (behind Deshapriya Park)
Open: Noon to 11pm
Our very own Central Perk right in the heart of south Calcutta! The vegetarian cafe, which serves quick bites, beverages and shisha, made quite a buzz even before opening its doors. Dialogues from the 6-some on the walls, fun facts from the TV show, props like Pat the dog but most importantly, the large orange couch — Central Perk-style — is what makes this 70-seater cafe such a fun place to hang out, irrespective of whether you’re a F.R.I.E.N.D.S fan or not.
Pop picks: The Moist Maker, Poutine and Monica’s Mud Pie
Pocket pinch: Rs 600-plus for two

 

 

 

 

Kurry Patta
12/2 Hungerford Street (near St. Xavier’s College back gate)
Open: 9am to 10pm
The South Indian menu, especially dosa, idli and sambars, spells comfort food. Add to that easy-on-the-pocket prices and a good ambience, and Kurry Patta is a hit with the college crowd. Oh, and there are ‘health-conscious’ versions of your favourite dish too (think less ghee and butter). 
Pop picks: The Kurry Patta signature Rasam Vada that’s ‘served nowhere else’ and the Idli Finger Chips that makes for perfect conversation-munchies
Pocket pinch: Rs 500 for two

 

 

 

 

The Country House
4C Allenby Road (opposite Forum mall)
Open: 10.30am to 10.30pm
A 110-year-old house has been given a makeover and while the doorways and windows are still vintage, the hanging bulbs, quirky mugs and the lit-up bicycle are dead giveaways that it’s now for the hip and the young. With a variety of pastas, sandwiches and beverages to choose from, there’s also a pastry counter on the ground floor for your dessert fix. 
Pop picks: Green Apple Iced Tea and Mushroom Burgundian
Pocket pinch: Rs 800-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Jam House
1 AJC Bose Road (where it meets Lord Sinha Road)
Open: 11am to 4am
Vibrant decor, varied shisha flavours and a permanent jamming section are the highlights of the 1,500sq ft snug Jam House. The veg den focuses on the young crowd, students and professionals. Tap your feet to live band performances or grab a seat at the dimly-lit Level 1 zone on the mezzanine floor. t2 loved the drum-inspired washbasin in the restroom and music lyrics written on the walls. Our fave? Lights Will Guide You Home by Coldplay. 
Pop picks: Italian Steak Parmasian, Achari Aloo Tikka Masala and Chinese Sizzler
Pocket pinch: Rs 800-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Cafe oMG social
Infinity Benchmark building, opposite RDB Cinemas, Block GP, Sector V, Salt Lake
Open: 11am to 5am
Spread over 1,000sq ft, the decor is inspired by social media apps! The cabana-style seating has been divided into Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook and Dubsmash booths. No guesses then that this is an ideal place to catch up with your SM-crazy pals over the ice-based OMG Social special hookah that comes with six Red Bull cans. 
Pop picks: Baked Cottage Cheese Ball and Nutella Shake
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

The Innside Story
18 Sarat Bose Road (opposite Masterjee shop) 
Open: 9am to 11pm
What probably makes hookah a hit is the fact that the best conversations are often accompanied by a thoughtful nod of the head and a puff of smoke. Shifting base from their earlier AJC Bose Road address, the second coming of The Innside Story maintains the essence of a menu of all-veg munchies, colourful mocktails, an extensive hookah menu and a photo prop — if it was a Maruti 800 earlier, this time it is a red scooter. Psst: While the tabletop games remain, there’s a pool table coming up soon, and t2 will be the first to tell you! 
Pop picks: Hookah remains a personal taste, with the Pita Pockets and the Three Layered mocktail as crowd-favourite accompaniments
Pocket pinch: Rs 500-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Spice Ocean
BF 41, Sector 1, Salt Lake
Open: Noon to 11pm
A multi-cuisine veg restaurant aimed at Jain clients. The restaurant also houses a room that can be hired to throw a party or hold a conference for about 50 people. Chinese, Indian, Continental… all the popular veg dishes are under one roof. 
Pop picks: Tandoori Platter and Crispy Spinach with Cream Yogurt
Pocket pinch: Rs 800-plus for two

 

 

 

 

Fabelle
ITC Sonar, opposite the coffee shop Eden Pavilion
Open: 11.30am to midnight 
Walking into this luxurious space at the star hotel on the Bypass feels like Charlie walking into the chocolate factory! Browse and buy from packaged chocolates. Or order from the menu Chocolate Entremets, a classic French confection or any of the four types of Chocolate Dreams. There are also beverages — Iced Chocolate and Warm Cocoa. There are a couple of seats inside while a few are located in the porch outdoors overlooking the Lily Pond! 
Pop picks: The Ganache — Creamy Milk or Rich Dark — is t2’s favourite. Followed by Elements, five handcrafted chocolates inspired by the “mystical elements of nature”. And the Dark Chocolate Petit Cake
Pocket pinch: Elements is priced Rs 400; the Ganache comes for Rs 675 

 

 

 

 

 

Scarlet
Aauris hotel, 4 Robinson Street
Open: 11am to 11pm
This is tucked away in the quiet lane connecting Loudon Street with Rawdon Street. The party frat’s most popular hangout here is the Black Sky Bar, where the best-seller Teen Paan Hookah brings in teens in distressed jeans and tattooed arms. In the lobby is a patisserie-cum-bistro called Scarlet. Together with the outdoor area, it can seat up to 65. The menu is light, consisting of salads, wraps, sandwiches and a selection of tea, coffee and smoothies. If you’re looking for a quiet hideout not far from Park Street, this is it. 
Pop picks: Chocolate Fudge Cake topped with Oreos & Ferrero Rocher 
Pocket pinch: A salad + iced tea + one dessert = around Rs 600

 

 

 

 

XII Zodiac
The Fern Residency hotel, 204, Main Arterial Road, Salt Lake  (opposite City Centre New Town) 
Open: 7.30am to 10.30pm
If your taste buds are guided by your sun sign, you’ll find out at Zodiac. It’s a menu divided by the sun signs and foretells what you’re most likely to find flavourful. The decor is all about the zodiac as well. 
Pop picks: Grilled Chicken with Mushroom Sauce and Kajari Kaju Ki Tikki
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,100-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

UG Cafe Bar
The HHI, next to UG Reincarnated
Open: 1pm to midnight
Hailed as the “most pocket-friendly outlet of The HHI”, the 35-seater UG Cafe Bar is ideal for a quick but hearty lunch or a chit-chat session over sangria with your gang before hitting the nightclubs. With beer as cheap as Rs 125 and LIIT for Rs 275, it’s a good place to hit up for a pre-drinking scene. t2 liked the cool wine bottles wallpaper. 
Pop picks: Chicken in Thai Curry, and the pizzas 
Pocket pinch: Rs 700-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter 2
164/1 Maniktala Main Road, Mani Square, fourth floor
Open: 12.30pm to 11pm
Retro dining is the flavour at Chapter 2. The menu at this 68-seater restaurant is a combination of all the Park Street favourites from the #Fab50s to the #Swinging70s. With the grandson of a Sky Room chef running the kitchen, expect old favourites from a Mulligatawny Soup to a cheesy Devilled Crab to Prawn Newburg to Vegetable Cannelloni. Another plus? The music has been recreated to revive the lost live music scene of Park Street. If you haven’t tried out this serve from the Chaudhury boys behind Oudh and Chowman, it’s time to do so!
Pop picks: Prawn Cocktail and Tender Pork Chops
Pocket pinch: Rs 1,000-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Indian Hotel
24A Syed Amir Ali Avenue (diagonally opposite Quest mall)
Open: 11am to midnight
For the best Biryani (without the quintessential Calcutta aloo, though) and Chaap combo in town, south Calcuttans no more have to go all the way to Chitpur. The Royal Indian Hotel has got itself a new address near Quest mall, after operating out of 147 Rabindra Sarani for 110 years. No wonder you find a queue outside on weekends despite the 160 covers across two floors! t2 loved the second floor seating area with the ceiling-to-floor glass facade overlooking the busy road below.
Pop picks: Royal Mutton Chaap, Royal Mutton Biryani and Shahi Tukra
Pocket pinch:Rs 500-plus for two 

 

 

 

 

 

Mocambo
25B Park Street 
Open: 11am to 11.30pm
Some things should never change and Mocambo is one of them. In its 60th year, Mocambo added a
70-seater section, in an adjoining space this February, cutting down that wait for a table by a little bit! Everything from the decor to the menu is the same. The only addition is a private room called The Hole in the Wall by the owners — the genteel Kotharis. 
Pop picks: Fish A La Diana, Beckty Bell Meuniere, Chicken A La Kiev and Devilled Crabs
Pocket pinch: Rs 800-plus for two

 

 

 

 

 

Of all these 44 new food places, which one is your favourite and which one do you want to try out? Tell t2@abp.in