Restaurants in Kolkata (Calcutta)

Experience the traditional rich cuisine of royal India at this superb fine-dining restaurant. Food here is covered with a pastry layer as it cooks, allowing the flavours to steam to delicious perfection. A fantastic variety is on offer, including some of the best meat curries and seafood specialities you'll ever taste. Open evenings only.

Ignore the slightly sterile atmosphere of the shopping mall; this place is recommended for Bengali food, and also has some good north Indian and continental choices. Dishes feature unusual, subtle flavours such as banana flowers, and innovative combinations of ingredients. Great service, contemporary feel.

For the authentic taste of Bengal head for 6 Ballygunge Place – it offers classic regional food at very attractive prices. Local delicacies such as mutton curry, prawn rice, and spiced coconut chicken all tempt the taste buds. Great for those wishing to enjoy east Indian food on a sensible budget, in the heart of the city.

Located in the central Chrome Hotel on AJC Bose Road, the KhanaSutra is a place to indulge in what is billed as India's first nouvelle cuisine north Indian restaurant. Multi-course meals are the order of the day here, as is personal and attentive service.

Billing itself as “the only global cuisine restrobar in town,” Spice Kraft combines a stylish restaurant with a bar area for after-dinner drinks. The menu offers a huge range of dishes from countries such as China, Thailand, Lebanon, Vietnam and Japan, with some of the more interesting options on offer including devilled crab meat, shredded lamb in massaman curry and Arabic style lemon flavored grilled fish.

Simultaneously homely and quirky, Bon Appetit is a small restaurant that serves a selection of international treats, from pancakes and Spanish omelettes to the famous chocolate avalanche. The imaginative décor includes eclectic touches such as hanging cane swings, faux grapevines and art installations.

With a loyal following, Kewpies is known as the purveyor of authentic Bengali food, and for a good reason. Located down a narrow alleyway in the owner's home, it may be small and rustic but that's half the charm. Tuck into a thali (several dishes served on one plate, refilled limitlessly); the boss can help you decipher the choices on the menu. Heartily recommended. Closed Monday.

A Park Street (and indeed Kolkata) institution, the food here (an assortment of Indian dishes, as well as some continental offerings) is top class and offers good value for money. Start by picking an aperitif or two along with some spicy north Indian kebabs. Very popular at weekends, the interior of Peter Cat is atmospheric and the food fresh and tasty.