The Diwali lights are slowly dimming, and the post festival blues are taking over, but for the people of Kolkata, the appetite for upcoming festivities and delicious food isn’t. After weeks of celebration through Durga Puja and Kali Puja, the city is back to its regular routine, one that still revolves around food.
And for those who’ve spent enough over the past month, Kolkata offers comfort without the cost. From Park Street’s old bars to College Street’s cabins, here’s where the city continues to eat, drink, and unwind and that too on a budget.
Olypub: Park Street’s unchanged constant
The crowd at Olypub doesn’t need a reason. The Park Street legend still serves its beef steak, chicken à la kiev, and fish fingers the way it has for decades. Drinks remain the cheapest on the strip, with two people managing a full evening at around ₹1,000. The wood-panelled chaos and old-school waiters complete the experience.
Canteen Pub & Grub | Salt Lake’s daytime bargain
At City Centre, Salt Lake, Canteen Pub & Grub draws an easy crowd with its “wholesale menu” with drinks starting at ₹100 from noon to 6 p.m. The bar’s festive week offers continue, including free cocktails for women on select nights and discounted combo meals for groups.
The Gazeboo | Casual dining near Park Street
A short walk from the city’s busiest food hub, The Gazeboo serves multi-cuisine combos and thalis priced around ₹1,200 for two. Zomato’s 25% off during off-peak hours makes it an even better deal. The Al Yamin Thali remains a crowd favourite for its value and portion size.
Jai Hind Dhaba | The late-night Punjabi feast
This popular Kalighat eatery is a favorite for those seeking a hearty meal. With an average cost of around ₹500 for two, it offers an array of North Indian and Punjabi dishes which are flavorful and has delicious filling. Famous for its tandoori items, especially the Chicken Bharta and Dal Makhani, Jai Hind Dhaba welcomes midnight foodies with hot plates and open doors.
Dilkhusha Cabin | College Street’s old soul
Tucked near College Street, Dilkhusha Cabin continues to serve nostalgia with its fish kabiraji and mutton cutlet. It’s a student haunt, still priced under ₹500 for two, where the stories of old Kolkata are as thick as the gravy on the plate.
Blaze | A modern meal in New Town
In DLF Galleria, New Town, Blaze balances sleek interiors with accessible prices. At about ₹1,000 for two, it’s a smart pick for families. Discounts on booking platforms often go up to 25%, which makes it one of the few New Town restaurants that stay affordable.
Valley Restaurant & Bar | Santoshpur’s quiet spot
Down south, Valley Restaurant Cum Bar in Santoshpur serves hearty multi-cuisine meals in a relaxed setting. Prices are moderate, and Swiggy Dineout’s 25% festive discounts make it worth the trip.
Kolkata may have packed up its pandals, but the feast hasn’t ended. The lights may have dimmed but the laughter, the chai and the city’s appetite have not.
