At last! We're finally to the last of the planning for this trip. We'll have three nights in Kolkata and are looking for good restaurant recommendations. We love Indian food and are interested in places that serve regional specialities. We'll be staying at the Oberoi Grand (and their only restaurant is Thai - what's up with that?).

http://www.foodiebay.com/kolkata

http://www.indiamike.com/india/kolka...81/#post298886

Above thread, from the fabulous Indiamike site, goes onto different but somewhat related topics (sounds like us Fodorites!) but lists some recommended places a few yrs ago.

Search Indiamike for Kolkata (or Calcutta) restaurants and you should get some useful info.

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/329...894229_content

http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/732...n_module_small

Both above threads from Chowhound name particular restaurants, also from several yrs ago.

Thanks, Cali. I had run across the IndiaMike info and some of the chowhound info, but as you note these are from a few years ago. I also found some recs from the NYT and from Fodors. I'm hoping for some input from some of our regular India travelers, perhaps Cicerone.

regional specialites at mcdonalds are especially nice....

Do you want local/regional, and/or high-end(expensive) hotel food?
Some of the hotels have good restaurants--but would you like local food restaurants instead?

just remembered(from Starwood Points searc for cheap accom in Kolkata next yr)--ITC Sonar has two restaurnats. ONe is Dum Phukt, which i wanted to go to at ITC Maurya, but it was closed. The food is supposed to be fantastic!! The other is think like their restaurant t ITC Mughal in Agra. If it is as good as that..yummmy.
If they are like the other two ITCs mentioned above, they aren't inexpensive by India standards. Also, the problem may be getting there--ITC Sonar is a bit out of the center of Kolkata.
Don't forget to let us all know how the trip goes, including FOOD. Being selfish here, as it's my route for Dec 2011.

Should clarify--DP at the ITC in New Delhi was closed temporarily for renovations.
Everything/everyone recommended this one. Bukhara is the famous one at that hotel. I think Peshawri at the other ICs in India is similar.

The Peerless Hotel in Kolkata is about a mile from the Oberoi Grand. There is a restaurant in that hotel called Aheri, which has local cuisine i.e. Bengali food. Peerless is one of the better mid-price hotels in Kolkata (per our wonderful travel planners)and the food at the restaurant is supposed to be good, with nice ambiance. And it'd be convenient for you. The restaurant (and hotel) get good reviews. trya google search for it; Fodors guidebook lists it too.

It's on my food list for next year

Thanks for your thoughts, Cali. I know that in Asia in general some of the best restaurants are located in hotels. I am open to excellent restaurants whether or not they are located in hotels. I will certainly report back about our expereinces.

As I understand it, the Peerless is virtually next door to the Oberoi Grand. And oddly enough for a mid-priced hotel, sometimes the Peerless is more expensive than the Oberoi!

we did eat at DP in delhi....it was not as good as B, which i found way too expensive and only so so....i found the food better at the agra sheraton (same menu as B) and much cheaper

Eat me.

thedogster1.wordpress.com/noble-caledonians/

Aaheli. Just next door. Tell 'em dog sent you. Then ask the old concierge at the Oberoi where HE likes to eat. If you follow his suggestions you'll have 'the Dog's dinner'; experiential dining par excellance.

Exit Oberoi - take a left and walk along thru my fave street in the world, as far as the Museum. Right on the corner of Sudder Street you'll see a door with a gueard and moustache. Go in. Great Indian food for Indian people - which, as you know, is different from Indian food for foreigners. Top end, full of Kolkata money. Fun. Safe.

Ahhh Dog, you turn me into the Pavlov canine, salivating at the site of your name (about food, India, etc). Only 14 months 'til my own trip to Kolkata and onward, so info is in a special file, composed of Dog's --and soon Kathie's--recommendations for the area.

More important....GRRRRRRReat to see you're back. Many of us have missed you, and hope all is well. Namaskar!!

Arrrr. Arrrrrr aroooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooo!ruff

Fabulous! Thanks so much, dogster, just what I was looking for.

We love Indian food. I used to make my own masalas, but got tired of disconnecting the smoke alarms every time I was roasting spices. I've now found a place where I can get good Indian spice blends without the smoke alarm problem.

Kathie, that's the same place i mentioned above (Aheli--not Aheri--sorry for mispell) but a rec from the Dog? Priceless.

Do you order the spices on line? If so--where?

Rhkkmmk, the Sheraton Agra is now the ITC Agra, and like you, i ate at their equivalent of Bukhara, and it was delicious!! There's another branch of it at ITC Sonar in Kolkata.

Oh, good, two sources recommending Aheli! I order my garam masala from Penzey's. I buy other indian spice blends locally... sorry, I'll have to look at the bottle to find the name.

I think we'll eat well in Kolkata. Thanks!

i plan to stay at IC in kolkata

One of those disappearing acts of yours, Dogster!
Good to have you back...thought you have been thrown out for good...ha...ha!!

I would like to know how strict the domestic airlines in India (Jet Airways, Kingfisher,etc.) are concerning taking camera batteries on board with the cameras. Is it true that you cannot take the batteries with you with your hand carry ons but must check them with your check in baggage? Would hate to put these batteries in check in baggage for fear of losing them.
Thanks

gpeters, please start a new thread to ask your question. A person who knows the answer to your question may not be reading a thread about restaurants in Kolkata. Also, I'd like to know the answer!