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Kolkata and food, these two are a match made in heaven. People in the city may prefer dudh-cha in the cosy winter mornings, but that never keeps them away from the vibrant cafe scene in the city. Stepping off the busy Shakespeare Sarani and into Olive Café & Bar, Kolkata, is like getting into a sun-dappled Mediterranean dream, envisioned by the Olive Group's Founder, AD Singh. And it’s lovingly brought to life with the aesthetic finesse of his Design Director wife, Sabina Singh.
Image Credit: Olive Café & Bar, Kolkata
The name 'Olive' itself speaks about the warm, coastal, and timeless vibe that has become a signature across the city. When you talk about the cafes in Kolkata, this place has more to offer. The beautiful white-walled wonderland with Greek elegance matching the artistic heritage of Kolkata, subtly inspired by Rabindranath Tagore’s Shantiniketan. So, whether it’s a quiet afternoon coffee or you are planning for a cosy date, Olive is a haven of laughter, good conversation, and exceptional food, curated by the talented Chef Jyotika Malik and her team. From the moment Slurrp entered, the effortless, easy charm of the team was evident. A greeting as warm and inviting as the golden winter light filtering through the courtyard, especially with the unveiling of the all-new Winter Menu and a spirited Cocktail Bar, managed by lead mixologist Harish Chhimwal.
Olive Café & Bar, Kolkata: Atmosphere, Music, And Comforting Food To Remember
Image Credit: Saborni Saha
The physical atmosphere of Olive Café & Bar is its first, and perhaps most enchanting, culinary ingredient. The moment you step in, the pristine white walls and classic blue accents transport you to a breezy Mediterranean seaside. This design, rich with elements of natural light, lush greenery, and the gentle sway of bougainvillaea, is deliberate—a calming escape from the city’s constant clamour. The use of natural light during the day and the transition to a candlelit mood at night ensure the ambience is always perfectly calibrated for a leisurely experience.
Image Credit: Olive Café & Bar, Kolkata
The menu is a celebration of this perfect setting, highlighting dishes that Olive Café & Bar, Kolkata, is rapidly becoming famous for, especially with the introduction of the seasonal Winter Menu. Highlighting the balance of comfort and sophistication, the cuisine marries Mediterranean classics with a deep understanding of seasonal produce.
Chef Jyotika Malik emphasises this philosophy: “The menu is a mix of warm and comforting flavours, all great for winter dining. You have cheese, winter veggies, soups, and baked dishes that will bring in nostalgia for diners.” 
Image Credit: Saborni Saha
Signature highlights that garner immense praise include the melt-in-your-mouth Baked Brie with fig jam and crostini, which Chef Malik calls "Perfect for the winter season!" and the intricately flavoured New Zealand Lamb Chops. The bar, led by Harish Chhimwal, reopens with spirited, city-inspired concoctions like the Yellow Taxi and Mishti Joy, a beautiful ode to Kolkata’s vibrant character.
Slurrp’s Tasting Journey: Exploring The Winter Menu
Image Credit: Saborni Saha
Slurrp’s visit was an exploration of the Winter Menu with each dish proving Chef Malik's innovation, technique, and warmth.
Berry Berry Mule: A refreshing and perfectly balanced cocktail made with Vodka, Vermouth, Lemon, Strawberry, and Ginger Ale. The fruity sweetness of the strawberry and the citrus tang of the lemon were beautifully cut by the spicy kick of the ginger ale, creating a truly refreshing, unmatched taste that will leave you lingering for more.
Mushroom Cappuccino Soup: This was a velvety, luxurious hug in a cup. A seamless blend of button, portobello, and porcini mushrooms, it was deeply savoury and earthy. The "cappuccino" foam on top was airy, contrasting with elegant truffle notes for a warming finish. Served with Melba toast, it adds richness but no bloated feeling at all.
Image Credit: Saborni Saha
Tostadas — Fried Fish: If you have to name a dish that lifts your mood visually, this one will win with flying colours. Light and flaky fried fish sat atop crisp tortillas layered with creamy avocado and a refreshing cabbage-apple slaw. Just one bite and you have a delightful contrast of textures. This coastal-inspired plate was crisp, creamy, and delightfully bright.
Pumpkin & Poppy Seed Agnolotti: These little, hand-made pasta pockets were a real winter treat. The dish was wonderfully nutty and earthy because it was made with pumpkin and just butter and toasted poppy seeds. The herbed oil gave the filling a new, piquant taste.
Image Credit: Saborni Saha
Emilia Pizza: This vibrant pizza started with a light and fragrant pesto base. It was generously topped with sun-dried tomatoes, sweet cherry tomatoes, roasted asparagus, yellow zucchini, and sweet corn. The fresh vegetables and aromatic pesto offered a clean, bright flavour profile that felt beautifully balanced.
Image Credit: Olive Café & Bar, Kolkata
Prawn Risotto: Don’t you love that coastal twist on a classic? Then this risotto is the one made for you! Arborio rice was cooked in rich coconut milk, infused with the fragrant notes of lemongrass and kaffir lime, with an Asian aroma. It was topped with succulent prawns and sweet confit cherry tomatoes, following a creamy, tangy, and flavourful dish.
Apple Crumble: With a warm, cinnamon-laced apple filling and a perfectly crunchy, crumbly topping, it truly is "an absolute crowd pleaser!" The apple filling was made ever so slightly jammy, and no way it was dry or watery. The topping baked up beautifully crisp; forget those dry, doughy, or overly sweet tops that ruin the dessert. It’s crumbled perfectly upon serving, while still holding its wonderful chunks. Served with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream, it has that much-needed warm-cold contrast.
Image Credit: Saborni Saha
For a must-try winter indulgence that embodies comfort and seasonality, we recommend the Pumpkin & Poppy Seed Agnolotti—its earthy, nutty sweetness is perfectly crafted for the season.
- Address: 6th Floor, 40 Shakespeare Sarani, Kolkata – 700017
- Timings: 12 PM to 12 AM
- Contact: 8828099667 / 8828284799
- Average Cost for Two: ₹2000++
