Nizam Kolkata Review
When people think about Kolkata’s legendary food scene, one name appears repeatedly—Nizam Kolkata. Located in the bustling Dharmatala (Esplanade) area, this iconic heritage restaurant has been serving generations of food lovers with its famous Mughlai dishes, biryani, kebabs, and rolls.
Before visiting, my wife Priyunka and I did what most travellers do today—we searched Google, watched YouTube videos, and read reviews. Since Nizam Kolkata, Nizam Restaurant Kolkata, and Nizam’s Restaurant consistently appeared among the top search results, we decided to experience it ourselves.
Was it worth the hype? Here’s our honest review.
Why We Chose Nizam Kolkata
Whenever we plan a food vlog, we don’t simply visit a restaurant because it’s famous. We prefer researching places that have a rich history and a strong reputation.
Nizam Kolkata stood out because of its heritage, positive customer reviews, and its place in Kolkata’s food culture. Being located near New Market also made it a perfect stop during our day out in central Kolkata.

Location and Accessibility
Nizam Kolkata is located at Dharmatala (Esplanade), Kolkata, one of the city’s busiest commercial and shopping hubs.
You can easily reach the restaurant by:
- Metro
- Bus
- Taxi
- App-based cab
If you’re visiting New Market or Esplanade, it’s just a short walk away.
AC vs Non-AC Dining – Which One Did We Choose?
The day we visited was quite hot and humid. Thankfully, Nizam offers both AC and Non-AC dining sections.
Since we wanted a comfortable lunch, we chose the air-conditioned restaurant.
The AC section was clean, spacious, and peaceful. It provided a relaxing environment away from the busy streets outside.
First Impressions
Our first impression was positive.
The staff greeted us politely and quickly guided us to our table. The restaurant felt clean and organised despite being one of Kolkata’s busiest heritage restaurants.
We also checked the washroom, which was properly maintained—a small detail that often matters when travelling with family.
A Brilliant Branding Idea That Impressed Me
One of the most interesting things we noticed wasn’t on the menu.
It was on the table.
Instead of ordinary table mats, every table featured printed newspaper articles about Nizam from different decades. These included coverage from publications such as The Telegraph, The Times of India, and BBC.
Having studied MBA in Marketing, I immediately appreciated the idea. While customers wait for their food, they’re naturally drawn into the restaurant’s history and achievements.
It’s a simple yet powerful branding strategy that reinforces trust, heritage, and customer engagement. Sometimes, the best marketing doesn’t look like marketing at all.

Nizam Kolkata Menu and Prices
The menu offers a wide range of Mughlai dishes suitable for families, couples, and tourists.
Popular items include:
- Mutton Biryani
- Chicken Biryani
- Kathi Rolls
- Chicken Chaap
- Mutton Chaap
- Kebabs
- Mughlai Paratha
- Tandoori Dishes
- Soft Drinks
- Desserts
Considering the location and reputation, we found the prices to be reasonable.


Our Order – Mutton Biryani
After looking through the menu, we ordered two plates of Mutton Biryani.
The food arrived quickly and was served on elegant ceramic plates, adding to the dining experience.
Honest Mutton Biryani Review
The biryani certainly lived up to its reputation.
The long-grain rice was aromatic and perfectly cooked. The mutton was tender, juicy, and easy to separate from the bone. The signature Kolkata-style potato was soft, flavourful, and cooked just right.
Unlike heavily spiced biryanis, Nizam’s version focuses on balance. Every bite was rich in aroma without being overpowering.
If you enjoy authentic Kolkata-style biryani, you’ll probably appreciate this one.
Service and Overall Experience
The staff remained courteous throughout our visit.
Our order arrived without much delay, and the service felt professional yet friendly. Even though the restaurant was busy, everything was handled smoothly.
Overall, we had a pleasant dining experience.
A Beautiful Rainy Walk After Lunch
Just as we stepped outside after finishing our meal, the weather changed.
A light drizzle began to fall over Dharmatala.
The usually crowded New Market area suddenly looked calm and refreshing. Walking together under our umbrella through the rain became one of the most memorable moments of the day.
Sometimes, it’s these unexpected experiences that make a trip truly special.
Is Nizam Kolkata Worth Visiting?
After our visit, the answer is yes.
If you’re looking for:
- Authentic Kolkata Mughlai cuisine
- Delicious Mutton Biryani
- Comfortable AC dining
- Heritage restaurant experience
- Friendly service
- Reasonable prices
then Nizam Kolkata is definitely worth adding to your food itinerary.
It’s more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where history, food, and culture come together.
Final Verdict
Our visit to Nizam Kolkata was much more than just a lunch outing. From enjoying a delicious plate of mutton biryani in the comfortable AC dining area to discovering the restaurant’s clever branding through newspaper table mats, every part of the experience reflected its rich heritage.
The day became even more memorable with a peaceful walk through the rain-soaked streets of Dharmatala and New Market.
If you’re planning a food trip to Kolkata, Nizam deserves a place on your list.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where is Nizam Kolkata located?
Nizam Kolkata is located in the Dharmatala (Esplanade) area near New Market in central Kolkata.
Is Nizam Kolkata famous for biryani?
Yes. The restaurant is well known for its authentic Kolkata-style mutton biryani, along with rolls and Mughlai dishes.
Does Nizam Kolkata have AC seating?
Yes. The restaurant offers both air-conditioned and non-AC dining sections.
Are the prices at Nizam Kolkata reasonable?
Yes. The prices are reasonable considering the restaurant’s heritage, location, and food quality.
Is Nizam Kolkata worth visiting?
If you enjoy heritage restaurants and authentic Mughlai cuisine, Nizam Kolkata is definitely worth visiting.
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