Peter Cat is a mughlai / continental restaurant in Kolkata, noted for park Street institution known for chelo kebab.
Peter Cat is one of the best-known restaurants on Park Street, the dining boulevard of central Kolkata in West Bengal, India. The menu blends Mughlai and Continental cooking, a pairing that reflects the city's long tradition of Anglo-Indian and Mughal-influenced restaurant food. The address at 18A Park Street places it a short walk from the Park Street metro area and the neighbouring Flurys tearoom, which makes it an easy stop on a day spent exploring the colonial-era core of the city.
The dish most associated with the restaurant is the chelo kebab, a plate of buttery saffron-tinged rice served with skewered minced-meat kebabs, a grilled tomato and a soft egg yolk that diners stir through the rice. It is priced around ₹650 and has become an emblematic order for first-time visitors. Other staples include the bhetki fish fry, a crisp-coated fillet of the Bengal barramundi favoured across Kolkata, at roughly ₹550, and the sizzling brownie, which arrives on a hot plate with ice cream at about ₹350.
The dining room is dim, softly lit and traditional in feel, with dark wood, upholstered seating and an old-fashioned, slightly formal service style. It is busy and chatty at peak hours rather than hushed, and families, office groups and tourists share the space. Smart-casual dress is typical, although no strict dress code is generally reported. Service staff are used to explaining the menu to visitors unfamiliar with Kolkata cooking.
The restaurant is generally open from midday until late evening, roughly 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and is rated around 4.4 by diners. Alcohol is typically available subject to local licensing, and the beverage list is a supporting feature rather than a headline attraction. Because the restaurant is popular, tables fill quickly at weekend dinner and on holidays, so booking by phone a day or more ahead is sensible for groups, while weekday lunches are usually easier to walk into. Prices sit in the upper-middle band for Kolkata (price range $$$) but remain modest by international standards.
| Price | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Hours | 12:00 PM - 11:00 PM |
| Address | 18A Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016 |
Signature dishes
- Chelo Kebab — ₹650 ($7)
- Bhetki Fish Fry — ₹550 ($6)
- Sizzling Brownie — ₹350 ($4)
Good to know
- Known for
- Park Street institution known for chelo kebab
Location
18A Park Street, Kolkata, West Bengal 700016
22.5536, 88.3519 View on map
Highlights
- Chelo kebab with saffron rice, minced-meat kebabs and a soft egg yolk, the restaurant's signature order
- Bhetki fish fry, a crisp Kolkata classic made with Bengal barramundi
- Sizzling brownie served on a hot plate as the traditional finish
- Central Park Street address within walking distance of Flurys and Mocambo
Tips for visiting
- Visit at weekday lunch to avoid the long waits common on Friday and Saturday evenings.
- Order the chelo kebab to share; portions are generous for one diner.
- Groups of four or more should phone ahead on weekends, as walk-in tables fill quickly.
- Lunch and dinner use the same menu, so timing matters for crowds rather than price.
- Carry cash or a card; small checks are easy to settle either way.
When to visit
Weekday lunch is the calmest time; evenings and weekends are busiest. Winter months from November to February are the most comfortable for Kolkata sightseeing.
Accessibility
Access details are not firmly documented; the venue is on a busy urban street and visitors with limited mobility should phone ahead to confirm step-free entry and seating.
Frequently asked questions
What is Peter Cat famous for?
The restaurant is best known for its chelo kebab, a rice-and-kebab plate topped with an egg yolk. The bhetki fish fry and sizzling brownie are also popular.
Where is Peter Cat located?
It sits at 18A Park Street in central Kolkata, West Bengal, on the city's main restaurant strip.
How much does a meal cost at Peter Cat?
Main dishes generally run between ₹350 and ₹650, so a meal for one typically costs ₹700 to ₹1,200 depending on drinks.
Is a reservation needed?
Reservations are advisable for groups and weekend dinners, while weekday lunch is usually possible without one.