Nizam's Restaurant

This restaurant has been around for many years and has built a strong reputation over time. Because of its long-standing name and popularity, I visited the place with fairly high expectations. Unfortunately, my experience turned out to be quite disappointing. My daughter ordered a reshmi kebab, but it was far from what we had expected. The kebab was unusually hard and lacked the softness and flavor typically associated with this dish. It certainly did not justify the price or the reputation of the restaurant. We also tried the chicken kasa, but the gravy tasted very similar to that of chicken chaap, as if the same base had been used. The flavor was not appealing and overall the dish was quite unpleasant. While the staff members were polite and well-mannered, the restaurant itself felt outdated. The décor looks old and it is easy to notice that the place has not been maintained properly over the years. The lack of upkeep takes away from the overall dining experience. Toward the end, we ordered an egg aloo roll, which turned out to be fairly decent. In fact, we ordered a couple more just to fill our stomachs before leaving. Overall, the visit was disappointing and did not live up to the restaurant’s long-standing reputation.

Nizam’s Restaurant in Esplanade is a historic Kolkata landmark, known as the birthplace of the Kathi Roll and loved for its old-world charm. It’s easy to locate near New Market and Esplanade Metro. I visited yesterday and sat in the AC section, and the place has a nostalgic vibe. We tried the Mutton Biryani and Murgh Tikka Kebab (both were tasty and great value), and the Zafrani Firni, which was the highlight — chilled, fragrant, and delicious. The staff were polite but lacked professionalism; our first set of cutlery wasn’t clean, though they replaced it immediately. Overall, Nizam’s has legacy and charm. Visit for the experience and the amazing firni.

Went to Nizam’s Restaurant today after a gap of almost 10 years, mainly to relive the nostalgia and have their famous Mutton Kathi Roll — and honestly, it felt like stepping back into old Kolkata. This place has that rare heritage-eatery charm you don’t get in modern cafés. It’s not fancy, not trying to be Instagrammable — it’s simply about legacy, taste, and that unmistakable Mughlai street-style experience. The Mutton Kathi Roll was exactly what I remembered: hot, juicy filling, proper spice, and that classic Kolkata roll flavour that hits instantly. It’s the kind of food that doesn’t need reinvention — it’s timeless. The roll was served quickly and the taste still holds strong even after all these years. Yes, the place can get crowded and seating may not feel premium, but you don’t come here for ambience — you come here for history + flavour. If you’re in Kolkata and want to taste something iconic, Nizam’s is still worth it.