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Known for its Mediterranean-inspired design and culinary ethos, the brand brings its hallmark aesthetic and hospitality to the city’s growing upscale dining scene. The space blends classic Olive elements with Kolkata’s cultural and architectural identity, positioning the restaurant as both a lifestyle space and a dining destination.
Designed by Olive’s Design Director Sabina Singh and architect Vivek Popli, the Kolkata space embraces a city-as-muse philosophy. Drawing inspiration from Shantiniketan, the interiors feature natural materials such as bamboo and stone, a white pebbled courtyard, lush greenery, and cascading bougainvillea. A bamboo-roofed courtyard forms the centerpiece, promoting natural light and sustainable building practices. The layout emphasizes fluid movement between indoor and outdoor spaces, maintaining Olive’s focus on elegant yet functional design.
Chef Jyotika Malik, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with experience at Michelin-starred restaurants in London, curates the café’s diverse menu. It includes small plates, salads, grills, desserts, and Olive’s signature classics. The lunch menu is influenced by global café-style comfort food, while the dinner offerings lean towards Mediterranean flavours with premium ingredients. Kolkata-specific items like poppy seed and Gobindobhog rice with espetadas, banana flower salad, and Kolkata Bekti en Papillotte incorporate local familiarity into the global format.
Signature dishes include Sweet Pots, Gooseberry and Mango Salad, Prawn Pil Pil, Lobster Linguini, New Zealand Lamb Chops, and the Olive Classic Espetadas. The Tiramisu, served in a picnic basket, continues to be a staple dessert. The menu also includes French Toast and Churros with dulce and chocolate sauce.
The beverage program is led by award-winning mixologist Harish Chhimwal, who has crafted a sustainability-focused cocktail menu. Divided into three sections—Olive Signatures, Classic Tipples, and Olive You Kolkata—the drink list draws from both the Olive legacy and the local context. The Olive You Kolkata range integrates regional ingredients and themes.
“The beverage program at Olive Café and Bar, Kolkata is designed to support zero wastage and sustainability. We have tried to bring some unique twists and flavours into our cocktails, zero proof cocktails and an extensive range of coffee,” said Chhimwal.
In addition to its cocktail offerings, the café features premium Arabica coffee sourced from Chikmagalur and hand-rolled teas from Himachal Pradesh. The coffee is brewed in hot and cold formats, while the tea selection adds to the beverage diversity.
Music remains integral to Olive’s identity, with curated playlists spanning jazz, retro, and classic genres contributing to the overall atmosphere. The audio experience is designed to complement the brand’s laid-back setting, whether for a leisurely lunch, a romantic dinner, or an evening gathering.
AD Singh, Founder and MD of Olive Group noted, “Olive is a way of life and an experience where we bring together good food, delicious cocktails, warmth, fun and service as it should be. Now, we are really looking forward to bringing the trademark Olive experience to the cultural city of Kolkata.”
With its expansion to Kolkata, Olive Café and Bar continues to blend design, gastronomy, and local influence in a format that appeals to urban diners seeking both quality and cultural resonance.
