Oh Calcutta by Meena Anand

Royal Indian dining in Parnell, Oh Calcutta by Meena Anand is a culinary triumph by a culinary great. It's been showered with awards, taking its place as one of the top 10% of restaurants at the Worldwide TripAdvisor Awards 2020/21. This one simply has to go on your bucket list.

It's a concept built around social dining, placing the sole purpose of food - to be shared and enjoyed amongst loved ones - at the centre. It's an illustrious spot, accentuated with moody, dark furnishings, deep maroon carpets, European arches and table settings that are as much a work of art as they are practical placeholders. With an exposed kitchen too, their culinary craft is celebrated for all to see.

Meena Anand is the brain and tastebuds behind Oh Calcutta's diverse menu. It focuses on the classics without trying to be clever, serving up worldwide favourites such as NZ's finest butter chicken (their words not ours), beef madras, Punjabi saag ghost and a prawn malabari curry that utilises all parts of the humble coconut.

Where vegetarians are concerned, Indian cuisine always provides. Enjoy street food greats like channa masala or succumb to the rich creaminess of the malai kofta. Traditional Indian food that the whole table can get behind, Oh Calcutta wins over new diners every night of the week.