From the makers of Soba Sassy, Jalsa and Please Don’t Talk, comes Pepe Rosa, the two-month-old Italian restaurant in Kolkata’s Ho Chi Minh Sarani. The sprawling establishment covering 5,500 sq ft is divided into three zones, all of which house plush seating, modern Roman artwork and elegant interiors
All photos by Amit DattaNotice the contemporary interpretation of Roman art? The figures in the artworks have modern elements such as smartphones and speakers, offering a thought-provoking commentary on the intersection of past and present
On entering, the first thing you will notice is the woodburn pizza section where you can watch your pizza get made live
Try the Pepe Picante Pizza which has tangy toppings like San Marzano tomato, mozzarella, sundried tomato, jalapeno, red bell pepper and red chilli
The ‘50 Shades of Wine’ bar offers wines from different regions. Whether seeking a familiar favourite or eager to explore new varietals, wine connoisseurs are sure to embark on a sensory journey
The last section of the place, the shisha zone, is done up in hues of blue and white. Post dinner, this section turns into a nightclub with installed interactive lights
The menu packs in 50-odd different plates including soups, insalata or salads, bread and cheese (in picture, wine poached pears on a bed of goat cheese and sourdough), small plates featuring Truffle Fries to Orzo Arancini, pizzas, risotto, lasagna and more. Wrap it up with a moist Tiramisu or a dense Chocolate Torte
From the insalata section, do try the Four Way Burrata, burrata quartets served with aged balsamic reduction, zesty orange caviar, crunchy nougat and caramelised onions with pesto, served with arugula and beetroot
Pair your meal with a refreshing Limoncello Spritz, a coffee cocktail, a soothing sangria or one of their signature cocktails like (in picture) Fig & Maple Manhattan, with the rich sweetness of fig and maple syrup. The non-alcoholic menu has a range of coffees and coolers
(Left) Harsh Sonthalia, one of the partners of Pepe Rosa, has been building F&B brands since 2012. (Right) Manager Apu Pustu explains: ‘We have tried to create a space that caters to everyone’s tastes. As the day transitions into night, Pepe Rosa transforms into a party destination’