Looking for a cosy escape with good food and better books? Kolkata is home to some hidden book cafes that blend literature, food, and peaceful ambience into one perfect setting. Whether you’re planning weekend plans near you or simply searching for popular cafes in Kolkata, these book cafes will add a refreshing twist to your outings. Let’s take you on a journey through the pages and plates of Kolkata’s most charming literary cafés.
Tribe Cafe
Nestled in Golpark, Tribe Cafe is a vibrant corner that feels like stepping inside a storybook. Colourful walls adorned with over 2,000 books – from Dan Brown to Elizabeth von Arnim – make it a must-visit for every type of book lover. The theme? A Satyajit Ray-inspired setup that creates a community space with food, books, and even art exhibitions. While you sip on a mocktail or smoothie bowl, try the Ranch Chicken Bun or Korean Corn Dogs. Don’t forget to leave your own story by donating a book to their growing library.
Where: 67, Gol Park, Ballygunge Gardens, Gariahat, Kolkata
When: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cafe Coffee O Kobita
Tucked near Shyambazar Metro Gate No. 2, this literary-themed cafe brings together caffeine, conversations and Kolkata’s cultural icons. With poetry books in both Bengali and English, the cosy ambience here is just right for an adda session or peaceful reading hour. The grilled sandwiches, mocktails, and pastries will keep your taste buds engaged, while the warm lighting and refined decor create the perfect relaxed setting. Ideal for midweek breaks or unwinding after work, it’s a hidden book cafe in Kolkata worth discovering.
Where: 32, Bhupen, Bhupendra Bose Ave, Shyambazar, Bidhan Sarani, Kolkata
When: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
The 8th Day Cafe & Bakery
If you’re seeking a place that feels straight out of a European travel journal, head to The 8th Day Cafe & Bakery. Found across locations like Southern Avenue and Salt Lake, it offers a chilled-out vibe with outside seating and regular open mic nights. It’s a space to read, listen to poetry, or play board games while munching on bagels, wraps, or their famous cinnamon rolls. With flat whites and a literary-friendly menu, this popular cafe in Kolkata is a go-to for anyone wanting a relaxed afternoon.
Where: Arcadia, 6, Acharya Jagdish Chandra Bose Rd, Elgin, Kolkata
When: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cha Bar
Located within the iconic Oxford Bookstore on Park Street, Cha Bar is practically a Kolkata institution. With teas from Darjeeling to Moroccan Mint and the irresistible Bollywood Masala Mix Cha, this is more than a cafe – it’s a tea library. Surrounded by thousands of books, you’ll find quiet corners to get lost in a story or catch up with a friend. If you’re wondering what to do in Kolkata in June, this quiet and atmospheric spot is a delightful escape.
Where: 17,Park Street, Oxford Book Store, Park Street Area, Taltala, Kolkata
When: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Manjushree Tea Palace
In Hindustan Park, Manjushree Tea Palace brings sophistication with a Parisian flair. Think high-back chairs, glass windows with a rain view, and shelves stocked with classics. Known as The Tea Place, this spot is a dream for those who enjoy long solo sessions with a cup of Rose Earl Grey and a good read. With a menu offering continental and Italian food, it’s a beautiful blend of Kolkata’s adda culture and modern café aesthetics – perfect for your weekend cafe-hopping list.
Where: Neelambar Building, 7E, 28B, Shakespeare Sarani Rd, Elgin, Kolkata
When: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Cafe I Can Flyy
Close to Maddox Square, this cafe stands out not just for its food and books but also for its purpose. Run by specially-abled adults, it’s a heartwarming space with a colourful setup, game zones, and literary nooks. While kids enjoy the play area, adults can unwind with Fettuccine Alfredo or a Chicken Mustard Sandwich. The staff greets you with handwritten cards, adding to the cafe’s unique charm. Looking for pet-friendly cafes in Kolkata with books and board games? This one’s a winner.
Where: 4B Valmikee Street, Opp. Maddox Square Park, Kolkata
When: 12 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Potboiler Coffee House
Ever tried a coffee named To Kill A Macchiato? Potboiler Coffee House in Ballygunge is a book lover’s dream with pun-filled menus, monochrome art, and a snug ambience. Perfect for solo visits or quiet group hangouts, this cafe adds fun to reading with options like The Latte Of The Rings and God of Small Darjeeling. With community tables, donation bookshelves and quirky decor, it’s among those hidden gems in Kolkata that blend books and brews with charm and creativity.
Where: CE 25, 3rd Cross Rd, CE Block, Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Kolkata
When: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Abhijan Book Cafe
Deep in the literary heart of Kolkata, near College Square, Abhijan Book Cafe is for the true-blue Bengali reader. Walls echo Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy, while shelves house books by Bangladeshi and West Bengal authors alike. This isn’t just a cafe; it’s a cultural stopover. Their small pantry serves tea, Maggi, sandwiches and shakes, giving you just what you need to settle down for a reading session. Whether you're chasing nostalgia or exploring modern Bengali works, this cafe offers a peaceful spot for both.
Where: 1/1A, Bankim Chatterjee St, College Square, Kolkata
When: 10:30 am–8:30 pm
From the vibrant decor of Tribe Cafe to the cultural roots of Abhijan Book Cafe, Kolkata’s hidden book cafes aren’t just about sipping tea – they’re about sipping stories. So next time you’re wondering where to go this weekend, explore these literary escapes, and let your next chapter begin in one of these pages-and-plates hideouts.
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