First Innings Kolkata: Menu, Price & Honest Review (2026)
Explore First Innings Kolkata – menu, prices, ambience, sports-themed dining, popular dishes, drinks, service, and overall experience.
Kolkata has no shortage of restaurants and bars, but First Innings stands out because of its unique sports-themed concept. Popular among cricket fans, groups of friends, office parties, and casual diners, this restaurant combines good food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere inspired by the world of sports.
Whether you want to catch a live match on big screens, enjoy a relaxed dinner with friends, or spend an evening with drinks and snacks, First Innings offers an experience that goes beyond just dining.
The restaurant is known for its North Indian, Chinese, Continental, and bar snacks, making it suitable for different tastes. Its energetic ambience, comfortable seating, and vibrant crowd have helped it become a popular spot for casual outings.
But with many modern bars and sports cafés in Kolkata, is First Innings still worth visiting?
In this detailed review, we explore everything—from food quality and menu variety to ambience, pricing, service, and overall value for money.
About First Innings
First Innings is a sports-themed restaurant and bar in Kolkata.
It is popular for:
- Sports-themed interiors
- Live match screenings
- North Indian cuisine
- Chinese dishes
- Continental food
- Cocktails and beverages
- Group dining
- Casual parties
- Friendly atmosphere
It remains a preferred choice for sports lovers and casual diners.
Quick Information
Cuisine: North Indian, Chinese, Continental, Bar Food
Best For: Friends, sports lovers, parties, office gatherings
Average Cost for Two: ₹1200–₹1800
Dining Style: Casual Dining & Bar
Seating: Indoor Seating
Live Screening: Available
Parking: Available (subject to availability)
Reservations: Recommended during match days
First Impressions
First Innings creates an energetic atmosphere from the moment you enter.
You'll notice:
- Sports décor
- Large TV screens
- Comfortable seating
- Bright lighting
- Lively crowd
- Casual ambience
The restaurant is designed for people who enjoy food along with entertainment.
Ambience & Dining Experience
Rating: 4.3/5
The ambience is lively and enjoyable.
Positives
- Sports-themed interiors
- Live match screenings
- Comfortable seating
- Good music
- Group-friendly environment
Negatives
- Can become crowded during matches
- Noise levels may be high
- Not ideal for quiet dining
Overall, it offers a fun and energetic experience.
Menu Variety
First Innings offers a diverse menu.
Popular categories include:
- Kebabs
- Tandoori dishes
- Chinese starters
- Fried rice
- Noodles
- North Indian curries
- Continental snacks
- Burgers
- Pizzas
- Mocktails
- Cocktails
- Desserts
The menu caters to a wide audience.
Food Review
Let's break down some of the popular dishes.
Chicken Kebabs
Rating: 4.4/5
One of the most ordered items.
Expect:
- Smoky flavour
- Tender chicken
- Balanced spices
What We Liked:
- Good portion size
- Fresh preparation
Chilli Chicken
Rating: 4.3/5
A reliable Indo-Chinese favourite.
Features:
- Rich flavour
- Tender chicken
- Balanced seasoning
Pairs well with fried rice or noodles.
Fried Rice & Noodles
Rating: 4.3/5
Popular among groups.
Expect:
- Good quantity
- Balanced flavour
- Proper seasoning
A satisfying option for sharing.
Tandoori Platter
Rating: 4.5/5
Ideal for groups.
Features:
- Variety of kebabs
- Smoky aroma
- Good presentation
One of the better sharing options.
Mocktails & Cocktails
Rating: 4.3/5
Drinks add to the experience.
Expect:
- Refreshing beverages
- Good presentation
- Decent variety
Perfect while watching live sports.
Taste Comparison with Popular Kolkata Restaurants
| Restaurant | Taste | Variety | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Innings | Very Good | High | Moderate | Very Good |
| The Grid | Very Good | High | Moderate | Very Good |
| Scrapyard Brewing Co. | Excellent | High | Premium | Good |
| Ozora Rooftop | Very Good | High | Premium | Good |
| Tantra | Very Good | High | Premium | Good |
First Innings stands out for its sports-themed experience and casual atmosphere.
Portion Size
Portions are generous.
- Suitable for sharing
- Good for groups
- Value for money
Group platters are especially popular.
Pricing & Value for Money
Pricing is moderate.
Approximate range:
- Starters – Moderate
- Main Course – Moderate
- Drinks – Moderate to Premium
Average cost for two:
₹1200–₹1800
Considering the ambience and entertainment factor, it offers good value.
Service Quality
Rating: 4.2/5
Service is generally efficient.
Positives
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Helpful recommendations
Negatives
- Delays during peak match hours
- Can become busy
Overall, service is satisfactory.
Cleanliness
Rating: 4.2/5
The restaurant maintains decent hygiene standards.
You can expect:
- Clean tables
- Organized seating
- Well-maintained interiors
Delivery Experience
First Innings is primarily known for dine-in.
However, takeaway and delivery options are available for selected dishes.
Delivery positives:
- Good packaging
- Maintained taste
- Suitable for home dining
Still, the best experience is dining at the restaurant.
Best Time to Visit
Recommended timings:
- Evening hours
- Match days
- Weekday dinners
Avoid:
- Peak weekend hours if you prefer quieter dining
Reservations are recommended during major sporting events.
Who Should Visit First Innings?
Perfect for:
- Sports fans
- Friends
- Office groups
- Casual diners
- Match viewers
Not ideal for:
- Romantic dinners
- Quiet dining
- Luxury fine dining
Pros
✔ Sports-themed ambience
✔ Live match screenings
✔ Good variety of food
✔ Decent drinks menu
✔ Comfortable seating
✔ Group-friendly environment
✔ Reasonable pricing
Cons
✘ Can become noisy
✘ Crowded during matches
✘ Service slows during peak hours
✘ Not suitable for fine dining
Customer Experience
Customers appreciate First Innings for:
- Match-viewing experience
- Lively atmosphere
- Good food
- Group-friendly setting
- Value for money
It remains a popular casual dining and sports destination.
Tips Before You Visit
- Reserve during important matches.
- Try sharing platters.
- Visit with friends for the best experience.
- Arrive early on weekends.
- Explore both food and drinks menu.
Overall Ratings
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Taste | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) |
| Variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) |
| Ambience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) |
| Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) |
| Cleanliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5) |
| Pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) |
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5)
Final Verdict
First Innings successfully combines food, drinks, and sports entertainment into one enjoyable experience.
Its lively ambience, sports-themed décor, and live match screenings make it a favourite among groups and sports enthusiasts. The food menu offers enough variety to satisfy different preferences, while the pricing remains reasonable compared to many premium bars and lounges in Kolkata.
Although it may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a quiet or luxurious dining experience, it performs very well as a casual hangout destination.
If you're looking for a place to enjoy a cricket match, spend time with friends, and have good food at reasonable prices, First Innings is definitely worth visiting.
For sports lovers and casual diners alike, it remains one of Kolkata's enjoyable sports-themed restaurants.