Buffet dining has become increasingly popular in Kolkata, particularly among people who enjoy having multiple cuisines and live cooking stations available under one roof. The Square at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences is one of the city's prominent all-day dining restaurants, offering a broad selection of Indian, Asian and international dishes.
Located in New Town, Rajarhat, The Square is known for its extensive buffet spreads, breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. The restaurant also features live cooking stations and a spacious contemporary dining environment. The official Novotel website describes it as one of the city's large all-day dining destinations, with freshly prepared international and Indian dishes.
From Indian curries and kebabs to Asian preparations, pizzas, salads, breads and desserts, the restaurant attempts to cater to a wide range of tastes.
But with premium hotel pricing and competition from several other buffet restaurants in Kolkata, is The Square still worth the visit?
In this detailed review, we'll explore everything—from food quality and buffet variety to ambience, pricing, service and overall value for money.
About The Square
The Square is the signature all-day dining restaurant at Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences.
It is popular for:
- Buffet dining
- Indian cuisine
- Asian cuisine
- Continental dishes
- International cuisine
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Sunday brunch
- Live cooking stations
- Desserts
- Salads
- Bakery items
- Family dining
- Business meals
The restaurant's official description highlights its combination of global cuisine, live cooking and an all-day dining format.
Quick Information
Cuisine: North Indian, Asian, Continental, International
Best For: Buffet dining, family meals, brunch, business lunches, celebrations
Average Cost for Two: ₹3,600 approximately
Dining Style: Premium All-Day Dining
Location: Novotel Kolkata Hotel & Residences, CF-11, Action Area-I, New Town, Rajarhat, Kolkata
Breakfast: Available
Lunch: Available
Dinner: Available
Sunday Brunch: Available
Buffet: Available
Live Counters: Available
Bar: Available
Outdoor/Poolside Views: Available
Takeaway: Available
Delivery: Available
Current listings place the restaurant at approximately ₹3,600 for two, while Novotel's official website currently lists separate buffet pricing for breakfast, weekday lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.
First Impressions
The Square creates a spacious and polished first impression.
The restaurant has been designed around an open, contemporary dining concept, with large windows and a generous amount of natural light.
You'll notice:
- Spacious dining area
- Contemporary interiors
- Large windows
- Comfortable seating
- Buffet counters
- Live cooking stations
- Stylish décor
- Views towards the hotel's surroundings
An earlier restaurant review highlighted the restaurant's high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, warm seating tones and large art installations.
Ambience & Dining Experience
Rating: 4.6/5
The ambience is one of The Square's strongest features.
The spacious layout makes it suitable for both large groups and smaller gatherings. The combination of natural light, contemporary décor and comfortable seating gives the restaurant a premium hotel-dining atmosphere.
Positives
- Spacious interiors
- Contemporary design
- Comfortable seating
- Large windows
- Attractive décor
- Family-friendly environment
- Suitable for business meals
- Good for celebrations
Negatives
- Buffet periods can become crowded
- Busy periods can feel noisy
- The atmosphere is more lively than intimate
Overall, The Square provides a comfortable setting for a long buffet meal.
Menu Variety
Menu variety is one of the restaurant's biggest attractions.
Popular categories include:
- Indian starters
- Asian starters
- Continental dishes
- Soups
- Salads
- Kebabs
- Chicken
- Mutton
- Seafood
- Vegetarian dishes
- Rice
- Noodles
- Pasta
- Pizza
- Indian breads
- Desserts
- Ice cream
- Bakery items
- Beverages
The current menu listings describe the restaurant as offering North Indian, Asian and Continental cuisine, while Tripadvisor also lists Chinese, Indian, Pizza and Asian among its cuisines.
Food Review
Let's look at some of the food options that make The Square popular.
Chicken Tikka
Rating: 4.5/5
Chicken Tikka is a dependable choice from the Indian section.
Expect:
- Tender chicken
- Smoky flavour
- Balanced spices
- Charred edges
- Juicy texture
It works particularly well as a starter before moving on to the main buffet.
Paneer Tikka
Rating: 4.4/5
Paneer Tikka provides a familiar vegetarian option.
Expect:
- Soft paneer
- Mild spices
- Charred edges
- Smoky flavour
It is suitable for sharing and works well with the accompanying chutneys.
Butter Chicken
Rating: 4.5/5
Butter Chicken is a classic North Indian option.
Expect:
- Tender chicken
- Creamy tomato gravy
- Mild spices
- Rich texture
- Slight sweetness
It pairs naturally with naan, rice or other Indian breads.
Dal Makhani
Rating: 4.4/5
Dal Makhani is a comforting choice for diners who prefer rich vegetarian preparations.
Expect:
- Creamy lentils
- Slow-cooked flavour
- Mild spices
- Rich consistency
It works especially well with naan or rice.
Aloo Gobhi
Rating: 4.3/5
Aloo Gobhi provides a simpler vegetarian option.
Expect:
- Potatoes
- Cauliflower
- Indian spices
- Mild seasoning
It offers a familiar accompaniment to rice and breads.
Asian Noodles
Rating: 4.5/5
The Asian section provides several noodle-based options.
Expect:
- Stir-fried noodles
- Vegetables
- Chicken or seafood options
- Aromatic sauces
- Wok-tossed flavours
The live preparation adds freshness and allows some customisation.
Kung Pao Chicken
Rating: 4.5/5
Kung Pao Chicken is one of the Asian dishes highlighted by current restaurant listings.
Expect:
- Tender chicken
- Mild heat
- Crunchy nuts
- Savoury sauce
- Aromatic seasoning
It is a good choice for diners who enjoy slightly spicy Asian flavours.
Khao Suey
Rating: 4.5/5
Khao Suey is another dish highlighted among The Square's popular options.
Expect:
- Creamy coconut-based broth
- Noodles
- Aromatic spices
- Multiple toppings
It provides a welcome change from conventional Indian and Chinese buffet dishes.
Chicken Cacciatore
Rating: 4.4/5
Chicken Cacciatore adds a European-style option to the buffet.
Expect:
- Tender chicken
- Tomato-based sauce
- Herbs
- Rich savoury flavour
It is useful for diners who want something different from Indian and Asian preparations.
Pizza
Rating: 4.3/5
Pizza is another option available within the international selection.
Expect:
- Fresh toppings
- Cheese
- Crisp base
- Customisable combinations
The live preparation makes it more appealing than a pre-made buffet pizza.
Fried Rice
Rating: 4.4/5
Fried rice is a reliable accompaniment to Asian main courses.
Expect:
- Well-cooked rice
- Balanced seasoning
- Vegetables
- Aromatic sauces
It works well alongside chicken, seafood and stir-fried vegetables.
Salad Selection
Rating: 4.5/5
The salad section provides lighter choices.
Expect:
- Fresh vegetables
- Leafy greens
- Cold salads
- Dressings
- Fruits
- International-style salads
It provides a refreshing contrast to the richer buffet dishes.
Indian Breads
Rating: 4.2/5
The bread section includes familiar Indian options that work with the curries.
Expect:
- Naan
- Roti
- Other Indian breads
Quality can vary depending on the freshness and service at the particular time of the buffet. Recent customer feedback has included criticism of naan quality on one visit, so this is an area where the experience may not always be consistent.
Dessert Selection
Rating: 4.5/5
Desserts are an important part of the buffet experience.
The selection can include:
- Cakes
- Pastries
- Indian sweets
- Ice cream
- Mousses
- Fresh fruits
- Seasonal desserts
The variety makes it easy to finish the meal with several small portions rather than committing to a single dessert.
Buffet Experience
Rating: 4.5/5
The buffet is the main reason many diners choose The Square.
The official Novotel website currently lists:
- Breakfast buffet
- Weekday lunch buffet
- Dinner buffet
- Sunday brunch
The current listed prices are ₹1,049 + taxes for breakfast, ₹1,849 + taxes for weekday lunch, ₹1,999 + taxes for dinner and ₹2,099 + taxes for Sunday brunch without alcohol.
The buffet generally includes:
- Indian dishes
- Asian dishes
- Continental preparations
- Salads
- Soups
- Live stations
- Breads
- Rice
- Noodles
- Desserts
- Ice cream
The major advantage is variety.
However, recent reviews show that buffet quality and variety can vary between visits. One July 2026 Tripadvisor review criticised the vegetarian selection, repetition of dishes and dessert service, while other reviews have praised the food and staff.
Breakfast Experience
Rating: 4.6/5
Breakfast is a convenient option for hotel guests as well as visitors.
The current breakfast buffet runs from 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM Monday to Saturday and until 11:00 AM on Sunday, according to Novotel's official website.
Expect:
- Indian breakfast dishes
- Continental breakfast
- Eggs
- Bakery items
- Fresh fruits
- Cereals
- Beverages
- South Indian preparations
- Live stations
The broad selection makes breakfast suitable for diners with different preferences.
Sunday Brunch
Rating: 4.6/5
Sunday brunch is one of the more attractive ways to experience The Square.
The current official price is ₹2,099 + taxes without alcohol, with a select beverage package available separately.
Brunch can include:
- Starters
- Indian dishes
- Asian dishes
- Continental dishes
- Live stations
- Salads
- Breads
- Desserts
- Beverages
It is particularly suitable for families and groups looking for a long, leisurely weekend meal.
Taste Comparison with Popular Restaurants in Kolkata
| Restaurant | Taste | Variety | Price | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Square | Very Good | Excellent | Premium | Very Good |
| Seasonal Tastes | Excellent | Excellent | Premium | Very Good |
| Waterside Cafe | Excellent | Excellent | Premium | Very Good |
| Threesixtythree | Excellent | Excellent | Premium | Very Good |
| The Bridge | Very Good | High | Premium | Very Good |
The Square stands out particularly for its large buffet format, international selection and live cooking stations.
Portion Size
Portions depend on the dining format.
For à la carte:
- Good individual portions
- Suitable for sharing
- Generous main courses
For buffet:
- Unlimited servings
- Ideal for sampling multiple dishes
- Suitable for groups
- Good for diners with different preferences
The buffet naturally provides the best value for diners who want to try several dishes.
Pricing & Value for Money
The Square is positioned in the premium category.
Approximate cost for two:
₹3,600
Current buffet prices are:
- Breakfast: ₹1,049 + taxes
- Weekday lunch: ₹1,849 + taxes
- Dinner: ₹1,999 + taxes
- Sunday brunch: ₹2,099 + taxes without alcohol
These prices are listed on Novotel Kolkata's official restaurant page.
The pricing reflects:
- Five-star hotel environment
- Large buffet selection
- Live cooking stations
- Professional service
- Multiple cuisines
- Dessert selection
- Comfortable ambience
For budget dining, there are more affordable choices. For a premium buffet experience, The Square offers reasonable variety.
Service Quality
Rating: 4.4/5
Service is generally professional, although experiences can vary.
Positives
- Courteous staff
- Professional hospitality
- Helpful chefs
- Prompt table service
- Good buffet assistance
- Friendly interaction
Negatives
- Service can slow during busy buffet periods
- Staff availability may vary
- Some recent reviews have reported inattentive service
A 2025 Tripadvisor review praised the attentive and professional service, while a 2026 review criticised the attentiveness of the staff.
Overall, service appears to be good but not completely consistent.
Cleanliness
Rating: 4.5/5
The Square generally maintains a clean and polished dining environment.
You can expect:
- Clean tables
- Organised buffet counters
- Well-maintained dining area
- Professional food presentation
- Comfortable seating
Recent customer feedback has been mixed, however, with one July 2026 review raising concerns about a wet sofa and other maintenance issues.
Delivery Experience
Delivery is available through online food-delivery platforms.
Popular choices for home dining include:
- Indian curries
- Chicken dishes
- Rice
- Noodles
- Breads
- Desserts
- Bakery items
However, the restaurant is best experienced in person because the buffet, live counters and ambience are central to the experience.
Best Time to Visit
Recommended timings:
- Weekday lunch
- Early dinner
- Sunday brunch
- Breakfast
- Business lunches
- Family celebrations
Avoid:
- Peak buffet periods if you prefer a quieter meal
For weekend brunch and dinner, advance reservation is advisable.
Who Should Visit The Square?
Perfect for:
- Families
- Buffet lovers
- Hotel guests
- Large groups
- Business travellers
- Couples
- Weekend brunch lovers
- Food explorers
- Special occasions
Not ideal for:
- Budget diners
- People looking for quick meals
- Those who prefer a small à la carte menu
- Diners expecting every buffet dish to be consistently excellent
Pros
✔ Large buffet spread
✔ Multiple cuisines
✔ Live cooking stations
✔ Good breakfast
✔ Sunday brunch
✔ Spacious ambience
✔ Comfortable seating
✔ Family-friendly
✔ Professional hotel service
✔ Extensive dessert selection
Cons
✘ Premium pricing
✘ Buffet quality can vary
✘ Can become crowded
✘ Some dishes may feel repetitive
✘ Service can slow during busy periods
✘ Vegetarian selection has received criticism in some recent reviews
Customer Experience
Customers appreciate The Square for:
- Buffet variety
- Spacious ambience
- Live counters
- Breakfast
- Desserts
- Hotel atmosphere
- Friendly staff
- Large seating area
The restaurant currently has a 4.2/5 dining rating on Zomato from more than 2,300 ratings, while Tripadvisor lists 4.5/5 from more than 220 reviews.
The reviews are not completely uniform. Several customers praise the food and service, while some recent reviews have criticised buffet variety, vegetarian options, food quality and service consistency.
What to Try at The Square?
If you're visiting for the first time, consider trying:
- Chicken Tikka
- Paneer Tikka
- Butter Chicken
- Dal Makhani
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Khao Suey
- Chicken Cacciatore
- Fried Rice
- Asian noodles
- Pizza
- Salad selection
- Dessert selection
For breakfast, try:
- Fresh eggs
- South Indian dishes
- Indian breakfast options
- Bakery items
- Fresh fruits
- Cereals
- Coffee and tea
Tips Before You Visit
- Choose the buffet if you want maximum variety.
- Visit during off-peak hours for a calmer experience.
- Try the live cooking stations.
- Don't fill up on starters too quickly.
- Leave room for desserts.
- Sunday brunch is a good choice for groups.
- Check the current buffet menu before visiting.
- Reserve ahead on weekends.
- Ask about current buffet offers.
- Check vegetarian options if you're dining with a vegetarian group.
Overall Ratings
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Taste | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) |
| Variety | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5) |
| Ambience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.6/5) |
| Service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5) |
| Cleanliness | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5) |
| Pricing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.1/5) |
| Value for Money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.3/5) |
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.4/5)
Final Verdict
The Square is a strong option for diners looking for a premium multi-cuisine buffet experience in New Town Kolkata.
Its biggest strength is variety. The restaurant brings together Indian, Asian and international dishes, along with live cooking stations, salads, breads, desserts and breakfast options. The official Novotel website positions it as an all-day dining destination built around global cuisine and freshly prepared dishes.
The spacious interiors and contemporary design also make it suitable for families, business lunches, celebrations and weekend brunches.
The buffet format is where The Square makes the most sense. Diners can sample several cuisines during one meal, while live counters add freshness and customisation.
However, the experience is not completely consistent. While the restaurant has many positive reviews and strong overall ratings, recent feedback has raised concerns about buffet variety, vegetarian choices, food consistency and service.
Pricing is another consideration. With current buffet prices reaching around ₹2,099 + taxes for Sunday brunch and ₹1,999 + taxes for dinner, this is clearly a premium dining experience.
So, is The Square worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you're looking for variety, a comfortable five-star hotel setting and an extensive buffet rather than a budget meal.
For a first visit, the best approach is to sample the Indian and Asian starters, try one or two live cooking stations, explore the international main courses and save plenty of room for dessert.
Overall, The Square remains a popular all-day dining destination in New Town that combines extensive buffet choices, contemporary ambience and hotel-style hospitality, making it a worthwhile option for families, groups and diners who enjoy exploring multiple cuisines in one sitting.