Lucknow’s food scene has slipped into one of its unpredictable moods, the sort where neighbourhoods wake up to a new signboard that appears to have materialised from thin air. In this whirl of reinvention, Kisan Bazaar has welcomed a fresh entrant, Cafe El Retro, a Hollywood-inspired café.
Let’s be honest, going to the movies has always been our collective soft spot. The drama, the plot twists we willingly suspend disbelief for. But every once in a while, the real blockbuster isn’t on a screen, it’s on a plate. And this one? Definitely worth the ticket.
Opened on February 10 in Kisan Bazaar, El Retro is the brainchild of Shivangi Dwivedi, who has also designed the space herself. The backdrop is a striking homage to the golden era of cinema, dotted with tributes to iconic films and eminent actors.
From Bollywood to Hollywood, the café seems to have travelled continents in spirit, reinventing itself in the most alluring way. Picture black-and-yellow interiors softened by potted greens, modest seating, and a cosy vibe.
Now, to everyone’s favourite section, the food.
The menu is a playful riff on Hollywood pop culture, with dishes named after cult classics and fan favourites. There’s the Game of Thrones Retro Pizza, Mamma Mia White Sauce Pasta, Baby Driver Sweet Corn, the Fight Club Sandwich, Face Off Brownie, and Ninja Turtles Hakka Noodles. Alongside these are intriguingly titled mocktails such as Blue Lagoon and Bad Santa Blueberry.
Beyond the marquee names, the spread is affordable and crowd-pleasing, including Maggi, pasta, pizzas, soups, rolls, burgers, and a generous line-up of desserts. On the drinks front, you can choose from teas, coffees, mocktails, and shakes. The café makes a point of serving hygienic, hearty fare prepared with fresh, premium ingredients.
El Retro also doubles up as a charming spot for a solo date or a low-key work session. So if you’ve been waiting for a sign to step out, this might just be it.
When: 12:30 pm to 11:30 pm
Where: 40 and 41, Kisan Bazar, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow
To get all the latest content, download our mobile application. Available for both iOS & Android devices.