by Urbanaut Lovely outdoor seating meets ambient lighting and decor in this cosy Egmore café. The service gets brownie points but the food is what you should visit for — think salads, Italian comfort food and Continental fare.
by Urbanaut Hole in the wall, they really put the mess in this mess. Clean, don’t expect a red carpet, or 5 star service but if this was your last meal, you’d definitely go to heaven. You never know who you’ll bump into here.
by Urbanaut This place brings out the exquisite in the complicated. South Indian food at its finest. Friendly staff, worth the wait. The decor reflects an old classic style South Indian spot.
by Urbanaut A sleek and tastefully-designed bistro, Nolita is all New York-meets-Italy-meets-the Mediterranean. The bistro is super-popular among Chennaiites for the Neapolitan-style pizza they whip up, as well as the delicious sourdough pizzas. Despite what it looks and sounds like, Nolita is surprisingly budget-friendly but doesn’t cut corners on taste and variety. The menu is overflowing with Italian classics and house experiments, such as White Pizza and Roasted Grape and Almond Salad.
by Urbanaut For pure old Chennai atmosphere, Amethyst cannot be beat. With the famous multi brand luxury boutique housed on the first floor of this old heritage building, the ground floor and gardens are the domain of the Wild Garden Cafe. This is THE place to have a leisurely coffee and a decadent slice of cake while catching up with friends or catching up on work. The cafe also boasts an extensive food menu for when you need something more substantial than snacks. The perfect place to spend a day people-watching.
by Urbanaut There is nothing as delicious as a scoop of richly, freshly churned artisanal ice cream on a hot and humid Chennai day and Amadora does it in style. With outlets across the city, Amadora is Chennai’s favourite icecream spot. And for good reason- their flavours are delicious and a departure from the usual.
by Urbanaut Known for their bakes, Market Lane’s offerings evoke almost cult-like devotion. The cookies are firm favourites but if you try almost anything - you’re sure to come away impressed. It’s delivery only though, and orders can be placed via the link in their Instagram or their website.
by Urbanaut This old, old Japanese eatery, unpretentious as it may look, set the cornerstone for Chennai’s Japanese food scene as we know it today. Don’t be fooled by the decrepit location — Dahlia is a favourite among locals and Asian expats in Chennai, and many a wide-eyed culinary rookie have tasted their first sushi here. It’s a compact place, with both regular tables and floor seating, but the food is phenomenal and super-authentic. The seafood is the star of the menu, no doubt because the owner, Mr Yamauchi, was a seafood exporter back in the days.
by Urbanaut This is a great rooftop spot for beers and steaks. It’s the most relaxing eatery I’ve been to and in the heart of city. The service is unmatched and the staff friendly. You can’t go wrong with a spot like this!
by Urbanaut This is one of Chennai’s go-to party spots! Snazzy interiors and pop posters meet a fully-stocked bar that serves great tropical cocktails. Their non-vegetarian dishes, especially the steaks and seafood, go down really well with regulars. They play sick music as well so you’ll find your feet tapping to the beat in no time. Step in on a weekday to sample their food and drinks without the crowd of party-goers.
by Urbanaut This upscale hangout lounge in Chennai’s The Park is tastefully done up in leather and chrome. It’s a great place to unwind and rehash the day with great company over martinis and finger food. It’s intimate, with only 20 seats, but after a busy day, a sundowner in a cosy atmosphere may be just the pick-up you need. You can also head out to the terrace on clear days for a breath of fresh air.
by Urbanaut Menaka in Hotel Palmgrove serves the best sambar in the city. Look out for their awesome breakfast buffet. It’s definitely one of Chennai’s most iconic eateries.
by Urbanaut Milky Way is one of the oldest ice cream parlours in the city– they opened their first store in Egmore way back in 1994. They’re super well-known for Italian style softy ice creams, but you won’t go wrong with soda pops or a milkshake, either. They have quite a few outlets across the city.
by Urbanaut Tropical vibes, anyone? Canvas by Sketch is a delightful little eatery whose decor looks like it is straight out of Pinterest, with a touch of vintage. But it’s the menu that clinched the deal– Asian delicacies share space with Italian staples and good old biryani. They also have a vegan menu complete with mains and all-day breakfast fare. The in-house coffee bar is an instant hit with Chennaiites as you’ll come away with house brews in surprising forms (including tonic water espressos) made from handpicked beans. Try not to skip the desserts– they’re well worth the wait till the end.
by Urbanaut Tucked away in a quiet, leafy cul-de-sac in Alwarpet, The Summer House Eatery is perfect for breakfast, lunch and meeting friends for coffee. The restaurant sits on the ground floor of a building it shares with a co-working space. The decor is modern-industrial chic and there is a mural that is made for Instagram. With its large windows bringing you views of its courtyard with its overgrown plants, fairy lights and the secret garden, this is my favourite spot for a late lunch or languid coffee catchup session.
by Urbanaut Bengaluru’s much-loved watering hole Watson’s has made inroads in Chennai as well, flaunting great food as its calling card here. You’ll find simple classics and more experimental dishes, many of which have a truly Chennai twist. You won’t go wrong with drinks, either– especially the highlight cocktails. The decor is laidback and unpretentious, preferring to cede the floor to expansive views and light (but choice) music from the ‘70s and ‘80s. If you’re waiting for someone, there’s a lovely corner of books to choose from and read meanwhile.
by Urbanaut Singapore born Australian Sashi Cheliah, winner of Masterchef Australia in 2018 brings India its first taste of Peranakan cuisine. Think tamarind, coconut milk, pandan leaves, and a blend of Malay, Singaporean, Chinese and Indian influences and you essentially have a flavour party at this special and must-try restaurant. The term ‘Peranakan’ refers to local born or local descendants in Malay, and the cuisine is a unique blend of Chinese, Malay and Indian food culture. It’s a welcoming, convivial space with incredible aromas and a great gastronomic experience. Chennai scores with this one.
by Urbanaut The best spot to score a hearty, healthy and downright delicious meal if you are on a vegan or keto diet. This is not to say that this is a spot that only caters to such specific meal plans - they have plenty of options for diners across the spectrum.
by Urbanaut Best known for monster shakes that’s ever overflowing with two scoops of ice cream, cookies, wafers, chocolate syrup and other sweet goods. They’re also a popular spot for pop-ups, with a host of settings to sit at depending on your mood — sunny outdoor verandas included.
by Urbanaut In a repurposed warehouse, this bistro offers a mix of different cuisines in a beautiful setting. Thankfully, their Instagrammable food tastes as good as it looks. Meant to bring the outdoors in, this spacious eatery is big on sustainability but doesn’t disappoint when it comes to flavours or interiors.
by Urbanaut If you’re all about that local grub, get ready to blow your belt at this joint. This banana leaf-style eatery serves just one lunch menu, but one that pulls Chennaiites from all corners. You’ll get a main dish surrounded by a whopping 10 side dishes, so you’d best walk in with a raging appetite. The (non-vegetarian) food is spicy and definitely not for the faint-hearted. That said, Chennai can’t get enough.
by Urbanaut If you take your bread seriously - then look no further. The Old Madras Baking Company, with its various outlets across the city, bakes up a variety of fabulous breads including a mean sourdough, focaccia, brioches and bagels. Their viennoiserie is just as good with flaky croissants and danishes. Sign up for their bread subscription box to save yourself a trip to the store. Show up early in the morning for warm pain-au-chocolat as it comes out of their ovens and you could chase it with a filter coffee served in multicoloured davara tumblers sitting at their communal table - A Parisian breakfast with a Chennai touch.
by Urbanaut If there ever was a place in Chennai to score authentic Kerala cuisine down to the banana leaf, it’s That Mallu Joint. Step in and you’ll find yourself standing in a traditional Malayali eatery that’s almost always chock-full of regulars. Their menu features all the crowd-pullers, from Thalassery Biryani to Meen Tawa Fry. They don’t cut corners on flavours or authenticity. If you have space for dessert, consider trying the tender coconut ice cream because, apparently, it’s worth writing home about.
by Urbanaut The inimitable Bread & Chocolate comes to Chennai, saving scores of Chennaities the drive to Auroville to catch their absolutely divine breads and bakes. The magical hands of master baker Daniel Trulson and his team whip up croissants, breads, pastries and more. And of course, they use the finest chocolate from our good friends Mason & Co. Overall, this is a must do.
by Urbanaut Sri Krishna Sweets started plying Chennaivasis with sweets in the 1940s. It was Sri Krishna Sweets which invented the Mysurpa - a riff on the traditional Mysore Pak which jettisons it’s crunchy hardness for a melt-in-the-mouth consistency. The Mysurpa catapulted Sri Krishna Sweets into the big league of traditional confectioners and caterers. Visit any of their outlets to try the Mysurpa for yourself.
by Urbanaut The Velveteen Rabbit is classy, and a great place to hand out with friends during the weekend or on slow weekdays. It’s quite a lively pub with a bar on the first floor and a more laidback feel on the second. They host great events but even otherwise, it’s nice to stop by for inventive cocktails and good pizzas.
by Urbanaut Radioroom is Chennai’s go-to for great music, buzzing energy and yum food. Despite being a cosy hole-in-the-wall lounge club tucked away in a nondescript service apartment complex, it’s well loved by folks looking for a New York-esque experience without leaving Chennai. The atmosphere gets better as the night goes on but I’d also recommend heading there for the food. My personal picks– the beef medallions, Kakinada chicken and Parmesan grilled broccoli. It’s also a great venue to catch live gigs– plenty of India’s favourite artists and DJs take the stage here.
by Urbanaut The opening of China XO in 2013 set the bar for Chinese cuisine in Chennai very high. The sophisticated restaurant features elegant yet unobtrusive interiors that set the tone for what’s to come — decadent food. You’ll find Oriental delicacies from the length and breadth of China on the menu, including a mouthwatering dimsum array and Cantonese chicken. The authentic Peking Duck is reason enough to go – it really is above and beyond – but we dare say the organic produce and sustainable ingredients used are also a good enough hook to keep pulling you in.
by Urbanaut The Leela Group’s signature restaurant in Chennai is a go-to for a royal fine dining experience. Indian flavours and spices take centre stage here, and classic North and South fare rub shoulders on the menu. It’s renowned for bringing traditional cooking styles and old-is-gold ingredients into a classy and authentic setting.
by Urbanaut When Scandi design and Wes Anderson come together, it looks something like Fika. It’s an incredible community space in the heart of bustling Adyar, boasting of an amphitheatre, a greenhouse for private events, a bakery and café, and a community space. The café is in the enclosed backyard and designed to ensure privacy even when in the company of others.
by Urbanaut In a beautiful bungalow, you can choose from a smart vegetarian restaurant (SVAH) or a plush, upscale bar (SVASA). Both are superb - but also keep an eye on their Instagram for everything from Karaoke to movie nights and some great cultural programming. The venue is committed to interesting cultural programming.
by Urbanaut Ottimo might be tucked away into ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, but it is a welcome relief from polite and unassuming hotel lobbies, instead being warm and decked out in quite a chic fashion. It’s not your average Italian trattoria, but head chef Massimo Gulotta brings the Milanese – and Roman and Sicilian – experience home. What sets the menu apart is the quiet but conscious attention to detail and the burst of authentic flavours in otherwise well-known (and hence generously adapted) dishes. Their wine list, championed by a well-read sommelier, has the perfect accompaniment for any dish you try. Overall, it’s what you’d expect hearty, loosen-your-tie Italian dining to be.
by Urbanaut Avartana does to South Indian food what Indian Accent did for North Indian cuisines - modernises it and creates a tasting menu experience that is simply superb. With 5 tasting menus that start at 7 courses and go all the way up to 13 courses, this is a meal you need to come prepared for. The opulence of the Grand Chola and Avartana’s inventive dishes work to create a sublime experience that you will be talking about for a while. The restaurant was featured at no. 20 in Conde Nast Traveller’s India’s top 50 restaurants 2019 list.
by Urbanaut Street food enthusiasts would swear that there’s no better place to eat street food than, well, on the streets. But MKC begs to differ and does so with flair. You’ll find great attention to detail in everything you come across, from the quirky newspaper-style menu and the coffee-chai station to the charging points at every table that urge you to stay longer rather than leave faster. They get the food right, too– stand-out flavours reminiscent of the best of Asian street food without the next-morning tummy ache. MKC also earns brownie points for outstanding service thanks to the friendly yet unobtrusive staff.
by Urbanaut A very cool villa by the beach thats a cafe by day, restaurant by night. The menu is short, interesting and constantly changing based on seasonal ingredients and the wine list isn’t half bad! It’s a beautiful space, definitely must be see in the evening completely candle lit.
by Urbanaut A slice of Scandinavia in the middle of ECR, Brod Bakery is a tiny bakery serving fabulous breads and bakes. With one one table that can hold six people, excellent cakes and other bakery items, and high-quality coffee to boot - this bakery is always excellent and you’ll need to plan to fight others for space and supply. But it’s worth it. Chef Subika Ganesan has created a little haven for people who want high-quality products.
by Urbanaut You’re here for the setting, by the beach. You’re here for the food, Asian and Thai especially. You’re here to get away from the city, and watch the ocean with a beer in hand. You’re here to dance, to the DJs that play on weekends. Whatever the reason, you’ll find that Bay 6 doesn’t disappoint.
by Urbanaut Imagine a farm with cows, buffaloes, chickens, goats and horses. A farm with organic vegetable gardens, rice fields, coconut groves and plantations. A working farm located within a city. This is what The Farm Chennai is! And it’s open to everyone to visit. Now imagine an open-air structure set amidst a verdant grove, thatched, and tables set under trees in an overgrown garden. Cats weaving between your legs as you tuck into delicious cheese plates, crunchy pakodas, pizzas, and salads. Imagine a store that curates dried apples from Spiti, small batch nolen gur from Bengal, fresh fruits and vegetables, pickles, spices, cheeses, books and more! One of the few Artisan Cheese-makers in the country, The Farm produces some lovely cheeses that they integrate into their fresh, flavourful and seasonal menu. Try their Tomme de Semmancheri. It is an absolutely sublime Tomme that can stand up to any cheese produced around the world. Their bloomy ring cheeses are great substitutes for imported Brie or Camembert. The restaurant uses the organic produce of the farm that is grown keeping in mind the time of the year. Follow them on Instagram to keep updated on whatever is the latest. When the lake on the property is full they run paddle-boarding lessons. They also do biodiversity walking tours around the farm to spot birds and insects that are thriving in this oasis.
by Urbanaut It was Covelong Point and its Surf Turf surfing school that put Chennai on the surfing map. Head out to Covelong Point along the ECR, enroute to Mahabalipuram, to see what a high end surfing school can do to change a community. Sign up for their classes and if you want to really learn to do it right - sign up for a course and you can stay at the surfing school. As they like to put it - they bring the gear and the instructors and you have to bring the will to ride the waves. Their cafe serves delicious local seafood. Covelong Point also hosts the Covelong Point Festival in August every year. The festival is a celebration of surfing, music, yoga and a more mindful, joyous life connected to nature.
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