Visit These 11 Vintage Restaurants In Chennai For A Nostalgic Trip

National Durbar Restaurant, established in 1955, is a historical culinary gem. Managed by Nazir Ahmed and his brothers, the restaurant offers amazing Muslim influenced Indian food. Their Chicken and Mutton Biriyani, Parotta with Mutton Chops, and Mutton Paya are a must try. Their Biriyani-Paya combo is the most popular during lunch hours. End your meal with their famous Falooda, Caramel Pudding with Ice Cream and Badam Kheer. They have a glass case filled with baked goods such as brownies, cakes and masala buns. in the front faloodas, lassis, rose milk and a whole list of frozen desserts occupy shelves in another cooler. If you come across this place and want to just stop for a snack, check out their Irani Chai as well. 

Cost for Two: INR 400

Zomato Ratings: 4.3/5

Timings: 6 AM to 11:30 PM

Recognized as the sole restaurant in Madras to have a jukebox during the 1950s, it was one of the earliest establishments to open after Independence. The legendary Chicken 65 was invented by its proprietor, Mr A.M Buhari. Buhari has truly elevated its status to being legendary. The Mutton and Chicken Biryani has developed its own dedicated fan following over its seven-decade history. The establishment serves a fusion of British and Indian cuisines, featuring popular items such as classic Chennai dishes like Mulligatawny Soup—an appetizing relic from Madras under British India—as well as Egg Parotta, Masala Fried Fish, and Kurma. 

Cost for Two: INR 950

Zomato Ratings: 3.6/5

Timings: 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Since its establishment in the early 1900s, Ratna Cafe has consistently attracted Chennaiites for their sambar-soaked idlis.  The key to its success lies in maintaining the same ratio of ingredients that contributes to the flavour. Additionally, the restaurant employs separate chefs for various dishes, including traditional Parottas, Basudi, Rasmalai, Vadas, Dosas, Jalebi, and Filter Coffee. This menu represents an evolved version of the original, which initially featured only about 10 items. Interestingly, the establishment was founded by a native of Uttar Pradesh. The current venue now churns out several thousand litres of Sambar daily. A serving of idli includes unlimited sambar and chutney, with the sambar generously poured over the Idlis. This culinary treasure pairs perfectly with a refreshing glass of Badam Milk.

Cost for Two: INR 350

Zomato Ratings: 4.1/5

Timings: 6 AM to 11 PM

In Mylapore, a visit to this vintage place is a must. Initially named Rayar’s Cafe, founded by Srinivasa Rao, it is now Rayar’s Mess. In its early days, customers would sit on traditional wooden stools known as Mana Palagai and enjoy meals served on banana leaves. Over time, tables were introduced, and today, the charming establishment can accommodate up to 16 people, catering to hundreds of customers daily. Many patiently queue up from the opening at 7 am until 8 pm. The menu features items such as Idli, Pongal, Vada, Adai, Rava Dosa, Bondas, Jangiri, and Gulab Jamun, all served piping hot without any alterations. The specially crafted Filter Coffee has garnered its own fan base and serves as the perfect companion during the inevitable wait.

Cost for Two: INR 100

Zomato Ratings: 3.8/5

Timings: Monday to Saturday: 7 AM to 10 AM, 3 PM to 8 PM, Sundays: 7 AM to 10 AM. 

Renowned for its lunch, this vintage eatery in Chennai initially presented a spread of around 24 dishes served in brassware. Over time, it transitioned to a more streamlined menu with specific availability and weekend specials. Popular menu choices encompass Vada, Rava Idli, Parottas, Pongal, Bonda, Upma, Ghee Roast, alongside must-try options like Filter Coffee and Rose Milk. The distinctive feature of the establishment lies in its tiffin service, featuring a rotation of Rasam, Sambar, Poriyal, Curd, Rice, and other traditional dishes. Locals often frequent the place, bringing their carriers to indulge in a satisfying and piping-hot lunch experience.

Cost for Two: INR 350

Zomato Ratings: 4/5

Timings: 6 AM to 10:30 PM

In the Sowcarpet neighbourhood, Chandrakanth M. Shah established a modest tea stall in the 1950s. Today, this vintage restaurant remains a magnet for residents of Chennai, especially with the soar of bloggers exploring Sowcarpet. What began as a humble tea spot has transformed over the years into a culinary destination featuring a diverse menu. Offerings now include tawa Pulav, Pani Puri, Falooda, Dosa, Milkshakes, Cheese Rolls, and even Cheese Dosa. The bakery items, particularly the bread, have also gained popularity. Both the physical space and the menu have expanded, with the once 900 sq. ft eatery, although a little cramped now flourishing into a full-fledged restaurant. Notably, it is said to be the place that introduced Chennai to pav bhaji. If you find yourself in Sowcarpet, it's a must-visit destination for a delightful culinary experience.

Cost for Two: INR 300

Zomato Ratings: 4.3/5

Timings:  12 PM to 10:30 PM, Closed on Wednesdays. 

A renowned eatery, easily identifiable by nearly every local, maintains its timeless appeal despite modern upgrades that have only enhanced its charm. The restaurant, whose flavours initially captivated diners back in 1962, has an intriguing origin story. Three ambitious friends, Soopi Haji, Aboobacker, and Mohammed Manno Haji, started a bakery, cleverly naming it after the first letter of each of their names. As the years unfolded, the establishment evolved into a restaurant, now skillfully managed by the third generation. The Biryani or Mandi served here continues to captivate taste buds, delighting not only the original customers but also winning over newer generations.

Cost for Two: INR 1,000

Zomato Ratings: 3.8/5

Timings: 11:30 AM to 12 AM

Originating as Murugan Coffee Nilayam in Madurai, Murugan Idli Shop has been an enduring cultural icon, serving up fluffy Idlis in Tamil Nadu since the late 1900s. In 1991, S Manoharan took over the business from his parents, inheriting a menu that initially featured only coffee and a few snacks. However, it was the Idlis that gained immense popularity, quickly selling out. The diverse chutneys, available in about four varieties, and the exceptional Filter Coffee is all the rave. The shop’s growth continued. The now-crisp, one-page menu includes popular options like Ghee Podi Idli, Sweet Pongal, Vada, Uttapam, Paniyaram, and Jigarthanda. This is a gem not to be missed.

Cost for Two:  INR 200

Zomato Ratings: 4.2/5

Timings: 7 AM to 11 PM

Established in 1956 in Dindugal, Thalappakkatti has evolved into one of Chennai's most beloved Biryani destinations. With over 40 outlets spanning Tamil Nadu, and even reaching international locations like France and UAE, it has solidified its reputation over the years. There is an explosion of authentic flavours at this eatery, where dishes like Chicken Leg Fry, Fish Chilli, Chicken Varuval, and of course, the Biryani consistently deliver a burst of delightful tastes. These items have become favourites, prompting Chennaiites to revisit for more. 

Cost for Two: INR 850

Zomato Ratings: 4/5

Timings: 11 AM to 1 PM

Located in Triplicane, Nair Mess stands out as one of Chennai's most acclaimed non-vegetarian eateries, making a significant mark in the city's culinary scene. Renowned for its tasty thalis and seafood options earning goodwill among both locals and visitors alike. The food is of such high quality that even the former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MGR, frequented this establishment during his tenure. A particular crowd-pleaser is their renowned Vanjaram Fish Fry. Beyond the delicious cuisine, Nair Mess exudes a humble ambience, evoking a sense of old-world Madras charm. 

Cost for Two: INR 200

Zomato Ratings: 3.5/5

Timings: Monday to Saturday: 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 7 PM to 10 PM and Sundays: 11:30 AM to 3 PM

Have you ever experienced the flavours of Kongu Nadu cuisine? This lesser-known rice-based culinary tradition from South India might be unfamiliar to many. Junior Kuppanna, in operation since 1960, is the perfect place to delve into this unique cuisine. They have been captivating people with an array of non-vegetarian delights, spanning from fish, chicken, mutton and prawns. We suggest indulging in their delectable offerings such as Appams, Fish Pallipalayam, Thalaikari Mutton Fry, and Kaadai Roast for a truly memorable culinary experience.

Cost for Two: INR 1,000

Zomato Ratings: 3.2/5

Timings: 11 AM to 11 PM