The Ultimate List Of The Best Restaurants In Chennai For A Guaranteed Good Time

Amethyst Café a quat Royapettah offers an immersive experience with delicious flavours and a welcoming atmosphere. Choose between indoor, verandah, or garden seating. The diverse menu features cheesy pizzas, including a heavenly pepperoni option, alongside unique Indian dishes such as the Kerala Style Fish Curry and Rice and generous main courses that include a lot of Italian options. Exciting specials and cocktail choices enhance the experience. A charming bakery next door offers delightful cakes and macarons. 

A restaurant on Haddows Road that embodies the essence of Kerala, the tastes of nostalgia, and the energy of contemporary home cooking, all tailored for today's diner. Select your preferred meal, starting from the One Pot Meal priced at INR 550, or opt for the Rajayogi/Jalarani at INR1,475. KCK has a range of set menus and you can also enjoy a complimentary dessert and beverage. Although the servings are modest, the flavours are divine. Explore a variety of dishes in smaller portions to savour Kerala cuisine reminiscent of a mother's touch.

Benjarong, a Thai eatery nestled in TTK, has been dishing out genuine Thai flavours for a remarkable 25 years. A haven for peanut enthusiasts, this spot is a must-visit. Be sure to savour their Seafood Tom-Yum soup, Lobster Pahd Namrik Pow, and delightful Pahd Thai. As an extra treat, a plate of Miang Kham, a classic Thai snack translated as the 'one bite wrap,' is on the house. It's a plate of betel leaves, peanuts, shallots, zesty lime, fresh chilli, and a sweet sauce. The restaurant's ambience radiates tranquillity, thoughtfully crafted to immerse you in its unique vibe. Treat yourself to an original Thai feast at Benjarong and enjoy the classic flavours it presents.

A menu crafted in Singapore skillfully brought to life in India. Nasi and Mee, translating to 'rice and noodles' in Bahasa, draws inspiration from a blend of cultural influences, notably Chinese, Malay, and Indian. The extensive menu encompasses both cherished classics and bold innovations, mirroring the vibrant culinary landscape found in the street and hawker stalls of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. With an array of choices, diners are presented with a delightful array of options. Despite its bustling atmosphere, the waitstaff maintains a high level of attentive service. Notable menu selections include Mee Goreng, Dim Sum, Singapore Chicken Rice, Panda Bao, and Iced Milo, which are a few dishes to name out of their amazing menu that never disappoints in taste.

If you're looking to savour Italian cuisine East Coast, Madras Square is the place to be. This charming restaurant in Neelankarai is known for its delightful pasta, tender roasted chicken, and irresistible steaks. Upon entering Madras Square, you'll immediately be immersed in cosy vibes and captivating interiors. Whether you're visiting for a romantic date night or a casual meal with friends, the restaurant's ambience will make you feel right at home. Don't miss the heavenly Nutella Stuffed Cookie and mouthwatering Roasted Beef Steak.

Discover an exceptional buffet experience at Hilton Guindy, featuring an extensive and enticing spread along with live cooking stations. The lunch buffet is priced at INR 2,000, the breakfast buffet at INR 1,500, and the dinner buffet at INR 2,500. Renowned as one of the finest buffet destinations in the city, it excels in every aspect, from its ambience to the attentive staff, and above all, the delicious flavours of its dishes. Ideal for a memorable family lunch or dinner, the menu is impressively diverse, encompassing a wide array of choices. The dessert section is particularly outstanding, and the live counters add an interactive touch, and the service is exceptional. For those who cherish good food at a great place, Vascos is paradise. Notably, their biriyani is an absolute must-try.

This fresh fish shop and seafood restaurant on ECR is a cosy establishment with a relaxed yet sophisticated ambience that offers a variety of global cuisine prepared by talented and motivated chefs. The restaurant also operates as a fresh fish shop, with local fishermen sourcing the fish for each day and the chefs preparing it any way you want—steamed, stir-fried, cold, grilled or in a curry. The culinary team presents carefully curated French and Indian recipes. Their specialities include tasty soft-shell crabs, prawns and popcorn shrimp, Goan fish curry, panna cotta, tiramisu, and chocolate fondant. If you're craving some amazing seafood and a ride to Uthandi, head to Kai from the Sea. 

In Bombay, a diverse blend of Indian cuisines has come together over time. Over time people from different places moved to Mumbai, and brought their foods and tastes, shaping what Mumbaikars love to eat. Every new cuisine and flavour is warmly embraced and adapted which is reflected in the menu of Bombay Brasserie which, offers a unique mix of flavours for a delightful culinary adventure. To Experience a modern twist on traditional Indian dishes head to Bombay Brasserie at Nungambakkam.

Dakshin, a well-established fixture in Chennai's high-end dining scene for over three decades, has earned recognition and nominations for the prestigious Times Food and Nightlife Awards in categories such as Best Chettinad Premium Dining and Best South Indian Premium Dining. The restaurant specialises in South Indian cuisine, representing six states: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Stepping into the spacious dining room, guests are greeted by a traditional ambience with lime-green and chilli-red walls adorned with jewel-encrusted paintings, sculptures, and mirrored pillars. Meals are served in the traditional manner on banana leaves, with a focus on vegetable dishes, alongside chicken, fish, and a delectable lamb trotter curry from Tamil Nadu. Dakshin's wine-matching expertise enhances the dining experience, and the lively performances by flute and tabla players add an extra layer of enjoyment.

Upon entering Toscano at Nungambakkam, a rustic charm accompanied by subdued music instantly captivates. The spacious dining area is adorned with wooden floors, dimly lit tables, and large windows, offering a cosy ambience. A well-lit counter at the far end showcases an impressive array of wine glasses. Toscano, renowned for its Italian cuisine and Wine Bar, has made its mark in Chennai. Being an Italian joint, their pizzas and garlic bread are a must-try. They have excellent and accommodating service with great live music to make your evening unforgettable. The Restaurant boasts a premium selection of Italian wines and grappa-120 labels- Sparkling, rose, white and red wine are imported. Don't miss out on experiencing the grain salad and pear salad, both highly recommended. Equally enticing are the mango and chia panna cotta, and mango creme brulee.

For 45 years, Kumar Mess has been a culinary haven, infusing dishes with spices and a heartfelt touch. Since its modest inception in 1975, it has blossomed into an exceptional dining spot. A prime choice for family lunches, this bustling eatery captivates with its delectable non-vegetarian meals, flavourful soups, and side gravies. Despite the usually bustling atmosphere leading to a 30-minute wait, the experience remains excellent. Swift and efficient service complements their scrumptious tiffin offerings, including a delightful biryani. Served on banana leaves, Kumar Mess truly caters to non-vegetarian enthusiasts, with highlights like the heavenly Illaneer payasam.

This Mediterranean eatery offers an amazing culinary experience with a wide array of vegetarian options. The classic hummus is a standout, and their paneer dishes strike the perfect balance of spice. The dessert selection, particularly the Baklava and Kunafa, is impressive. The decor exudes a simple charm with subtle Turkish influences, creating a bright and neat interior along with soft Arabic music playing in the background. The food selection spans Moroccan, Iranian, and more, impressing with its simplicity and authenticity. The menu covers dishes from 22 Middle Eastern countries, hence the name. Noteworthy dishes include the delectable shawarma and uniquely presented Iranian kebab. Each dish is accompanied by distinct sauces, enhancing the flavours. Complimentary french fries and Kuboos accompanied every order, while the crispy and perfectly seasoned flatbread proved irresistible.  

A great restaurant in Adyar is renowned for its delectable Kongunaadu cuisine that consistently draws a huge crowd, even on weekdays. Don’t miss the Kozhi Rasam, a true delight for the taste buds. The establishment excels in its chicken, mutton, and shrimp dishes with each of them made to perfection. For those with a sweet tooth, the Japan Chicken is a must-try, standing out uniquely amidst the entire menu. If you love budget non-vegetarian food, head to Erode Amman Mess.

A dining establishment that gained prominence following interviews with individuals linked to the movie industry eventually faded into obscurity and then emerged as a popular food destination renowned for its famed kothu porotta, alongside a diverse array of offerings. Kaimanam, which was initially a cloud kitchen transformed into a restaurant by renovating a house, now featuring two dining areas. The staff is extremely polite and inviting which significantly enriches the dining affair. Among the standout dishes are the flavoursome Poricha Kozhi, aromatic Chettinad chicken rice, delectable Chicken Maharani, and the celebrated kothu parotta.

Located near SRM at Potheri, PU-KA (pronounced puga) is a Kerala restaurant with the aesthetic of a thattu kada. They serve really good Kerala biriyani, and the Beef Puttu, steamed cylinders of ground rice stuffed with beef, is a must try. End the meal with a cup of their amazing Sulaimani, a black tea infused with spices that originated from Malabar. If you like a mix of sweet and savoury, try the Pazhampori with beef, ripened plantain dipped in a sweetened flour batter and fried till it is golden brown and crispy served with a Kerala beef curry. 

In an incredibly budget-friendly setting, this local café and bookstore present a delightful selection of baked goods, coffee, ice cream, and additional meals. if you want to spruce things up, there's even an opportunity to customise your pasta just the way you prefer. Don't miss the chance to explore the Flammkuchen speciality.

Originating as a humble sweetshop in Arumbakkam during the 1990s, this establishment has since evolved into various roles, encompassing a chaat place and a vegetarian eatery. Highly regarded in Mylapore, the esteemed sweet shop restaurant boasts an extensive assortment of both classic South Indian and North Indian sweets and dishes. The service is fast, and a highlight not to be overlooked are the tiffin items (idli, plain dosa and masala dosa). The idlis are freshly made, soft and fluffy. They are huge in size and accompanied by a coconut chutney that pleasant and fresh, and a tomato chutney that is mildly spicy and tangy. The sambar has a touch of a Karnataka influence, slightly sweet yet infused with a spicy kick.

Geetha Cafe located in Pondy Bazaar serves as a wonderful break from all the shopping and bargaining. It's a popular spot for individuals to unwind with a cup of morning tea or coffee following post-morning walks and workouts. Treat yourself to some aromatic filter coffee and crispy ghee roast. The restaurant although called a cafe offers more than small options of food and beverages, they have abundant seating options, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. For lunch, they provide a selection of mini-meals priced at INR 120, which are accessible from 11 AM to 3 PM.

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 glass case are, 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. 

A very popular joint for lunch. This establishment is a trusted favourite. The flavours can be a hit or miss at times, but the highlights are their luscious prawn curry and delightful fish fry. The space is compact, if you're willing to look past that, do give Vanjaram fish fry and Surra Puttu a try. This eatery offers unlimited rice paired harmoniously with tasty mutton and fish gravies. Amid the array of choices, the Sura puttu stand out—a true delight for the palate. Savour the Vanjaram fish fry cooked with an exquisite medley of spices. The Mutton Kola Urundai is a choice that will not disappoint, in a landscape of dining options. 

Nestled within a vibrant junction, it's truly remarkable how this establishment adeptly serves a multitude of people simultaneously. Their efficiency resembles the agility of ninjas, seamlessly managing the bustling crowd. The exceptional quality of their food is matched by their generous portions. A slight drawback lies in the absence of seating arrangements, causing people to stand while eating. Introducing seating options could undoubtedly elevate this venue to a cherished crowd-pleaser. Among their array of offerings, the mixed chaat is a true gem, giving the palate an explosion of flavours and textures. Notably, the paani puri and samosa chaat shine as well. Adjacent to this chaat haven lies an age-old juice shop, renowned for its fresh beverages. A unique touch is their complimentary second glass of juice, showcasing their commitment to customer satisfaction. The pocket-friendly pricing enhances its appeal, making it an excellent choice for social outings with friends. However, brace yourself for the consistent crowd, as this spot remains a perpetual favourite.

This is not your typical restaurant, instead, it's a stall located beneath the New Washermenpet Metro. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Atho shop, operating since 1995, and was established by S Muruli. Be sure to sample their Fried Atho, Plate Egg Masala, and Bejo Masala–these dishes are a must-try. The stall owners are incredibly accommodating. S Muruli was introduced to the art of making Atho by a Burmese Muslim gentleman who played a pivotal role in setting up this establishment. While the seating options are somewhat limited, the prices are exceptionally budget-friendly.

KK Tibetan Food Joint is a must-visit culinary gem where incredibly flavourful momos leave you yearning for more. Renowned as one of the finest Tibetan eateries in town and even one of the best momo joints, this pocket-friendly establishment beckons with its inviting dishes. Nestled near Choolaimedu Signal, KK offers a cosy ambience, making takeaways preferable due to occasional wait times and lack of seating. While the lighting and parking might not be standout features, the focus is undoubtedly on the food. The extensive portions are centred around a concise menu featuring options like Veg, Beef, and Chicken. Among the tried dishes, the Chicken Momo shines as a masterpiece, accompanied by its irresistibly spicy and smoky homemade sauce. The Chicken Chowmein offers delightfully spicy and oily noodles, while the Thukpa showcases unique and delicious flavours.

The cuisine is exceptional, and the staff extends a warm and friendly welcome to each customer, creating a sense of familiarity. Renowned as a highly sought-after non-vegetarian restaurant in Chennai, Nair Mess near the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium offers authentic South Indian food. Parking, unfortunately, remains a challenge, as there are no designated spaces, even for two-wheelers, requiring patrons to find street parking. The post-COVID era has brought about a notable improvement in the ambience. Don't miss the opportunity to indulge in their non-vegetarian Meals and the standout Vanjaram Fry. It's advisable to arrive around 12 or 12.30 for lunch to avoid the crowds that often gather. 

For those seeking a pocket-friendly parotta experience, Malasiyan Parotta Point stands out as a prime option. This eatery offers an array of delectable items, all ready by 12.30 PM. Kalakki, is their most popular dish, which undoubtedly lives up to its reputation, it is a soft scrambled egg added with some masala, or mutton/chicken gravy. The time frame of 12.30 PM to 1.30 PM sees a significant influx of college students, adding to the vibrant energy of the place. This fast-food joint is a true game-changer. While the ambience is typical of Chennai's joints, the flavour exceeds all expectations, proving that culinary treasures can be found in the most unexpected corners. The diverse range of parotta options boasts exceptional taste. Affordability is key here, making the flavoursome offerings well worth the cost. This joint surprises with an unconventional item known as the chocolate parotta made similar to a chocolate crepe but with an Indian touch.