Budget
Saravana Bhavan
(http://www.saravanabhavan.com/). probably chennai's best known restaurant chain, with 25 branches in chennai itself incl. one next to kapaleeswarar temple. pure vegetarian indian food with high standards of hygiene.
Sri Krishna Sweets
Mount rd, spencers plaza, adayar, anna salai, also at mg rd, shastri nagar. indian sweets & salad bar. north indian "chat" snack items.
Mansuk's
T.nagar. best for bombay chat, lassi and an unlimited gujarati thali.
Hot Chips
T.nagar and anna nagar for budget priced south indian tiffin, including north indian chat snack items.
Palimar
Parsn complex, mount rd, anna salai. south indian cuisine.
The Spice Box
Thiruvanmyur, â+91 44 4304 2365. lunch deliveries and gourmet outdoor catering. wholesome, innovative lunch-dinner in 6 options is great to try out.
Eat N Drink
South Indian fast food, from masala dosas to uttapam and pongal. Fast, cheap, tasty and hygienic.
Komalas
Kodambakkam high rd. south indian fast food.
Geetha Café
Pondy bazaar. south indian tiffin.
All these budget eateries serve only vegetarian food and are very cheap.
Midrange
Amethyst
vegetarian,sundar mahal, padmavathi road, jeypore colony, gopalapuram, chennai. +91 44 2820 3582. garden and patio cafe and restaurant with a mix of western pastas, burgers and indian fare. cuisines served by amethyst are coffee and international. it is a nice, cozy, romantic place to chill out on weekends. their cuisine is nice and so is their interiors. its a colonial house turned into a restaurant. highly recommendable. table reservations tele: +91 44 28353581
Ponnusamy
Commander-in-chief road opp ethiraj college, egmore. chettinadu cuisine
Texas Fiesta
non-vegetarian # 17/2, shaffee mohammed road, off khader nawaz khan road, chennai 600006. it is owned and operated by a tex mex aficionado who fell in love with this great cuisine while in the usa. favorite dishes include chicken wings, cream of leeks and potato soup, chicken fajita and grilled tenderloin steak apart from burritos, quesadillas and tortillas. meal for two would cost about 500. table reservations tele: +91 44 43087882
Rangis
Nungambakkam high road, nungambakkam. chinese.
Anjappar
non-vegetarian j.p. tower, 7/2, nungambakkam high road, chennai 600034. speciality: anjappar popular meals: white rice, chettinad chicken, mutton gravy, fish gravy, sambar, rasam, kootu, porial, keerai, curd, buttermilk, appalam. also famous for spl.mutton dum biriyani,nattu koli biriyani and chettinaad fish masala. price range: meals for two 500. table reservations tele: +91 44 28217200, 2825666, 42144573. they have other outlets in chennai: anna nagar:: +91 44 26264111 chennai airport-food court- anna international airport, : +91 44 22561793, 2256194 near central station:+91 44 25382666, 25383334 egmore: +91 44 42134111, 42179222 purasaiwalkam: +91 44 42089188, 26400200 t'nagar: +91 44 24328444, 24328555 mylapore: +91 44 24982883,24981226 r.k.salai: +91 44 28114555, 28114666
Amaravathi
non-vegetarian, 1 cathedral road, gopalpuram, chennai. it serves south indian sea food cuisines and is known for its spicy andhra food. their famous andhra meals, chicken and mutton biryani, vazahapoo and keerai vadi are a must try. wide range of delicacies includes chilly chicken, chili paneer, momos, soups, burgers, rolls, etc. punjabi dishes like kadhai chicken, butter chicken, daal makhni, roti, butter naan, paneer butter masala, allu matar etc. special fish prawns and amaravathi chicken are the main dishs of the restaurant. price: avrg. for 2 persons 500. seating: 135 covers. valet parking and take away. open: seven days a week. 11am to 11pm. table reservations tele: +91 044 28116416, 28110305
Dhaba Express
non-vegetarian 9, cenotaph road, teynampet, chennai and nungambakkam high road, chennai. cuisines served by dhaba express are north indian. they serve chicken tikka masala, mutton rogan josh, tandoori aloo starter, naans and roomali rotis. valet parking. open: 11:30 am to 3:30 pm, 6:30 pm to 1:30 am. price range: meals for two 500. table reservations tele: +91 44 2432 8213.
Mughal's Zaika
Rajaratnam st, chetpet, behind ega theatre. this is the best place in chennai for any kebabs esp their juicy irani kebabs! they also serve the best & authentic mughlai biryani.great value for money. one drawback or advantage is its non-a/c, its an open air restaurant. the price for one meal is around 80 rupees, or around $2. mughlai/persian/afghani/irani.
Noodle House
A chain restaurant, whoese locations include: 1. spencers plaza, anna salai mount road and 2.the intersection of sterling road and nungambakkam high road in nungambakkam. chinese.
Murugans Idli Shop
2 locations: gn chetty road t. nagar and besant nagar. murugan idli shop is a chain restaurant, and the gn chetty road shop in particular is a well-kept secret among locals as a purveyor of high-quality food; on weekends, there is a long line for entry. the price for one meal is around 20-40 rupees, or around $1. south indian.
Once Upon A Pirate...
A pirate theme restaurant, besant nagar beach road, opp velankanni church. +91 44 45511980. indian tandoor chinese cuisines.
Madurai Appu
non-vegetarian 40, sarojini street, t'nagar, chennai 600017. speciality: authentic chettinad cuisine: known for its chettinad chicken masala, chicken and mutton biryani. price range: meals for two 500. table reservations tele: +91 044 2432 8484. they have other outlets in chennai: valasaravakkam:: +91 044 24861166/24860022 mugappair: +91 044 26567676/26567393 triplicane: +91 44 28580786, 28591515, 28592929 east coast road ecr- vettuvankani: +91 44 24490077, 24491515
Karaikudi
Veeraraghava road, t. nagar, +91 44 2815 1021. also at anna nagar, besant nagar, mylapore, thiruvanmiyur chettinadu cuisine.
Anupama Southern Spice
non-vegetarian 25, 1st floor, g.n. chetty road, thyagaraya nagar, chennai 600017. specialty andhra cuisine. table reservations tele: +91 44 31000733
Sparky's
Located in egmore, is an "american diner" operated by an american expatriate settled in chennai. mexican, italian and american food. prices range from 70-150 rps for a meal. (http://www.sparkysindia.com/)
Gyan Vaishnav
Mount road, near anand theatre. north indian
Amma
non-vegetarian, no 1 dr. giri road, near bharathi raja hospital, t nagar, chennai 600017, known for authentic chettinadu cuisine. price range: meals for 2 around 350. open: 11.30am to 3.30pm and 7pm to 10.30pm. table reservations tele: mr.chinniah +91 044 28340242, 42122176
Poonamallee
Breeze hotel, 850, poonamallee high road. +91 44 2641 3334, +91 44 2643 0596. multicusine
Eden's
Harrisons hotel, 315, valluvarkottam high road, nungambakkam. wonderful continental cuisine, fully vegetarian.
Hotel Coronet
non-vegetarian 128, lattice bdge road, adyar, chennai 600020. this is one of the oldest restaurants in the area. very reasonably priced, coronet is known for its great mughalai food. their specialties are the mutton korma with parotha, ceylon egg parotha, and kheema masala. they also serve kerala malabar dishes. modest ambience. open: 9 am to past midnight. tele: +91 44 24413446, +91 44 24411915
Curry House:
non-vegetarian, 2, block ab, 11th avenue, anna nagar, chennai. hyderabadi, chettinad, and kerala delicacies. good tandoori fare of the non-veg variety popular among the punjabi's and found all over delhi is also offered. open: 12pm to 3pm and 7pm to 11pm. price range: meals for two around 350. table reservations tele: +91 44 42611167, 42611168
Annalakshmi:
vegetarian 18/3, rukmani lakshmipathy road marshall road, sigapi achi building i floor, adjacent to raja muthaiah & rani meyyammai hall, egmore, chennai â 600008. this is a must try expensive south indian food restaurant. elegant ambience, friendly service and good food. filling portions served. best selling dishes- elumichai sevai, badam-saffron milkshake. elite crowd. pricy at 1000 for 2 meals. open: tuesday to sunday monday weekly holiday lunch: 12 noon to 2.30 pm. dinner: 7.30 pm. to 9.45 pm. table reservations tele: +91 044 28525109 / 044 42141210
Gallopin Gooseberries
Burgers, sandwiches and entres. has two outlets:
Coastline
non-vegetarian 118, dr. radhakrishnan salai, mylapore, chennai. south indian seafood. freshly done interiors, slow service but delicious food. crab rasam, prawn or fish biryani. vide variety of sea food offerings. must try place. price range: meals for two 600. table reservations tele: +91 44 28251128
Dynasty
Harrisons hotel, non-vegetarian 315, valluvarkottam high road, nungambakkam, chennai. good quality chinese-indian cuisine table reservations tele: +91 44 52222777
Others:
Aiwo
vegetarian, 7 rosy towers, nungambakkam high road, nungambakkam, chennai. fusion and health foods. aiwo features a 14-course meal served on a conveyer belt that moves around the room. various dishes served are supposed to be cooked in olive oil. healthy tasty food for the health conscious. resonably priced at 199 per meal inclusive of taxes.table reservations tele:+91 044 66514241
Multi-cuisine
ECR Dhaba
non-vegetarian 9/76, kunnukadu, east coast road, near muttukadu boat house, chennai. cuisines served by ecr dhaba are punjabi table reservations tele: +91 44 27472943, +91 098407 04050. open: 11:00 am to 11:45 pm
1. 4/359,Gatsby Village, Mgr Road, +91 44 244939242. #11, Shop #2, 2nd Floor, Greams Road, Landmark: Near Thousand Lights Police Station Phone: +91 44 28291077, 28292190
Seafood
Swati and Swayam
At saravana bhavan, peters road. south indian.
North Indian
Pizzaurant
Velachery road, little mount, saidapet. cuisine - pizza & pasta.without msg home delivery for nearby areas, very indian.
Mexican
Chinese
South Indian:
Barbeque Nation (BBQ Nation)
T.nagar.
Top end
Cream Centre
55, 2nd main road, raja annamalaipuram, chennai- 600028.near kaliappa hospitalcream centre offers a wide range of vegetarian food choices- north indian and mexican, to american, italian and even lebanese.nachos, channa bhatura, american corn cheese ball, sizzlers & sizzling brownie. a specialty here is the mera thali, where you have a choice of dishes from which you can make your own thali. open: 11:00 am to 3:30 pm, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm 11:00 am to 11:00pm on weekends. table reservations tele: +91 044 42815777, +91 044 42815776.
Bella Ciao
Lounge beach garden, #4, shri krishna enclave, kottivakkam, chennai- 600041, italian-owned and run, authentic italian food. the famous wood fired oven pizza, home made pastas, steaks and salads. table reservations tele: +91 44 24511130
Little Italy
Italian restaurant, eldorado no 112, nungambakam high road, chennai-600034. italian classic cuisine with a perfect wine. chef's favourites: pizza mellino, pasta del fattore and in wines- brunello di montalcino. table reservations tele: +91 44 42601234, 42601230
Don Pepes
73, cathedral road, gopalapuram, chennai. mexican. located above hot breads as an extension, they are best known for their fajitas sizzlers and enchiladas a tortilla wrap with some mexican rice. rated expensive. open: 12:00 to 2:45 pm, 7:00 to 11:45 pm. table reservations tele: +91 44 28221461
Mainland China
Hotel tulip aruna, 144/145, sterling road, nungambakkam, chennai. 4 star hotel the restaurant chain serves authentic cuisine from the major provinces of china. table reservations tele: +91 044 28238345, 044 39155261, 044 39155256
Shanghai Club
Hotel chola sheraton, 13,cathedral road, chennai 600086. well known for its most authentic chinese cuisine. live three piece band. 5 star hotel rated expensive. table reservations tele: +91 44 28110101
Navaratna
Le royal meridien, le royal mã©ridien,1 gst road, st.thomas mount, chennai-600016. india restaurant serving royal indian cuisine. live ghazal performances. a private dining room is available for up to 12 persons and an intimate bar for pre-dinner drinksrated very expensive. open: for lunch from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm & for dinner from 7.00 to 11.45pm. table reservations tele: +91 44 22314343, +91 44 43534545
The Great Kabab Factory
Radisson g r t hotel, g.s.t. road, st thomas mount, chennai, 600016. specialities: galoutti kabab, tangri and murgh malai kababs, fish and mutton kababs. they serve alcohol and have velat parking. pricing: rated expensive. open: 12:00pm to 2:45pm, 7:00pm to 11:45pm, table reservations tele: +91 44 22310101
Kayal
Seafood restaurant of le royal meridien, 1, g.s.t. road, st. thomas mount,, chennai 600016. specialities: coriander prawn, seafood platter, kadia lobster, prawn biryani. nice complimentary garlic bread with butter. rated very expensive. open: 7:00 to 11:30 pm. table reservations tele: +91 44 22314343, +91 44 43534545
Tandoor
Quality inn aruna hotel, 4th floor, 144 & 145, sterling road, nungambakkam , chennai- 600034. specialties: north indian, punjabi, tandoori and mongolian amenities: outdoor seating and valet parking. serve alcohol. table reservations tele: +91 44 28262626, +91 44 28283636.
Copper Chimney
74, cathedral road, gopalapuram, chennai. opposite the chola sheraton. mainly north indian and iranian inspired dish. specialities: bagani bahar, paneer musselum. rated expensive. open: 12:00 to 3:00 pm, 7:00 to 12:00 pm. table reservations tele: +91 44 28115770, 28114941
Akasaka
Suraj towers, ground floor, 128 l.b. road, behind jayanthi theatre, thiruvanmiyur. japanese chef, the ambeince is japanese- low seating and all that. own fishing boat, excellent sushi and sashimi. very expensive-- figure on over 1000 for a meal here. table reservations tele: +91 44 24453424, 24456493
Pergola
The accord metropolitan hotel, 35, g n chetty road, t nagar - the highest open to sky restaurant in the city- featuring grills/indian cuisines- hours of operation 19:00 hrs- midnight- seating capacity 120 covers- table reservations tele: +91 44 28161000, 43911000.
Benjarong
146, ttk road, alwarpet, chennai 600018, the authentic flavor of thailand. seating capacity 68 covers. open: 12.15 pm to 2.45 pm and 7.15 pm to 11.45 pm. table reservations tele: +91 44 24322640
Dakshin
Park sheraton hotel and towers, 132, t.t.k. road, alwarpet, chennai. south indian cuisines- dakshin offers the 'rare' pleasures of ethnic coastal and regional cuisines. the choicest cuisine of the four southern states served in a regal setting. live carnatic music. expensive but excellent food- starters include traditional,kuli paniyaram. try the idi appam or appam with mutton stew. desert: kulfi. open: 12.30 to 2.45 pm, 7.30 to 11.45 pm. table reservations tele: +91 44 24994101.
Cilantro
Coffee shop / restaurant of le royal mã©ridien,1 gst road, st.thomas mount, chennai-600016. the restaurant serves continental, indian, south indian, italian, arabic shawarmaâs, chinese, thai and a teppenyaki grill of japanese cuisine. open: 24 hrs. table reservations tele: +91 44 22314343, +91 44 43534545
The Residency
Park sheraton hotel and towers, chamiers road, alwarpet,chennai. lavish buffet and an international a la carte menu. in a gracious setting reminiscent of the edwardian era. live music. open: 12.30 pm to 2.45 pm, 7.30 pm to 11.45 pm. table reservations tele: 91 44 2499 4101
Seasons
The accord metropolitan hotel, 35, g.n. chetty road, t nagar, chennai- extensive buffets featuring cuisines from all over the world- oriental to italian, continental to indian, and global a la carte - open: 24 hrs. seating capacity 65 covers- breakfast buffet 07:00 - 10:30 hrs - lunch buffet 12:30 - 15:00 hrs - dinner buffet 19:30 - 23:00 hrs- table reservations tele: +91 44 28161000, 43911000
Cafe Mercara
In chola sharaton hotel, 13,cathedral road, gopalapuram, chennai- 600086. coffee boutique which serves an amazing array of coffees and tea from around the world- burgers, pizzas, salads and snacks. 5 star hotel rated expensive. table reservations tele: +91 44 24322640 +91 44 28110101
Prego
Taj coromandel, nungambakkam high road, nungambakkam. +91 44 5500 2827. gourmet italian dining, replaced patio
Southern Spice
Taj coromandel, nungambakkam high road, nungambakkam. +91 44 55002827.
Shansi Chinese & Tandoori Restaurant
Annanagar - indian and chinese - 26213109
North Indian
Lebanese and Middle Eastern Delicacies
Seafood Restaurant
Italian
Continental
South Indian
Citrus
Savera hotels ltd., 146, dr. radhakrishnan road, mylapore, chennai- 600004. multicuisine- featuring mediterranean barbeque and norwegian smoked salmon. table reservations tele: +91 44 28114700
Peshwari
Sheraton chola hotel, cathedral road, chennai 600 086. the award winning peshawari is the indian specialty restaurant with the rugged flavours of the north-west frontier and the art of tandoori cooking. the food is cooked in clay ovens or tandoor in the traditional style which is viewed through the open kitchen. 5 star hotel rated expensive. table reservations tele: +91 44 28110101
Cedars
Wallace garden road, nungambakkam, chennai- 600085. dim lit ambience is beautiful with exquisite furnishing in mediterranean style. they serve the most authentic lebanese, middle eastern delicacies and some interesting mediterranean cuisines. table reservations tele: +91 44 42182397
Afghan
Coffee Shop
Japanese
Thailand Delicacies
Korean
Multi-Cuisine
Arirang Korean Restaurant
Dr thirumurthy nagar 91 main road nungambakkam, nungambakkam, chennai-600034. table reservations tele: +91 44 28233739
Grill and Indian Cuisine
Chinese
Mexican
Chennai has numerous restaurants, offering an assortment of cuisine. The beach restaurants are well maintained and serve great food during the evenings. The eat outs in Chennai range from budget, midrange and to up-market. There are swanky star quality restaurants, plain open traditional vegetarian or non vegetarian restaurants- where you share a table with strangers, street stalls, tea kadais, fast food centers, western fast food centers, food courts, coffee shops, bakeries to exclusive specialty establishments. Vegetarian restaurants serve tiffin and vegetarian meals. There are also a number of restaurants that serve a variety of Tamil, Andhra and Kerala vegetarian and non-vegetarian fare. Many of these restaurants have nowadays diversified and offer other Indian and Indianized Chinese dishes as well. Usually the check includes a service charge, written next to 'S.C.' If no service charge is added, it is customary to leave a moderate tip.