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Dosa, Idli, Sambhar, and coconut chutney—these are some of the things that might come to your mind when you think about eating out in Chennai. But, the endless urbanization in the city has changed the landscape of dine-outs. Cafés have sprung up all over the city and eating out isn’t quite what it used to be. With the shuffle happening so fast, not visiting these cafes in Chennai will only make you miss out on something that’s too good to be given a miss. These cafes go beyond the traditional South Indian meals. They mark the blend of a culinary experience and an aesthetic ambience. Here is a list of the best cafes in Chennai-
A beach eatery in Chennai, Tryst café strives to rejuvenate your senses with the fresh ocean breeze. The drifting coffee smell in the air pulls you in. The café has an outdoor as well as indoor seating. Although it serves lip-smacking Mexican, Continental, and Italian dishes, spare some room for its bakery items. The idea of this café was originally to offer freshly baked French baguettes. Thus, you would miss out on something really special if you don’t try out their baked items. Also, to get the all-around café feel, their desserts are a must.
Location: The café is located on the East Coast Road in Neelankarai area
Timings: The café is open on all 7 days between 9.30 am and 10 pm
Average cost for two: The café is pocket-friendly too and on an average, it would cost somewhere around Rs. 900 (excluding taxes) for a meal for two
Ratings: The café is rated 3.9 out 5 on Zomato
The Amethyst café in Chennai has been around for sometime, however, each time you visit this place, it feels like the first time. As the name suggests, the café has a green palette, for a calm that fills you while sit and sip your cuppa. Italian and continental dishes can be found at their authentic best at the café but, to enjoy their speciality, go for their breakfast. Given its romantic vibe, a dinner date isn’t a bad idea either. They have indoor and outdoor seating available. The best draw of the cafe? Your pets are as welcome inside as you are!
Location: The café is located next on Whites Road, near Corporation Bank in Royapettah
Timings: The café is open on all 7 days of the week between 10 am and 11.30 pm
Average cost for two: A meal for two on an average will cost somewhere around Rs. 1400 (excluding taxes)
Ratings: The café has an amazing rating of 4.1 out of 5 on Zomato
If you are an admirer of art, this café will take your breath away. Colored in soft pastels, the café gives off an old charm, of the English kind. It’s not too difficult to guess that one can find teas in all varieties and ranges, here. From organic green to exotic teas, one can take care of all their cravings. As for the food served at the café, guests get to choose from an assortment of cuisines such as Mexican, Asian, Italian, etc. Other than the teas, the café is also known for its desserts. To get a taste of their best, visit the café for their Afternoon Cream Tea Set. They serve sandwiches, raisin scones, pastries with a choice of tea. If you wish to spend some time alone or cannot find a partner to go with, the café offers a wide collection of books to browse through with your tea.
Location: The café is located on Kasturi Ranga Road in Alwarpet
Timings: The café remains open on all 7 days between 11 am and 11 pm
Average cost for two: Eating here goes easy on the pocket as the average meal for two here will cost you around Rs. 900 (excluding taxes)
Ratings: The café has a rating of 4 out of 5 on Zomato
The Writer’s café Chennai is every book lover’s dream come true. In collaboration with Higginbotham, one of the oldest bookstores in India, the Writer’s café speaks out to the book-thirsty crowd. The café provides a peaceful space to people who like to do polish their creative sides. The café run by acid attack survivors and women re-building their lives after escaping domestic abuse. The café also teaches burn victims skills, that might make them feel less ostracised in an everyday world, which is a noble initiative by the cafe. They serve scrumptious appetizers, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. However, the one thing that you cannot miss is their Flammenkuchen, a pizza-like dish from the southern part of Germany.
Location: The café is located at Peter’s Road, behind Philip’s service center in Gopalapuram
Timings: The café is open on all days of the week between 9 am and 10.30 pm
Average cost for two: The café is pocket-friendly and the average cost for two can be as low as Rs. 450 (excluding tax)
Ratings: The café has been rated 4.3 out of on Zomato
The café serves some of the most exotic teas and coffees in a very countryside-like setting. The aromatic flavors available at the café are prepared using innovative brewing techniques. Most parts of the café, including the furniture, are done in white, adding a very English and vintage touch to the café. If that’s not “English” enough for you, go for their all-day breakfast menu, loaded with options like eggs, pancakes, muffins, and waffles. The café has lush green surroundings, care has been put into its carefully crafted seating arrangements. Also, if you are looking for some authentic lamb burgers, look no further. The Brew Room serves some of the most delicious lamb burgers in the city.
Location: The café is located inside the Savera Hotel in Mylapore
Timings: One can visit the café on all 7 days of the week between 8 am and 11 pm
Average cost for two: On average, the cost for two people here will be around Rs. 1100 (excluding taxes)
Ratings: The café has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 on Zomato
The café has a vintage charm to it that is sure to bewitch your heart. The photos on the wall and the colonial furniture complete the overall vintage decor of the place. Its luxurious and comfortable setting makes puts it on the list of the must-visit cafes in the city. The food isn’t far behind, the café serves delicious all-day breakfast with a variety of options in addition to the regular main menu.
Location: The café is located on Chamier’s Road, opposite Adyar Park Gate in RK Puram
Timings: The café is open from Monday to Sunday between 8 am to 11.30 pm
Average cost for two: On average, the cost for two starts from Rs. 1000 (excluding taxes)
Ratings: The café is rated 4.2 out of 5 on Zomato
For anyone in the mood for a quiet evening, this café is the best place to be. The ambiance of the place is classy with doodles adorning the wall. The overall setting of the café is such that it puts you at ease as soon as you enter the place. The café serves European dishes but, the crowd swears by its Italian food. The Bolognese Spaghetti and Theobroma are their most popular dishes. The café also serves some aromatic teas that are well-worth your time and money.
Location: The café is located on 2nd Main Road in Kasturibai Nagar
Timings: The café is open from Monday to Sunday from 12 pm to 9.30 pm
Average cost for two: On average, a meal for two costs around Rs. 800 (excluding taxes)
Ratings: The café has a rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Zomato
The list of best cafes in Chennai will not be complete without Lloyds Tea House. The place will surprise you with the variety of flavors on offer in teas. For all the tea loyalists, the café serves as many as 60-70 varieties of teas, including the exotic white tea. Besides, the café also serves some of the tastiest European, Asian, and Italian dishes, which are available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. One can find the best pesto pasta, and chicken club sandwiches in the city, at this café. For that next high-tea luncheon, you know where to go.
Location: The café is located on Lloyds road in Gopalapuram
Timings: The café is open on all days of the week. During the weekdays, the café remains open from 11 am to 11 pm. But, over the weekends, it opens at 8 in the morning and remains open till 11 at night
Average cost for two: For a meal for two, you will have to shell out Rs. 1000 (excluding tax) on an average
Ratings: The café has got a rating of 4.2 out of 5 on Zomato
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April 15, 2024 
