Best restaurants in Chennai

38 people recommend, 9 warn against itvia r/Chennai

A widely recommended vegetarian chain in Chennai, with a few calling it a reliable choice and the Adyar and R A Puram branches singled out, the latter for veg breakfast and evening tiffin. Diners name dishes like the cone ghee roast, masala dosa and veg biryani, and two fans rate it above Saravana Bhavan. The pushback is real though: a couple of commenters call it overrated, one finds the food bland, another says you won't get authentic, flavourful food there, and two consider it pricey for a vegetarian menu. One commenter also wonders aloud what has happened to the chain after its rapid expansion.

• RecommendsGo-to tiffin place, recommends the thenga paal kanji
• CaveatDine-in restaurant where you can't get authentic, flavourful food

Adyar·Sangeetha Veg Restaurant - Adyar, No: 7, Gandhi Nagar 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India

37 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Erode Amman Mess is a Tamil non-veg restaurant that many people recommend for authentic South Tamil Nadu food, with diners singling out dishes like mutton chukka, mutton biryani, Japan chicken and Nalampatti chicken rice. One commenter says it is good value for money, while another says it is one of the only biryani places they like. A few warn it is overrated and one diner found the Japan chicken average. Commenters also note it gets crowded, so arrive early, and one says service can vary between branches.

• RecommendsNon-veg friends picked it among their choices
• CaveatNames it as an overrated place.

T Nagar·Erode Amman Mess, 138, Habibullah Rd, Darmapuram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

27 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Ratna Cafe, especially its Triplicane High Road outlet, is a Chennai institution that many recommend for its idli and sambar, with the hot sambar poured over the idli drawing the most praise and a couple calling it a must-try. Commenters single out the Triplicane outlet as the iconic one, though two say it has slipped from earlier days. Several warn it is overpriced or overrated for what you get.

• RecommendsListed as a South Indian food spot to try for visitors.
• CaveatCalls all branches of these chains overrated.

Triplicane·Ratna Cafe, Triplicane High Rd, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005, India

26 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Manjal in Poes Garden is a frequent commenter pick for non-veg Tamil meals: one commenter singles out its Seeraga Samba biryani, and one diner recommends it to a visitor wanting to taste Tamil food. Another recommends going for the set menu, and one diner describes the service, where a plate of dishes is brought to your table to choose from. The caveats: it gets crowded, so go early, and vegetarians are warned the options are limited.

• RecommendsGo-to place for meals
• CaveatBelieves Manjal doesn't deserve a spot on any recommendation list.

Poes Garden·Manjal, 6/9, Kasthuri Estate, 3rd St, Poes Garden, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086, India

25 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Geetham is a vegetarian chain that many people recommend for reliable South Indian food, with one praising its consistent taste and service across branches and others calling it a go-to or a regular breakfast place. One says it serves good South Indian vegetarian food but gets crowded on weekends. Price is a common caveat: one calls it nice but a bit pricey, and another says middle-class diners can't afford it regularly. Two call it overrated, one diner found the food bland, and two others dismiss it as subpar or not worth recommending. Branches mentioned include T Nagar.

• RecommendsSays Sangeetha/Geetham rarely disappoint.
• CaveatFinds the food bland and insipid for the price.

T Nagar·Geetham Veg Restaurant, 102/82, Gopathy Narayana Rd, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

21 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Eating Circles in Alwarpet is a widely recommended spot for Bangalore-style tiffin and Karnataka-style sambar, with several people naming it among their go-to vegetarian places in Chennai. Diners single out the Mysore and benne masala dosas, the maddur vade, and the chutney, and one commenter calls it the best Bangalore tiffin in the city. It is also noted as a budget-friendly option.

• RecommendsListed among recommendations for good food in Chennai.

Alwarpet·Eating Circles, 64, CP Ramaswamy Rd, SBI Colony, Abiramapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018, India

21 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/Chennai

PIND is a pure vegetarian North Indian restaurant with several branches around Chennai, including Velachery, and many people recommend it — one calls it the best North Indian food they've had in the city, and one diner found the thali satisfying and good value. It also comes up as a vegetarian buffet option. The caveats: one diner found the food heavy on oil, several consider it pricey or average for what you pay, one had a poor meal at the Chrompet branch and will not go back, and another simply did not like it.

• RecommendsListed among recommendations for good food in Chennai.
• CaveatTeam dinner was bad, sour lassi and below-average food, won't return

Velachery·Pind Restaurant - Desi restaurant Velachery, 4/19A, 2nd St, Balamurugan Nagar, Sarathy Nagar, Velachery Balamurugan, Nagar, Sarathy Nagar, Velachery Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042 India, Tamil Nadu 600042, India

20 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Annalakshmi is a pure vegetarian restaurant that many people recommend for an authentic, upscale South Indian meal, with one calling it one of the best South Indian experiences available. Several commenters praise the ambience, which one calls royal and another likens to a bygone era, and two say it works well for family celebrations and dinners. The main caveats are practical: one commenter notes tables are hard to get, and two say it opens only on weekends and needs a reservation. One commenter lists it among overrated places.

• RecommendsSuggests Annalakshmi as the spot for marking special family occasions.
• CaveatLists Annalakshmi among overrated places.

Spur Tank Road·Annalakshmi Restaurant, No 6 Mayor Ramanathan Salai, Spur Tank road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600031, India

18 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Hamsa in Adyar is a vegetarian fine dining spot that many recommend, with commenters praising its North Indian food, quality and ambience, and one calling it a better pick for vegetarian food than the big hotel restaurants. The caveats are real: one commenter flatly warns against going, one recent diner felt the food has declined, and another found the food mediocre and overpriced for what you get. One commenter has heard that a table is very hard to book.

• RecommendsListed among recommendations for good food in Chennai.
• CaveatRecent visit found food below average; feels it has declined.

Adyar·flat 3a, Hamsa, New #40, Old #71-A, B Ramachandra Adithanar Road, 79, B Ramachandra Adithanar Rd, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India

17 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Zaitoon is a popular Arabian restaurant in Chennai that many people name as a go-to spot, with the Nungambakkam branch drawing particular mention for its private dining domes. Commenters single out dishes like the special BBQ, Laham Meshvi and tandoori, while one diner recommends the half barbeque spicy mandi with a cheese kunafa. A few caveats exist: one visitor advises skipping the biryani, another says meat portions have shrunk and quality has slipped lately, and one commenter finds it pricey while another considers it affordable. One diner also notes you should pre-book before going.

• RecommendsSuggested as a good affordable choice.
• CaveatComplains it is expensive.

Nungambakkam·Zaitoon Restaurant, Nungambakkam, 13/33, Shafee Mohammed Rd, opposite to Apollo Children's Hospital, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India

16 people recommend, 6 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Nandhana Palace is an Andhra restaurant that many people recommend, especially for its biryani, with one diner saying any biryani on the menu is tasty and a couple praising the Hyderabadi paneer biryani in particular. Others disagree: a few commenters call the place overrated, one diner found the biryani bland and the price unjustified after a long wait, and another describes it as flavourless, dry biryani in a bad Hyderabadi style. Another warns that quality drops on delivery apps, so it is better visited in person.

• RecommendsPrefers it for Andhra style biriyani, noting it's near Pallikaranai.
• CaveatWaited 25 minutes but biryani and meals were bland and tasteless; price not justified, felt cheated.

2nd Floor, Nandhana Palace - Velachery, No: 30A, Velachery Bypass Rd, Lakshmi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042, India

14 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Kailash Parbat is a vegetarian North Indian chain that people suggest for veg food, with branches mentioned in Chetpet (Harrington Road), Adyar, Velachery and Nungambakkam. One commenter names the Harrington Road branch as a repeat favourite and suggests it for chole kulche, and a diner who visited found it good. Not everyone is sold: one places it in a second tier of North Indian spots, and another calls it a middling option.

• RecommendsRecommended for veg lovers.
• MixedConsiders Kailash Parbat a mediocre option.

Kailash Parbat, 13, Harrington Rd, opposite MCC school, Chetpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600031, India

14 people recommendvia r/Chennai

People frequently recommend Bombay Halwa House for North Indian vegetarian food, and it is a pure vegetarian restaurant. The T Nagar branch comes up most, though commenters also mention branches in Parry's, Kilpauk and on Poonamallee High Road, and one lists it among budget-friendly options. One diner singles out the kaju curry masala and onion tawa parantha, and another says the paneer butter masala is done well. A caveat: one commenter places it in a second tier of North Indian spots, below the places they consider the best.

• RecommendsSays it's actually good, noting it's a pure vegetarian restaurant.

T Nagar·Shyam's Bombay Halwa House, No. 6, Govindu St, behind Panagal Park, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

14 people recommendvia r/Chennai

The Writer's Cafe in Adyar gets consistent recommendations, with commenters naming it among their go-to or repeat spots and one calling it an all-time favourite. Several say it is affordable with good food, and one who went weekly as a student liked that you can stay for hours. Others suggest it for continental food or fried chicken, and one commenter mentions a branch at VR Mall.

• RecommendsNamed as a repeat restaurant

Adyar·49/22, Writer's Café, 3rd Main Rd, Kasturba Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India

14 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Shri Rajasthani Dhaba in Anna Nagar is strongly recommended by many people for its North Indian food, with individual diners praising the special thali, the unlimited rotis and the home-style taste. Commenters find it budget-friendly or decently priced, though one notes prices have risen recently. A couple of caveats: one diner found the paneer butter masala fusion-like rather than authentically North Indian, and another called it the worst they have tasted.

• RecommendsSuggests this Rajasthani restaurant in Anna Nagar as a recommendation.
• CaveatWorst paneer butter masala ever; odd mustard seeds, no richness, poor taste despite less oil.

Anna Nagar·Shri Rajasthani Dhaba Restaurant, 3rd Floor, Shop No. C40, 2nd Ave, Near Adyar Ananda Bhavan - A2B, Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600040, India

13 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Patiala House is a vegetarian-only North Indian restaurant in Chennai that many people recommend, with several naming it as a place for paneer butter masala and one commenter praising its consistent taste. Two commenters call it a budget-friendly option. People mention branches in Chetpet, Anna Nagar, Nungambakkam and Egmore.

• RecommendsLists it as a good veg-only North Indian option.

Chetpet·The Patiala House, Ground Floor, Chetpet, 47/23, Spur Tank road, opp. of Govt. Institute of Thoracic Medicine, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600031, India

13 people recommend, 5 warn against itvia r/Chennai

A vegetarian restaurant with multiple Chennai branches, most discussed in Adyar, that many people recommend for South Indian and Udupi-style food, with one diner praising the authentic taste and old-school charm and another singling out the masala dosa. It offers both buffet and à la carte; commenters note it is fully vegetarian and generally crowded. Several diners warn against it, though, calling the food average or bland with limited variety, and a couple feel it is pricey for what you get, with one suspecting quality has declined over time.

• RecommendsSimply recommends Mathsya.
• CaveatFound the food just okay and the choices poor for the price at the Adyar branch.

Adyar·No 53, Mathsya Adayar Branch, 26, Gandhi Nagar 1st Main Rd, Opp : GRT Jewellers, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India

12 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Soy Soi in Kotturpuram is a pan-Asian restaurant that many people recommend, with commenters calling it good for Asian and Thai food and suggesting it for a fine-dining meal or for taking visiting colleagues out. A vegetarian commenter also found it great, and others name it as a go-to or repeat restaurant.

• RecommendsSuggested for a fine dining experience.

Kotturpuram·Soy Soi, 2/10, Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Chitra Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600085, India

12 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Welcome Hotel in Purasaiwakkam is a long-standing vegetarian favourite that people recommend above all for its idli sambar, with several calling it a must-try for the dish and one joking that the sambar is so generous you could swim in it. One diner calls it pure nostalgia, the first hotel they ate at in school, and another says the sambar idli is their first meal on every Chennai visit. Others suggest it for a team dinner.

• RecommendsPhenomenal taste since mother's childhood and very pocket friendly

Purasaiwakkam·Welcome Hotel, 241, Purasaivakkam High Rd, Purasaiwakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600007, India

12 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Many people recommend Cream Centre as a good veg option, with two singling out its veg biryani. One suggests it for a family meal, another points to the Anna Nagar branch, and one lists it among their picks while finding it a little expensive.

• RecommendsSuggests it as a good option for the family meeting.

Cream Centre | Nungambakkam | Chennai, 45, College Rd, Subba Road Avenue, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India

12 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Buhari's Mount Road branch is a favourite among people for non-veg food: one recommends its mutton biryani there, others name the wheat parotta with mutton kurma or with paneer butter masala, one prefers its bun butter jam to Bilal's, and one diner calls the Mount Road branch unmatched. A few caution that the brand is overrated or has slipped, with one commenter finding the biryani pricey for mediocre taste.

• RecommendsRecommends the Mount Road branch for bun butter jam and parotta with gravy.
• CaveatSays never visit this Buhari branch, it's very bad these days.

Mount Road·BUHARI - MOUNT ROAD, 83, Anna Salai, Border Thottam, Anna Salai, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600002, India

11 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Savya Rasa is one of the South Indian restaurants locals recommend most, with many listing it as a top pick and one suggesting it for a royal South Indian experience. A commenter calls it the best place to try South Indian food, and a diner who took their parents says they loved the service and the authentic food. The caveat is price: a couple say it is expensive, though one of them has enjoyed the food there.

• RecommendsListed among recommendations for good food in Chennai.
• CaveatPersonally did not like Savya Rasa.

Alwarpet·Savya Rasa, 2/10, Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Chitra Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600085, India

10 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Amaravati is a frequently recommended Andhra restaurant in Chennai, with commenters suggesting it for Andhra meals, non-veg dishes, and authentic Andhra cuisine. One diner praises the pepper chicken, and another recommends it for Telugu-style fish pulusu. One commenter calls the Cathedral Road branch pretty decent, though it was a fallback suggestion behind other venues for a group event, and another notes it likely does not serve a buffet, offering an a-la-carte menu instead.

• RecommendsSuggested for a fine dining experience.
• MixedMentioned the Cathedral Road branch as a decent option, though other venues were their primary suggestions.

Cathedral Road·Amaravathi Restaurant, 1, Cathedral Rd, opp. Music Academy, Parthasarathypuram, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004, India

10 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Aeseo is a Korean restaurant that two people call the best Korean place in Chennai, and others suggest it as the go-to Korean option. One diner recommends the smoked duck, galbi, fried chicken and sundubu, though they found the bulgogi and kimbap only okay. Cost is the recurring caveat: one commenter notes it is expensive and not very popular with the general crowd, while another admits it is pricey but says the food and service are great and the bill can be kept down by choosing dishes carefully.

• RecommendsConsiders it one of Chennai's best Korean restaurants and notes they serve soju.
• MixedThinks it is quite expensive and not very popular with the general crowd.

Aeseo Korean Restaurant, 15, East Ave, Kesavaperumalpuram, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028, India

10 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Greenhouse Barbecue in T Nagar is a pure vegetarian barbecue restaurant that many recommend, and one commenter describes it as a veg alternative to Barbeque Nation. A recent diner found the food amazing but slightly pricey, and another commenter praises the ambience, service and food options. It also appears in several lists of Chennai's vegetarian and buffet options.

• RecommendsSays Greenhouse Barbecue is good.

T Nagar·The Greenhouse Barbecue, 17, Valmiki St, Thirumurthy Nagar, Satyamurthy Nagar, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

9 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Avartana at ITC Grand Chola is a fine dining spot that many people recommend, particularly for special occasions, thanks to its multi-course tasting menus that commenters call a wonderful experience with good food. It is pricey, and one commenter feels it is overrated and not worth the cost. Still, the overall verdict is positive, with one regular calling it a must-do.

• RecommendsGood but a bit pricey.
• MixedThinks the food is good but the restaurant is overhyped and doesn't justify what you pay.

ITC·Avartana, ITC Grand Chola, Little Mount, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032, India

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Dakshin is a pricey South Indian fine dining spot that many people recommend for its food and overall experience, with one commenter praising the live music and classy interiors. Two diners call the food overrated, and one of them warns it caters to non-South Indians; a third diner feels it is priced high for the taste. One commenter notes the original Crowne Plaza location was being demolished and that it has reopened on TTK Road in Alwarpet, and advises calling ahead to reserve a table.

• RecommendsSuggests the reopened hotel restaurant and advises calling ahead to reserve a table.
• CaveatHas visited and finds it super overrated, saying it caters to non-South Indians.

no 135, Dakshin Chennai, Old, TTK Rd, Austin Nagar, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018, India

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Palmshore comes up often in Chennai food threads, with many people recommending it for family outings, team dinners, and as a go-to for mandi. One diner who visited praises the fish and lobster as heavenly, and another commenter calls it perfect. The main caveat is from one commenter who finds it overrated, saying other seafood spots offer better pricing and taste. It is also noted as a budget-friendly option for families.

• RecommendsSuggested as an affordable option for the family outing.
• CaveatOverrated since better seafood shops exist with better pricing and taste.

Palmshore Restaurant Anna Nagar, 14/4, AA Block 3rd Main Rd, Lapis lagoon, AB Block, Shanthi Colony, Anna Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600040, India

9 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Nasi and Mee is a pan-Asian restaurant that many people recommend in Chennai, with one diner who visited the Perungudi branch while craving Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng finding it good. Two commenters disagree on branches: one liked the outlet at the Holiday Inn near SRP Tools more than the Nungambakkam one, while another says the KNK Road outlet in Nungambakkam is by far the better. One commenter strongly disagrees with the praise, calling the food average at best.

• RecommendsListed among recommendations for good food in Chennai.
• CaveatStrongly disagrees with the praise, feeling the restaurant is average at best.

Nasi and Mee - Nungambakkam, Khader Nawaz Khan Rd, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India

8 people recommendvia r/Chennai

East Coast by Madras Square is a multi-cuisine restobar on ECR that several people recommend, including for team lunches and meals in the Neelankarai area. Commenters say it has a solid menu with lots of options, serves liquor, and one diner found it reasonably priced, though another calls it a tad bit expensive. The food gets mixed reviews: one diner found the ambience nice but the food average, and another felt the seafood disappoints because of the basa fish while the Indian dishes are good. On one occasion a commenter found both branches fully booked.

• RecommendsSuggests Easy Coast as an option when asked for team lunch restaurants.
• MixedEnjoyed the ambience but felt the food was only average, not matching the hype.

ECR·East Coast at Madras Square, 2/520, Sandeep Avenue, Sakthimoorthiamman Nagar, Neelankarai, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600115, India

8 people recommendvia r/Chennai

People recommend Bayroot, with several praising the food and one repeat visitor saying they have never been disappointed across multiple lunches. One commenter describes it as having a solid multi-cuisine menu that is reasonably priced, and one loves the beautiful ambience. Caveats: one commenter finds the menu a bit confusing and says the seafood is a miss since they mostly use Basa fish, and another notes you may need to slightly increase your budget for a good meal.

• RecommendsFrequent visitor praises ambience, hospitality and Asian menu; notes small rice portions and very cold AC.
• MixedSays 8 is too high; food deserves only 6 or 7.

ECR·4, Bayroot, 364, Anna Salai Rd, Palavakkam Kuppam, Palavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041, India

8 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Babal da Punjabi Dhaba is a Punjabi restaurant in Chennai that many recommend, with one calling it the city's original Punjabi spot. A couple of diners say it has stayed consistently good over years of repeat visits, and one person singles out the starters while another praises the butter chicken and Amritsari-style fish. One diner found it really good but was unsure whether it's the best, and another says it was very good a couple of years ago but doesn't know how it is now.

• RecommendsCalls it the original Punjabi restaurant of Chennai.
• MixedWas very good two years ago but unsure of current quality.

Kilpauk·Babal Da Punjabi Dabha, Poonamallee High Rd, opp. Abu Portico, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600084, India

8 people recommendvia r/Chennai

People recommend Anu's Punjabi Dhaba as a budget-friendly North Indian option in Chennai. One commenter singles out the Peshawari chicken tikka, while a first-hand diner calls the chicken 65 biryani at the Gopalapuram branch the best in the city, praising its soft chicken and saying the quantity matches the price. It also appears on a list of places for paneer butter masala, and commenters note branches in Gopalapuram and Royapettah.

• RecommendsSuggests it as a budget North Indian option for the student.

Gopalapuram·Anu's Punjabi Dhaba, 271, Avvai Shanmugham Salai, Pudupet, Gopalapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086, India

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Madurai Kumar Mess, a Tamil non-veg restaurant with a much-discussed Vadapalani branch, is frequently recommended for authentic South Tamil Nadu non-veg food. One diner who visited calls the biryani among the best they have had, praising the thalcha pairing and the chicken 65, while another says it is on the pricier side but tastes very good. A lone commenter warns that portions are small and prices are high compared to the Madurai branch.

• RecommendsNames it as their single choice for a last meal
• CaveatSays food items have very little quantity.

Vadapalani·Madurai Kumar Mess, No 165&167, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600083, India

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Pakwaan, especially the T Nagar branch, comes up repeatedly when people suggest North Indian dining in Chennai, and one commenter who has eaten there rates it highly so far. Another first-hand diner groups it with several buffet spots they enjoyed, though that praise covers multiple restaurants, and a commenter also recommends arriving early to eat without rushing. One person notes lunchtime tends to be quiet and works well for large families, while another suggests checking whether it fits your budget. Two commenters disagree with the recommendations, finding the food poor or merely average, so views are split.

• RecommendsSuggests the T Nagar branch.
• CaveatDisagrees, says Pakwaan is not good.

T Nagar·1st Floor, Pakwan Chennai, 10, Gopathy Narayana Rd, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Murugan Idli Shop is a well-liked vegetarian option in Chennai, with several commenters recommending it overall, including as a budget-friendly veg choice. One commenter calls it a quintessential Chennai spot, and the mini idli and chakara pongal are singled out. A couple of commenters warn against it, though: one diner who visited found everything average and pricey for breakfast, and another says it has gone downhill over the past decade.

• RecommendsSuggested for vegetarian food
• CaveatEverything tasted average and it was expensive for breakfast.

Besant Nagar·Murugan Idli Shop, E. 149/1, 6th Avenue, opp. Annai Velankanni Road, GOCHS Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090, India

8 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

Pumpkin Tales in Alwarpet serves Thai and Southeast Asian food, and many recommend it, with one defender calling it among the best in the city for its interesting, high-quality dishes. It is suggested for occasions like team lunches, birthday meals, and dining with visiting colleagues, and a commenter finds it worth the money. However, two commenters warn against it: one had a bad experience and felt other places deliver better food for what you pay, while the other agrees it is overhyped and serves mediocre food at high prices.

• RecommendsListed among recommendations for good food in Chennai.
• CaveatAgrees it serves overpriced mediocre food.

First Floor, Pumpkin Tales Restaurant - Alwarpet, 37, Bheemanna Garden St, Sriram Colony, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018, India

7 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Chettinad Canteen is a Chettinad-style restaurant that several people suggest for a finer dining experience: commenters describe a set, multi-course tasting menu rather than a buffet, and one calls the food great. Another suggests it for fusion food and notes that you need to book ahead.

• RecommendsRecommends it for fusion food, noting pre-booking is required.

Chettinad Canteen, 50, Seethammal Rd, Seethammal Colony, Lubdhi Colony, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018, India

7 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Savoury Sea Shell is a non-vegetarian restaurant that people recommend, with two calling it their go-to: one praises the tandoori chicken and lamb leg at the Anna Nagar outlet, and another diner who agrees liked the grilled chicken. Others recommend it for shawarma and seafood. The main caveat is that one diner finds the menu a bit pricey, though valet parking is available.

• RecommendsTheir go-to non-vegetarian repeat restaurant

Savoury Sea Shell Restaurant and Banquets, E Block, #3, 3rd Ave, Block E, Annanagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600102, India

7 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Little Italy is an Italian restaurant that people repeatedly name among the good Italian places in Chennai, with one suggesting it specifically for an Italian vegetarian buffet. One diner is happy with the food there, another goes whenever they are back in Chennai, and one commenter notes three locations: Anna Nagar, Thousand Lights and Besant Nagar.

• RecommendsListed among good Italian restaurants in Chennai

Little Italy Restaurant, Besant Nagar, Chennai, E-50, 17th Cross St, GOCHS Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090, India

7 people recommendvia r/Chennai

VB World is a vegetarian restaurant in Chennai that people recommend, with an Anna Nagar outlet and a newer Pondy Bazaar location. Commenters praise its multi-cuisine variety and its veg dishes made to resemble non-veg, and one diner, who ordered it twice, calls an off-menu soya seeraga samba biryani the best vegetarian biryani they have had.

• RecommendsRecommends VB World when asked for nice restaurants for a family meeting.

Velachery·No.56, VB World By Namma Veedu Vasanta Bhavan - Velachery, Chennai, New No.163, Old, Velachery Main Rd, Anna Garden, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042, India

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Southern Spice, inside the Taj Coromandel, is a fine dining option that several people recommend for South Indian food, with one first-hand diner finding it better than Raintree. A commenter who has visited says it matches the quality of comparable places but is quite pricey. Another warns it has lost its charm.

• RecommendsRecommends Southern Spice from the shortlist.
• CaveatFeels Southern Spice is no longer what it used to be.

Southern Spice, Taj Coromandel, Uthamar Gandhi Rd, Anna Salai, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034, India

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Flower Drum, a Chinese restaurant pinned here at its Adyar outlet, is a repeat commenter suggestion, with praise pooled across its Chennai locations. One diner calls the Egmore Flower Drum the best Chinese they have had anywhere, another points to Adyar, one includes it in a list of places with nice ambience, service and food options, and others name it among places to try. One commenter wonders whether an older location now trades under a different name. The dissent is blunt: one commenter calls it the worst place ever and says the building looks run-down.

• RecommendsDinner pick for Chinese food
• CaveatCalls it the worst place and says the building looks run-down.

Adyar·4th floor, Flower Drum Adyar - Pure vegetarian, 3, LB Rd, Padmanabha Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020, India

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Crescent in Nungambakkam is a Kerala restaurant that several locals recommend, singling out the Malabar porotta with mutton curry, the Malabar biryani, Kerala fried chicken and shawarma. Two diners describe the food as healthy and budget-friendly, and one says even a parent who dislikes eating out enjoyed it. One commenter reports a bad experience at the Guindy branch and questions whether quality varies across outlets, despite the Nungambakkam branch's good reputation.

• RecommendsEverything on the menu is excellent; a complete, healthy, budget-friendly meal.
• CaveatGuindy branch order was horrible despite Nungambakkam branch having good reputation.

Nungambakkam·Crescent Restaurant, Loyola, 44, Tank Bund Rd, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034, India

7 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Toscano is an Italian restaurant that many people include in their lists of reliable Chennai restaurants. The main caveat is price: a couple of commenters find it too expensive, one adding that the food is decent.

• RecommendsListed among recommendations for good food in Chennai.
• CaveatToo expensive

Toscano, 11, Khader Nawaz Khan Rd, Srirampuram, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Poombukar Nagar, Tamil Nadu 600006, India

7 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

The Marina in Nungambakkam is a seafood spot that many people suggest for seafood, and one diner loves the place and its display of fresh seafood on ice. Two commenters warn against it: one feels the quality has dropped drastically and another reports a very bad experience. One commenter finds it very expensive, and another agrees.

• RecommendsSays it's good for seafood.
• CaveatFeels the quality has dropped drastically.

Nungambakkam·The Marina, 39, College Ln, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India

6 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Masaledaar Firangi Tadka in Velachery is a North Indian restaurant that several people recommend, with one calling it their definite go-to for the cuisine. A commenter who visited recently found it budget-friendly and the taste good, calling it a must try. One commenter places it in their second tier of North Indian restaurants in the city, below their top picks.

• RecommendsPuts it in their second tier of good North Indian places.
• MixedSame group as Masaledar Desi Rasoi; confirms they are pricey.

Velachery·Masaledaar Firangi Tadka, Sankaran Avenue, No:1/82, Ground Floor, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042, India

6 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Pandan Club in T Nagar is a restaurant several people recommend, with commenters suggesting it for fine dining and as a Peranakan cuisine option. One diner who has been there says it is among the places they visit when they want dependable food and service, and another commenter says it offers exactly what someone was asking for. It also comes up as a suggestion for a team lunch.

• RecommendsSuggested for a fine dining experience.

T Nagar·Pandan Club, Star City Hotel, 39, Bazullah Rd, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Geetha Cafe in Pondy Bazaar is a long-standing vegetarian spot that people recommend for tiffin and breakfast, with one calling its tiffin items legendary and another praising the ghee podi dosa and onion rava dosa at the T Nagar location, best visited before 9. One commenter who used to live in the area recalls it as amazing. A single commenter, however, warns that it is overrated and criticizes the customer service.

• RecommendsRecommends it for breakfast and dinner.
• CaveatCalls it highly overrated and criticizes the customer service.

Pondy Bazaar·Geetha Cafe - T Nagar, 86-107, Sir Thyagaraya Rd, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Abid's in Chetpet is a restaurant people recommend for Hyderabadi biryani, and a couple of commenters also point to the haleem as worth ordering. One diner calls the kunafa excellent, and others recommend the place for kebabs, barbecue and tandoori. One commenter says that after eating there you won't want to go anywhere else.

• RecommendsGood Hyderabad biryani and must-try haleem
• CaveatThis commenter found Hyderabadi mutton biryani at a different Velachery restaurant average and overhyped, with no mention of Abid's.

Chetpet·Shop No, Abid's Chetpet, 21, Spur Tank road, near Grand Sweets, Sulaiman Zackria Avenue, Chetpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600031, India

5 people recommendvia r/Chennai

People recommend Hotel Pandiyas in Vadapalani mainly for its biryani, which one diner found different from the usual Chennai style and good with the accompanying gravy. Another commenter says the biryani is not too spicy, with soft chicken pieces, while a third compares it to Wanarapettai style and loves the side gravy. One former fan feels the taste has declined from its earlier days, so expectations may vary.

• RecommendsSays the Vadapalani branch's biryani is an unusual style and enjoyable, especially with its gravy.
• MixedWas great long back but taste has gone down now

Vadapalani·Hotel Pandia's, 189, Arcot Rd, opposite Kamala Theatre, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600026, India

5 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Ambur Canteen in T Nagar is a recommended pick, with one regular saying they have never had a bad meal there and another praising the good food and ambience as well as the prawn ghee roast. Biryani fans are the most emphatic: one says nothing comes close to its Muslim-style mutton biryani and another calls the flavour outstanding, though both find it costly.

• RecommendsCostly but the flavour is outstanding.

The Ambur Canteen, 2, Habibullah Rd, Satyamurthy Nagar, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

5 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Ente Keralam is a Kerala restaurant that people recommend for Kerala-style non-veg meals and Onam sadhya, with one first-hand diner praising both the food and the ambience at the Anna Nagar branch and another naming it an underrated spot. A commenter who tried the sadhya says it was good, though another notes the sadhya is not cheap.

• RecommendsNames it as an underrated food place.

Anna Nagar·E Block, Ente Keralam - Anna Nagar, no 34, New no 40, Old, 2nd Main Rd, Annanagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600102, India

5 people recommendvia r/Chennai

A non-vegetarian restaurant on OMR that several people recommend, with one naming the Karapakkam branch a personal favourite. The mutton biryani comes up a few times: one commenter recommends it, one diner says their parents loved it, and another finds it good only occasionally. That last diner suggests asking staff to plate the biryani for you.

• RecommendsOccasionally serves good mutton biryani.

Madras Machan's, 55, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Karapakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600097, India

5 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Benjarong in Alwarpet is a Thai restaurant that several locals recommend, with one calling the Thai food authentic and a vegetarian diner saying they enjoyed it. One commenter singles out dishes like crab cakes and curries, and notes it is pricey but worth it for taste and quantity.

• RecommendsSays Benjarong is good when asked for Asian food.

Alwarpet·Benjarong (Thai SELECT), 146, TTK Rd, Cooperative Colony, Sri Ram Nagar, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018, India

5 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Rajdhani at Phoenix Velachery serves an unlimited thali buffet mixing North Indian, Gujarati and Rajasthani dishes, and several people recommend it, one praising the taste and quantity and another calling the buffet experience amazing and advising going early to eat leisurely. One commenter finds it pricey but notes a discount day makes it better value, and a regular diner says it is usually crowded and felt its service outdid Delhi Highway's.

• RecommendsCalls it amazing among North Indian buffet options with great experience.

Phoenix Velachery·Khandani Rajdhani, Phoenix MarketCity, Velacherry, Velachery Main Rd, Indira Gandhi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042, India

5 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Several people recommend Jalpaan, usually naming it alongside other North Indian eateries in Chennai. One commenter singles out the paneer for its tender texture, feeling it elevates the whole paneer selection, and another calls the buffet experience amazing, suggesting diners arrive early to eat at a relaxed pace. No one in the threads warns against it.

• RecommendsTheir paneer is so soft that every paneer dish is wonderful.

3rd Floor, Jalpaan, 68/1, Thirumalai Pillai Rd, opp. Vidyodaya School, Darmapuram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India

5 people recommendvia r/Chennai

Eatalica in Alwarpet is a restaurant that people consistently recommend, with several saying they enjoy the food there. One diner liked the burgers, another lists it for burgers, pasta, salads and sandwiches, and a third places it under Italian cuisine. One commenter has heard that the patties are made fresh in both veg and non-veg versions.

• RecommendsSays they make fresh veg and non-veg patties.

Eatalica, 38/1, Cooperative Colony, Sri Ram Nagar, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018, India

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

Food Nirvana is a vegetarian restaurant in RA Puram that several locals recommend, including one who lists it among places they liked in that area. It shows up repeatedly on lists of favourite Chennai restaurants. One diner who visited feels it is pricey and not worth it.

• RecommendsTheir go-to vegetarian repeat restaurant
• CaveatCalls it overpriced and not worth it

RA Puram·Food Nirvana, 23/11, 2nd Main Rd, Raja Annamalaipuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028, India

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/Chennai

People recommend Tirunelveli Parotta Kadai, with branches in Velachery and Pallikaranai, mainly for its parotta served with multiple types of salna. One commenter praises it as close to authentic Tirunelveli-style parotta and says the egg kothu idiyappam is a must try, while another was very impressed by the four different salnas on offer. One diner also highlights the biryani and kalakki, though the same commenter warns to expect a wait, and another feels the Velachery branch is not as good as parotta down south.

• RecommendsCalls it decent for Chennai, though says real parotta is better down south.
• CaveatSays the Velachery branch is bad and nothing like southern parotta.

Velachery·Tirunelveli Parotta Kadai, Delli Building, 33, Taramani Link Rd, Tansi Nagar, Velachery, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600042, India

5 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai

A fine dining pure vegetarian restaurant that many recommend, with one first-hand diner standing by it despite it being trolled online and another calling it a top fine dining choice. However, several commenters dismiss it as overrated, and one warns of exorbitant prices with small portions.

• RecommendsSays it is not a buffet but ranks among the finest dining restaurants you can try.
• CaveatCalls Paati Veedu the original overrated place.

Paati Veedu - Fine Dining Pure Veg. Restaurant, 2, Bhagirathi Ammal St, Rama Kamath Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600017, India