Zaitoon, Nungambakkam
17 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/Chennai·21 comments quoted below
What people say, in short
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.
Address
Zaitoon Restaurant, Nungambakkam, 13/33, Shafee Mohammed Rd, opposite to Apollo Children's Hospital, Thousand Lights West, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006, India
At a glance
- Price
- Mid-range
- Signature dishes
- Special BBQ, Laham Meshvi, Tandoori
- Opinions divided
- Yes
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
Suggested as a good affordable choice.
Their go-to non-vegetarian repeat restaurant
Arabian items good but advises avoiding the biryani
Go-to for Arabian food
Recommends the Laham Meshvi at Zaitoon.
Recommends the special BBQ at Zaitoon.
Go-to for Arabian food
Says Zaitoon in Velachery is good.
Named as a repeat restaurant
Friend raves about it and travels there specially.
Suggested for the team dinner.
A good option but requires pre-booking.
Recommends the mandi and kunafa; notes private dining domes at the Nungambakkam branch.
Complains it is expensive.
Dismisses it as a fancy namesake place; quality depends on individual taste.
Recommends it for tandoori.
Recommends Zaitoon for a corporate lunch.
Agrees it's great but says meat portions have shrunk and quality dropped lately.
Lists Zaitoon among non-veg repeat restaurants.
Names Zaitoon as a repeat restaurant.
Go-to for biryani
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Other places on this map closest to Zaitoon, Nungambakkam, as the crow flies.
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Freshness
Last verified 24/10/2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.