When you think of cafes in Chennai, the initial thought is usually of idli, vada, dosa and filter coffee as they were and are intrinsic to the food culture of this South Indian city. However, with time, the long-existing café culture of the city has been slowly evolving and has started embracing the new cuisines as well.
Listed out are 16 cafes that are nothing short of culinary destinations for the experience they offer.
1. Writer’s Café, Chennai
Writer’s Café
A collaboration with Higginbotham, one of India’s oldest bookstores, this café in Chennai is just perfect for literature enthusiasts and book lovers. Enjoy authentic Western menu surrounded by bookshelves.
- Location: Anna Salai, Egmore
- Cost for two: INR 600
- Timings: 10:00 am – 09:00 pm
- Must-Try: Frozen Hot Chocolate, Chicken Schnitzel, Pineapple Pizza, Apple Crumble, Zucchini Fritters, Jalapeno Cheese Balls
2. Tryst Café, Chennai
Tryst Café
A classic place offering a wide range of cuisines served in a European setting, it is among the best cafes in Chennai. The bakery section of the café is a must-visit, especially for kraftkorn, their signature bread.
- Location: East Coast Road, Neelankarai
- Cost for two: INR 800
- Timings: 09:30 am – 10:00 pm
- Must-Try: Eclairs, Croissant, Hot Wings, Beef Burger, Pastry, Chicken Burger
3. Amelie’s, Chennai
Amelie’s
Enjoy the colourful and lively ambience of this café known for its mouth-watering desserts along with traditional café items. There are also a lot of interesting mocktails and smoothies that are a must-try.
- Location: Seshadri Road, Alwarpet
- Cost for two: INR 1100
- Timings: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm (till midnight from Saturday-Sunday)
- Must-Try: Cornflake Chicken, Swiss Chocolate Cake, Ice Cream Selection, Flatbreads, Chocolate Indulgence, Cajun Chicken
4. Café De Paris, Chennai
Café De Paris
Aesthetic ambience with a wonderful garden and beautiful lighting, this place is a perfect café in Chennai for romantic couples. Relish the array of Italian dishes in the warm setting of this quaint little place.
- Location: Opposite Lanson Toyota, Teynampet
- Cost for two: INR 900
- Timings: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Must-Try: Mexican Cheese Balls, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Mezze Platter, Pink Pasta, Chicken Tenders, Falafel
5. The Bark, Chennai
The Bark
Bring your dog or play with the adorable dogs in the backyard at this pet-friendly café in Chennai. A menu item called the ‘Skyscraper’, which is 4 different, unique burgers is a definite must-try.
- Location: Dutch Village, Alwarpet
- Cost for two: INR 950
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Must-Try: Cookie Crumble Shake, Hazelnut Pastry, Fettuccine Pasta, Baked Potato, Chicken Lasagna, White Pasta
6. Fromage, Chennai
Fromage
Chennai’s only cheese-themed restaurant, this is in the list of the best cafes in Chennai for its amazing menu whose every item’s core is cheese-based. Indulge in the cheesy goodness served in this café overlooking the coastline.
- Location: Chennai Corp Ward, Egmore
- Cost for two: INR 1200
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 09:00 pm
- Must-Try: Lamb Moussaka, Rainbow Cake Slice, Deathbychocolate, Onion Jam, Chicken Pot Pie, Pasta Italiano
7. Chamiers Café, Chennai
Chamiers Café,
The ideal example of an English café with tasteful and classy décor, it’s quite popular among locals. Enjoy a good conversation and delicious food in the quiet ambience of this café.
- Location: Opposite Crowne Plaza, RA Puram
- Cost for two: INR 1200
- Timings: 09:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Must-Try: Chicken Cheese Melt, Bruschetta Platter, Cheese Poppers, Carrot Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake, Risotto
8. Azzuri Bay, Chennai
Azzuri Bay
With rooftop seating that offers a scenic view of the city, this place is a wonderful café in Chennai for couples. They serve palatable seafood as well as cuisines ranging from Thai and Chettinad.
- Location: Gandhinagar, Adyar
- Cost for two: INR 1000
- Timings: 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm, 07:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Must-Try: Crispy American Corn, Dark Chocolate Mousse, Thai Rice, Pina Colada, Pad Thai, Chicken Lasagna
9. Shiraz Art Café, Chennai
Shiraz Art Café
Specialising in Persian cuisine, this café offers an exotic menu with strangely named dishes that will blow your mind. Enjoy the cool sea breeze in the open-air seating while having some unusual and fancy food.
- Location: Blue Beach Road, Neelangarai
- Cost for two: INR 1300
- Timings: 11:00 am – 03:00 pm, 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Must-Try: Guava Barley Juice, Chicken Schnitzel, Hummus, Fish Fingers, Tea, Kebab
10. Gusto Café, Chennai
Gusto Café
This Arabian-themed café in Chennai has a décor with props and furniture that remain true to its theme. Visit to try flavoursome hookah and some tantalising Continental and Chinese dishes.
- Location: Jaganathan Road, Nungambakkam
- Cost for two: INR 1300
- Timings: 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
- Must-Try: Red Velvet Milkshake, Shisha, Potato Cheese Balls, Pasta, Pizza, Starters
11. Sandy’s Chocolate Laboratory, Chennai
Sandy’s Chocolate Laboratory
Minimalistic and modern are the two words that define the interior of this café with glass doors and an outdoor seating area adorned with fairy lights. Their menu offers a wide selection of scrumptious desserts.
- Location: 2nd Street, Nungambakkam
- Cost for two: INR 1700
- Timings: 07:00 am – 09:00 pm
- Must-Try: Nutella Tiramisu, Bacon Sandwich, Tiny Chocolate Cake, Cookie Monster, Triple Chocolate Brownie, Chocolate Overdose
12. Wild Garden Café – Amethyst, Chennai
Wild Garden Café – Amethyst
Comprising a café, accessories and fashion store, and a flower shop, this venture is highly popular. One can choose to sit in either the verandah, the garden, or the enclosed area and enjoy the amazing food and beverages served by this café.
- Location: Whites Road, Royapettah
- Cost for two: INR 1300
- Timings: 10:00 am – 08:00 pm
- Must-Try: Sweet Potato Fries, Carrot Cake, Pepperoni Pizza, Thai Curry, Bacon, Bruschetta
13. Kipling Café, Chennai
Kipling Café
Among the most romantic cafes in the city, it is a popular choice for some quiet and memorable times. With a beach nearby, this café is always buzzing for all it offers in its artistically designed décor and cocktail menu.
- Location: East Coast Road, Akkarai
- Cost for two: INR 3000 (excluding alcohol)
- Timings: 12:00 am – 08:00 pm (till 09:00 pm on Sundays)
- Must-Try: Spinach Ravioli, Mud Cake, New York Cheesecake, Pad Thai Noodles, Risotto, Chicken Kebab
14. Café Mercara Express – ITC Grand Chola, Chennai
Café Mercara Express – ITC Grand Chola
Situated in Hotel ITC Grand Chola, this café gives you the best luxurious café feel and experience with its exquisite seafood and ambience. They also specialise in serving a variety of flavourful and aromatic coffee in clay pots.
- Location: Mount Road, Guindy
- Cost for two: INR 3000 (excluding alcohol)
- Timings: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
- Must-Try: Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate, Pasta, Fries
Enjoy the highly varied experiences and ambiences these cafes have to offer from a European Era to the Madras of Chennai’s past. You can gorge on the traditional dishes of the city and let your taste buds explore new flavours and exotic food at the same time in these highly popular eating places.
Now that you have read all about which are the best cafes in Chennai, go out and start ticking each café off the list one by one.
