6 new cafes and restaurants to visit in Chennai this weekend

Chennai is not just seeing a rapid rise of new restaurants, bars and cafes, but also a wide range of options. Global food trends spread rapidly as the world becomes more connected than ever before and the food scene in every Indian metro reflects this ‘global village’ more than ever before. It’s not just the city’s wealthy who are seeking more evolved culinary options, but restaurateurs and chefs are also flying in to seek inspiration from their travels. Some of Chennai’s new food attractions are inspired by such eureka moments during trips to places as diverse as Istanbul and London. We tell you about some of the best new places to visit this weekend in Chennai:

Here are some new cafes and restaurants in Chennai that you must visit:

1. Hundreds Bistro

_{Photo Credit: Hundreds Bistro}

After over a decade of wowing diners in the fast-growing town of Vellore, between Chennai and Bengaluru, the owners of Hundreds Heritage have finally moved to Chennai’s hip Harrington Road area. The beautifully designed restaurant not only showcases Hundreds Heritage’s bestsellers but also offers a completely new approach to Indian cuisine without compromising on authentic flavours. The well-researched menu includes a stellar take on Lucknowi biryani and sinful seekh kebabs. Do stop by for dessert – their spin on the classic tres leches cake made on a ras malai base.
Location: Harrington Road (Opposite Shoppers Stop)

2. Carnaby

The restaurant takes its name from a vibrant street in London that is a hub of food and art. It used to be the High Street, a bustling restaurant scene with buffets for lunch and dinner. Carnaby brings the same energy to an area that is one of Chennai’s quintessential shopping hubs. Carnaby aims to blend the charm of London with Chennai’s ‘warm’ hospitality. The new menu reflects the changing preferences of Chennai’s foodies, with an emphasis on different food for different times of the day. Butternut squash tortellini and Valrhona chocolate brownie with basil ice cream are among the dishes you must try.
Where: Residency Towers, T Nagar

Also read: Chennai Breakfast Trail: 15 Must-Visit Places In The City For Authentic Food

3. Gobelin Kitchen and Café

Located in the Gandhi Nagar area, this all-day eatery leans towards Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine. This vibrant café features bold colours and is touted as an inclusive neighbourhood spot to mingle over great food and coffee. The simple menu includes pita falafel meals, meze, Mexican tortilla meals and pastas. Their cold brews are a popular choice among Chennai’s ‘work from café’ crowd. Gobelin prides itself on the quality of the ingredients; the food is made fresh every day without any artificial colours, preservatives or flavour enhancers.
Where: Ramachandra Adithanar Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar

4. Sunbean Cafe, Welcomhotel, Cathedral Road

This was once Cafe Mercara, which was the 3 am hangout for most Chennai revelers in the 2000s. This is one hotel (the first ITC hotel) that most old-timers in Chennai are nostalgic about and many of them come back to the revamped hotel to relive the nostalgia. Sunbeam Cafe is a great place for a surprise visit to an old friend or a business meeting (since it is located in the heart of the CBD). The menu is simple – mostly burgers, sandwiches, desserts and shakes. But its setting – poolside, makes it the perfect spot for a coffee and conversation.
Where: WelcomHotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road

5. Pan Sauce Poetry

Even while you wait for your Schengen visa to travel to Europe, you can get a taste of Europe at this unique restaurant where the menu features dishes from the European countries you’ll be visiting this summer. Pan Sauce Poetry recently introduced a new menu that celebrates the unique charm of a typical European summer. From classic gnudi from Tuscany to souvlaki from Eastern Europe, think of it as a culinary tour of Europe.
Location: Second Main Road, RA Puram

6. The Mayflower

This popular Chennai cafe brand recently made its debut with a cozy cafe in a quiet corner of the Anna Nagar area. The menu is presented as a global culinary journey with a mix of comfort food and exotic signature dishes. The cafe has also introduced a unique volcano pizza with a spicy twist, served with melted cheese as part of the Smoke and Freeze promotion. Regulars also rave about their Khao Suey, Orange Chicken and Tiramisu.
Location: J Block, Anna Nagar East

Also read: Date Night Dining In Chennai: 10 Most Romantic Restaurants & Dining Spots