These are the 12 restaurants to eat out in Chennai, which are perfect for spending time with family

Even though you may be able to decide where your work team will dine or where you will spend time with your best friends, there is a high possibility that your kids have the deciding vote when it comes to weekend dining or a lazy Sunday brunch with the family. Like most cities in India, Sunday lunch and dinner are usually a time to spend time with the family. Trips to the beach or the mall end up with a decadent meal where ‘cheat day’ is the theme of the meal. First, it was the international fast food chains that caved in to ‘pester power’ with kid-friendly menus and locations. And then it was Sunday brunches at luxury hotels that had kids’ activity areas so you could enjoy your mimosa in peace. Now we are seeing more restaurants and cafes in Chennai becoming more conducive to family-friendly dining.
We take you to some of the best places in the city to dine with family, where you can create some lovely memories.

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Also read: 6 exciting new restaurants and bars in Chennai that you must try in June 2024

Here are 12 family-friendly restaurants in Chennai that your kids will love:

1. Cream Centre

Cream Centre is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Chennai, known for its diverse and delicious menu. Located in various areas, this restaurant is much loved for its combination of Indian, Italian and fusion cuisine. From chaat and pav bhaji to sizzlers, pasta and other dishes, this place serves a wide range of customers. The restaurant has a clean and spacious ambiance and offers good service. Though it is expensive, the portion size and taste are justifiable!

Location: Govindswamy Nagar, RA Puram

2. The Waterfall Restaurant

This Chennai restaurant offers a unique dining experience with its 20-foot indoor waterfalls, which create a calm and natural ambiance. It is a theme-based restaurant known for its diverse menu of South Indian, North Indian and Chinese cuisine. Signature dishes include their Grand Thali, which serves a variety of select dishes. The restaurant also has a banquet hall to host events and a private dining area for special occasions. Anyone seeking a luxurious ambiance and extensive menu offerings in Chennai is a must visit!

Where: Dhanalakshmi Colony, Vadapalani

3. The Brew Room

The Brew Room may not be a place for kids. After all, it is one of the city’s most popular coffee spots for conversation. But the place is on our list because of its sheer size and its status as a kind of oasis in the heart of the CBD. The water body, bird cages and gazebo make it attractive as a ‘chill zone’ where you can relax with a book or board game between meals or while sipping on dessert.

• Where: Savera Hotel, R.K. Salai, Mylapore

4. Twisty Tales

There is no better way to unwind after a hard week at the office than by entering a pet-friendly place. Twisty Tails is not just that. It is also a pet cafe and pet store that has a dedicated area for pets. This is where you can take your furry companions for a weekend stroll and check out their extensive menu. It also has a designated section of food for your pets.

• Location: Khadar Nawaz Khan Road

5. Prisoner’s Kitchen

Prisoner Kitchen is a unique themed restaurant located in Chennai, India, known for its distinctive prison-themed decor. Designed to resemble a prison, with waiters dressed as jailers and prisoners, the dining areas are styled like prison cells, providing an immersive experience for diners. Prisoner Kitchen serves a variety of cuisines, including Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Thai. The menu is vegetarian, catering to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. With friendly and attentive service, it is a popular choice for families and groups.

Location: CIT Colony, Mylapore

6. Fat Boy

One of Chennai’s homegrown pizza brands that thrived during the pandemic, Fat Boy is a safe bet for something that unites the family – pizza. Their Alwarpet outlet offers a great ambiance for a family outing, with a menu full of comfort food. Your kids can play with the pizza toppings or simply choose a bowl of nachos or a thick shake.

• Location: Cooperative Colony, Sriram Nagar, Alwarpet

7. The Old Potion House

This is a remarkable restaurant that offers a different experience to the diners. The Old Potion House is famous for its mysterious and charming ambiance, which draws inspiration from the old-time apothecaries or alchemists’ haunts. The decor creates a charming and cozy atmosphere and the menu offers variety in terms of national and international cuisine. Whether it is appetizers, main course or dessert, this restaurant has it all and is a great place to eat!

Location: Shastri Nagar, Adyar

8. Flying Elephant

Located within Park Hyatt, Chennai, known for its distinctive multi-cuisine offerings and elegant ambiance, it has a unique and modern ambiance. Be it Asian stir-fries or tandoori dishes, or even a huge variety of cocktails and beverages, this place caters to almost everything for everyone! With plush and stylish interiors and a memorable service, it promises a great dining experience for everyone!

Location: Velachery Main Road, Little Mount, Guindy

Also read: Chennai Breakfast Trail: 12 Must-Visit Places In The City For Authentic Food

9. Writers Cafe

If books are your child’s best friend, then this place is heaven for you. It is the perfect place for kids to spend hours with their favourite books – this cafe has a fully functional bookstore. And then there is the wide range of pastries and square pizzas that kids love.

• Location: Peters Road, Gopalapuram

10. South

Famous for its mouth-watering South Indian cuisine, Dakshin has a traditional and elegant setting that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the land! With a warm and inviting atmosphere and carefully crafted menus, Dakshin offers a wide variety of cuisines, including typical dishes like Appam with stew, Chettinad Chicken, Meen Moilee and a variety of Dosas and Idlis. Combined with professional service, it makes for a truly enjoyable dining experience for all!

Location: TTK Road, Adyar Park

11. Junior Kuppanna

This famous non-vegetarian restaurant chain in Chennai is famous for its authentic Kongu cuisine, which originates from the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu. Established in 1960, Junior Kuppanna has expanded to multiple locations in Chennai including Nungambakkam, Velachery and Anna Nagar. The restaurant is highly acclaimed for its delicious biryani, mutton dishes and traditional South Indian food. Customers appreciate the friendly service as well as the clean and cozy ambiance. Junior Kuppanna also offers late-night dining, with some outlets being open 24/7.

Location: Thirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam

12. The Farm Restaurant

The Farm Restaurant in Semmancherry offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience. Established in 2009, it focuses on serving fresh, organic dishes, many of which are produced directly on the farm. The restaurant is known for its rustic, peaceful ambiance that resembles a beautiful village, making it a perfect place for both adults and children to enjoy a day out. The restaurant also serves breakfast, lunch, and tea, as well as open-air seating. It also offers farm tours that are especially entertaining for children, providing hands-on experience with nature and farming.

Location: Old Mahabalipuram Road, Semmancheri, Egattur