Murugan Idli Shop has become an icon in Chennai’s food scene. The restaurant offers a variety of idlis, from plain to masala and even podi idlis. The coconut chutney served with idlis is a must-try too. The place can get crowded, so be prepared to wait a while to get a seat. But it's definitely worth the wait once you taste their delicious idlis, which are soft and fluffy!
Hotel Junior Kuppanna is known for its Chettinad cuisine. The restaurant serves authentic non-vegetarian dishes like biryani, pepper chicken, and mutton fry. Their Chettinad chicken is a must-try, which is spicy and flavourful. The place has a traditional ambience, creating a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy your lunch.
The Farm is a famous outdoor restaurant that provides a unique dining experience. They serve organic food, and their menu changes according to the seasonal produce. The restaurant is set amidst a garden, and it's a perfect place to have a romantic dinner. The place is known for its wood-fired pizza, grilled chicken, and fish appetisers. The tranquil atmosphere enhances the dining experience.
Adyar Ananda Bhavan is an Indian vegetarian chain of restaurants. The restaurant is known for its South Indian breakfast items like dosa, idli, vada, and filter coffee. They also serve North Indian dishes like poori and chana bhatura. The restaurant's cleanliness and quality of food have made it popular among locals and tourists alike.
Amethyst Cafe is a serene cafe located in an old heritage house. The place has a rustic vibe, and the staff is extremely friendly. The cafe serves salads, sandwiches, pancakes, and pastries, all freshly made. The must-try in this cafe is the soft and fluffy pancakes served with honey and butter. The cafe also has a small boutique that sells handmade jewellery, bags and clothes.
Hotel Saravana Bhavan is a popular vegetarian restaurant chain, known for its authentic South Indian food. The restaurant serves a variety of dosas, idlis, and vadas. They also have thalis, which is a North Indian-style platter with chapatis, dal, rice, and a variety of curries. The restaurant's cleanliness and quality of food have made it a go-to place for locals and tourists.
If you have more time, you can explore local street food as well. Some of the must-try street food items are pani puri and bhel puri. If you have less time, you can skip The Farm and Amethyst Cafe and head straight to Hotel Saravana Bhavan for dinner. You can also visit the Mahabalipuram Shore Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, or the Kapaleeswarar Temple, which is a famous Hindu temple in Chennai.