Chennai is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of traditional South Indian flavors, luxury dining, street food, and international cuisines. Whether you want to try the city’s best filter coffee, crispy dosas, fresh seafood, or royal Mughlai dishes, this guide will ensure you don’t need to look anywhere else for dining recommendations!
🌟 1. Murugan Idli Shop – Best for Authentic South Indian Breakfast 🍛
Why Visit?
- One of Chennai’s most iconic vegetarian restaurants, famous for soft idlis, crispy dosas, and unique chutneys.
- Serves the best Ghee Podi Dosa, Jigarthanda (a Madurai special dessert), and authentic sambar.
- No-frills, quick-service restaurant perfect for tourists looking to try traditional Tamil Nadu food.
Must-Try Dishes
✅ Ghee Podi Idli
✅ Butter Dosa
✅ Jigarthanda (Cool Drink)
✅ Pineapple Kesari (Sweet Dish)
Location & Timings
📍 Branches: T. Nagar, Velachery, Besant Nagar, and multiple locations
⏰ Timings: 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
💰 Price Range: ₹150 – ₹300 per person
🌟 2. Annalakshmi – Best for Traditional South Indian Fine Dining 🥗
Why Visit?
- A cultural dining experience serving pure vegetarian South Indian thalis in a royal ambiance.
- The restaurant is run by volunteers, and profits go to charity.
- Traditional banana leaf meals, authentic temple-style food, and a peaceful setting make it a must-visit.
Must-Try Dishes
✅ Annalakshmi Grand Thali
✅ Millet Pongal
✅ Arachuvitta Sambar (Homemade-style Sambar)
✅ Elaneer Payasam (Tender Coconut Dessert)
Location & Timings
📍 Location: Egmore, Chennai
⏰ Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
💰 Price Range: ₹500 – ₹800 per person
🌟 3. The Marina – Best for Fresh Seafood 🦐
Why Visit?
- The best place in Chennai for seafood lovers, offering fresh catch from the Bay of Bengal.
- Customizable dishes – Choose your fish, prawn, or crab, and have it cooked your way!
- Beautiful ambiance with a coastal theme.
Must-Try Dishes
✅ Chettinad Fish Curry
✅ Tandoori Prawns
✅ Crab Masala Fry
✅ Pomfret Fish Tandoor
Location & Timings
📍 Location: Nungambakkam
⏰ Timings: 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
💰 Price Range: ₹800 – ₹1,500 per person
🌟 4. Peshawri – ITC Grand Chola – Best for Mughlai & North Indian Cuisine 🍗
Why Visit?
- Award-winning fine-dining restaurant serving North Indian and Mughlai cuisine.
- Famous for its Dal Bukhara, kebabs, and royal platters.
- The ambiance resembles an authentic rustic North Indian dhaba, but with luxury service.
Must-Try Dishes
✅ Dal Bukhara (Slow-cooked Black Lentils)
✅ Murgh Malai Kebab
✅ Tandoori Roti (Baked in Clay Oven)
✅ Paneer Tikka Masala
Location & Timings
📍 Location: ITC Grand Chola, Guindy
⏰ Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
💰 Price Range: ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 per person
🌟 5. Buhari Hotel – Best for Chennai’s Famous Biryani 🍛
Why Visit?
- Originated the world-famous Chicken 65 dish in Chennai!
- A historic restaurant serving flavorful biryanis, kebabs, and South Indian dishes since 1951.
Must-Try Dishes
✅ Buhari Special Biryani
✅ Chicken 65 (Original Recipe)
✅ Mutton Kola Urundai (Fried Meat Balls)
✅ Prawn Masala
Location & Timings
📍 Location: Anna Salai, Chennai
⏰ Timings: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
💰 Price Range: ₹400 – ₹700 per person
🌟 6. Dakshin – Best for South Indian Thali 🍛
Why Visit?
- A luxurious restaurant inside Crowne Plaza Chennai, serving authentic regional South Indian cuisines.
- Serves dishes from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh in a fine-dining setup.
Must-Try Dishes
✅ South Indian Thali
✅ Karimeen Pollichathu (Kerala-Style Fish Fry)
✅ Rasam & Appam
✅ Mysore Pak (Dessert)
Location & Timings
📍 Location: Crowne Plaza, Alwarpet
⏰ Timings: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
💰 Price Range: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person
🌟 7. The Flying Elephant – Best for International Cuisine 🍣
Why Visit?
- One of the most stylish fine-dining restaurants in Chennai, offering multiple global cuisines.
- Perfect for romantic dinners, celebrations, and brunches.
Must-Try Dishes
✅ Sushi & Dim Sum
✅ Wood-fired Pizza
✅ Grilled Lobster
✅ Chocolate Lava Cake
Location & Timings
📍 Location: Park Hyatt Chennai
⏰ Timings: 7:00 PM – 11:30 PM
💰 Price Range: ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 per person
🍽️ Chennai’s Top Restaurants Summary Table
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Best Dish to Try | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murugan Idli Shop | South Indian | Ghee Podi Idli | ₹150 – ₹300 |
| Annalakshmi | South Indian Thali | Grand Thali | ₹500 – ₹800 |
| The Marina | Seafood | Tandoori Prawns | ₹800 – ₹1,500 |
| Peshawri (ITC) | North Indian | Dal Bukhara | ₹2,000 – ₹3,500 |
| Buhari Hotel | Biryani | Chicken 65 | ₹400 – ₹700 |
| Dakshin | South Indian Fine Dining | Karimeen Fry | ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 |
| The Flying Elephant | International | Sushi & Pizza | ₹2,500 – ₹4,000 |
🛎️ Final Thoughts
This ultimate guide ensures any new tourist or city visitor can find the best places to eat in Chennai without needing additional information. Enjoy your food adventure! 😋🍽️