Once a tree-lined, almost sleepy residential area, Anna Nagar has emerged as one of Chennai’s most vibrant dining and retail destinations. Anna Nagar’s contemporary dining scene reflects the diversity of Chennai’s F&B scene with a mix of local and international dining options. From Asian restaurants to restaurants, it all comes together:
1. Void
Spread over three levels, the Void is positioned as a neighborhood control bar with a different experience at every level. This includes a sports bar on the first floor and a quieter outdoor area that is perfect for intimate dinners. The global menu also features a large portion of South Indian – look for their lamb chukka and fiery Pudukottai chicken wings.
Location: Building G, 1st Avenue
2. Microscope
This is an offshoot of Soy Soi, one of the most popular Asian dining experiences in Chennai. Little Soi’s interior, with its striking dim sum basket art installation reflects its casual dining trends. The menu includes Chinese comfort food. Snacks are available on site, other bestsellers include Xinjiang lamb and Sichuan-style Mala noodles.
Location: 2nd Avenue, Building A
3. Delicious food
The Dessert Studio: High-quality gourmet and dessert studios are not easy to come by in Anna Nagar. That has changed with stores like Delish. Delish offers a wide range of desserts and international ales; perfect venue for your cheat days. Our favorites include the pistachio mousse with layers of mixed strawberries, the Snicker’d, their take on a Snickers bar, and the classic Opera cake.
Location: 2nd Avenue, Building A
4. Avenue No. 6
This venue reflects the neighborhood bar trend that has emerged in the last few years. International cuisine and local flavors are at the forefront of the menu combined by chef duo Manikandan and Navin Prasad. Most commoners order the Madras Plate – a sharing plate that brings together some of Chennai’s most popular dishes.
Where: Block WILL
5. Living room
This is one of the most popular nightlife spots in the area. Their repeat guests return to enjoy the relaxed, laid-back lounge feel. As the name suggests, this casual bar aims to recreate your living space, where you relax with friends or family and catch up on live sports or chats. There is a choice of seating areas including a casual outdoor seating option.
Location: 7th Main Street, Shanthi . Colony
6. Lyfe by Soul Garden Bistro
Positioned as a ‘cafe rest’ for vegetarians, this bistro exudes a pleasant, laid-back charm. The menu is extensive and includes a wide range of culinary options. The new Mexican and Mediterranean selection is particularly popular, as is the selection of sourdough pizzas. Soul Garden is also the perfect stop for mid-morning meals full of energizing bowls, homemade gelatos, and berry jars.
Location: Main Street No. 12, Lo House
7. Ente Keralam
It has been one of Chennai’s ‘must visit’ Kerala cuisine restaurants since its launch almost two decades ago. The menu includes specialties from many regions of the state. Their ‘set meals’ and plates are especially popular during lunch and are a great way to explain their full menu. Symbols include vazhapoo (banana flower) cutlets, Thiruvananthapuram-style fried chicken and the legendary Karimeen (jewel-spotted fish).
Location: Fifth Avenue, Shanthi . Colony
8. Collage by Toscano
Do you like chicken tikka or chicken pesto bruschetta? You can have both at Collage by Toscano, which brings together Indian, Asian and Italian cuisines under one roof. It’s just what you need after a retail treatment at one of Chennai’s busiest shopping malls, especially when you’re in a large group with diverse taste buds. You’ll also find Toscano’s signature ravioli and their spoiled Kahlua mousse on the menu.
Location: VR Mall
9. Cascading
This place offers a flashback to the 90s and 2000s when meals were perhaps less elaborate. Cascade was one of Chennai’s first homegrown Chinese restaurants and is still renowned for its consistent dishes and large servings that make it a popular spot for family meals. Most elderly people don’t even need a menu to order time-tested favorites like Szechwan fried rice and arowana
Location: 5th Avenue
10. Kovai Alankar Vilas
The restaurant showcases dishes from the Kongunad region of West Tamil Nadu. One of the stars of the menu is Pallipalayam Chicken, which takes its name from a small town near Erode where this unique condiment, Pallipalayam chicken powder, was perfected. Other bestsellers here include Mutton Kola Urundai, Chicken Chukka and Elaneer Payasam
Location: 2nd Avenue
