Cafes in Chennai are proof of two things. Firstly, that you can get so much more than just good sambar and dosa in this coastal southern city. And secondly, if you’re young and like to have a great time with your friends, you’ve got tons and tons of options. From pretty beach-side cafes to rooftop eateries, the best cafes in Chennai have got you covered. And if you’re eager to find out which those cafes are, we at Stanza Living have got you covered. Our list will be your guide to a great time with friends in the city. Because hey, we are all about having a great time. Why else do you think Stanza Living PG makes such vibrant residences with such a super hit community programme? So that your time in our living spaces is the best time of your life. And on the occasions you step out of those residences, there’s our list of the best cafes in Chennai.
List of top 25 cafes in Chennai to go:
Want a place to stay that’s as cool as the cafes in Chennai? Check out our PGs in Chennai for your comfortable stay |
The weather in Chennai always calls for a Sunday brunch. The Brew Room in Anna Nagar West is perfect for brunch on a pleasant morning or a sundowner in the evening. It’s a soulful outdoor cafe in Chennai with a lush garden and pretty white seating. Moreover, it features a beautiful lotus pond. You can visit by yourself and ‘pond’er upon your thoughts.
Must-Try: Thai Cold Coffee, Feta Cheese Salad Address: The Savera Hotel, 146, R.K. Salai, Mylapore & Shop F 63, VR Mall 1st Floor, Koyambedu, Anna Nagar West Timings: 8 AM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹1100/- |
When you walk into this cafe, you’ll be awestruck by their bakery counter. It is a ‘dessert’ paradise beside a beach. You can head there for their smoothies, pastries, and fresh baked cakes.
Must-Try: Strawberry Mojito, Lasagna Address:3, E Block, 3rd Avenue, Anna Nagar East, Chennai Timings: 9 AM-11 PM Cost For Two: ₹800/- |
The Wild Garden Cafe is one of the best romantic cafes in Chennai. The place is a millennial dream given the cafe is paired with a lifestyle store in its premises. Moreover, the breakfast section is open 24 hours. So hop in with your lover, shop accessories, and enjoy good food – the idea is wild, no?
Must-Try: Carrot Cake, Thai Curry, Bacon Address: Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai Timings: 10 AM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹1400/- |
Always had a dream of sitting by the beach? And have a cosy little meal alongside? The Shiraz Art cafe is an avant-garde cafe that specializes in Persian Cuisine. You can head there to try their Saffron Rice and meat dishes. And after you’re full and satisfied, go for a walk along the beach.
Must-Try: Guava Barley Juice, Kebab Address: 5/24, Blue Beach Road, Neelangarai, Chennai Timings: 11 AM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹1100/- |
The Ciclo Cafe is India’s first ever cycling cafe. And it’s just not a themed cafe but houses international cycling brands and equipment. The menu is known for its snacks such as pizza pockets, fries, and falafel. Also, you can wash your own bicycle here. It’s time for you and your roommates to hire bicycles and go on a chill day out!
Must-Try: Cordon Bleu, Risotto Address: 47, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Kotturpuram, Chennai Timings: 11 AM-11 PM Cost For Two: ₹1100/- |
Located in Gatsby village, the cafe is a soothing place with a delightful menu. You can head there for their delicious chicken sandwich, apple strudel, fajita, and bread. The European style eatery is famous for its signature bread. So maybe grab your copy of ‘The Great Gatsby’ and sit by with a cup of coffee?
Must-Try: Eclairs, Hot Wings Address: 4/359, Gatsby Village, East Coast Road, Neelankarai, Chennai Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM Cost For Two: ₹700/- |
Imagine tiny little huts in a lush green garden. The Kipling Cafe is also situated near a beach and is crafted with white tones & earthy decor. Moreover, they have a bustling cocktail bar that is always crowded. We advise you to book your tables (or huts) prior to your short trip.
Must-Try: Spinach Ravioli, Mud cake Address: 16, L Jey Avenue, East Coast Road (ECR), Akkarai, Chennai Timings: 12 PM-9 PM Cost For Two: ₹2400/- |
Dying to try Chennai’s seafood? Make your way to Azzuri Bay in Adyar. It’s an upscale rooftop cafe that has a million dollar view. You can look at the gorgeous sunset while sipping on their mocktails or enjoy their premium south Indian cuisine.
Must-Try: Chocolate mousse, Pina Colada Address: 13, 1st Crescent Road, Gandhinagar, Adyar, Chennai Timings: 12 PM-9 PM Cost For Two: ₹1000/- |
If you’re someone who loves reading, this is the place for you. The writers’ cafe has a walk-through bookstore with clean and classy western interiors. You can try their Jalapenos cheeseballs, lasagna and waffles. So bring your partner along and you can ‘write’ the beginning of your love story!
Must-Try: Tricolour pizza, Caesar Salad Address: 55/22, Doctor PV Cherian Crescent, Anna Salai, Egmore, Chennai Timings: 10 AM – 9 PM Cost For Two: ₹500/- |
It’s a cozy little cafe situated in a not-so-busy street in Adyar. It’s the best place to grab a meal on the go with your friends when you’re in the area. Their food is tasty and quite filling.
Must-Try: Grilled Pesto Chicken, Mushroom Ravioli Address: 34/29, 2nd Main Road, Kasturibai Nagar, Adyar, Chennai Timings: 12:30 PM – 9:30 PM Cost For Two: ₹800/- |
The Tea Villa Cafe is a vegetarian place that serves good desserts and a wide range of teas. When we say ‘wide range’, we mean they serve 62 varieties of tea. And yes, the place actually looks like a villa.
Must-Try: Chocolate Churros, Sizzler Address: Old 52/2, New 40/2, Thirumalai Pillai Road, T. Nagar, Chennai Timings: 12 PM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹1000/- |
If you are crazy about chocolate, you should visit this cafe in Mylapore. It’s beautifully decorated and their menu is crafted to suit every chocolate lover around the world. In terms of food, try their fries and pasta.
Must-Try: Chocolate Heaven, Pastry Address: 38, Krishna Street, T. Nagar, Chennai Timings: 10 AM-8 PM Cost For Two: ₹700/- |
Located in Hotel ITC Grand Chola, the cafe is a luxury coffee house. It features varieties of coffee and serves delicious items. Also, they serve their coffee in clay pots. Sounds soothing, right? Their signature items are Chennai Chowder and Madras Fried Chicken. Call up your friends, chill out and meanwhile, take a few ‘pot’ shots at your besties!
Must-Try: Hot Chocolate, Fries Address: ITC Grand Chola, 63, Mount Road, Guindy, Chennai Timings: 10 AM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹2500/- |
After a tough week of assignments, all you need is ice cream! The Amelie’s cafe and creamery serve cute scoops of ice cream which look super duper tempting. Moreover, they have an amazing menu for savoury as well. Try their pancakes, burgers, and pasta.
Must-Try: Pasta, Ice Cream Address: 191, Raju Nagar, OMR Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Okkiyam, Thuraipakkam, Chennai Timings: 12 PM-11 PM Cost For Two: ₹900/- |
Looking for an outdoor cafe in Chennai? Cafe de Paris is the prettiest cafe in town. It has little huts with a comforting atmosphere. If your dating life is in shams (don’t worry, we’ve been there!), enjoy a romantic evening in one of the best cafes in Chennai.
Must-Try: Mexican Cheese Balls, Pink Pasta Address: 24, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai Timings: 12.30 PM-8.30 PM Cost For Two: ₹900/- |
It’s a contemporary and minimalist cafe in Chennai. It features a soothing interior, outdoor seating and a pleasant atmosphere. We suggest you visit this place in the evening when the outdoors light up with fairy lights amidst greenery. Sandy’s chocolate cake is their signature dish that is famous all around the city.
Must-Try: Nutella Tiramisu, Cookie Monster Address: 16, Wallace Garden, 2nd Street, Nungambakkam, Chennai Timings: 7 AM-9 PM Cost For Two: ₹1400/- |
This cafe in Alwarpet serves tasty and healthy food on the go. Their menu offers breakfast choices, health bowls, salads, and more. Moreover, they always have a crowd owing to their famous non-veg dishes. We recommend their hotdogs, pizzas, and all of their desserts.
Must-Try: Oreo Oreo Shake, Tandoori Fries Address: 4/27, 1st Street, Cenotaph, Alwarpet, Chennai Timings: 11 AM-9 PM Cost For Two: ₹900/- |
Cafe Cakebee is one of the prettiest cafes in Chennai. And they have more cuisines on their menu than you have friends (we mean, the real ones!). With its homely vibe, light walls, and terrace gardens, the cafe is a soothing place that lets you ‘bee’ you.
Must-Try: Belgium Chocolate, Caramel brownie Address: 11/1 OLD 7, Mahalingam Chetty Street, Mahalingapuram, Nungambakkam, Chennai Timings: 10AM-9PM Cost For Two: ₹300/- |
Nolita means ‘north of little Italy’. It’s an Italian Cafe that specialises in Pizzas. The pizza crusts are made with natural yeast and the toppings are worth dying for. Moreover, the cafe is created with Italian architecture with blue and white themes. And since Italy just won the Euro cup, this is a good time to enjoy an Italian experience, no?
Must-Try: Frozen Hot Chocolate, Pesto Pizza Address: 32, Platinum Building, Khader Nawaz Khan Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai Timings: 12 PM-9 PM Cost For Two: ₹900/- |
Looking for cafes to visit with your cute doggo? Hop into The Bark and enjoy their pet-friendly space with chill outdoors and pretty decor. You should try out their ‘Skyscraper’ which features four burgers with melted cheese and fries as a side.
Must-Try: White Pasta, Baked Potato Address: 40, Maharaja Surya Rao Road, Dutch Village, Alwarpet, Chennai Timings: 12PM-10PM Cost For Two: ₹1000/- |
Chennai’s only cheese-themed cafe is a pretty cafe that overlooks the coastline. With bright interiors and good food, they were awarded as the ‘restaurant of the year’ by swiggy. Try their famous cheese fountain and fried wings. We’re telling you, bring your friends and say ‘cheese’!
Must-Try: Onion Jam, Orange Mojito Address: Somerset Greenway, Lords Avenue, MRC Nagar, Chennai Timings: 11 AM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹1000/- |
Pappa Roti is a global chain with over 400 outlets around the world. It’s quite well known for its buns. So it’s one of those places where you get the smell of fresh bread when you walk in. Satisfying, right? Moreover, their decor, lighting, and ambiance are matched to perfection.
Must-Try: Shakshuka, falafel Address: Shop S 129, 1st Floor, Express Avenue Mall, Whites Road, Royapettah, Chennai Timings: 10 AM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹800/- |
It’s an exclusive vegetarian cafe with vibrant decor and fun combo meals. If you have friends that like to be spoilt for choice, bring them over to this cafe. Also, they serve some good ol’shakes and beverages.
Must-Try: BBQ Pizza, White Sauce Pasta Address: 137, Shop 9, Grand Arcade, Sitaraman Nagar, Velachery, Chennai Timings: 11 AM-11 PM Cost For Two: ₹800/- |
Make your ‘way’ to this cosy cafe in Thyagaraya. The most interesting thing in this cafe is their #nobunculture- they serve burgers without buns. Also, you can have a good time with their collection of board games. Head there to try their signature appetizers.
Must-Try: Veg Patties, Oreo Shake Address: 9/5, Dheenadayalu Street, T. Nagar, Chennai Timings: 10 AM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹600/- |
The Chamiers Cafe in RA Puram is an old European style cafe. Their menu features pancakes, waffles, English croissants, and more. So maybe sit down as the English and talk about the wonderful Chennai weather?
Must-Try: Carrot Cake, Blueberry Cheesecake Address: 106, Chamiers Road, Opposite Crowne Plaza, RA Puram, Chennai Timings: 9 AM-10 PM Cost For Two: ₹1000/- |
Chennai is famous for its street food, temples, beaches, and its coffee culture.
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There are some good cafes near Nungambakkam