Kodaikanal (Kodai)
Honey-coloured wood and monochrome Kodai photos set the tone for tasty, elegantly prepared Indian and continental food. It does mouth-meltingly spicy…
Must-see restaurants in Tamil Nadu
Chennai (Madras)
The Thousand Lights branch of this prominent Chennai vegetarian chain is more upscale than most and does a 30-odd-item, ₹320 lunch and dinner buffet (11…
Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
With its bamboo-clad terrace, semiopen kitchen and evening breezes, the Thendral roof-garden restaurant is a lovely dinner spot, specialising in barbecue…
Chennai (Madras)
This famed vegetarian chain is brilliant for excellent-value South Indian thalis (lunchtime only here) and simple, authentic South Indian breakfasts of…
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
This open-sided cafe whips up soulful Italian, Indian and Middle Eastern dishes including breakfasts and sabich (Israeli aubergine-and-egg pita sandwiches…
Tiruvannamalai
In a peaceful, shady courtyard of plastic chairs and wooden tables, friendly Tasty Café does well-prepared Indian and continental food, including pizza,…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Fabulous French and creole cooking – such as the fantastic prawn curry – is the order of the day at this atmospheric courtyard restaurant at the heart of…
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
The Radisson's pool-side 'cafe' offers everything from American pancakes to grilled tofu, Indian veg dishes, pan-Asian cuisine and a fantastic breakfast…
Coimbatore
Colourful, contemporary, and filled with cartoons and turquoise sofas, this is a great place for tasty (if pricey) global fare, from Italian and Middle…
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
Definitely the place to come for a splash-out buffet-dinner fill-up: a huge variety of excellent Indian and continental dishes in limitless quantity…
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Though it looks like a beach shack, the Wharf is actually the Radisson's gourmet multicuisine seaside restaurant, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood.
Coimbatore
Pocketed away in the shiny Residency Towers hotel, the Pavilion surprises with great-value buffet meals that successfully span the world-cuisine spectrum.
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
Pick up oven-fresh muffins, croissants, cakes, cinnamon swirls and sandwiches at this popular bakery, or squeeze on to the benches with a cuppa.
Chennai (Madras)
Dependably delish, Chennai's famous vegetarian chain doles out epically good South Indian thalis and breakfasts (idli and vada ₹45 to ₹70, dosa ₹70 to…
Chennai (Madras)
An immensely popular Asian and Southeast-Asian street-food-style spot that's usually packed with fashionable foodies and waiters in cheeky-sloganed T…
Chennai (Madras)
Cycle-mad decor includes wheels on lamps, chandeliers made from chains and bikes dangling in the window. But this place is more than just a gimmick: there…
Chennai (Madras)
Upscale Dakshin specialises in the cuisines of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. Traditional sculptures, mirrored pillars and…
Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
A great spot for a meal with views, near the Rock Fort. Tables on the outer gallery overlook the Teppakulam Tank, or there's an air-con hall. It's good…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
A health-focused, all-veg hideaway cafe in the hushed back garden of a zany design shop. With a limited menu, the main draws are the creative salad …
Tamil Nadu
Amazingly, this spruced-up 7th-floor hotel restaurant is the only one in Kanyakumari with a proper sea view. There are plenty of Indian veg and nonveg…
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Two friendly brothers run this cute blue-and-yellow-walled spot sprinkled with colourful artwork and wood carvings, and with daily seafood specials…
Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
Waiters in all-black take orders on mobile phones to a chart-toppers soundtrack that makes this smart, busy top-floor restaurant feel more Chennai than…
Chennai (Madras)
Down a dusty narrow alley off Arundale St, shoebox-sized Rayars has been pulling in ravenous crowds for over 70 years with its crispy evening bonda …
Chennai (Madras)
You take what you're given from the chap in the 'window shop', a fast-and-furious hole-in-the-wall famous for its hot crispy bhajias (vegetable fritters),…
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
Some of Mamallapuram's best continental food. The pasta, pizza, sizzlers, crepes and momos (Tibetan dumplings) are genuine and tasty, service is exuberant…
Chennai (Madras)
Often crowded and cramped, Ratna is famous for its scrumptious idli accompanied by hearty doses of its signature sambar (soupy lentil dish with cubed…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Pondy's only seafront cafe is good for croissants, cakes, salads, baguettes, breakfasts and organic South Indian coffee (hot or iced), plus welcome fresh…
Chennai (Madras)
Tuscana turns out authentic thin-crust pizzas with toppings like prosciutto, mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes, as well as more creative takes such as…
Kodaikanal (Kodai)
An always-busy hole-in-the-wall turned contemporary lounge with a signature-plastered bar, Muncheez is all about a short, simple menu of wraps, burgers,…
Chennai (Madras)
The Fortel hotel's restaurant has an impressive range of Indian veg and nonveg dishes, including great biryanis and all-day snacks. It's tranquil and…
Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
Swing by this bustling budget restaurant for both good North Indian veg food and South Indian specialities. Very popular for lunchtime thalis and…
Trichy (Tiruchirappalli)
The top terrace at the highway-side Grand Gardenia hotel hosts a decent multicuisine restaurant where you can dine with views, and enjoy some unique menu…
Ooty (Udhagamandalam)
Ooty's branch of the much-loved Tamil Nadu chain – known for its pristine kitchens and brilliantly fresh ingredients – delivers the South Indian goods…
Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram)
For an authentically good, wallet-friendly South Indian fill-up, swing by this simple, packed-out veg restaurant pumping out morning idli, vada and dosa,…
Tamil Nadu
Tucked away inside the stylish Sparsa Resort, 1km west of Kanyakumari's centre, lime-themed Auroma turns out tasty, refined tandoori and South Indian fare…
Kanchipuram
Recommended by locals as the place for meat, this cheap and busy eatery turns out a variety of chicken, mutton and seafood dishes – along with veg plates,…
Coimbatore
Your favourite South Indian thalis come piled on to banana leaves with traditional flourish, and hungry carnivores will love the long menu of famously…
Chennai (Madras)
Big flavours are rustled up in a starkly simple setting at this no-nonsense, forever-busy spot, pocketed away in a lane opposite the Chepauk cricket…
Puducherry (Pondicherry)
Join the seafront crowds for creamy, authentic Italian gelato in tropical-tastic flavours like mango, watermelon and guava – or try something more exotic,…
