Valentine's Day is the epitome of love and romance, and what better way to celebrate it than with a candlelit dinner with your loved one. Chennai, the city of cultural richness, offers a plethora of intimate dining options for couples to make this special day truly unforgettable. From serene beachside restaurants to cozy rooftop eateries, the city has a lot to offer for those seeking a romantic ambiance. Here are 10 handpicked dining destinations, each with its unique charm, to create a perfect setting for a love-filled Valentine's Day celebration.
Black Orchid Restobar
This sophisticated bi-level bar is the perfect spot for a lively dinner with your loved one. The bar is renowned for its contemporary pan Asian cuisine which includes an elaborate sushi menu, with plenty of options for vegetarian diners as well. The bar boasts an in-house DJ that pumps out tasteful beats well throughout the night. We’d recommend trying out the spicy tuna rolls with a glass of Japanese Slipper.
Price for two: Rs. 2,500*
Timing: 12–11 pm, Monday to Sunday
Location: 105, Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar Rd, RA Puram, Austin Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028
How to get there: Next to Limelite Salon and Spa
Sera Tapas Bar
This lively bar is one of the most happening places in Chennai’s food scene, and it's easy to see why. Sera’s has a great selection of Spanish-inspired and pan-Asian finger foods, as well as an equally impressive range of cocktails and imported liquor. This place is definitely worth checking out if you’re short on time but want to make an impression nonetheless. The bar has an in-house DJ and frequently hosts local artists for live music sessions. We recommend trying out the bar's many pinchos (Spanish bar snacks similar to bruschetta) coupled with a glass or two of the Sera Cuba Libre.
Price for two: Rs. 1,900
Timing: 12 pm–12 am, Monday to Sunday
Location: 71, Cathedral Rd, Chokkalingam Nagar, Gopalapuram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600086
How to get there:
The Leather Bar
This classy lounge bar is the place to go if you and your partner have more conservative palates when it comes to food and drink. True to its namesake, almost every furnishing in the bar is clad in leather, a tribute to Chennai’s history as a leader in the leather trade. The bar also offers open-air and poolside seating in addition to the covers indoors. Patrons recommend trying out the Leather Bar Club Sandwich, with a dram or two of Talisker 10 to boot.
Price for two: Rs. 3,500
Timing: 11 am–3 am, Monday to Sunday
Location: The Park, Anna Salai, Near US Embassy, 601, Uthamar Gandhi Rd, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006
How to get there: The Park
Fromage
This vibrant cafe is Chennai’s first themed restaurant, focused on, you guessed it, cheese. The establishment uses several in-house and imported cheeses throughout its many preparations, which include the likes of fondue fountains and parmesan wheel pastas. Lactose intolerant? Worry not, the restaurant has a range of continental vegan and non-vegetarian fare that is dairy free. The cafe is definitely worth checking out if you want to treat your partner to a unique experience. We recommend treating your partner to a fondue fountain and a glass or two of Martini bianco; trust us, a few things say it better. The restaurant also does a candlelight dinner upon request.
Price for two: Rs. 1,200*
Timing: 11 am–11:30 pm, Monday to Sunday
Location: Somerset Greenways, 94, Sathyadev Ave, MRC Nagar, Raja Annamalai Puram, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600028
How to get there: Somerset Greenways
365 A.S.
365 A.S. is the flagship lounge bar of the Hyatt Centric Chennai. Hyatt went the extra mile to design the bar in accordance with the rich heritage of Anna Salai Road, which the hotel is built on. The furnishings of the bar are reminiscent of 17th-century Europe, a tribute to the European officers that frequented the road in days of yore. The former part of the Lounge's name attests to the fact that the bar is well stocked year round with one of the best liquor collections in the country. Struggling to find that obscure label of wine that you've always wanted your partner to try? Well, look no further, 365 A.S. is sure to have what you want, and give you a wonderful dining experience to go with the spirit of your choice.
Price for two: Rs. 4,000*
Timing: 1 pm–1 am, Sunday to Thursday
1 pm–3 am, Friday
1 pm–3 am, Friday
Location: Hyatt Regency Chennai, 365, Anna Salai, Rostrevor Garden, Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018
How to get there: Hyatt Regency
Chipstead
This chic bar housed within the Taj Coromandel is one of the best in Chennai, and it’s easy to see why with just a glance at the menu. Chipstead makes some truly stunning cocktails with a range of themes and methods, mixing everything from Tiki to smoked cocktails with the utmost care and precision. The hotel has an ever evolving food menu that features finger foods that pair well with the many spirits that are poured at the bar. It’s hard to make a recommendation for a drink from a nearly 18 page menu, that said, you can't go wrong with the Wild Rover and a plate of chicken tikka. The hotel also has an in-house DJ that plays mellow tunes that are in sync with the outlet’s ambience.
Price for two: Rs. 3,000
Timing: 4 pm–12 am, Monday to Sunday
Location: Taj Coromandel, 37, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
How to get there: Taj Coromandel
The Cheroot Malt & Cigar Lounge
This quaint lounge housed in the legendary ITC Grand Chola hotel is the perfect place for a quiet evening with a loved one. The bar is unique in the fact that the captains will make you a drink tailored to your mood and your stooge of choice. The lounge also stocks a variety of cigar gauges from ITC’s exclusive Armenteros line. We recommend trying out a dram of Ardbeg 10 and a Petit Corona cigar from the Armenteros collection, accompanied by a plate of chicken tikka.
Price for two: Rs. 3,500
Timing: 11 am–1 am, Monday to Sunday
Location: 63, Mount Rd, Little Mount, Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600032
How to get there: ITC Grand Chola
Bread & Chocolate Chennai
This is Bread & Chocolate’s second retail outlet, opened after the hugely successful original based in Auroville. The Outlet has some of the best pastries in the country, masterfully crafted and curated by head baker Daniel Trulson. This is the perfect spot for a quick date with your loved one. The outlet is the perfect spot for those who prefer a more quiet, sober experience. We’d recommend getting a croissant with a cup of Subko coffee to boot.
Price for two: Rs. 800*
Timing: 8 am–8 pm, Monday to Sunday
Location: 25, 2nd Cross Street, 11, Cenotaph Rd, Sri Ram Nagar, Alwarpet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600018
How to get there: Cenotaph Road
Barracuda Brew
This beautiful bar is an absolute gem tucked away on the quiet College Road. The outlet specializes in a range of continental fare, which is backed up by a line of robust gin cocktails. Couples can also expect modern takes on south Indian classics like idli sambar, along with several craft beers on tap. We recommend trying out the Thai curry and rice with the starlight cocktail while you're there.
Price for two: Rs. 2,500*
Timing: 8 am–8 pm, Monday to Sunday
Location: 24, College Rd, Subba Road Avenue, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006
How to get there: College Road
Down Sterling
This garden bar is housed in a repurposed bungalow with plenty of natural light and greenery, making it the perfect spot for a lunch date in the city. The bar is known for its generous portion sizes and robust wine selection, which includes both domestic and imported labels. We recommend trying out the Grove Ridge merlot with a plate of gnocchi al forno. You’d do well to end the meal with a dessert from the bar’s elaborate dessert menu, which includes flawless takes on European classics such as the tiramisu.
Price for two: Rs. 2,000*
Timing: 2–11 pm, Monday to Sunday
Location: 17A, Sterling Ave, Nungambakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600034
How to get there: Sterling Avenue
*prices not inclusive of alcohol