Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu is a vibrant city nestled on the Bay of Bengal, which is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and delectable cuisine. Even though most parts of the city add something to the regional South Indian cuisine, the East Coast Region (ECR) offers some of the most stunning views and a thriving culinary scene.
Along this stretch of road, which is a paradise for food lovers, you can find some of the most amazing restaurants serving up sumptuous cuisines. Thus, it can get a tad bit difficult to pick nothing but the best. But don’t worry, with this list of the best restaurants in ECR, Chennai, you can put an end to the search and have the best local dishes and drinks.
Top 10 Restaurants At ECR And The Delicacies They Have To Offer
Melting Pot: Market Cafe
Located in Mahabalipuram, Melting Pot Market Cafe is a quaint eatery that is inside the famous Intercontinental Chennai Resort. With a picturesque setting by the pool, they also serve impeccable food covering various cuisines like North Indian, South Indian, Asian, and Continental.
Ambience And Decor: Melting Pot Market Cafe is an Instagrammable cafe that gives you the option to sit in their luxurious space or make yourself comfortable by the pool and enjoy fresh air.
Expertise: The cafe features a sushi bar which is a must-try. You can also their appetisers like paneer tikka, followed by their special fried rice. With their creamy Tiramisu, you can end an elaborate meal.
ECR Dhaba
If you like to dine in an open space surrounded by greenery, ECR Dhaba is just the right place for you. Since they serve a wide range of cuisines like Italian, North Indian, and Continental, you can come with your family and have a gala time. For non-vegetarians, their seafood is something you shouldn’t miss.
Ambience And Decor: ECR Dhaba allows you to sit inside an air-conditioned space or underneath a thatched roof if you prefer seating outside. There’s also a kid’s section for children to play.
Expertise: ECR Dhaba is known for its seafood, so you must try the fresh appetisers. You can also enjoy a good portion of Indian dishes like butter chicken masala paired with butter naan.
Hub At ECR
As the name suggests, Hub at ECR is the epicentre of food along the coastline. The restaurant has a brilliantly designed menu which features a fusion of Indian and American cuisine. You can choose from their cheesy burgers to spicy gravies and expect nothing but perfection.
Ambience: The Hub at ECR has lively lighting with beautiful lanterns installed against every wall. Filled with a trippy art collection, the restaurant has a modern and hip vibe.
Expertise: All you need to do at Hub at ECR is to order your favourite pizza or noodles along with a chilled beer and you will have never tasted excellence in your plates.
Kai From The Sea
Getting inspired by the Japanese word “Kai,” which translates to the ocean, Kai From The Sea is a unique restaurant located in the East Coast Region. The eatery combines a fine-dining restaurant with a fish market that has a takeaway menu offering seafood lovers fresh and seasonal catch.
Ambience And Decor: Located just by shore, Kai From The Sea has an aesthetically pleasing interior which also offers a beautiful view of the beach.
Expertise: If you love seafood, Kai from the Sea offers a one-of-a-kind experience with its daily lot of fresh catch. So, you must try their Mangalore-style prawn ghee roast and the ceviche.
Hibiscus Cafe
Hibiscus Cafe, which is located in Saraswathi Nagar, is a great place if you want to have a Sunday brunch or you’re planning a get-together with your closed ones. The Thai-styled cafe has some of the best continental dishes made with organic ingredients and the best flavours.
Ambience And Decor: Hibiscus Cafe has a Bohemian ambience and features a mix of European and Asian delicacies which perfectly fit with the theme.
Expertise: You can choose from their Italian, Chinese, and Continental cuisine, but don’t miss out on their chicken wings.
Kipling Cafe
If you are looking for a romantic spot, Kipling Cafe is the ideal place to take your partner for a memorable date. With a relaxing atmosphere, candles, and a bar, you and your partner can count on having one of the best evenings. The best part is, that their menu caters to a wide range of cuisines like European, Mediterranean, and even regional dishes like Punjabi for you to take your pick.
Ambience And Decor: Kipling Cafe is a peaceful place which offers you a beach view and features a roof garden. You can sit outside on the patio with the waves of the ocean or in a romantic indoor setting.
Expertise: At the Kipling Cafe you can enjoy a fusion of Asian and European menus. Pair their barbequed dishes with in-house cocktails and make the most of your day.
The Wharf 2.0
The Wharf 2.0 is a fine dining restaurant. For a luxurious time, you can rely on the high-end menu to unwind amidst an aesthetic set-up. The multi-cuisine restaurant is known to be one of the best luxury beachfront venues located near the East Coast Region, Chennai.
Ambience And Decor: The luxury property is one of the best ways to enjoy the sunset view with heavenly drinks and food.
Expertise: One of the specialities of The Wharf 2.0 is its seafood like jumbo prawns, kingfish, and much more.
Drizzle By The Beach
If you’re looking for a family-friendly restaurant at the East Coast Road in Chennai, you must drop by Drizzle By The Beach. Located within Fisherman's Cove Beach Resort, it offers you a coastal setting with a picturesque view. With their home-style meals, every member of your family can have pleasant and comforting food.
Ambience And Decor: Set along the coast, Drizzle By The Beach offers you a stunning beach view of the ocean waves.
Expertise: Drizzle By The Beach is known for its go-to home-like food. You can also count on the eatery if you want to get your hands on the regional specialities.
L'attitude 49
L'attitude 49 is a high-end restaurant which is a haven for non-vegetarians. Located in the Grande Bay Resort, the luxury restaurant is known for its grandeur, fine-dine menu, and meticulously prepared dishes. No matter if you are opting for an elaborate buffet or à la carte, you can count on its hygiene and wholesome flavours.
Ambience And Decor: In sync with the grandeur, L'attitude 49 features everything in ivory, be it furniture or tableware. Adding to it, the restaurant also offers you views of the ocean and open lawns.
Expertise: The chefs are experienced in Singaporean cuisine in addition to the usual Asian and Continental dishes. So, don’t forget to get your hands on their Singaporean fish and jumbo prawns.
Virundhu
For people who want to enjoy traditional South Indian cuisine, Virundhu is the perfect place in ECR, Chennai. The family-friendly restaurant has a range of regional dishes that you cannot miss. You can choose from their vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes as per your dietary preferences and make your family time memorable.
Ambience And Decor: A bright-lit restaurant, Virundhu offers you outdoor seating along with a modern interior. You can sit by the pool or amidst the greens while enjoying the meal.
Expertise: From the go-to dosas and idlis to the regional specialities like fish and prawns, you must try their range of South Indian delicacies.
Tips For Travellers:
- Since most of the restaurants in ECR are located near the coast, check the timings before dropping by.
- For the fine-dine places, it’s best to plan ahead and make reservations to get a table.
- To travel and explore the city at your pace, you can hire a bike or car and drive across the coast making pitstops at the restaurants.
- Don’t forget to try regional specialities like Tamil thali, seafood curries, and Chettinad chicken.
Conclusion
The Chennai Coast, ECR offers a delightful blend of culinary delights, stunning beaches, and cultural experiences. Whether you want to try out regional cuisine or dive into your comfort food, these restaurants will serve you nothing but the best.