Take your Valentine's Day 2024 experience to a new high this year. There's no better time of the year to head to a rooftop dining venue with the city lights twinkling in the distance adding to the drama of your Valentine's special date. Bengaluru has seen a few new rooftop destinations that have debuted over the last few months. A couple of popular venues in Chennai have been reimagined after their recent makeovers. We pick some of the best venues in Chennai and Bengaluru for a memorable Valentine's evening this year:
Here Are 6 Best Rooftop Restaurants In Chennai
1. Aqua, The Park:
One of the first movers in Chennai, Aqua was among the pioneers of luxury rooftop dining in the city. It's here that the city discovered the calming vibe of a pool deck complemented with a carefully curated music playlist. Aqua offers a versatile menu, you could also move to A2, the indoor dining space (with its slant on Asian cuisine) that shares the pool deck with Aqua.
Where: Anna Salai
2. Skyloft, Feathers Hotel Chennai:
Away from the busy CBD, Skyloft offers a unique rooftop experience with sweeping views. The menu blends Mediterranean, Asian and Indian signatures. Skyloft has curated a special menu for Valentine's that includes a special red velvet cheesecake and their own twist to golden fried prawns. Their Valentine's packages also include a complimentary glass of wine.
Where: Mount Poonamalee Road, Manapakkam
3. Irida Skky Lounge:
Spread across 4,500 sq. ft. and over three levels, Irida is one of this year's hottest new additions to Chennai's restaurant and bar landscape. This vibrant space seeks inspiration from the iris flower. The unique 10th-floor location offers unobstructed views of the city. From betel leaf vodka to shitake-infused Japanese malts, Irida's beverage program is full of surprises. The food menu represents a global culinary journey of sorts.
Where: Ethiraj Salai
4. Q Bar, The Hilton Chennai:
Located on the rooftop of one of Chennai's best-located luxury hotels. With the shimmering pool providing the perfect backdrop, Q Bar is one of the city's highest outlets with stunning views of the city and its popular gazebos. Q Bar has just returned after a contemporary makeover with an accent on what the hotel calls 'sophisticated socialising'. It's not just the exteriors that have got a facelift, the menu has seen a complete transformation too.
Where: 100 Feet Road, Guindy
5. KooX - Rooftop Asian Grill, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road:
One of our favourite 'high-energy' venues in Chennai. The contemporary decor and panoramic views add to the KooX experience. It's not just the views, KooX offers one of the city's most progressive bar programs and music that hits the right notes. But most of all, it's their Asian signatures - from Sushi rolls to their own spin on Sichuan cuisine that keep regulars coming back.
Where: Chamiers Road
6. Above Sea Level, The Raintree Hotel St. Mary's Road:
This has been a favourite for special occasions and intimate celebrations almost since its debut in the 2000s. Located on the 14th level on the edge of the pool, Above Sea Level also offers views of the Chennai coastline in the distance. This popular rooftop venue went through a makeover as part of the hotel's ambitious renovation program and offers a wide selection of grills and kebabs along with artisanal cocktails.
Where: St. Mary's Road, Alwarpet
Here Are Best 4 Rooftop Restaurants In Bengaluru
7. One8 Commune:
Virat Kohli's all-new establishment has made a huge impact on the Bengaluru F&B scene with its unique location. It's one of my favourite new rooftop venues with panoramic views of Cubbon Park and Chinnaswamy Stadium; perfect for your date-night indulgence. The food menu is a fusion of modern contemporary and global cuisines while the cocktail menu is a harmony of timeless classics and innovative community cocktails.
Where: Kasturba Road
8. Echo, Aloft Bengaluru Outer Ring Road:
Gastronomy, mixology and music harmoniously combine at one of Bengaluru's newest rooftop F&B destinations that debuted in 2024. Live music is a key element in the Echo experience that offers a unique ambience at its unique location within Cessna Business Park. Echo has pitched itself as one of the city's ultimate gin destinations with an exhaustive selection of over 30 gin brands.
Where: Outer Ring Road, Bellandur
9. Oia:
Oria brings a slice of Santorini (in Greece) to the heart of Bengaluru. Positioned as Asia's largest bar and spear over 87,000 sq. ft. Oia (pronounced Eyah) also offers a stunning rooftop section that's great for the gram. Named after the coastal town of Santorini, this destination features white walls with domed blue roof caps and is spread on multiple levels to mimic the appearance of the Greek town on the edge of the ocean.
Where: Hennur Main Road
10. Juliet:
There's no shortage of theatrics at one of the city's newest rooftop F&B destinations. Inspired by Juliet Capulet (the Juliet in Romeo and Juliet), this rooftop spot features a levitating statue of Romeo and Juliet, frozen in time. The decor features a neo-classical vibe but the cuisine is mainly Asian with a range of Asian tapas. But it's the views and stellar CBD location that add to its appeal.
Where: One MG, MG Road
About Ashwin RajagopalanI am the proverbial slashie - a content architect, writer, speaker and cultural intelligence coach. School lunch boxes are usually the beginning of our culinary discoveries.That curiosity hasn’t waned. It’s only got stronger as I’ve explored culinary cultures, street food and fine dining restaurants across the world. I’ve discovered cultures and destinations through culinary motifs. I am equally passionate about writing on consumer tech and travel.