Beachside dining or dining with a bird's eye of the beach. A cosy cafe or a rooftop dining spot with the city lights shining in the distance? Chennai is one of the only cities in India that can offer you all these options. While a row of restaurants that hug the Bay of Bengal along the East Coast Road remains the preferred option for date nights, Chennai's wide array of options also means you will never run out of spots within the CBD for the perfect setting for a romantic rendezvous.
Also Read: Chennai Breakfast Trail: 12 Must-Visit Places In The City For Authentic Meals
Here Are 10 Most Romantic Restaurants In Chennai:
1. Above Sea Level, The Raintree Hotel St. Mary's Road:
located on the 14th level in the heart of one of the city's swish neighbourhoods, this romantic venue is at the edge of the hotel's shimmering pool. The live entertainment sets the mood while a carefully curated cocktail program and an exhaustive menu dominated by grills and kebabs make it the perfect dinner venue for those special occasions.
Where: The Raintree Hotel St. Mary's Road, Alwarpet
Above Sea Level, Chennai
2. Aqua, The Park:
One of the first premium outdoor venues that busted myths about Chennai's weather (the sea breeze does provide comfort on most nights). Aqua's decadent cabanas and cosy tables that dot the pool make the perfect setting in the heart of the city. The music is always on point and Aqua also stages special romantic tables for two that are perfect for your special night.
Where: The Park, Anna Salai
Aqua, Chennai
3. Asvah 24:
One of our favourite standalone spaces that is tucked away off East Coast Road. This space comes alive once the sun goes down. Asvah 24 offers an array of venues that include views of the Bay of Bengal and a calming space with the cool blues of a beautiful water body. It's the perfect spot for a candlelit dinner and the new menu adds an Indian selection to their popular range of global plates.
Where: Beach Road, Neelangarai
Asvah, Chennai
4. Bay View, Taj Fisherman's Cove:
Luxurious beach shack or romantic beachside venue. It's all a matter of perspective. Bayview's rustic gazebos add to its appeal as a stunning dinner venue especially under the moonlight when the sound of the waves is your playlist for the night. This is unfiltered beachside dining at its very best. The restaurant leans heavily on fresh catch of the day from neighbouring fishing communities.
Where: Taj Fisherman's Cove Resort & Spa, East Coast Road, Kovalam
Bay View Taj Fisherman's Cove, Chennai
5. C-Salt, Sheraton Grand Chennai:
A beautiful setting with unhindered views of the Bay of Bengal. This beachside restaurant also offers an exclusive space specially crafted for date nights that takes you even closer to the ocean. This concept destination features a large bar and a food menu that combines the fresh catch of the day with an interesting selection of South Indian cuisines.
Where: Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort and Spa, East Coast Road, Vadanemeli
C-Salt, Sheraton Grand, Chennai
6. Sante Spa Cuisine:
It offers two cosy venues in Chennai; we're partial to their CBD outlet with its tranquil setting. As the name suggests, this vegetarian dining destination offers a host of healthy options that cater to special dietary requirements. While it's quite a popular spot for lunch, this space is even more charming for a dinner date.
Where: Rutland Gate Second Street
Sante Spa Cuisine, Chennai
7. Sky, The Residency Towers:
One of our favourite new rooftop dining destinations in the city. Sky is located in the heart of the city's bustling shopping district and offers a choice of four dining spaces including two al-fresco sections with views of the Chennai skyline and its long coastline. It's one of the best spots in the city for sundowners, the food menu has an Asian slant and also makes room for local flavours.
Where: The Residency Towers, Sir Theagaraya Road
Sky Residency Towers, Chennai
8. Skyloft, Feathers Hotel Chennai:
A terrific live act, an enthusiastic service team, a large rooftop and a diverse menu; Skyloft has a lot going for it. It has one of the most versatile menus at any rooftop dining destination in the city, that blends Mediterranean, Asian and Indian signatures but most of all it's the panoramic views that make it perfect for date night.
Where: Feathers Hotel, Mount Poonamalee Road, Manapakkam
Sky Loft, Feathers Hotel, Chennai
9. Wharf, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
You can hear the waves as you take in the views of the iconic Pallava-era Shore Temple in the distance. Wharf is one of the most enchanting dining venues along the East Coast Road and offers a choice of beachside dining and an elevated seating area closer to the live kitchen where grills take centre stage. We'd suggest blocking a table on the beach for a memorable experience.
Where: Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
Wharf, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
10. Wild Garden - the Cafe at Amethyst:
it's one of Chennai's favourite cafes and an all-day destination with an assortment of spaces. It's equally one of the city's most atmospheric dining venues after sunset when the verdant garden and verandah area provide the perfect ambience to create endearing memories.
Where: Whites Road, Royapettah
Wild Garden, Chennai
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.