Even if you're likely to have your say where your work team dines or where you hang out with your BFFs, it's very likely that your kids cast the deciding vote when it comes to weekend dining or that lazy Sunday brunch with the family. Like most cities in India, Sunday lunches and dinners are usually family bonding time. Trips to the beach or the mall are capped with an indulgent meal where 'cheat day' is the theme of the meal. First, it was the international fast food chains that woke up to 'pester power' with kid's friendly menus and spaces. And then it was the Sunday brunches at luxury hotels that featured kids' activity zones so you could sip your mimosas in peace. Now we're seeing more restaurants and cafes in Chennai become more conducive for family-friendly dining.
We take you through some of the best spots in the city for a meal with the family and where you can create some endearing memories.
Find and save this list on Google Maps here.
Also Read: 6 Exciting New Restaurants And Bars In Chennai You Must Try In June 2024
Here Are 12 Family-Friendly Restaurants in Chennai That Your Kids Will Love:
1. Cream Centre
Cream Centre is a popular vegetarian restaurant in Chennai with a strong reputation for its diverse and flavourful menu. Located in several areas, the restaurant is well-loved for its combination of Indian, Italian, and fusion dishes. From chaat and pav bhaji to sizzlers, pasta and other dishes, this place caters to a multitude of customers. The restaurant features a clean and spacious ambiance with good service. Although on the costly side, the portion sizes and taste do justice!
Where: Govindaswamy Nagar, RA Puram
2. The Waterfall Restaurant
This restaurant in Chennai offers a unique dining experience with its 20-foot indoor waterfalls, creating a serene and natural ambiance. This is a thematic restaurant known for its diverse menu featuring South Indian, North Indian and Chinese cuisines. Signature dishes include their grand thali, which offers a variety of handpicked dishes. The restaurant also has a banquet hall for hosting events and private dining areas for special occasions. Anyone in Chennai wanting a great ambience and extensive menu offerings must come here!
Where: Dhanalakshmi Colony, Vadapalani
3. Brew Room
Brew Room might not be positioned as a kid zone. This is after all one of the city's most popular coffee spots for conversations. But makes our list for the sheer size of the space and an oasis of sorts in the heart of the CBD. The water bodies, bird cages and gazebos add to its appeal as a 'chill zone' where you can unwind with a book or board game for a meal between a meal or over dessert.
- Where: Savera Hotel, RK Salai, Mylapore
4. Twisty Tails
There's no better antidote after a tough week in the office than entering the confines of a pet-friendly space. Twisty Tales is more than just that. It's also a pet cafe and pet store with a dedicated area for pets. It's just where you can take your furry companions for a weekend outing and check out their extensive menu It also has a designated section of food for your pets.
- Where: Khader Nawaz Khan Road
5. Kaidi Kitchen
Kaidi Kitchen is a unique themed restaurant located in Chennai, India, known for its distinctive jail-themed decor. Designed to resemble a prison, with waitstaff dressed as jailers and inmates, the dining areas are styled like prison cells, creating an immersive experience for diners. Kaidi Kitchen offers a wide variety of cuisines, including Indian, Italian, Mexican, and Thai. The menu is vegetarian, catering to a diverse range of tastes and dietary preferences. With friendly and attentive service, it is a popular choice for families and groups.
Where: CIT Colony, Mylapore
6. Fat Boy
One of Chennai's home-grown pizza brands that took wings during the pandemic, Fat Boy is a safe bet for the one thing that unites the family - pizza. Their Alwarpet outlet offers a great vibe for a family outing with a menu loaded with comfort food. Your kids can play around with the pizza toppings or just opt for a bowl of nachos or sip on a thick shake.
- Where: Cooperative Colony, Sriram Nagar, Alwarpet
7. The Old Potion House
This is a notable restaurant that brings a distinctive experience to diners. The Old Potion House is renowned for its mystical and enchanting atmosphere, drawing inspiration from an old-world apothecary or alchemist's den. The decor creates an intriguing and cozy environment and the menu offers diversity in terms of national and international cuisines. Whether it is the appetizers, main course or dessert, this restaurant has it all and is a great dining spot!
Where: Shastri Nagar, Adyar
8. The Flying Elephant
Located within the Park Hyatt, Chennai, known for its distinctive multi-cuisine offerings and elegant atmosphere, has a unique and modern ambience. Whether it is Asian stir-fries or tandoori delicacies, or even a huge variety of cocktails and beverages, this place caters to almost everything for everyone! With posh and stylish interiors and a memorable service, it promises a luxury dining experience for all!
Where: Velachery Main Rd, Little Mount, Guindy
Also Read: Chennai Breakfast Trail: 12 Must-Visit Places In The City For Authentic Meals
9. Writer's Cafe
If books are your kid's best friend, then this space is paradise. This is the perfect spot for kids to spend hours with the books of their choice - this cafe has a fully functional bookstore. And then there's the wide range of pastries and square pizzas that are a big draw with kids.
- Where: Peters Road, Gopalapuram
10. Dakshin
Celebrated and renowned for its mouth watering South Indian delicacies, Dakshin features a traditional and elegant setting that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the land! With a warm and inviting atmosphere and a meticulously curated menu, Dakshin offers a variety, including signature dishes such as Appam with Stew, Chettinad Chicken, Meen Moilee and various types of dosas and idlis. With professional service, it creates a truly enjoyable dining experience for all!
Where: TTK Rd, Adyar Park
11. Junior Kuppanna
This well-known non-vegetarian restaurant chain in Chennai is famous for its authentic Kongu cuisine, which originates from the Kongu region of Tamil Nadu. Established in 1960, Junior Kuppanna has grown to multiple locations in Chennai, including Nungambakkam, Velachery and Anna Nagar. The restaurant is highly praised for its flavorful biryanis, mutton dishes and traditional South Indian meals. Customers appreciate the clean and comfortable ambiance along with the friendly service. Junior Kuppanna also offers late-night dining, with some outlets open 24/7.
Where: Tirumurthy Nagar, Nungambakkam
12. The Farm Restaurant
The Farm Restaurant in Semmancheri, offers a unique farm-to-table dining experience. Established in 2009, it focuses on serving fresh, organic dishes, many of which are produced directly on the farm. The restaurant is known for its rustic, peaceful ambiance that resembles a scenic village, making it an ideal spot for both adults and children to enjoy a day out. The restaurant also offers breakfast, lunch, and tea, with open-air seating available. It also offers farm tours which are particularly enjoyable for children, providing a hands-on experience with nature and farming.
Where: Old Mahabalipuram Road, Semmancheri, Egattur
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.