Until a few years ago it was cool to say ‘coffee shop’. not anymore. We now say ‘all-day diner’ to refer to the 24-hour restaurants that are a mainstay of large luxury hotels. It is no different in Chennai where these all day restaurants play multiple roles. Buffet restaurant (usually for all major meals including breakfast), a multi-cuisine restaurant for meeting or dining in between meals and a late-night refuge if you want to stay away from the buffet and opt for a la carte Ideal place.
Just the kind of place you would pop into after a night out on the town or for an invigorating fix of late night movie and filter coffee to satisfy those biryani or sweet cravings. It’s always a good time for filter coffee in Chennai, hence the coffee shop’s nickname isn’t cool at all. Some of these restaurants do not operate overnight, but they are still ‘all day’ eateries. We round up some of our favorites in Chennai:
Here are 7 of the best all-day dinners in Chennai:
1. Spectra, The Leela Palace Chennai:
Their Sunday brunch is a local legend of sorts. In a hotel that has several specialty restaurants, the Spectra scores scores for both quality and spread. Their buffet counters are mini specialty restaurants in themselves and showcase a variety of healthy dishes as well. But it’s the breakfast spread with sinful waffles that wins our vote. Spectra’s desserts hit the right note and then there are the views – it’s the only luxury hotel in the city that overlooks the Bay of Bengal.
Where: MRC Nagar
In pictures: Spectra, The Leela Palace Chennai
2. 601, The Park Chennai:
The all-day dining is a great reflection of the city’s food culture and trends. 601 is a good example. The park’s all-day diner continues to evolve and reinvent itself with a sense of adventure. The latest tweak is a dimsum and sushi bar that sums up the city’s continuing romance with Asian cuisine. While the menu is constantly refreshed, there’s always room for 601’s staples that keep regulars coming back – from pizza to fail-safe pasta and their famous tiramisu. It’s all in the mix.
Where: 601, Anna Salai
3. Dining Room, Park Hyatt:
One of our favorite spots for breakfast, this large restaurant lives up to the hotel’s minimalist chic and features floor-to-ceiling glass windows that seamlessly combine indoor and al-fresco seating with a stunning water body allow mergers. There are many places that include areas that are away from the hustle and bustle. While buffets are a mainstay for breakfast and dinner, the restaurant offers a good selection of global cuisine, along with Asian options for lunch.
Where: Sardar Patel Road, Guindy
In the picture: The Dining Room, Park Hyatt
4. Madras Pavilion, ITC Grand Chola:
True to its name, the buffet restaurant at ITC Grand Chola serves top class South Indian cuisine including some of the city’s tastiest idlis for breakfast. But this is not the only reason to visit the Madras Pavilion. The buffet spread is wide, service is on point and there are some live counters and healthy options. We serve a special breakfast and seafood selection during the special Sunday lunch buffet. If you arrive in between meals, there’s Cafe Mercara Express next door for those quick casual meals and an excellent choice of coffee.
Where: Mount Road, Guindy
5. Market, Grand By GRT:
For a long time, the 24-hour restaurant at GRT Grand was the perfect pit-stop; The restaurant introduced a unique set of ‘Midnight Combos’ which really hit the spot. Many of those comforting dishes bring diners back to The Market, a completely new version of the hotel’s all-day dining experience. It is large, merges seamlessly with the lobby and is a popular family dining option with a large selection of sweets and authentic South Indian signatures.
Where: Sir Thigaraya Road, T Nagar
6. Food Exchange, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road:
This intimate all-day eatery scores with its breakfast and dinner buffets. Regulars keep coming back for the home-style specials, which also includes a coffee station that is staffed by home makers. The Food Exchange is equally renowned for its international selection and wine list. The restaurant isn’t shy about experimenting with its dinner buffet from time to time with food promotions that break away from the clichés.
Where: Chamiers Road, Nandanam
In picture: Food Exchange, Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
7. Anees, Taj Coromandel:
It is no exaggeration to call Anees’ Gilli Biryani one of the best at a luxury hotel in Chennai. It continues to be a huge draw among gourmets and late-night revelers looking to get their biryani fix. Anise is named after a spice that is an integral part of Chettinad cuisine. It offers a small selection of Oriental, Italian and Mediterranean signatures. We love the view of the hotel’s pool and the natural light that makes it a great lunch spot.
Where: Uthmar Gandhi Salai, Nungambakkam
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