Sunday Restobar | Photo Credit: Velankanni Raj B
In the heart of bustling Anna Nagar, there is now a new restobar for comfort food, lovely cocktails and conversation. Sundays is run by mother-daughter duo Anita Shivakumar and Shivita Shivakumar. In its previous life, the Hideout Bistro was located at this location. Now, it aspires to become Chennai’s “everyday getaway”.
“While the pub and restobar culture is on the rise in Chennai, there is no place where one can have a drink and listen to each other. My daughters and their friends always go to Bangalore or Goa because ‘it’s the place’. I wanted to bring that scene here,” says Sunday’s managing director Anita.
There are comfortable teal-colored sofas that can seat a party of six, and the patio has tables for small groups. The space is filled with natural light, quirky decor, and greenery. For those who want a pub experience, the bar is housed in a dimly lit corner filled with retro art.
“We all eat and enjoy through our phone cameras first. So while putting the place together, I always made sure to click a picture before approving the designs, to see if it went well. Snaps pictures. I used to have cocktails and take pictures in every light to see what works,” says Shivita, joint managing director.
Specialty Cocktails – From left: Bubble Bath, Purple Rain and Matinee Show | Photo Credit: Velankanni Raj B
The Purple Rain, one of their signature cocktails, takes a really cool picture. It is a gin-based drink with elderflower, tonic water and blue pea flower. It’s refreshing, if sweet. Shivita also recommends Golden Hour in the Gin-Line. It’s like a jolt of energy made with cold brew and tonic water.
The food menu of the restobar is extensive and has options from Indian, Chinese, Italian and European cuisines. We try the Paneer Ghee Roast. The dish is subtly spiced, tangy and not overdone with ghee. There is also a chicken version.
Creamy Broccoli | Photo Credit: Velankanni Raj B
we try them too cream Broccoli. The florets are cooked in a creamy white gravy but retain a refreshing crunch.
At the other end of the spectrum is Andhra Chilli Chicken. Made with green chillies, it is served with a warning from the waiter. While the first bite suggests if this is just a hype, the subsequent chew reveals the spice.
“In the two and a half years putting this place together, we’ve tasted the entire menu multiple times. ladies Biryani or Ghee Roast are famous dishes and have been modified many times to achieve the authentic taste,” says Anita.
Anita says she has 12 years of experience running a restaurant while Shivita was a Hotel Management student and runs Hideout Bistro.
“Being a mother-daughter team that runs a restobar, we are breaking many boundaries. Now I am running the show and she will take a back seat and supervise things,” says Shivita.
A meal for two including drinks costs ₹2,000 on Sundays. It is located at Sunday – 101 D Block 6th Street, Anna Nagar East, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600102