Uniquely Themed Restaurants in Chennai

By Muzna Noohu | 14, Mar, 2018
Uniquely Themed Restaurants in Chennai

Chennai is a haven for Halal foodies because you can find all kinds of delicious Halal food in this city. From the run-down street food cart to dining like royalty, you can experience it all. It's not difficult to locate Muslim-friendly restaurants in Chennai because there are one every few steps you take!

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While you'll find the more traditional-style eateries and restaurants pretty widely, you can also dine at some of the more uniquely themed restaurants and cafes in Chennai. Coming across such places that also serve Halal food is a bit of a challenge, but that doesn't mean it's impossible! Here are some of the most popular Halal Restaurants in Chennai for a unique experience.

Note: None of these restaurants are Halal-certified. Some of them are purely vegetarian and do not sell alcohol, and others have assured us they only use Halal ingredients (and also do not serve alcohol). Please verify them personally if you visit.

 

1. Animal Kingdom

Animal Kingdom is one of the most uniquely-themed restaurants in Chennai. Walking into the restaurant, you'll be greeted by an electric dinosaur, and be seated at tables surrounded by trees and animals. While you won't see any live animals, you'll see plenty of fake ones all around you – everything from dinosaurs and tigers to birds and reptiles.

This restaurant only serves buffets and is pretty convenient if you are visiting in large groups. You can get unlimited starters to your table, and then have a cruise along the buffet line of mains, Indian bread, continental dishes, desserts, and more. Their Indian dishes are top-notch! This is also one of the more economical buffet restaurants in the city.

Cuisine: North & South Indian, Chinese, Thai, & Continental
Address: 43, 1st Main Road, Gandhi Nagar, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020.
Opening Hours: 12 noon 11:30 PM - Every day
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 1,100 for two people
Reservation: Recommended
Contact: 044 4218 7222 
Website: http://www.rainforest.org.in

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2. The Waterfall

If you're looking for someplace that is out of the ordinary, but still classy, The Waterfall is a great option for you. This unique restaurant is decorated to look like the inside of a cave, with rocky walls and greenery peeking out here and there. And, oh, did we forget to mention the actual 20-foot high waterfall inside the restaurant?

They serve delicious Indian food and Chinese food; we'd recommend trying their tandoori and Indian bread dishes. The staff is also friendly and courteous. Dim lighting, the soothing sounds of the waterfall, and not to mention delicious food make this one of the most romantic restaurants in Chennai to take your husband/wife to!

Cuisine: North & South Indian, Chinese
Address: Address: 18, LV Prasad Road, Dhanalakshmi Colony, Vadapalani, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600026.
Opening Hours: 12 noon to 3:30 PM, 7 PM To 11 PM - Every day
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 800 for two people
Reservation: Not necessary
Contact: 044 2362 4488
Website: http://www.thewaterfallrestaurant.com/

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3. Robot

This unique restaurant isn't just robot-themed but uses actual robots as servers. Not only is it India's first-ever restaurant of the kind, but we'd also say there are only a few all around the world, so it's definitely something you shouldn't miss out on your Halal tour to India.

Once you're seated at the restaurant, you'll have to place your orders on a tablet available at your table. All you have to do then is just sit back, relax, and watch the mechanical servers do their job! They serve Chinese and Thai dishes, and don't forget to try their momos!

Cuisine: Chinese, Thai
Address: Kamaraj Nagar, Semmancheri, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600119.
Opening Hours: 12 noon to 3 PM, 7 PM To 11 PM - Every day
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 1,000 for two people
Reservation: Recommended
Contact: +91 9842883223
Website: https://robotrestaurant.in/ 

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4. Kaidi Kitchen
Kaidi Kitchen

Picture Credit - kaidikitchen

As good, law-abiding citizens, none of us are probably planning on seeing the inside of a prison in our lifetimes, but it might be fun to experience this certainly unique restaurant! “Kaidi” is the Tamil word for the prisoner, making it an apt name for a prison-themed restaurant. The tables are situated behind bars, and the workers are dressed as prison wardens and prisoners!

This restaurant serves only vegetarian food, but you probably won't miss the meat. Some of their most popular dishes include spaghetti carbonara, enchiladas, sweet corn soup, and chocolate fondue for dessert! You can also choose to go for the weekend buffets to try a wider range of items. While the food is a little bit on the pricier side, it won't break your bank, and we think it's worth the novelty of the experience.

Cuisine: North Indian, Italian, Mexican, Chinese, & Thai
Address: Next to St. Ebbas School, 20/3, Bishop Wallers Avenue East, CIT Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004.
Opening Hours: 12 noon to 3:30 PM, 7 PM To 11 PM - Every day
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 1,500 for two people
Reservation: Recommended
Contact: 044 4200 9701
Website: http://kaidikitchen.com/ 

 

5. Dialogue in the Dark

Dialogue in the Dark is a restaurant that has about 150 centers in 40 countries around the world. In India, you can find them in Hyderabad, and of course, Chennai! It's one of the most unique dining experiences in the world, and definitely one you cannot miss when you travel around India. While most themed restaurants rely on décor and things that are very visual, Dialogue in the Dark brings forward a concept of the exact opposite. You'll have a meal in the pitch darkness, and the aim is to heighten the rest of your senses as your sight is deprived. You can choose between a vegetarian, or non-vegetarian set menu, and will be guided through a blind tour and meal. There's also a twist at the end that will surely make you appreciate the entire experience a lot more!

Cuisine: North Indian
Address: S30, Third floor, Express Avenue Mall, Express Estate, Club House Road, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600008.
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 800 for two people
Reservation: Recommended
Contact: 044 2846 4870
Website: http://www.dialogueinthedarkindia.com/ 

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6. Arab Street

While you might come across quite a few restaurants serving Arabian dishes in Chennai, they might not be the most authentic. At Arab Street, not only is the food delicious and authentic, but the décor also makes you feel like you're in a royal Middle Eastern palace with themes of blue and accents of gold.

Listen to soothing Arabian tunes as you fill your tummies with mouthwatering Arabian food like manakish, Yemeni Mandi rice, meats, dips, desserts, and more. They also have an Indian menu and Italian dishes as well. It might seem like an eclectic mix, but somehow, it works!

Cuisine: Arabian, Indian, & Italian
Address: No 16/1, 4th Avenue Ashok Nagar Main Road, Kodambakam, Dr. Subbaraya nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600083.
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM - Every day
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs. 800 for two people
Reservation: Recommended
Contact: 044 33011691
Website: https://arabstreet.in/

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7. The Miner Diner

The Miner Diner is one of the coolest themed Halal restaurants in Chennai, and definitely, a must-visit if you're craving some good quality Western food. The place is a bit small, but that just adds to the whole feel of it. As you might have guessed from the name, it is mining themed.

As for the food, they have a range of dishes from sandwiches and salads, to pasta, pizzas, burgers, desserts, and more. You cannot go wrong with any choice, but make sure to try their innovative waffle dishes like the pizza waffle.

Cuisine: Continental
Address: 31, Anderson Rd, Thousand Lights West, Thousand Lights, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600006.
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM - Every day
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 800 for two people
Reservation: Not necessary
Contact: 044 3301164

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8. The Rock
The Rock Restaurant chennai

Picture Credit - www.dineout.co.in

The Rock is another jungle-themed restaurant in Chennai, pretty similar to Animal Kingdom. It is also decorated with animals on the wall and plenty of greenery. As another restaurant in Chennai known for their buffets, they provide good value for money as you can eat as much as you want and sample a wide range of dishes for a pretty reasonable price. It is one of the most budget-friendly buffet restaurants in Chennai, but you can also order from their a-la-carte menu. The Rock is available in two locations in the city.

Cuisine: North & South Indian, Chinese, Thai
Address: 163/164, LB Road, Adyar, Chennai.
Opening Hours: 11:45 AM to 3:30 PM, 6:30 PM to 11:15 PM - Everyday
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 800 for two people
Reservation: Recommended
Contact: +91 8754444890

 

9. Fully Local

Fully Local doesn't play around with crazy décor or fancy dishes, they've got one thing in mind: to give you the most authentic Indian eating experience possible! This includes sitting on mish-mashed chairs, crazy colorful walls and interesting artwork, and of course, the most delicious, authentic Indian food!

The difference between Fully Local and a street-side shop is that here, it's much more convenient and a great modern-ish place to hang out with friends and family (and it's air-conditioned, which is always a plus in Chennai's sweltering heat). For some delicious fare, try their gol gappe shots, pani puri, authentic paneer tikka, or achaari.

Cuisine: North & South Indian, Street Food
Address: Doctor Radha Krishnan Salai, 8th St, Jagadambal colony, Dwarka Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004.
Opening Hours: 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM – Monday to Saturday, 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM - Sunday 
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 800 for two people
Reservation: Not necessary
Contact: 044 3020566

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10. House #22

Set in a literal mansion, House #22 is definitely not your ordinary cafe! Previously owned by an Anglo-Indian couple, this 150-year old mansion was transformed into what its owner Ksheer Vasudha Kumar describes as an “interactive experience”.

This unique cafe in Chennai is decorated in shades of mango yellow and furnished with classy tables and chairs. It gives off a calm and soothing vibe, which is hard to come by in such a densely populated and bustling city like Chennai. They serve a variety of Italian and Continental dishes, and you should definitely try their pizzas and pasta. The premises consist of a cafe, a boutique, and a picturesque event deck, so make sure to check them all out if you do visit.

Cuisine: Italian, Continental
Address: 1/38, North Parade Road, Chakrapani Colony, St Thomas Mount, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600016.
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 11 PM - Every day
Price/Price Range: approx. Rs 1,000 for two people
Reservation: Not necessary
Contact: 044 33011547
Website: http://house22cafe.com/ 

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Cover Photo by rajat sarki on Unsplash  

Muzna is a writer experienced in all things travel and food, influenced by her own travels, running a food blog and YouTube channel, as well as the various publications she has contributed to.

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