Old But Gold Eateries In Chennai

Lucky are we, for having these gems in our city that are legit pros when it comes to preparing delish delicacies that know how to tantalize our taste-buds and make ‘em want more. Well, we’re here to tell you about these restaurant icons that have been satisfying our food fantasies since a long-long time. Dig into the list and check ‘em off your bucket list!

1. Ratna Cafe - 1948

Picture Credits: ajhay_photography

The most cray south-indian joint in town, this one deserves an oscar for their supremely tasty Idli Sambar & Basundi. They're the oldest cafe in the city but defo beats newbie joints in taste thanks to their former recipes and unique taste. A must try restaurant for y’all craving some authentic and age-old cuisines!

Where | Ratna Cafe - 255, Triplicane High Road, Triplicane
Timings | 7:30 AM - 10:30 PM
Call Them | +91 44 2848 7181
Meal For Two | Rs 400
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/triplicaneratna/

2. Murugan Idli Shop - 1950s

Picture Credits: https://www.instagram.com/nivedithg/

Mighty huge idlis soaked in ghee & smothered with extremely spicy Podi- drooling, aren’t you?! This place knows how to make fine AF idlis that's just super soft fluffballs that are not only heavenly if we talk about the mouthfeel but also so pleasurable to look at. Don’t miss out on their scrumptious White Paniyaram as well peeps!

Where | Murugan Idli Shop - 129/28, 100 Feet Road, Velachery
Timings | 7 AM - 9 PM
Call Them | +91 9597 080 607
Meal For Two | Rs 200
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/MuruganIdliShop/

3. Buhari - 1951

Picture Credits: https://www.instagram.com/mytrystwithfood/

Think Chicken 65, Think Buhari! While they should defo use this as their tagline, we are currently obsessing over their oh-so-famous Chicken 65 which is genuinely to-die-for tasty on the taste meter. Unmissables include Jamali Chicken, Chicken Tikka Masala, Mutton Kurma, Buhari’s Mutton Dum Biryani & Buhari’s Madras Parotta, so get yourself a plateful of all these scrumptious dishes at this perf place right away!

Where | Buhari - Mount Road, No. 83, Anna Salai, Padupakkam, Triplicane
Timings | 10 AM - 2 AM
Call Them | +91 44 2855 1951
Meal For Two | Rs 800
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/Buhari1951/

4. Dindigul Thalappakatti - 1956

Picture Credits: the_vogue_traveller

Authentic flavour bombs is what you can expect while visiting this gorg place. Their Chicken Leg Fry, Fish Chilli, Chicken Varuval & Egg Biryani are our forever favourite and we always find ourselves going back for more. If you’re craving a plethora of authentic dishes cooked to perfection, this place is defo for you!

Where | Dindigul Thalappakatti - 27, Venkatanarayana Road, T. Nagar
Timings | 11 AM - 11 PM
Call Them | +91 4445 506 264
Meal For Two | Rs 900
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/DindigulThalappakatti/

5. Thambi Vilas - 1964

This one does succulent mutton dishes and all-things-non-veg for y’all meat lovers. Hit this perf place up ASAP and make sure you load up on their Kothu Parotta, Mutton Fry Biryani, Mutton Laapa, Chocolate Paan & Ilaneer Payasam for the ultimate foodgasm!

Where | Thambi Vilas - Old 110/1 New 138, Habibullah Road, T. Nagar
Timings | 7 AM - 11 PM
Call Them | +91 44 2834 0620
Meal For Two | Rs 500
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/thambivilas/

6. Hotel Saravana Bhavan - 1981

Picture Credits: golgappa_girl

As popular as the name is, they really stand by their fame with mouthwatering delicacies like Ghee Roast Masala Dosa, Pav Bhaaji, Filtered Coffee & Idiyappam. This world famous restaurant chain is known for their top-notch service and is perf for a family dine out, so come on by with your folks!

Where | Hotel Saravana Bhavan - 70, Kapaleeswarar Temple, North Mada Street, Mylapore
Timings | 7 AM - 10 PM
Call Them | +91 44 2461 5588
Meal For Two | Rs 550
Check Out Their FB Page | https://www.facebook.com/hsbindiaa/

With this bucket-list of fab restaurants, let the foodie within you relish the delish dishes for an ultimate gastronomic treat!