Italian restaurants in Chennai

travelswithmyghds · Nov 21st, 2006, 12:56

I have been living here in Chennai for 2 months now, and have managed to find a number of places which sell pasta/pizza etc as part of a 'multi-cuisine' menu, but have yet to find a proper Italian restaurant that does all the usuals to a reasonable standard. Any suggestions?

Much appreciated

Nick-H · Nov 21st, 2006, 20:52

Welcome to IndiaMike (and Chennai)

But I can't help with this one!

Wait! See what Google came up with!

Try this one

Sama · Nov 21st, 2006, 21:01

Bella Ciao is supposed to be excellent. It was recommended to me many times when I was in Chennai, but never got over there....

ISN · Nov 22nd, 2006, 00:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelswithmyghds

I have been living here in Chennai for 2 months now, and have managed to find a number of places which sell pasta/pizza etc as part of a 'multi-cuisine' menu, but have yet to find a proper Italian restaurant that does all the usuals to a reasonable standard. Any suggestions?

Much appreciated

List of Italian restaurants in Chennai.

Bell Peppers
146 East Coast Road, Injambakkam
Tiruvanmiyur, Chennai 600041
Phone: 24494444, 24494445

Bella Ciao
140 Nungambakkam High Road
Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034
Phone: 28330085

Cedars
Address: 29 Gandhi Mandapam Road
Kottur, Chennai 600085
Phone: 24475073

Gallopin Gooseberry
Address: 11 Thousand Lights
Greams Road, Chennai 600006
Phone: 28291077

Italica Restaurant
Address: 18/7 3rd Cross Street
(Corporation Complex)
R.A. Puram, Chennai 600028
Phone: 24330544, 24360854

Little Italy
Address: 112
(Eldorado)
Nungambakkam, Chennai 600034
Phone: 42601234

Pasta Fresca - Italian Cuisines www.pastafresca.com
Address: New # 32 Old # 55 Thirumalai Pillai Road
T. Nagar, 600017
Phone: 39122587, 39122588

Nick-H · Nov 22nd, 2006, 00:05

Wow! very impressive

icetea · Nov 22nd, 2006, 10:05

I am not putting much expectations into these "continental cuisine" restaurants in India, as their food rarely has anything to do with what we serve back home, in Europe.

But Bella Ciao seems to be run by a couple of Italians, so that should be authentic Italian food. For reliable restaurant recommendations in Chennai see http://www.imsc.res.in/Madras/eogc.html or buy the Hindu Metro Plus Food Guide (150 Rs.).

If you happen to visit any of those places, do tell us how good it was!

ArjunaWeeping · Dec 7th, 2006, 07:07

I ate at Bella Ciao a few times, a bit over-priced but it seems to be the genuine article (my Spanish buddy just came from living in Italy and seemed to enjoy the food very much).

Unless they've moved since March 2005 the address is 4 Sri Krishna Enclave, Waterland Drive, Valmiki Nagar New Beach, Kottivakkam Chennai 600 041, tel. no 24511130, email bella-ciao@libero.it

I think I saw that Nungambakkam address when I was in Chennai and it was either wrong or they have 2 restaurants because they were definitely at Sri Krishna Enclave when I was there.

Cheers,

Scott

Auntyji · Dec 7th, 2006, 07:57

I thought Cedars was a Lebanese restaurant (this is what I was told but I could be wrong...or maybe they serve a little bit of everything?).

icetea · Dec 7th, 2006, 11:17

Cedards is (hadrcore) Lebanese alright, I also wondered why it's on the list. And from what I've read & heard, Bella Ciao is near the beach, so it must in be Kottivakam, rather than Nungambakkam, unless they have a branch, as Arjuna says.

travelswithmyghds · Dec 7th, 2006, 11:57

I've been to Cedars a couple of times, and found the food pretty good, if not fantastically authentic. Like the idea of the hookah pipes - reminds me of my time in Istanbul - definately adds to the atmosphere. Out of choice though, I would go to Mocha for that; there is nothing more relaxing than wiling away an afternoon on one of their sofas with a big pot of coffee and a hookah pipe.

machadinha · Dec 7th, 2006, 11:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by travelswithmyghds

I've been to Cedars a couple of times, and found the food pretty good, if not fantastically authentic. Like the idea of the hookah pipes - reminds me of my time in Istanbul - definately adds to the atmosphere. Out of choice though, I would go to Mocha for that; there is nothing more relaxing than wiling away an afternoon on one of their sofas with a big pot of coffee and a hookah pipe.

Very Italian, indeed

Nick-H · Dec 7th, 2006, 12:31

Bella Ciao is near the beach --- I ate there on Sunday! Pretty authentic, rather than an Indian version

I believe they also have a city branch, so I guess that'll be the Nungambakam address.

This is not the city beach, as in Marina or Elliots, it is bit further South. Not too easy to find, the first time, but once you know where it is, no problem. I can give directions if anyone wants! 20-30 minutes drive from 'central' Chennai. Beach there seems to get busy in the early evenings, but it will be quiet in the day.

It is a nice garden restaurant --- with donkey, geese, etc hanging around to add to the attraction.

Hard for me to judge price. Anything more than a standard Chennai veg 'hotel' meal at less than Rs100 is 'expensive' to me these days

--- but I'd say this place isn't too bad and one can eat there for a few hundred each.

jyotirmoy · Dec 7th, 2006, 12:38

"I am not putting much expectations into these "continental cuisine" restaurants in India, as their food rarely has anything to do with what we serve back home, in Europe."

May be aparently off topic, restaurant Diva in Delhi serves absolutely authentic Italian food cooked with Italian ingredients & has an impressive cellar. It is here that you can have real Truffles shaved on your pasta.
The Only Place in Bangalore serves steaks & roasts even better than many places in Europe.

IndeGuru · Dec 7th, 2006, 13:24

>"May be aparently off topic, restaurant Diva in Delhi serves absolutely authentic Italian food cooked with Italian ingredients & has an impressive cellar"

Where is Diva in Delhi? Had some Italian at 'Big Chill' at East of Kailash, very authentic Italian, highly recommended.

jyotirmoy · Dec 7th, 2006, 13:33

Diva is situated at the M block market Greater Kailash-II. Yes I love Big Chill too specially the desserts.

Nov 21st, 2006, 12:56	#1
travelswithmyghds Take me home, country roads... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 13	Italian restaurants in Chennai I have been living here in Chennai for 2 months now, and have managed to find a number of places which sell pasta/pizza etc as part of a 'multi-cuisine' menu, but have yet to find a proper Italian restaurant that does all the usuals to a reasonable standard. Any suggestions? Much appreciated

Nov 21st, 2006, 20:52	#2
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,396	Welcome to IndiaMike (and Chennai) But I can't help with this one! Wait! See what Google came up with! Try this one __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Nov 21st, 2006, 21:01	#3
Sama a pain in the asana Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: the India inside my heart Posts: 5,543	Bella Ciao is supposed to be excellent. It was recommended to me many times when I was in Chennai, but never got over there.... __________________ *My India, 2005-2008* sama: Pali/Sanskrit: that state of consciousness which reflects neither attachment nor aversion

Dec 7th, 2006, 07:07	#7
ArjunaWeeping In Search of Darshan Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: In Chennai!!! Posts: 92	I ate at Bella Ciao a few times, a bit over-priced but it seems to be the genuine article (my Spanish buddy just came from living in Italy and seemed to enjoy the food very much). Unless they've moved since March 2005 the address is 4 Sri Krishna Enclave, Waterland Drive, Valmiki Nagar New Beach, Kottivakkam Chennai 600 041, tel. no 24511130, email bella-ciao@libero.it I think I saw that Nungambakkam address when I was in Chennai and it was either wrong or they have 2 restaurants because they were definitely at Sri Krishna Enclave when I was there. Cheers, Scott __________________ Explore Yoga: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living In Search of Darshan - my trip to Chennai, India in 2005 Scott's Thotts - my meandering thoughts on Yoga and Life...

Dec 7th, 2006, 13:24	#14
IndeGuru Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: New Delhi- national capital region Posts: 240	Diva? >"May be aparently off topic, restaurant Diva in Delhi serves absolutely authentic Italian food cooked with Italian ingredients & has an impressive cellar" Where is Diva in Delhi? Had some Italian at 'Big Chill' at East of Kailash, very authentic Italian, highly recommended.

Nov 22nd, 2006, 00:05	#5
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,396	Wow! very impressive

Nov 22nd, 2006, 10:05	#6
icetea 'sort of hate India' club member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chennai, via Romania Posts: 917	I am not putting much expectations into these "continental cuisine" restaurants in India, as their food rarely has anything to do with what we serve back home, in Europe. But Bella Ciao seems to be run by a couple of Italians, so that should be authentic Italian food. For reliable restaurant recommendations in Chennai see http://www.imsc.res.in/Madras/eogc.html or buy the Hindu Metro Plus Food Guide (150 Rs.). If you happen to visit any of those places, do tell us how good it was!

Dec 7th, 2006, 07:57	#8
Auntyji One tight slap! Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New York Posts: 323	I thought Cedars was a Lebanese restaurant (this is what I was told but I could be wrong...or maybe they serve a little bit of everything?).

Dec 7th, 2006, 11:17	#9
icetea 'sort of hate India' club member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chennai, via Romania Posts: 917	Cedards is (hadrcore) Lebanese alright, I also wondered why it's on the list. And from what I've read & heard, Bella Ciao is near the beach, so it must in be Kottivakam, rather than Nungambakkam, unless they have a branch, as Arjuna says.

Dec 7th, 2006, 11:57	#10
travelswithmyghds Take me home, country roads... Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 13	I've been to Cedars a couple of times, and found the food pretty good, if not fantastically authentic. Like the idea of the hookah pipes - reminds me of my time in Istanbul - definately adds to the atmosphere. Out of choice though, I would go to Mocha for that; there is nothing more relaxing than wiling away an afternoon on one of their sofas with a big pot of coffee and a hookah pipe.

Dec 7th, 2006, 12:31	#12
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 28,396	Bella Ciao is near the beach --- I ate there on Sunday! Pretty authentic, rather than an Indian version I believe they also have a city branch, so I guess that'll be the Nungambakam address. This is not the city beach, as in Marina or Elliots, it is bit further South. Not too easy to find, the first time, but once you know where it is, no problem. I can give directions if anyone wants! 20-30 minutes drive from 'central' Chennai. Beach there seems to get busy in the early evenings, but it will be quiet in the day. It is a nice garden restaurant --- with donkey, geese, etc hanging around to add to the attraction. Hard for me to judge price. Anything more than a standard Chennai veg 'hotel' meal at less than Rs100 is 'expensive' to me these days --- but I'd say this place isn't too bad and one can eat there for a few hundred each.

Dec 7th, 2006, 12:38	#13
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,725	"I am not putting much expectations into these "continental cuisine" restaurants in India, as their food rarely has anything to do with what we serve back home, in Europe." May be aparently off topic, restaurant Diva in Delhi serves absolutely authentic Italian food cooked with Italian ingredients & has an impressive cellar. It is here that you can have real Truffles shaved on your pasta. The Only Place in Bangalore serves steaks & roasts even better than many places in Europe.

Dec 7th, 2006, 13:33	#15
jyotirmoy Maha Guru Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: India Posts: 4,725	Diva is situated at the M block market Greater Kailash-II. Yes I love Big Chill too specially the desserts.

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