We hope you loved reading our previous blog ‘9 Cafés and Spots in Bangalore Ideal for a Writer.‘ We are back with more ideal writer’s cafe and spots in Chennai.The Chennai literature scene does not need any introduction. From the famous Hindu Lit Fest to the incredible Chennai Book Fair, Chennai is known for being bibliophile-friendly.
Also, read our blog on 9 Cafes and Spots in Mumbai Ideal for a Writer.
All these spots are frequently visited by writers not only from Chennai but also from various other parts of the country when they visit the city. All these places are perfect for you to sit and write your blog or novel. What’s more, these cafés serve amazing food as well.
How about drinking some Irish coffee at Amethyst or eating a four cheese omelette at L’amandier while reading your favourite book or writing a story? Read on to know more about these places.
Amethyst Café
Amethyst is one of the well-known cafés in the city. One of the oldest cafes, Amethyst has an elegant indoor seating with amazing ambience, a serene veranda seating and a lovely garden seating. One can choose between one of these three options.
What’s special here?
The place has Wi-Fi. This helps in making it an amazing spot to sit in peace and research for your blog or novel. The place also has a fabulous hall called Folly. Many authors and writers use this space to conduct their book launches, book reading sessions and book signing events. The café also provides a lot of opportunity to network with other like-minded individuals.
What to order:
Irish coffee, Chilli Cheese Melt on Foccacia Bread, Apple & Guava Pie
Address:
Whites Road, Next To Corporation Bank, Royapettah, Chennai
Timings:
10:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Writer’s Café
This café is one of the affordable places in the city. It not only welcomes writers to visit the café but also inspires a great writing experience. With a collection of books in various genres, this place is no less than a library. It was originally a residence that was converted into a café,so it is sure to make you feel at home!
What’s special here?
To start with, a lot of writers visit this place very often. Some of the Chennai Book Clubs such as the Broke Bibliophiles conduct their weekly meets here. Therefore, your chances of meeting people in the relevant field as yours are quite high.
What to order:
Waffles, Ice Filter Coffee, Pancakes
Address:
98, Peter’s Road, Behind Philip’s Service Centre, Gopalapuram, Chennai
Timings:
10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
L’amandier
This place has been around for more than a couple of years now. What started as a typical French breakfast place is now a full-fledged restaurant that has an amazing menu. This is personally one of our favourite places to sit and write when we have writer’s block. The amazing décor and the French-inspired ambience can be quite inspiring and enchanting.
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What’s special here?
Apart from the amazing décor, the place is also known for its breakfast. The restaurant opens as early as 7:30 AM, so if you are an early bird, then you can simply eat some amazing food, sip coffee and write your story in peace. Isn’t that amazing?
What to order:
Mac and Cheese, Bianco, Spicy Guava, Four Cheese Omelette
Address:
57, 2nd Main Road, RA Puram, Chennai
Timings:
7:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Ciclo Café
This theme restaurant, located in Kotturpuram, will win you over with its ambience. You can just relax on itscouches and read your favourite book or write.
What’s special here?
Although the theme of the restaurant is cycles, it feels like a perfect place for writers. Apart from the mind-blowing ambience, the place is quite quiet and serene. The locality, itself, is calm and tranquil. If you are someone who gets inspiration from serene, beautiful surroundings, this place is where you should be.
What to order:
Salted Caramel Cheese Cake, Pizza Verdure, Ciclo Crepe
Address:
47, Gandhi Mandapam Road, Kotturpuram, Chennai
Timings:
11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The Brew Room
From well-known directors to famous authors, a lot of creative people visit this place. On a casual weekday evening or afternoon, you can spot a lot of such people from the literary or media circle. Indeed, this place is inspiring and serene enough to attract people who want to sit and write or discuss with their friends.
What’s special here?
Similar to Amethyst, this place also has both indoor and outdoor seating. With pool-facing ambience, you will never want to leave this place. If you are feeling uninspired, visit the café, and its atmospherewill inspire you to write your next bestseller.
What to order:
Flavoured Cappuccino, Cold Drip, Fitness Breakfast
Address:
The Savera Hotel, 146, RK Salai, Mylapore, Chennai
Timings:
08:00 AM to 11:00 PM
The English Tearoom
One of the most underrated cafés in Chennai, The English Tearoom is indeed a café for writers and readers. The place is filled with good books that you cannot resist to read. What’s more, even the menu is designed aroundan Enid Blyton theme. This caféwill not only inspire you to write, but it will also make you feel nostalgic. Trust us! You will end up reading Famous Five again when you are here.
What’s special here?
The place has a medium-sized hall that they hire out frequently for stand-up gigs, book launches and other similar events. This place is perfect for writing, book launches and for simply sitting and reading a novel.
What to order:
Caramel Oreo Shake, Almond Milk Smoothies, Holy Basil Green Tea, Hot French Toastwith Freshly Sliced Bananas
Address:
17, KasturiRanga Road, Alwarpet, Chennai
Timings:
11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
WafO’Bel
If you are someone who loves waffles and milkshakes, WafO’Bel is your place. If the writer in you works great on a sugar high, head to WafO’Bel.
What’s special here?
Apart from the obvious (waffles), the place is well-known for itsnetworking vibe. Situated in Harrington Road, the place has a lot of bloggers and writers visiting time and again for formal and informal catch-ups. Chennai-based bloggers and writers meets have happened here in the past.
What to order:
Belgian Chocolate Milkshake, Banana Split Waffles, Cookie Crunch Waffles
Address:
5/33, 13th Avenue, Harrington Road, Chetpet, Chennai
Timings:
2:00 PM to 11:00 PM
House #22
Most of you might know this place foritsfrequent live sports screening. However, this place alsohosts a lot of writers’ meets, talk shows, etc. From stand-up gigs to book signings, this place is well-known among literary and art circles in the city.
What’s special here?
This café is quite awesome during afternoons. Even on a sunny afternoon in Chennai, the café’s ambience and seating are perfect forchilling outwhile reading or writing a book.
What to order:
Zucchini Pizza Bites, Vegetable Summer Crepe, Cheesy Chicken Panini, Arrabiata Pasta
Address:
1/38, North Parade Road, Near Kathipara Junction, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai
Timings:
11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Ashvita Bistro
Well, weren’t you wondering why we haven’t mentioned Ashvita Bistro already? Yes, if you grew up in Chennai, you might know how this café is the one place that hosts a lot of literary and art events. With comfortable indoor as well as outdoor seating, Ashvita Bistro is a must-visit.
What’s special here?
While afternoons are the perfect time to visit if you are planning to write a few chapters, evenings are best for networking with other writers or to catch up with friends. With amazing indoor games and a few books stacked, you can have an amazing time whether you have company or not. What’s more, they even click an amazing portrait of you when you visit. They hang the pictures on their memory board. Amazing, isn’t it?
What to order:
Broccoli Soup, Pesto Cheesy Chicken, Macaroni Pizza
Address:
11, Bawa Road, Alwarpet, Chennai
Timings:
10:00 AM to 11:00 PM
We hope you loved our list of cafés and spots in Chennai. What are some of your favouritehangouts in Chennai? Let us know in the comments below.