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My Review of Coromandel cafe and Restaurant or LA Maison Rose @ Puduchery Friends before I write about this pan European restaurant in Puduchery, I must introduce the exquisite person behind this wonderful Cafe venture Let me introduce the talented lady behind Neo pan Eurpoean Cafes that have come about in Chennai and Puducherry past 2000. Ms Kiran Rao is the daughter of illustrious industrilalist Shri V. M .Rao Of KCP sugars Ltd ,in which she is still an executive director. Though she is a qualified Anthropologist & historian with a degree from the University of London with wide experience in sugar industry, her passion was setting up quality boutiques and unique stand alone restaurant with European cuisine and patisseries. In late 1980's She started a boutique and a coffee shop attached to it, by renovating her aunts 100 year old heritage bunglow named "Sunder Mahal " in Jeypore colony of Gopalapuram in Chennai. It soon became a big hit with discerning people of Chennai and seeing it's popularity Ms Kiran Rao moved into a larger premises at Whites Road by restoring a granary behind KCP office off Anna Salai Converting it into an eco friendly building along with an ever green wild garden surrounding it , along with adequate carpark facilty . In 2000 this restored property became "Amethyst" ,a 5 star cafe with a difference and a boutique . Today Amethyst on Whites Road boasts of a garden cafe (Wild Garden), a flower shop (Bloom), a fashion boutique (Upstairs) and a space to hold events (The Folly). Overwhelmed by the patronage Amethyst received Ms Kiran started another one opposite Hotel Adayar park on Chamier's Road in partnership with her friend called"Chamiers cafe", that's more known as place for book launches and has a gift shop . Ms Kiran's passion for restoring and renovating spaces also led to another feather in her cap by converting a vintage French villa La Maison Rose into a beautiful cafe called "Coromandel cafe" in Puducherry . She has further expanded this cafe now by taking over an adjoining building on lease and has renovated it by adding an aesthetically designed indoor garden and a large dining hall with rest rooms to cater to the ever increasing guest volume each passing day. Today perhaps this Coramandel cafe is considered one of the best in Puduchery ,known for classic European food more so fresh sea food and Pizzas . I have dined in her cafes at Gopalapuram ,Whites road and Chaniers road and only yesterday I had the pleasure of having lunch at her Puduchery LA Maison Rose Coromandel Cafe . Trust me this heritage French villa "La Villa Rose" is so beautiful and mindblowing to say the least. It must have been painstaking to restore this lime walled beautiful villa to it's original pristine condition . Ms Kiran's passion for restoration is to the fore in this enterprise . It goes without saying the multitude of guests thronging this place for breakfast lunch and dinner even from 5 Star resorts that abound in Puduchery, stands testimony to the quality of food and services offerred by this cafe ,over the years now. Being vegetarians, both my wife and I had enjoyed their garlic bread and veg meditererranean Pizza with extra parmesan churned out by their Sr Chef Dharmaraj along with passion fruit twist and iced lemon tea ,chocolate Tiramisu and pisrachio kulfi cheese cake for desert . We were set back by Rs 2125 which is rather expensive .But then we don't pay for just food but for the whole experience of dining in fine vintage and classy environment . I must add that their dedicated team like Mr Kannan who waited on us and Mr Sivabalan their restaurant Manager who received us with courtesy ensure their clients always go back with fond memories and a happy face only to report on social media their joy of dining here that ensures more and more travellers make it a point to drop in for dining here during transit or stay elsewhere in Puducheri !
Valavanur Natarajan KumarValavanur Natarajan Kumar
00
In the era of Instagram and Youtube promotions, very seldomly restaurants live up to the reputation that they are projected with in the online world. But Coromandel Cafe is definitely an exception. Located very close to the Promenade Beach, this cafe sits on throne of one of the most popular eateries of the White Town. The food that we got to try was immaculately balanced. No dish was overwhelming or underwhelming in any aspect. The chef had put in the effort to ensure that they were set for all kinds of taste buds. We ordered the following: 1) Homemade Kambucha: The best things about this drink were the freshness and the mild sweet taste. 2) Elaneer Nimbu Paani: This was a seasonal mocktail and was based on tender coconut (Elaneer). In the scorching heat of the town, this drink proved to be a solace given its mild chilled effect. The acidity of the lemon coupled with small pieces of tender coconut extract and pomegranate just made this drink unavoidable. 3) Pesto Chicken Pizza: The dough was soft and the first bite let us know that it had just come out of the oven. The richness of mozzarella and the undertones of pesto along with small pieces of chicken and tomato made the entire pizza experience memorable. 4) French Creamy Seafood Plate: I tasted the mahi mahi fish for the first time and became an instant fan. The sauteed garlic on the fish and coupled with the prawns to make this dish filling but not heavy in an ugly way. The 'Cream' aspect was brought in by the thinly sliced potatoes mixed with onions and olives. Such a dish needs a good bread to go with and the bagel served its purpose well. I can easily say that if someone's just starting with seafood, then this dish can be the perfect gateway for the same. A restaurant's experience becomes holistically positive when the culinary experience amalgamates well with the hospitality and the team at Coromandel Cafe left no stone unturned. Given the popularity of the place, it is impossible to run into at least 7+ groups waiting before you get a table, but the management at the cafe have made adequate arrangements for that as well. A restaurant which ensures that a visitor's waiting experience transitions well into dining experience, deserves an applause. They had standing fans in the waiting area with plenty of seating. The staff was extremely courteous and welcoming. Despite a VIP visiting the eatery, we got our table in less than 10 minutes. The ambiance is something that a lot of visitors come here for. So whatever I write will be an injustice to the aesthetics. From the chandelier to the wallpaper, from the rustic vintage furniture to the beautifully designed menu, from the picturesque bar area to the calming music, this cafe screams perfection and deserves not one, but many visits.
Diwakar GandhiDiwakar Gandhi
00
Coromandel Cafe in Pondicherry has garnered a reputation as one of the highest-rated and most sought-after restaurants in the area, so we went in with high expectations. Unfortunately, while there were highlights, the experience was mixed, and several aspects left us wanting more. Upon arrival, we were faced with a half-hour wait for an indoor table. While this is understandable for a popular spot, it did set the tone for the evening. Once seated, we started with the pink hummus. It was an unusual take, tasting more like a pinkish version of Indian dal rather than traditional hummus. It was intriguing but ultimately fell short of what we anticipated from a high-end restaurant. The drink menu also disappointed. We tried the iced tea, cucumber and mint cooler, and elaneer sarbath. While the iced tea was refreshing, the other drinks felt overpriced and underwhelming, lacking the distinctive flavors and finesse one would expect from a place of this caliber. For the main courses, we ordered the mango pad thai salad, pork chops, and seafood spaghetti. The pork chops were the undeniable star of the meal, perfectly cooked with a rich, buttery base that elevated the dish to exceptional levels. However, the mango pad thai salad was a letdown, lacking the expected texture and leaving us unsatisfied. The seafood spaghetti, though decent in taste, failed to deliver the creamy white sauce we were hoping for. Dessert was another point of contention. We opted for the burnt American cheesecake, which, while good, did not stand out and left us feeling that we had experienced better elsewhere. In summary, Coromandel Cafe is worth visiting at least once, primarily for its ambiance and certain standout dishes like the pork chops. However, it did not consistently meet the high expectations set by its reputation. The starters and some mains lacked the wow factor, and the drinks and dessert were not up to par with the prices charged. For those planning a visit, I recommend focusing on the restaurant specials, which are more likely to deliver a memorable experience. While not a complete disappointment, Coromandel Cafe has room for improvement, especially in terms of consistency and value for money.
Alex ThomasAlex Thomas
00
Ambiance: 5/5 Upon our late morning arrival in Pondicherry, we ventured directly to the Coromandel Cafe. The cafe is set within a stunning French building, richly adorned with elegant chandeliers that create a captivating atmosphere, blending heritage with modern aesthetics. Service: 2/5 Initially, our expectations met a hiccup due to service limitations. Despite arriving just before the cutoff for breakfast, our plea for flexible dining options was met with a firm refusal from the staff, who did not attempt to accommodate our request. The evening visit was similarly disappointing, as overcrowding and rigid last-order policies prevented us from dining. Food Quality: 4/5 The quality of the food offered some redemption. The sandwiches we settled on were quite pleasant, featuring excellently cooked meat and high-quality cheese. The masala tea was also noteworthy, providing a comforting end to our limited culinary experience. Overall Experience: 3/5 While the ambiance and food quality at Coromandel Cafe are commendable, the service experience significantly detracted from our overall satisfaction. This was particularly poignant given the cafe's potential to offer a memorable dining experience. Suggestions for Improvement: We recommend that the management enhance the training of service staff to better accommodate the dynamic needs of guests, especially those who travel significant distances to enjoy the cafe's offerings. Establishing clearer communication about service times or providing takeaway options during peak hours could significantly improve the guest experience. Alternative Recommendation: For those unable to secure a place at Coromandel Cafe, La Dupleix Restaurant is an excellent alternative. It offers delicious food and exceptional service, ensuring a gratifying dining experience in the charming surroundings of Pondicherry.
Ashlin GabrielAshlin Gabriel
00
Coromandel Cafe in White Town, Pondicherry, is an impressive establishment, offering a delightful culinary experience. Your personal visit seems to have been quite enjoyable, especially with the beverages. The quality of the cold coffee and latte you tried stands out, indicating that the cafe excels in its coffee offerings. This aspect is a significant draw for coffee enthusiasts and a testament to the skill of their baristas. The cafe's open space is another highlight, providing an airy and pleasant environment that enhances the dining experience. This feature, particularly in a scenic and culturally rich area like White Town, adds to the charm of enjoying a meal or a drink outdoors. Parking in White Town can be challenging, as you noted. This is a common issue in many bustling, historical areas. Your suggestion to explore the area on foot is practical and allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in the unique ambiance of Pondicherry. Walking around not only solves the parking dilemma but also gives one the opportunity to discover other hidden gems in the vicinity. The efficient service at Coromandel Cafe, marked by minimal waiting times for orders, is commendable. Coupled with the friendly and accommodating behavior of the staff, it ensures a pleasant and welcoming atmosphere for all guests. In summary, Coromandel Cafe in White Town, Pondicherry, seems to be a wonderful spot to enjoy a good coffee and experience the charm of the area. Its beautiful open space, quality beverages, prompt service, and friendly staff make it a recommended destination for both locals and tourists looking to savor the essence of Pondicherry.
Navi KpNavi Kp
00
Brief : 2/5, mainly due to the staff behavior. Food is good but we go to restaurants for experience and to have good time. Ufortunately the staff has a bad attitude towards customers and treat customers poorly, if they continue this way, they will soon go out of business. The issue - We reserved table, went there and was waiting outside for us to be seated. Mr. Dhaya gave us a place near the bar area and after 10 mins Mr. Vishwa came to us and in a rude tone said that we can't sit here, somebody is already sitting there, we can't just enter a restaurant and occupy the table That was a shocking accusation, if there is a miscommunication, he should apologise and offer us a different table or request us to go back to waiting area. What makes him to think that people will barge into a restaurant and occupy seats without asking ? Mr.Vishwa needs extensive training on how to talk to customers and not behave like a bully. He never apologized till we left Later, he asked us to sit in a different area near the kitchen while it was raining, he asked us to walk in the rain to reach the seating area without offering an umbrella. When I asked for an umbrella, he rudely said " you can walk in rain, it's closeby". Oh my my! The audacity and the rudeness as if Mr.Vishwa is giving us charity. We thought of leaving immediately and Mr.Dhaya stepped in and offered us a seat finally after all this nonsense, and he tried to make our evening pleasant. Food is good but their staff and servers definitely need extensive training on customer interaction esp with female customers. Wouldn't recommend going there till they fix this
Priyadharshini VPriyadharshini V
00
Nearby Attractions Of Coromandel Cafe
Paradise Beach Pondicherry
Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The Sacred Heart Basilica
Bharathi Park Puducherry
Puducherry Museum
Promenade Beach
Pondicherry french colony
Mahatma Gandhi Statue
Immaculate Conception Cathedral

Paradise Beach Pondicherry
4.3
(9.8K)Click for details

Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam
4.7
(9.1K)Click for details

Sri Aurobindo Ashram
4.4
(5.3K)Click for details

The Sacred Heart Basilica
4.6
(4.9K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Coromandel Cafe
Cafe Xtasi
Surguru Restaurant ஸற்குரு உணவகம்
KAMATCHI (Non-Veg Restaurant)White Town branch
Baker Street
Escape In
Surguru Spot Restaurant
Dilliwaala6
Barbeque Nation- Puducherry
De Bussy Restaurant
𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝘁

Cafe Xtasi
4.0
(5.7K)Click for details

Surguru Restaurant ஸற்குரு உணவகம்
4.1
(3.1K)Click for details

KAMATCHI (Non-Veg Restaurant)White Town branch
4.1
(3.1K)Click for details

Baker Street
4.3
(6.1K)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
8, Romain Rolland St, White Town, Puducherry, 605001, India
Map
Phone
+91 94892 14332
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Reviews
Overview
4
(3.9K reviews)$$$
Ratings & Description
Description
Upscale cafe fare with locally sourced ingredients served in a charming space with a garden patio.
attractions: Paradise Beach Pondicherry, Arulmigu Manakula Vinayagar Devasthanam, Sri Aurobindo Ashram, The Sacred Heart Basilica, Bharathi Park Puducherry, Puducherry Museum, Promenade Beach, Pondicherry french colony, Mahatma Gandhi Statue, Immaculate Conception Cathedral, restaurants: Cafe Xtasi, Surguru Restaurant ஸற்குரு உணவகம், KAMATCHI (Non-Veg Restaurant)White Town branch, Baker Street, Escape In, Surguru Spot Restaurant, Dilliwaala6, Barbeque Nation- Puducherry, De Bussy Restaurant, 𝗞𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗮𝘁

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