Cafe Mercara Express — Restaurant in Tamil Nadu

During my recent visit to Café Mercara Express, the 24/7 coffee shop at ITC Grand Chola in Chennai, I experienced a blend of culinary highs and lows amidst an ambiance that reflects the hotel’s grandeur.

The café’s round-the-clock service is a significant advantage for travelers and locals alike, offering flexibility for dining at any hour. The menu boasts a diverse selection, aiming to cater to a wide array of palates.

I began my meal with the Pasta Carbonara. Unfortunately, it fell short of expectations; the dish was notably bland, lacking the robust flavors characteristic of this Italian classic. The Italian flavour was lacking and necessitating additional seasoning to make it palatable. This was a disappointment, especially considering the restaurant’s upscale setting.

In contrast, the Mutton Biryani was a delightful surprise. The rice was aromatic, infused with a harmonious blend of spices that complemented the tender mutton pieces perfectly. Each bite was flavorful, showcasing the chef’s expertise in Indian cuisine. This dish alone made the visit worthwhile and is highly recommended for biryani enthusiasts.

The ambiance of Café Mercara Express exudes a traditional charm, reflecting the opulence of the ITC Grand Chola. However, some elements of the décor feel dated, and a contemporary refresh could enhance the overall dining experience. The seating is comfortable, and the layout spacious, but modern touches would align better with current aesthetic preferences.

Service at the café was commendable. The staff were attentive and courteous, promptly addressing requests and ensuring a pleasant dining atmosphere. Their professionalism added a positive note to the...

Update: Ganesh from ITC reached out and made it right. We are happy with the way they followed up and took good care of us. Thanking the team at ITC for making our experience the best. Made up for the bad experience and we are happy to change our review voluntarily.

Old review:

I am extremely disappointed with my recent experience at ITC Grand Chola's Café Mercara Express. I had taken a table for a serious meeting, ordering food, tea, and coffee throughout. The café was not even full, yet a waiter rudely interrupted us and asked how long we would take, stating that the table was reserved and we needed to vacate within 20 minutes.

As a long-time ITC patron and member, I have never encountered such unprofessional behavior. In all my visits, I’ve been told reservations are accepted, but specific tables cannot be guaranteed. This time, however, I was essentially kicked out without being offered an alternative table.

Such crass behavior is unacceptable for a five-star establishment that prides itself on hospitality. It completely tarnished my impression of ITC. Despite the poor service, I still paid the bill, including the service charge, which I now regret.

This experience has made me question ITC's standards and reputation. With so many other hotels offering welcoming and professional service, I will no longer be dining here. ITC Grand Chola needs to reflect on how they treat their patrons and ensure that such incidents do not...

Cafe Mercera presents itself as a trendy spot, but unfortunately, it fails to live up to expectations, especially when it comes to both food and service. The pricing is certainly steep for what you receive, and the food quality doesn’t match the premium charges. I ordered the chicken biryani, and it was a major letdown – bland, underwhelming, and certainly not worth the hefty price tag. The portion sizes were also disappointing for the amount paid.

The ambience, however, was somewhat enjoyable. The decor and setting were nice, which provided a decent atmosphere, but that alone isn’t enough to justify the cost. What really stood out as a negative aspect of my experience was the poor service. The staff seemed disorganized and lacked a clear understanding of the payment tasks. When I had questions or doubts about how the payment process worked, they couldn’t provide the information I needed, making it difficult to complete the transaction smoothly.

Overall, it felt like a place that relies too much on its appearance and location rather than delivering on the core aspects—good food and excellent service. Unfortunately, it’s overpriced for what it offers, and I left deeply disappointed. I wouldn’t recommend Cafe Mercera unless you’re looking to pay extra for just an...