The Beach by Madras Square Restaurant & Bar ECR — Restaurant in Zone 15 Sholinganallur

I have been to the sister restaurant , East Coast at Neelankarai and had a good experience and figured this would be a similar experience but this didn't turn out as expected. We went here for lunch on a weekend. The culinary experience here was decidedly ordinary. Start with positives first. Location is great, just by the beach and wait staff were friendly and attentive. However, the access road to the restaurant is shambolic by US standards and not sure who is to blame here for the poorly maintained roads. Needs to be paved over asap. The USP of the restaurant is the beach view but management had decided to draw all the curtains, presumably to keep the sun out. So much for the beach view !!!. We ordered a few drinks, the kokum sherbet was good and the mint cooler was just ok. Too much mint tbh. We got the crispy lotus stem which was quite good but the other appetizers were meh. The hara bara seekh kebab was pan friend in ghee or butter and did not appeal to our palate. The cauliflower tacos were passable with too much vinegar on the pickled cabbage and onions and the cauliflower was deep fried to the point of being unrecognizable. For the mains, we got the pulao and fried rice both of which were quite good. Dal makhani was probably one of the worst editions and we could not get through more than a spoonful. The chef took the makhani part too literally and doused the lentils in too much butter. Yes, the adage more butter is always good is only true within reason. No so in this case. I have had such delightful dal makhani in indian restaurants in unexpected places in Iceland, Norway, Kyoto etc. so no reason that a Chennai restaurant can't absolutely nail black dal.

Overall would rate the food at 2.5/5 stars if being generous. Wouldn't...

The Beach by Madras Square is an absolute gem for anyone who loves dining with a view. Nestled right by the beach, the restaurant offers breathtaking views of the waves and a refreshing coastal breeze that adds to the whole experience. Whether you’re here for a casual outing with friends, a romantic date, or even a team lunch, the setting is just perfect.

The ambience is rustic yet elegant, with a well-thought-out mix of wooden and earthy elements that complement the beachside vibe. The furniture is a blend of vintage and contemporary, with wooden chairs and tables that enhance the coastal charm. The lighting is warm and subtle, making the space feel cozy, especially in the evening. Every corner of the place is designed to offer a serene and picturesque experience, making it a delight for photography lovers as well.

The menu is well-curated, offering a variety of dishes that cater to different tastes. I wasn’t impressed with the tiramisu though. I wouldn’t say it was the best.

The best part of the restaurant is the top floor, where you get an uninterrupted view of the beach. However, if you’re visiting during the day, be prepared for the heat. Even though they have air conditioning, it isn’t quite enough to counter the warmth, and you might find yourself sweating. If you’re planning to visit in the afternoon, it’s best to dress light or opt for an evening visit when the weather is more pleasant.

Overall, The Beach by Madras Square is a must-visit for anyone looking for a beautiful seaside dining experience. With its rustic charm, delicious food, and stunning views, it’s a place you’ll want to keep...

After visiting the OG East Coast by Madras Square multiple times (and getting a little bored of it 😅) finally decided to visit their new outlet (not so new now, been more than an year now) must say was a pretty good experience, not as great at the OG one, still good for a change!

Here is how my experience been so far, hope you like it -

🍕 Food - mostly similar to what they have in OG (though lesser varieties) that's because they have some staffing issues which I believe has now been resolved. Hoping in coming time they would have much more options.

So far, have tried French fries (peri peri), Pasta Napolitana (amazing as usual), mains - Mutton Rogan Josh and Kadai Chicken (both were amazing first time, not so much second time)

🍷 Drinks - Litchi Lemonade (good option for those not drinking), Cosmopolitan and one Gin based cocktail (both were amazing)

🪅 Vibe Check - overlooking beautiful beach, that's the best part about it. Make sure you get a place on the first floor outside overlooking the beach - amazing view, with cool breeze hitting your face while you eat - totally worth it ✨ can thank me later 😉

🧑‍🍳 Service - one thing consistent across both places, never disappoints. They take good care of you and as usual offer good suggestion for both food and drinks (when asked)

🙌 Overall - so far have had amazing experience both the times. Plan to visit again, if not for anything, just to be by the beach ☺️

p.s. If you want to sit on the first floor, make prior...