Meenavan Unavagam — Restaurant in Zone 9 Teynampet

An Absolute Must-Visit in Chennai: Meenavan Unavagam – The Fisherman’s Restaurant

On a recent trip to Chennai, my all-time favorite city, I had the pleasure of discovering Meenavan Unavagam, or The Fisherman’s Restaurant, and it became one of the highlights of my stay. Tucked away in Nambikkai Nagar, Pattinapakkam, this family-owned gem is a must-visit for anyone who loves fresh, authentic seafood.

The restaurant is run by a fisherman and his family, and the best part? They catch the seafood themselves – everything from fish, prawns, squids, to baby crabs – and cook it fresh for you. You can literally taste the ocean in every bite! Plus, the masalas, herbs, and spices are made in-house, adding an extra layer of freshness and flavor to each dish.

I visited with my mom and sister during our week in Chennai. Initially, I was a bit concerned about the scorching heat, but to our relief, the restaurant has a cozy, air-conditioned space for customers. The comfort of the restaurant is top-notch, with a clean, hygienic environment that makes dining here even more enjoyable. Everything felt spotless, and you can tell they take hygiene seriously, which is a huge plus.

As soon as we walked in, we were welcomed with open arms by the owner and staff. Their hospitality was genuine, and it was clear they treat every guest with the same warmth and respect, which made us feel right at home. Prabhu, the owner, personally explained the menu to us. He calls himself “the Menucard” because he knows every detail of the dishes so well! He ensured we received the food on time without any delay, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Now, let me get to the food – it was incredible! The fish was unbelievably fresh, and everything from the squids to the prawns and baby crabs was cooked to perfection. We also tried another type of fish, whose name I’ve unfortunately forgotten, but it was incredibly delicious. The flavors were rich and authentic, and the freshness of the seafood really stood out. To our surprise, after indulging in two types of fish, squids, prawns, and baby crabs, none of our hands smelled bad – in fact, they all smelled amazing. Even more surprising, our stomachs felt full, but after a few hours, we didn’t feel bloated at all and instead felt relieved, just like after eating homemade food. It was truly satisfying.

Pricing-wise, there’s no need to worry – they have plenty of seafood options across various price ranges to fit different budgets. Whether you’re looking for something affordable or more premium, there’s something for everyone.

The confidence they have in their food is impressive – they’re so sure about the quality that if you find the food isn’t good or the seafood isn’t fresh, they won’t even charge you 1 Indian Rupee! That’s how much pride they take in serving only the best. No wonder the restaurant is a favorite among Tamil celebrities!

The dining experience is straightforward but authentic. The restaurant may look like a small roadside eatery from the outside, but it features a clean, air-conditioned dining area that comfortably seats 15-20 people. For those who prefer, there’s also an option to sit outside and enjoy the meal in a more open setting. I highly recommend visiting during lunchtime to experience their full menu.

We tried:

Rice with Fish Curry/Gravy and Rasam – Ultimate taste level. Fish Fry (Leather Jacket) – Delicious. Prawns Roast/Masala – Flavorful. Squid Masala – Tasty. Baby Crab – Scrumptious.

If you’re ever in Chennai, do yourself a favor and visit Meenavan Unavagam. I’ll definitely be coming back every time I visit Chennai, especially to try the lunch menu. Great food, amazing service, excellent pricing, and an unforgettable experience – what more could you ask for? Highly recommended for the best seafood...

Meenavan Unavagam is a small roadside seafood service shop in Chennai that offers an authentic and delightful culinary experience for seafood enthusiasts. Nestled in a modest setting, this unassuming eatery stands out for its fresh, flavorful, and affordable seafood dishes.

The charm of Meenavan Unavagam lies in its simplicity. The ambiance is straightforward and casual, with a few plastic tables and chairs set up for diners. Despite its humble appearance, the shop is usually bustling with activity, a testament to its popularity among locals and visitors alike. The focus here is squarely on the food, and the lack of frills only adds to the authentic, rustic dining experience.

The menu at Meenavan Unavagam is a seafood lover’s paradise. The selection is impressive, featuring a variety of freshly caught fish, prawns, crabs, and squid. Each dish is prepared with care, using traditional South Indian recipes that highlight the natural flavors of the seafood. The Fish Fry and Prawn Masala are particularly popular, with perfectly balanced spices that bring out the best in the ingredients. The Crab Curry is another must-try, offering a rich, aromatic blend of spices that complement the sweetness of the crab meat.

One of the standout features of Meenavan Unavagam is the freshness of the seafood. The shop sources its ingredients daily, ensuring that every dish is made with the freshest catch. This commitment to quality is evident in the taste and texture of the food, making each bite a delight.

Service at Meenavan Unavagam is friendly and efficient. The staff, while few in number, are attentive and eager to ensure a pleasant dining experience. They are knowledgeable about the menu and can offer recommendations based on your preferences.

In terms of value for money, Meenavan Unavagam excels. The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality and freshness of the seafood. Portion sizes are generous, ensuring that you leave satisfied without breaking the bank.

Overall, Meenavan Unavagam is a hidden gem in Chennai’s vibrant food scene. It offers a no-frills, authentic seafood dining experience that is both delicious and affordable. If you’re in the mood for some mouth-watering seafood and a taste of local flavors, this roadside shop is definitely...

The first place that comes to my mind when I think so sea food in Chennai.

I'm from Cuddalore and grew up having seafood all the time. When I moved to Chennai the only thing that every restaurant had was Chicken biryani.

Some restaurants do have seafood but it didn't felt right for some reason.

I've tried in multiple nearby restaurants in pattinam paakam and only here you can really taste the freshness in the food.

If you ask me to rank Elli Poochi Prawn gravy Prawn fry Nethili Kadamba

The fish is also good here but the only issue is that they only serve big ones(entire fish for ~₹500). If you have a group then no issues. As a single person I can't finish the entire fish. Rarely they have small ones or cut pieces.

Compared to fish the other sides are worth the money and you can munch on multiple varieties for a reasonable price.

When it comes to meals the rice and meem kulambu are the only dishes I had since it was soo good. Rice is always steaming hot and flavourful kulambu.

If you wanna have good seafood just head here. Do remember that the place is always crowded and there's always waiting period. Just let them know how many of you are gonna dine and they'll take care of the rest.

I don't think I have to add photo coz there's a lot already. I'll just share my all time favourite side...