Amethyst

Amethyst is a garden cafe inside a colonial-era bungalow on Whites Road in Royapettah, Central Chennai. The house has been restored and adapted for dining, and the setting, with its leafy grounds and verandahs, is a quiet counterpoint to the nearby Express Avenue shopping mall and the busy roads around it. The cuisine is continental and Indian cafe food, and the venue is popular for brunch, coffee and relaxed meals among Chennai residents and visitors who want a break from the heat and traffic.

The menu centres on cafe breakfast plates, pasta, sandwiches and cakes, with Indian dishes alongside. It is the kind of place where a leisurely brunch or an afternoon coffee with dessert is the usual order. Dishes are served in a garden or indoor rooms of the house, and the heritage building is the main attraction as much as the food.

The atmosphere is calm, leafy and relaxed, with moderate noise, smart casual dress and a clientele of families, friends and remote workers. It becomes busy at weekends, when reservations are recommended; bookings can be made through the cafe's website or by phone, and a day or two of notice is sensible for weekend brunch. Opening hours are approximately 9AM to 10:30PM daily, so the cafe works for breakfast through dinner. Beverages include coffee, tea, juices and shakes; any wine or alcohol programme should be confirmed directly.

A meal costs about ₹800-1,800 per person (roughly $8.30-19 USD), which is higher than a traditional tiffin shop but below hotel fine dining. The Whites Road location is convenient for visitors shopping nearby or exploring Royapettah and Mylapore, and it offers a gentler view of old Chennai's bungalow architecture.