One of the keen pleasures of dining in Chennai is its fabulous coastal weather, that envelopes you in a crisp breezy hug. Straight from the sandy shores, you are constantly benefitting in terms of food and weather. Dining al fresco has become a luxury in general gastronomy but in Chennai you can dine outdoors every evening without fail. Most of the restaurants have added an al fresco dining extension for the punters who enjoy their fair share of romance. Standing in the line of fantastic outdoor restaurants is ‘Virundhu’ of East Woods Resort in Injambakkam area. The restaurant is a highly popular dining destination with large families, corporates and foodies. Although it’s a little loud for the business meals, you can take a business associate here to show them the local flavour. The place is charming and simple.

Virundhu benefits from the nature. The resort in which the restaurant is located is designed in a southern villa like fashion. It branches into sunken verandas that overlooks a wide belt of garden, wrapped around the building. The restaurant is placed outside, under a conical metal gazebo right at the centre of the garden. Some comfortable outdoor wooden furniture is added for the diners to relax in. Virundhu is especially popular with the kids, who find the space freeing and playful. The restaurant is ideal for family dinners when you don’t want to be quiet or restricted by social conventions. If the weather is unpredictable, seat indoors beside a window so you can admire the green view while dining. Couples frequent the place to take advantage of the al fresco dining, finding it romantic and cosy.

Menu of Virundhu is an interesting one, dabbling into various cuisines. You can sample the delights of Continental, Chinese, South-Indian and North-Indian cuisines. The restaurant opens its doors early in the morning so one can stop by for a leisurely breakfast before heading to work and feast on dishes like, medhu vadai, French toast, poori aloo bajji, masala dosa, Pongal, idly, plain oothapam and ghee roast. For starters tuck into, veg seekh kabab, Chennai pepper garlic rasam, reshami kabab, tandoori chicken, paneer hariyali kabab, gobi 65, aatukal soup, fish ajwaini and murg malai kabab. Main course precedes with, prawn masala, dal panchranga, kozhi varutha curry, mutton rogan josh, kadai paneer, fish amritsari, palak paneer, Malabar fish curry, sweet & sour vegetables and meen varuval.