Pile It On: Lunch Buffets in Chennai Worth Going Back For

Paprika is an informal all-day dining restaurant that is well lit, colourful, and comfortable. It's the kind of space that works well for quick business lunches or relaxed family afternoons. The interiors are chic and give a polished, upscale vibe without feeling stuffy. The menu features everything from fresh salads to well-balanced mains, all focused on authentic South Indian flavours.Vibe Check: Bright Afternoons, Easy Family Lunches, Business Meet-UpsWhat to Order: Paneer Butter Masala, Madras Fish Curry, Tawa Biryani

Intimate and impressive, Royal Palate is designed to awaken the senses with international cuisines in an upscale environment. The decor is lively and vibrant with tasteful art and royal-inspired interiors. The buffet is loved for its variety and value, with a large spread and ample parking making it a practical choice for larger groups.Vibe Check: Celebration Lunches, Elegant Dining, Leisurely GatheringsWhat to Order: Ajwaini Fish Tikka, Indian Barbeque Mushroom, Gosht Dum Biryani

Piano at The Savera Hotel combines stone and wood to set it apart from other dining rooms. Bright and white, it has a multi-cuisine spread with live cooking stations and island buffet counters. The welcome mocktail on arrival and hot breads served at your table are small details that lend a special kind of warmth. A live guitarist and musician perform in the background, elevating the ambience and making every meal feel like an occasion.Vibe Check: Live Music, Warm Hospitality, Occasion DiningWhat to Order: Walnut Salad, Murg Malai Kebab, Pulli Sadam, Malpua

With high ceilings, plush decor and bright natural lighting, Cilantro creates an ambience of luxury and relaxation. Dine under the dome indoors or in the verandah section for a refreshing, poolside feel. Friendly and attentive staff complement the reasonable pricing, making it one of the more accessible fine dining buffet experiences. Worth booking ahead for weekend lunches; the crimson dome section fills up fast with regular families and corporate groups.Vibe Check: Poolside Views, Relaxed Luxury, Weekend LunchesWhat to Order: Murungai Kai Charu, Fish Curry, Lamb Biryani, Rajbhog

Vasco's is a stylish all-day dining space with modern furnishings and a laid-back ambience. An elevated private dining section is also available for larger groups. Live stations and different cuisines ensure you end up spending more time at the counters than you planned. A DIY pizza-and-cupcake-icing section is a great draw for families with kids, making it one of the more genuinely friendly family experiences available at a discount in the District!Vibe Check: Family Celebrations, Lively Afternoons, Group DiningWhat to Order: Classic Caesar, Kozhi Veppudu, Chicken and Mushroom Risotto

Designed around art installations that mimic an Indian marketplace, Spice Haat has energy and warmth that other spots don't manage to sustain. The menu covers everything from tandoor dishes to pastas to South Indian specialities. The chic, upscale interiors and an alfresco section give it a generous and spacious layout that works for intimate meals and large groups with ease.Vibe Check: Festive Atmosphere, Colourful Interiors, Big Group MealsWhat to Order: Mutton Biryani, Achari Paneer Tikka, Nalli Rogan Josh

The Great Kabab Factory is a contemporary Indian restaurant built to serve exceptional kebabs from an open kitchen that forms the heart of the space. The vibrant colours, lively music, and origami artwork lend an ethnic yet contemporary look to the space. The meal consists of a different menu each day, so repeat visits always offer something new. The service is always attentive and makes the entire experience feel more considered than a normal lunch out.Vibe Check: Unlimited Indulgence, Indian Classics, Slow LunchesWhat to Order: Gosht Pudina Seekh, Hara Matar Ki Shammi, Laal Maas

The Square is an all-day dining spot with a global buffet and live cooking stations, which has become a favourite for the sprawling IT corridor around Egattur. The chic ambience, modern decor and comfortable seating give it a cut above the rest. The buffet spans a wide range of cuisines, enough to keep a mixed group of people happy without compromise.Vibe Check: Modern Comfort, Mixed Groups, Easy GatheringsWhat to Order: Tandoori Khumb, Malaysian Satay, Wok Tossed Chicken With Pickled Ginger