Ratna Cafe

Foodie_by_hobby

6 years ago

5.0

The idli wasnt soft as rayar cafe but decent. The sambhar is coconut grated and also small onions added. The coffee is amazing as well the milk is thick and decoction is of good quality. The sambhar goes to all other locations from here. Its very close to Parthasarathi temple hardly a km. I havent tried other dishes like dosa etc.

Vikram M N

4 years ago

4.0

The whole plan of going to Parthasarathy Temple was just to visit the original Ratna Café because we had a horrible experience in the Adyar branch. The first big mistake I did was to take car to the restaurant. Best thing would have been to park the car in temple premises and walk but as the closing time was nearing, we were not sure whether it’d be safe to keep the car there so took it out to see if there was any parking space nearby. There was absolutely none. So, we had to return all the way back to the temple premises to park the car. So, take the bro tip, never take car to Ratna Café or park it in the temple lane. We were so tired after all the drama and was worried whether place would be crowded but thankfully it was not. Piping hot sambar being poured over in all the plates across the tables was a sight to behold. So naturally we bought Sambar Idly for everyone and continued with Paneer Masala Dosa, Plain Dosa and Vada. Dripped everything and had a blast. Icing on the cake was coffee which was excellent. More than the food the place appealed for the nostalgia. We haven’t been there before but middle-class families with two kids reminded of our past when we were staying in a similar area. And that worked like a charm.

Balaji Venkatachalam

6 years ago

4.0

Rathna cafe. The legendary idli- sambar of Triplicane stands the test of time. When other franchise branches are not upto the mark, the original- Triplicane branch never disappoints you. 2 idlis to be mixed with half a bucket of sambar is the signature dish ! Idli is washed down with filter - decoction coffee. Restaurant will be crowded during peak hours and servers are under great hurry to take and serve orders. AC room may be bit less crowded. Yet, don’t expect a leisurely dining here. Parking is a menace outside the restaurant. Inspite of the crowd, hurry burry service and lack of parking, if you love to taste the signature dish, this place is for you.

Devasena

4 years ago

4.0

One of the legendary restaurants in Chennai and the original branch amongst all other Ratna cafe branches, it has its old charm. They have not done any renovations to this place, so don’t expect any glamorous or elaborate interiors. It still stands as a simple tiny pocket-friendly tiffin stall, popularly known for their sambhar. Even today, their idlies drowning in hot sambhar (along with chutney is how I prefer) tastes delicious. Filter coffee as well lives up to its name. So definitely a must visit outlet in Chennai.

Vaishnavi

3 years ago

4.0

Idly vada - 3.5/5 Mini ghee idly sambar - 3.5/5 Pongal - 3.5/5 Coffee - 4/5 Masala dosa - 4/5 - roast and the aloo curry was great. Overall i wont say it was fantastic but satisfactory it was. Sambar and chutney were good.

TheHungryBlue

6 years ago

3.0

Legendary during its peak; this used to be the most famous breakfast spot after an early morning beach visit. The Sambar is not as outstanding as it used to be but still good. The generosity with which they pour the sambar on idli is unique. If you are an idly sambar fan, then this is a must go place.

Rahul Jain

1 month ago

1.0

Visited on 13th April 2026 at around 8:30 AM with three guests, and unfortunately, this was a very disappointing experience—especially because I had spoken highly about this place based on my previous visit. We opted for the AC section, but the service started off on a poor note. The server was rude and uncooperative. He refused to provide a menu, stating that in the AC section only a few fixed items are available (idli, dosa, etc.), and was not willing to engage properly when we asked for options. The interaction felt dismissive and unprofessional. Coming to the food: • Mushroom rice was extremely disappointing—just plain rice with a minimal topping of mushrooms, lacking taste and quality. • Rava dosa was poorly prepared and served broken, with substandard taste. • Podi idli was the only item that was good. • Onion uttapam and coffee were average. • We were initially told that vada was available, but later it was denied altogether, which added to the confusion and poor service experience. What was most disappointing was not just the food quality, but the attitude of the staff and the lack of basic hospitality. When you bring guests to a place with a legacy like Ratna Cafe, expectations are naturally high. This restaurant is known for its heritage (since 1948), and people visit with that reputation in mind. I sincerely hope the management takes feedback like this seriously—because poor service and declining food quality can quickly damage even the strongest legacy. Overall, this visit was quite disappointing and did not match the standard one expects from such an iconic establishment.

Nitesh

2 years ago

1.0

BEWARE, These are two different Things, SAMBHAR IDLI Rs 72 , Idli with Sambar which is Rs 52 for which you are Served One small bowl of Sambhar Seperately, I was Billing For parcel , idli frm Menu and Boarding they Removed Normal idly Price, it's a common sense that I wl not consume plenty sambhar in parcel, Though they Cheat and charge on Top that Argue

Arjun

3 years ago

1.0

Overhyped place. I've been here years back, standards have dropped drastically, prices have shot up like crazy. ( 47rs for one Vada+gst-ac hall) . Wasn't that good at all Enjoyed a better breakfast at Sangeetha after :p

Sridharan

3 years ago

1.0

Worst ambience, poor hygiene, irresponsible service, poor taste and quality. If you have been a fan of ratna cafe in its past never comeback and try now it may make you feel miserable and regretful.