Savour a menu that goes beyond their delectable seafood, soak in the luxury shack-like vibe, and ring in the weekend with the right note at C Salt, Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa.
There are few Indian metros that can match Chennai’s choice of beachside dining venues. The East Coast Road (ECR) that connects Chennai with Puducherry is one of the city’s entertainment and weekend hotspots. It’s also home to some of the most charming dining options along the Bay of Bengal. C Salt at the Sheraton Grand Resort is one of the most recent additions to an eclectic mix of F&B experiences along the ECR. It has some elements that you expect to find at venues that sit on the edge of the ocean, with quite a few unique experiential elements up its sleeve. It’s this blend that probably brings back many of C Salt’s regulars, especially after sunset.
Live music, romance, and artisanal cocktails
Chennai might be a sunrise city, but sundowners are a thing at venues like C Salt. This is the perfect spot to arrive slightly early, take in the beach vibe before you zero in on your first drink for the day. C Salt plays by the ECR playbook for luxury dining venues on the ocean. The beach views are the star and the décor of the restaurant complements this vibe. It’s almost like a luxury shack with casual seating, just like a sunset bar at one of your favourite exotic holiday destinations. Almost all resorts along this stretch offer private beach access and C Salt takes this further with an exclusive space that’s closer to the beach which is cordoned off for private dining experiences.
There’s live music on most days with a playlist peppered with rock anthems. It adds a lively edge to the C Salt experience but is not too loud and doesn’t ruin those special moments during a romantic date. While C Salt is certainly one of the most romantic dining venues in and around Chennai, it’s also a popular stop for families and office groups who bond over artisanal cocktails. The mixologists are never shy to experiment and also use a lot of local ingredients in cocktails like the Malabar Mule.
Fresh off the boat!
Fresh catch of the day is a given as the area is home to some of the oldest fishing hamlets of Coromandel Coast. Diners can pick the seafood of their choice from a large display that showcases the day’s catch. The culinary team customises dishes based on diner preferences. Catch phrases like ‘progressive’ have become the order of the day as restaurants adopt an ‘Instagram first’ approach to their culinary offering. C Salt does place an emphasis on the visual appeal but it’s not just good for the ‘gram’. The restaurant finds a balance between traditional flavours from across South India and quite a few dishes with a twist. One of our favourites here is the salmon and cream cheese kuzhi paniyram that adds a European twist to a traditional South Indian style dumpling that makes for the perfect appetiser or bar snack.
It’s easy to get carried away with a stellar beach side location. Thankfully, C Salt is more than just a charming venue. The cocktail programme is quite innovative while the food menu has a lot on offer beyond seafood. But nothing beats the sound of the waves when you’re sipping on a Negroni on a starry night.
Overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Max: 5 stars)
Food: 7/10 | Drinks: 8/10 | Service: 8/10 | Interiors/Décor: 9/10 | Vibe: 9/10
One dish we loved: Chettinad crab thokku
One dish that didn’t work for us: Ulli theeyal
Address: C Salt, Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa, East Coast Road, Vadanemmeli, Tamil Nadu (044 -7100 6000)