Dahlia

Definitely one of the best Japanese foods in Chennai. The rolls are pretty good. Loved their fried rice, miso soup but the shrimp tempura was a little undercooked :(

Dahlia is truly a hidden gem in Chennai for anyone who loves authentic Japanese cuisine. Nestled in a quiet corner in the most unassuming building in our beloved bustling city; the restaurant exudes a cozy, intimate vibe that makes you feel like you've stepped into a traditional Japanese eatery. The food here is exceptional—every dish is crafted with care, and you can taste the authenticity in each bite. The sushi and sashimi were incredibly fresh, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s hard to come by. The miso soup was a perfect start, warm and flavorful, setting the tone for the meal. The tempura was light and crispy, not overly greasy, and paired beautifully with the dipping sauce. The ramen was a standout for me—perfectly cooked noodles in a rich, umami-laden broth that hit all the right notes. The yakitori skewers were another highlight, grilled to perfection and seasoned just right. The service was impeccable. The staff is warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable about the menu, making excellent recommendations based on our preferences. They were attentive without being intrusive, ensuring our experience was nothing short of delightful. I have been coming to Dahlia for almost 20 years! For anyone looking to explore authentic Japanese cuisine in Chennai, Dahlia is a must-visit. I can’t wait to return and try more dishes from their extensive menu. Highly recommend to all food enthusiasts—you won’t be disappointed!

It was lunch on a Saturday and the family had a guest to treat who likes Japanese. Though the Restaurant is housed in a building that has not had a paint job since it was built, it is a great neat little place to have quiet Japanese meal, may be with some beer. My second time there and absolutely love the food and quick service.

This is a compact place in Nungambakkam that has been serving authentic Japanese cuisine for 25 years. It is a little inside from the main road, so we kept postponing the visit. When we heard that the owners were planning to retire, we rushed to have a meal. We ordered Age Dashi (Japanese Tofu soaked in a sauce) Inakyu Maki (vegetarian sushi) and Tempura set. Now the "Tempura Set" is a full meal for one: the main dish is tempura of course, but it comes with Miso soup, steamed rice, thin crispy noodles , a mild sauce and salad. We also ordered Sake (rice wine); half a bottle is enough for two persons. The waitress helped us with the choice of vegetarian menu. It was an enjoyable meal. I am told that it is usually crowded, but we went early and we got a table easily. The owners are a couple -- a Japanese gentleman married to an Indian. Since they plan to retire this month, I would advise you to quickly go there and experience genuine Japanese flavours, before they close down!