Sundowners and global comfort food at this new rooftop restaurant in Chennai

Lava, the new rooftop restaurant at Taj Club House, offers global comfort food and vantage views of Anna Salai

Kefi, the rooftop restaurant at Taj Club House had been synonymous with my post work date nights. When the pandemic hit, this place ceased to exist and eventually, so did my relationships. But now it has reopened again, this time as Lava. I revisit this old haunt over the weekend with my friend to have a relaxed girl’s night out. 

We head up to the seventh floor, walk past the pool and gym — where conscientious people are running on treadmills on a Saturday night — to the new space. The interiors still feel like Kefi, with its bulbous blue lanterns and limestone walls; the al fresco area lends itself well to romantic dinners and is more visibly appealing with soft glow table lamps, the grey-blue sky above and a 180 degree view of Anna Salai including Spencer Plaza, Taj Connemara, and the LIC building.

The restaurant offers global comfort food | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

What is nice is the space does not try too hard. It embraces what it has and does not rely on bright lights, loud decor or props. Miraculously, the weather is still pleasant, despite the notorious Chennai summer making a comeback after a short sabbatical. Come peak summer months, it will be industrial fans to the rescue.

The menu comprises global comfort food. Hearty soups, sliders, sushi, dim sum, ramen, grills... flavours from the Mediterranean, Europe and Asia. The compact menu for the most part steers clear of haute cuisine and trendy viral dishes, and sticks to food that evokes a sense of comfort , which for sure comes from all the delicious carbs.

We spot Levantine fries and neither of us has the willpower to say no. And to top it off, it is served with cheese fondue. Little pink flowers and pomegranate pearls make this everyday snack look avant garde. With each bite, I hear a delightful crunch. Beautifully crisp on the outside and smooth inside, these are made using Mettupalayam potatoes that have less water content. We opt for the Lava seasoning that lends an Indian flavour with a familiar blend of coriander seeds, cumin, cardamom, fennel seed, red chilli, black pepper,and rock salt.