Pavilion – The Residency Review: Exploring Chennai’s Popular Buffet Restaurant

Disclaimer: The author visited the restaurant twice at her own expense. This is not a sponsored article. The images used in this article are the author’s personal photos and are not to be reused for any purposes whatsoever. Read about our editorial policies.

Dining at The Residency has always been a grand affair for Chennaiites. Two years ago, the hotel’s fine dining restaurant Pavilion had surprised us with their authentic Sushi in the dinner buffet. So when we were planning a lunch date recently, it was no surprise that my husband spontaneously suggested the Pavilion again. 

Built in 1993, the 4-star hotel is nestled in the heart of Chennai. Its classic interiors, impeccable service, and mouth-watering buffets have been a hit with all its guests. And, nothing much has changed. We were impressed this time too. 

So here’s a detailed review of one of Chennai’s most popular buffet restaurants, Pavilion – The Residency. Let’s begin with the highlights. 

Best Part About Pavilion – The Residency

The gastronomic feast was definitely the highlight of our visit. But before I go into the details of food, let me tell you a few other things that enriched our overall experience. 

What grabs your attention, as soon as you step into this luxurious establishment, is the classic interiors. On one side, the restaurant has a glass wall that overlooks an enchanting garden. 

We were led to a table beside the glass wall, where the soft natural light from the garden blended with the gentle warm lighting of the interiors, to create the perfect mood for our lunch date. 

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The Ambience At Pavilion – The Residency

Occasional sounds of laughter from a family seated at the center tables floated towards us. At the farthest corner, a foreign tourist and his Indian companion were engrossed in a deep conversation. 

While the day offers you a magical view of the garden, glowing golden hanging lights adorn the restaurant in the evening. 

Subtle tones of cream, gold and gray wash over the restaurant, exuding a classic elegance that is pleasing on the eyes. This aesthetics is further enhanced with the marble tables, monochrome photo frames and simple brass decor that add to its opulent charm.

Food & Drinks At Pavilion – The Residency

The lunch buffet at the Pavilion offered a delectable assortment of dishes. The spread was divided into a salad counter, a counter dedicated to breads and fresh fruits, and the main course spread that ended with the desserts. It delightfully blended authentic Indian delicacies with Oriental and Continental cuisine. 

As soon as we sat at our table, we were welcomed by a steaming bowl of Chicken Sweetcorn Soup. As expected of a renowned hotel such as The Residency, the soup was spot on. 

Starters:

Six types of starters were served. These included Honey Chili Chicken, Chicken Chukka, Fish Tikka, Paneer Tikka, Paniyaram, and Tomato Bruschetta. Blessed with a sweet tooth, I absolutely loved the Honey Chili Chicken that was soft, juicy and simply melted in my mouth. 

Main course:

The main course included non-veg dishes such as Arcot Kozhi Biriyani, Laal Maas, Murgh Korma, Kottayam Fish Curry, Szechuan Tenderloin (beef), and Samak Harra. The veg options were Penne Alla Vodka, Ratatouille, Wok Tossed Mushroom, Szechuan Noodles, Methi Pulav, Chole Paneer, Dal Adraki, and Steamed Rice. 

Of all the dishes that were available, I absolutely loved Laal Maas. The mutton was cooked to perfection and the gravy, though not as spicy as it’s prepared in Rajasthan, was rich and flavourful.

This was also my first time trying the Lebanese delicacy, Samak Harra. It is prepared with baked fish filets smothered in a fiery sauce. It was an explosion of flavors on my palate. 

Another noteworthy pairing that deserves a special mention was Methi Pulav and Sabji Badami. The aromatic Basmati Rice, flavored with Kasuri Methi and burnt onions, harmoniously blended with the creamy vegetable gravy of Sabji Badami, rightfully stealing the spotlight. 

Desserts:

We were spoilt for choice when it came to the desserts menu. The counter neatly displayed 12 varieties of desserts and 4 flavors of ice-creams, with toppings and chocolate sauce. To satiate my sinful cravings, I happily took a spoonful of the Papaya & Semolina Halwa, and relished it as it melted in my mouth. 

The Danish Pudding, Kiwi Mousse, Fig & Honey Panna Cotta, and the Strawberry Gateau cake were equally delicious. There were also 2 varieties of Indian sweets, 3 types of cakes, baked yogurt and the Middle Eastern Milk Pudding — Mahalabia. 

I ended my meal with a refreshing glass of cold Mango Lassi, which was perfectly sweetened with a frothy texture. 

TWT Tip: Pavilion usually sees heavy footfalls during their dinner buffet. Hence, it would be wise to make a reservation if you are planning to dine here.  

The Service At Pavilion – The Residency

The service at the Pavilion was quick, formal and kind. There was no need to call for the serving staff, as we easily found someone waiting on us whenever we needed them. The soup and starters were served with a smile and we were asked if we’d like to repeat any. The used plates were immediately cleared as we went to get the next set of dishes from the buffet. And at the end of the meal, one of the staff members kindly agreed to click a couple of photos for me.  

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TWT Experience Summary Of Pavilion – The Residency

Overall the entire buffet menu was well thought-out and included generous varieties of Indian, Asian and Continental delicacies, offering a good scope for culinary exploration. Both their lunch and dinner menus offered a good variety of dishes that cater to vegetarian and non-vegetarian eaters alike. 

Besides the delicious food, Pavilion’s calm and refined ambience offers a peaceful dining experience for both locals and tourists alike. 

On a final note it is fair to say that the Pavilion’s international flavors and luxurious atmosphere enhanced our lunch date and we would definitely come back for another outstanding culinary adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pavilion – The Residency

1. Is the Pavilion only open to the residents of The Residency Hotel, Chennai?

No, Pavilion is open to all guests who wish to enjoy their fine dining experience.

2. Does the Pavilion serve both a-la-carte and buffet?

No. The Pavilion only serves lunch and dinner buffets. The Residency, Chennai, has 2 other restaurants, where a-la-carte options are available. 

3. What tourist destinations are near the Pavilion restaurant?

Pavilion, at The Residency, Chennai, is located in T Nagar, which is the shopping hub of the city. It has the city’s biggest and oldest gold and saree shops, where you can buy traditional Kanjeevaram sarees and jewelry. You can also visit the Marina Beach, which is just 15 minutes away from the hotel.

Inclusivity checklist:

✅Wheelchair-friendly

✅Vegetarian-friendly

✅Eco-friendly

✅Family & Kid friendly

✅Valet parking

Prices Of A Buffet for 1: INR 1400

Note: On Sundays and special occasions, the buffet includes more varieties of food and is priced around INR 1700.

Buffet Timings: Lunch Buffet: 12.30 pm to 3 pm; Dinner Buffet: 7 pm to 10.30 pm

Contact: 044-28253434 / +91-4442121122 / +91-7401204255

Address: The Residency, 49, Gopathi Narayanaswami Chetty Rd, Parthasarathi Puram, T. Nagar, Chennai

Location: Google Maps

Instagram: https://instagram.com/theresidencychennai?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

 

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