ISAI - The Art Café

4/408, Anna Salai Rd, Palavakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600041, India
+91 78069 29935
$$$ Cafe , Art cafe
(94 Reviews)
Price Range ₹200–400

ISAI - The Art Café is a quietly creative spot tucked away on Anna Salai Rd in Palavakkam, Chennai, that blends the comfort of a neighborhood café with the intimate vibe of a home space turned art studio. This is not your typical bustling coffee shop; instead, it offers a calm, almost contemplative atmosphere where local artists’ work colors the walls and handcrafted decor invites you to slow down and soak in the surroundings.

Visitors often come here for more than just a cup of coffee—the café acts as a casual hangout that suits a range of experiences. Whether you’re looking to spend an afternoon reading quietly in their petite library nook or gathering a handful of friends for a laid-back meal, ISAI supports both with ease. The space manages to feel open yet private, with a friendly, personal touch added by the woman owner and occasional visits from the chef’s family, which add warmth seldom found in chain cafés.

The menu draws some attention with a selection of comfort-focused dishes and drinks, particularly well-suited for brunch or a light meal. Their cheesy garlic bread and peri peri fries often come recommended, and for those wanting to indulge in classic Indian cafe culture, the filter coffee and black coffee options hit the right notes. The brunch offerings on Sundays have a more limited vegetarian selection but maintain the homemade, thoughtful cooking style patrons appreciate.

This café also doubles as a small coworking spot, providing an alternative to crowded coffee chains for creatives or freelancers needing a quiet corner. The relaxed playlist of soft music and the homey, sunlit living room vibe create an environment conducive to focused work or peaceful socializing.

The best time to visit ISAI seems to be during quieter daytime hours, especially on weekends when larger groups can comfortably spread out and make the most of the space without rush. Evening visits are possible, with the owner known to accommodate late arrivals with genuine hospitality, cooking fresh meals as needed. For locals wanting a break from the typical urban coffee scene of Chennai, ISAI offers a blend of homely charm and artistic inspiration.

Highlights
Great coffee
Live performances
Popular for
Dinner
Solo dining
Good for working on laptop
What they serve
Coffee
Organic dishes
Prepared foods
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Best for
Dinner
Catering
Seating
Table service
Parking
Free of charge street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Tuesday

Closed

Wednesday

05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Thursday

05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friday

05:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

94 Reviews
Shanbagam Thanikachalam

24 Dec 2025

A wholesome experience for having a private party with good food. A cute little house turned into a cafe with a spacious living room and cozy kitchen. A well lit place with a petite library where you can read quietly without any disturbance. We had nuggets and burgers. They served both veg and non veg. The owner of the place is a wonderful woman. She served us with all her heart and the warmth was felt. Thank you Ma'am. We can play songs of our wish and can vibe by dancing too. The house is surrounded by plants making it more awesome. Cool place to hangout in a super duper budget friendly pricing. Trust this place as our stress buster and rewind ourselves. Thank you "Isai Art Cafe" team.

Shwarna

25 Nov 2025

An ambience that gives you inspiration!! The chef is very friendly and his mom drops in sometimes to add a bit more love to the place and food! They have a dedicated coworking space and is also great place for a large group of friends to hang out! Cheese garlic bread and fries were good! On Sundays they only serve the Sunday brunch menu which has limited vegetarian options, but the chef does make you dishes for your dietary needs.

Vinee Pradeepan

21 Nov 2025

Very few place give you the home like feel and this one is such. I should start with adding this cafe to my happy places. We entered almost at the closing time, however, ma'am was more than happy to have us and cooked some amazing meal. Loved everything that we ordered and it was easy on the pocket too. It's my kind of place, calm, serene, blissful music, good food, nice people and finally the cat who doesn't care about anyone. What more do you need for a way to wind your weekend. Definitely about to visit here every month

Sneha M

06 Nov 2025

Loved the ambience and the atmosphere as a whole...Beautiful how everything there had a personal touch to it...be it the interior design by the son and the mom's delicious cooking. Had fun spending quality time here with the board games...We tried their salads, mushroom appetizer, chicken sandwich, brownie with icecream...loved all the dishes, homemade brownie was our favourite

Jabin RS

27 Oct 2025

Isai Cafe is the kind of place that instantly feels like home—warm, inviting, and brimming with character. The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by walls adorned with beautiful, eclectic art, giving the space a unique, lived-in charm. It’s like stepping into an artist’s studio, where creativity is celebrated in every corner. The mix of vibrant paintings, sculptures, and handcrafted decor adds a personal touch, making it a visual delight as well as a relaxing retreat. The atmosphere here is laid-back and cozy, with soft lighting, comfortable seating, and a mix of cozy nooks and communal tables. Whether you're looking to curl up with a book in a quiet corner or chat with friends, the vibe is always welcoming. The furniture is a mix of vintage and contemporary pieces, each contributing to the homey feel of the space, making it perfect for both work or leisure. The cafe’s menu reflects the same home-style warmth, offering simple yet satisfying comfort food with a twist. Think fresh, hearty sandwiches, baked goods, and flavorful small plates—all made with care and quality ingredients. It's the kind of place where you can savor a meal, enjoy a slow drink, and feel like you're being pampered without the fuss. If you're someone who appreciates art, good food, and a relaxed environment, Isai Cafe is a must-visit. It’s not just a cafe; it’s a creative haven that invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of both the space and the food. Perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in a bit of artistic inspiration while enjoying a homey atmosphere.

Nandhini Veerappan

26 Oct 2025

It is an amazing cute place for dining in. It’s a small place for now but the Chef said they are planning on extending so we will definitely visit again with a large crowd once again. We had Garlic bread, Coleslaw and chicken burger, Pan fried Chicken and Hot chocolate. Everything tasted good and made us enjoy every bite as they all were flavourful. Everything is prepared then and there fresh too and we had fun sketching in their Sticky board.

Revanth RS

23 Oct 2025

This place stands out with its unique charm, exciting atmosphere, and homey feel, thanks to the ambiance and the owner's warm hospitality. The garlic bread was delicious, but my favorite was the egg with mushrooms and the coffee milkshake. The prices were reasonable. This cafe has a distinct vibe, offering a welcoming and friendly environment that makes you feel like you've been a regular from the moment you walk in. It's a great spot to spend quality time with friends.

Vijayakumar Balasubramanian

27 Sep 2025

Nice cafe with limited but excellent menu. Looks like best suited for brithday or other small events. They have lot of books that we can read while we are there. Also card games and colouring things for kids. Wh wrapped ramen was very nice.

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