Dahlia Restaurant

Being a resident of Nungambakkam area for the past 25 years and not knowing this is a shame on me. I’d seen the sign board many times but never really cared to step in. So, today only we stumbled across this restaurant by chance and had an impromptu Lunch. I have never been to Japan but the ambiance seems to be similar to restaurants in Japan, at least based on what we had seen in Youtube videos. So, 1 point here.

We were not sure what to order and took the help of the waitress who is quite helpful. We ordered Ramen, Japanese styled fried rice and one set lunch with rice (Beef Katsu). The taste is nothing like what we tried in other Japanese restaurants in Chennai. It’s definitely in another level in terms of taste and authenticity. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of food and service. My kids has a craze for Japanese anime and I’m sure we’ll visit this place again soon.

First time having authentic Japanese food.
Had Maki sushi, Niku Udan and Ramen. Food was amazing. Portions seemed very large and was hesitant about being able to finish it, but once I started digging in, was able to eat it all.
Definitely recommend to anyone wanting to get a taste of Japan.

This was my first time trying out Japanese food! I liked the miso ramen and Prawn tempura! I liked the ambience and the service. The owners were hospitable. Overall a pleasant experience 😊

I had visited this restaurant recently.Even though the restaurant is on a building on the main roadside but its located on the back side of the building and access is quite difficult.A person coming new to this restaurant will find it difficult finding the place.
I heard its the oldest and best ramen restaurant in chennai.On approaching the restaurant,they welcome you with a drink.The ambience here is really good.They have kept many Japanese decorations in the shop.The tv there has Japanese channels.There are two clocks here and one shows Japanese time and the other shows Indian time.Many Japanese handcraft items like origami are put up here for decoration.THE seating arrangement is good.They have a wide menu and they serve variety of dishes.Sushi is also available here.I tried their chicken ramen which was too much in quantity.It costs Rs 650 and including GST i had to pay Rs 685.The staff was very co-operative and helps to choose between the items according to our taste.
Overall,it was a nice experience.Worth a visit

Easily the best Japanese restaurant in Chennai. It is run by a Japanese-Indian couple and has the distinction of being the first Japanese restaurant in Chennai. If you ever wanted to try Sushi or other quaint sounding Japanese dishes, plan a dinner here. And hurry! The place might be shutting down soon - December 2018. Update in December 2023: The restaurant is operational. Apparently they mulled closure but are back.

This is a must try for those ppl who would love to explore different cuisine. This is our first time to try Japanese cuisine and it was a treat to our taste buds. Looking forward to visit again.
They have different seating style in one corner. Ambience was good, a homely feel restaurant.
Coming to food :
California Maki sushi was too good - 5/5
Tofu - it was melting in our mouth -5/5
Chicken Kara age - 3/5
Price was bit on a higher side.

Went there on a Saturday at around 6 and they had seating available.

Our waiter Valli was extremely helpful and knowledgable. She helped us pick dishes according to our pallete and even showed us how to eat some of the stuff we ordered.

We ordered the Prawn Tempura Maki. Their Honey soaked Ginger makes also the difference to this dish and we absolutely loved it.

We also got chicken dumplings and a Pork Tonkatsu Ramen. The Ramen was really good, the broth hearty and the noodles firm.

For the Dessert, we ordered the Matcha Ice Cream and it was amazing.

10/10 Would highly recommend.

This restaurant is truly a hidden gem. A friend brought me to this place, and I was genuinely impressed. Upon entering a narrow alley, I discovered a humble door that led me into a cozy establishment with no more than eight tables. The restaurant is operated by a Japanese man and a local lady, forming a delightful couple.

Let me tell you, the food is absolutely incredible. We sampled the butter squid, a pork appetizer, and sushi. From the very start, we noticed the generous portion sizes and the authentic flavors that permeated every dish.

In fact, I was so enthralled by the experience that I completely forgot to capture any photographs of the establishment.

Authentic Japanese food. I fell in love with their Miso soup. The staff was very friendly who helped me understand how to eat certain things properly to get the real taste and feel. I have tried Japanese food at many restaurants in India, some were expensive and some were not but I have yet to find a restaurant with food this good and original. They set the bar so high for me that I never found anything like this after coming back from there and trying food in other places. Would definitely recommend everyone to try here.

Moving to India, Japanese food is one of the biggest things I missed. Having tried many Japanese restaurants around Chennai I have never found one that compared close till today. Dahlia is now one of my favorite restaurants hands down. It is one of the most most authentic Japanese experiences I have had in India. They have been in the business for 30 years and have gotten the logistics down. The salmon sashimi is so worth it for the amount they give and agedashi tofu is exactly how it is supposed to taste. The californiaroll was huge and tasted exactly like the ones I have had in Seattle WA. The ambience is quaint as I would prefer to pay for the quality of food rather than a grand ambience.
Overall this is now my favorite restaurant in Chennai and thats not putting it lightly.

Old Japanese restaurant situated inside a complex. Authentic Japanese cuisine . The avocado maki , California roll , praw tempura , japanese pizza were all very nice . I enjoyed the food . Did not take photos as I was busy eating all the delicious food .

I recently dined at Dahlia Japanese restaurant and had an exceptional experience. The Miso Soup with soft tofu was a delight, the Salmon Sushi and California Roll featured fresh, juicy fish, and the Su No Mono Salad was a refreshing complement. The Buta Shogayaki, with its authentic taste, stood out. Dahlia is a hidden gem in Chennai, offering an authentic Japanese culinary experience. Highly recommended for those who appreciate Japanese cuisine!

Maki and the starters are the best in Chennai.
Anyone one who puts the food in their mouth will say wow and close your eyes to enjoy a wonderfull experience.
Best to try- avacado maki, salmon maki, any chicken maki, starters like chicken, grill fish, fish fry, prawn. (Can cost you ~4000rs)Those who like noodles can try but it's normal.
Everyone will say "I never had this much delicious anywhere else"

One of the best restaurants in Chennai for Japanese food. Sake is also available here. Must try dishes include the California roll sushi, karaage chicken, tempura and curry rice. Only downside is the restaurant is small with only 6 to 7 tables.

We always receive a warm happy welcome whenever we dine at Dahlia. Fantastic service and mouth watering food. A must visit spot to experience authentic Japanese cuisine.

The best most authentic Japanese food in town. Absolutely loved the atmosphere, service and food and the section with the low seating really gave us the full experience

If you are a Japanese food lover this is the place for you. Sushi and Maki are just amazing. Service is also very find abd fast. Paid Car parking is available inside the complex

The best Japanese restaurant in the surroundings. All the dishes we tried were so yum. We had Chicken teriyaki set, Tofu teriyaki set and Gyoza. Gyoza is out of this world. The staff there was so friendly and explained about the menu and also clicked pictures for us and the best part is she spoke in Tamil and gave a big sister sort of vibe. Teriyaki set had soup, rice, seaweed, pickled radish and the choice of teriyaki. They also serve tea-like beverages which are not that great. Speaking about the ambience, it looks quaint with a Japanese interior. A must try spot for authentic japanese food.

This place is really a hidden gem in Chennai. I have been to multiple sushi, ramen places but honestly to me atleast Dahlia stands out as one top choice anywhere. Part of me wants this to be a hidden place for only me to enjoy, but honestly this place needs more love

Best Authentic Japanese restaurant in town. They helped to choose what is best for us and very friendly. They will happy to Teach us how to eat Japanese food if you are new there.

Had wonderful time there!