Restaurant India News: Taj Club House Launches LAVA Rooftop Restaurant to Expand F&B Portfolio in Chennai

Chennai’s premium hospitality segment has added a new rooftop dining address with the launch of LAVA – Grill the Roof at Taj Club House, Chennai. Positioned at the top level of the hotel, the venue combines an air-conditioned indoor dining section with an open-air rooftop space overlooking the city skyline. The move signals a strategic push by the hotel to strengthen its presence in the city’s growing rooftop restaurant category.

LAVA is designed around a grill-centric menu with global influences. The food offering draws from Indian, Asian and Western culinary traditions, with a focus on grilled formats and small plates suited for evening dining. The menu features Asian tapas, sushi, dim sum, baos, sliders and signature grill preparations.

Among the small plates are Edamame with Sea Salt or Pepperoncino and Marinated Gordal Olives with Beetroot Tzatziki. The selection also includes Chicken Katsu Bao with Tonkatsu Sauce and Duck Rillette Sliders with Jalapeño and Mint Chutney. Sushi options comprise California Roll, Spicy Tofu Roll and Crispy Prawn Uramaki, reflecting a broader attempt to cater to varied urban preferences.

Grill-focused dishes form the core of the offering. Key items include Persian Lamb Skewers and Harissa-spiked Prawns served with Roasted Grape Salsa. The vegetarian range features Water Chestnut and Mushroom Dumplings and Corn and Spinach Dumplings, aligning with the increasing demand for plant-forward dining options in metropolitan markets.

The beverage programme is positioned to complement the grill-led format. It includes wines, craft cocktails and premium spirits selected to pair with the menu. This integrated food and beverage strategy indicates the hotel’s intent to build a comprehensive evening dining proposition rather than a standalone specialty outlet.

Ranjit Shankar, general manager, Taj Club House, Chennai, said, “With LAVA - Grill the Roof, we wanted to create more than just a restaurant; we envisioned an elevated rooftop experience that brings together Chennai's skyline, the charm of alfresco dining and a globally inspired menu. Drawing from grilling traditions across India, Asia and the West, the menu is complemented by global marinades and handcrafted sauces, LAVA reflects our endeavour to establish a signature evening address in Chennai's dynamic culinary landscape, one that appeals equally to our in-house guests and the city's discerning diners, where flavour, finesse and the skyline come together under the stars.”

The launch reflects a wider shift in urban hospitality strategy. Rooftop venues in tier-one cities are increasingly positioned as high-yield assets that drive evening footfall, premium pricing and experiential dining demand. By integrating indoor climate-controlled seating with alfresco capacity, the hotel mitigates weather-related operational risks while retaining the appeal of open-air dining.

For Taj Club House, LAVA represents an expansion of its food and beverage portfolio in Chennai’s competitive rooftop segment. The format suggests a focus on curated menus, experiential dining and beverage-led revenue growth, targeting both in-house guests and city-based diners seeking destination-led hospitality experiences.

With rooftop dining continuing to gain traction in metropolitan India, the introduction of LAVA indicates a calculated move to capture incremental revenue and strengthen brand positioning within Chennai’s evolving culinary landscape.