Babu’s Café Babu’s café is tucked away in a side street called as Othavadi Street in Mahabalipuram. It is an old fashioned no frills unassuming restaurant. It has no air conditioning and has cement sheet as its roof. But the food they serve more than makes up for its simple interior. When you drive all the way to Mahabalipuram from Chennai – some 65 km, you need to have a valid reason – sea food. Most restaurants in this fishermen colony of Mahabalipuram will offer fish in a large container. You pick your fish and they cook the chosen fish and serve you along with sumptuous food accompaniment like rice. Here in Babu’s café, they show you a plate full of fish, crabs and shrimp. Once you have made your choice, they will start the cooking. Be prepared for a good food. When I went there, we were the only diners for lunch. We opted for shrimp fry and Calamari fry. We also tried French Fries, Roasted Calamari with rice. It was a leisurely lunch spread over nearly an hour and half. Each portion was sufficient for a person, and you order adequate portions well ahead to avoid having to wait. As they cook individually each item, you can tell them how you want. If you are ordering steak, tell them how you want them done – rare, medium or well done. While you are at it, tell them if you want –spicy or medium.

Great yummy food. We had tawa fry red snapper, babu spacial sandwich..

Definitely worth a visit! Babu is super friendly and helpful. He can cook anything you would like. If you would like to get to know the local culture invite him to your table. the food is delicious and he also makes a mean Mojito.

I have never tasted such good fish! The fish is fresh. Grilled with a fantastic non-spicy sauce. The first night I took fresh grilled fish served with rice and chips (800 rupees), the second night grilled squid/calamari served with rice and chips (500 rupees). Clean place, fast service and friendly, helpful staff. 100% recommendable.

We loved you food , service and hospitality.. we will visit you soon and again..

It was such a pleasant experience. It's a quaint spot where you're served by lovely staff. Every dish was prepared fresh and to perfection. 10/10 would recommend.

Super clean and friendly place to eat that serves the best porridge in town! A must go for many delicious breakfast items. The evening menu is also excellent with out of this world Pakoras!

Just try it..! I walked into the cafe @around 9pm and ordered fish masala and chicken barbecue but unfortunately fish was not available. So they suggested another dish but I requested them that I want to eat fish so within 15 min they arranged the Fresh fish and served on the table. Literally blown with test. Thanks to Babu(owner)and team for wonderful test and service. Add-on: Also you can learn few dishes from babu.