Hospitalitynews had the delightful opportunity to be hosted at Carnaby, the vibrant all-day dining restaurant at The Residency Towers Chennai, for an exclusive tasting of their soon-to-be-launched Italian menu, curated in collaboration with Chennai-based Italian culinary expert Fiammetta Pereira.

From the moment we stepped in, the ambience set the tone for an afternoon filled with soulful Italian flavours and heartfelt hospitality. The warmth extended by Chef Ajeeth Janardhanan, Culinary Director at The Residency Group of Hotels, and Fiammetta Pereira truly made the experience memorable.

Speaking about the new menu, Ajeeth, Culinary Director shared,
"With this new Italian menu, we’re celebrating the heart of Italy—simple, honest ingredients prepared with passion. Each dish tells a story of tradition, but with a fresh twist that reflects our kitchen’s creativity.”

Fiammetta Pereira, with her infectious passion for Sicilian cuisine, walked us through the inspiration behind each dish. She said, “Working with the team at The Residency Towers has been a pleasure. Dishes like Pasta alla Norma, seasonal vegetable risotto, and specialities from Liguria and Sicily will soon be part of the Carnaby experience.”

The menu beautifully captured the essence of Italy. Some of our personal favourites from the afternoon included:

• Beetroot Carpaccio – Light, fresh, and full of colour, with a perfect balance of textures from goat cheese, walnuts, and balsamic zest.
• Melanzane Parmigiana – Comforting layers of eggplant, rich tomato sauce, and melted cheese that felt like a warm hug on a plate.
• Gnocchi al Pesto di Basilico – Pillow-soft gnocchi coated in fragrant basil pesto, transporting us straight to Liguria.
• Pollo alla Cacciatora – Chicken slow-braised in wine and herbs, paired beautifully with creamy polenta—truly soul-satisfying.

Throughout the event, the generosity and warmth of the Carnaby team stood out as much as the flavors on our plates. The conversations, the plating, and the passion behind every dish reflected the team’s dedication to delivering a truly authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of Chennai.

Fiammetta Pereira also shared her pride in founding Bottega Pereira (@bottegapereira on Instagram), a beautifully curated home‑and‑lifestyle boutique based here in Chennai. The name “Bottega” — Italian for “workshop” — is fitting: it’s a creative space where Fiammetta, along with her daughter Tanitha, brings warmth and elegance into everyday living. The boutique features thoughtfully designed linens, table accessories, cushions, décor, gift sets and more — each piece selected to “bring warmth and happiness to your home". Website: www.bottegapereira.com 

For anyone looking to experience authentic Italian cuisine right here in Chennai, paired with genuine hospitality, Carnaby at The Residency Towers is a must-visit. And for those wanting to take a little slice of Italy home—whether through flavors or fabrics—Bottega Pereira is worth exploring too.

The Italian Food Festival runs through this week, with the new dishes soon becoming a permanent part of the menu.

Timings: 7 AM – 11 PM

About Residency Group:

Presenting world-class boutique hotels in South India, our hotels exude the cultural ethos of the land. Living up to its moniker, The Residency hotels in India offers unparallel and phenomenal spaces for a homely living experience. From elegant cities like Chennai and Coimbatore to charming towns like Karur, Puducherry and Rameswaram, The Residency promises beautifully curated experiences for its discerning guests.

Website: theresidency.com