Meen by Chef Pillai

About This Spot

Stepping into Meen by Chef Pillai in the heart of Kollam’s serene Thevally neighborhood feels like entering a gentle pause from the city’s rhythm. The air carries a subtle saltiness lifted from the nearby backwaters, and the mood is quietly unhurried, inviting you to settle in and take your time. Whether you find yourself at a shaded outdoor table or inside one of the warmly lit dining spaces, there’s an easy comfort here that encourages a slow appreciation of the moment.

This family-friendly restaurant balances the spirit of fine dining with the down-to-earth warmth Kerala is known for. It’s a place where familiar aromas of freshly ground spices mix with the occasional sea breeze, creating an atmosphere that feels lived-in and genuine rather than staged. The hospitality here whispers of old-school care — attentive, sincere, and welcoming — making it easy to feel like a part of the local tapestry rather than just a visitor.

The menu reflects a deep respect for Kerala’s coastal culinary heritage, specializing in seafood that speaks to the lush waters nearby. Dishes arrive as thoughtfully composed stories — from rich curries simmering with layers of flavor to crisp, comforting fritters and softly spongy appams that bring a satisfying texture to the table. Each plate has space to breathe, allowing the freshness of ingredients and the hand of the chef to shine through without fuss.

Beyond the food, the setting itself adds a quietly memorable note — dappled sunlight through treetops, gentle breezes, and the occasional call of birds — lending a serene backdrop that softens the edges of the day. It’s a spot designed for slowing down, to linger over a reflective conversation or simply enjoy the calm pulse of the surroundings with a fragrant cup of filter kaapi or a fresh lime juice in hand.

In a city known for its bustling trade and historic charm, Meen by Chef Pillai holds a space that feels thoughtfully curated yet wonderfully approachable. Here, meals don’t race by but settle into your evening with the quiet assurance of a good story told over familiar flavors and heartfelt service.

What’s Available Here

Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Drive-through
Takeaway
Dine-in

Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Coffee
Halal food
Late-night food
Private dining room
Small plates
Vegan options
Vegetarian options
Cuisine
Dishes

Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Toilet

Casual
Cosy
Quiet
Romantic
Trendy
Upmarket

Family friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Locals
Tourists

Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Usually a wait

Credit cards
Debit cards
Google Pay
NFC mobile payments

Good for kids
Good for kids birthday
High chairs

Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Parking

Location & Hours

Monday	12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Tuesday	12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Wednesday	12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Thursday	12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Friday	12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Saturday	12:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Sunday	12:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Guest Reviews

Himadri Bhatt 21 Dec 2025

Went for lunch and had a pleasant experience overall. The ambience was good, complemented by a backwater setting that created a relaxed atmosphere. The outdoor seating was comfortable and well suited for enjoying the surroundings, though the view was partially obstructed by trees. The food was decent, and the service was satisfactory. Overall, it’s a nice place to unwind and spend time at a leisurely pace.

Jerry 12 Nov 2025

The hospitality and warmth extended by the staff were truly exemplary, setting the tone for a pleasant dining experience from the moment we arrived. However, the starter drink—an alcohol-free ‘kallu’—was disappointing. It felt more like fresh cream mixed with karikku water, and definitely not worth the price. Chef Pillai’s signature Fish Nirvana lived up to its reputation and was, as always, excellent. Among the breads, I tried the mutta appam, which was tasty but unfortunately not served hot. The nool parotta had great presentation and flavour, though it felt unusually heavy—one piece itself was filling, whereas I usually enjoy three to four without trouble. The karimeen fry was the biggest letdown. The portion was small—worth about ₹100–150—yet priced above ₹650. It would be much fairer to price it based on size, as many other restaurants do. The ambience is wonderful, especially during the day. At night, however, the charm of the lake and surrounding views is harder to appreciate. I also felt that ordering a platter might offer better value than going à la carte. Additionally, the staff taking orders should be more proactive in suggesting dishes to enhance the overall dining experience. Overall, kudos to the team for their excellent service. With some improvements in the food quality and pricing, this place has the potential to offer a dining experience truly worth the amount spent.

J F (JFF) 16 Oct 2025

While visiting Kadavur church saw very goid lightings accrose the lake and decided to go there. It was really good. Must say waiter Nasim was so helpful. Went there at night so couldnt take much outdoor photos.

Karan Patel 28 Sep 2025

The Sambharam Kadu Manga Pani Puri was very refreshing. The Kollam Fried Chicken was crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with good flavour. The Murgh Seekh Kebab were also good and the Chicken Momos were ok as they had some chicken cartilage in them. The Ashtamudi Meen Curry was ok but nothing special. The Jaffna Crab Roast was soft and flavourful but hard to eat. The Kollam Mutton Curry was nice but very fatty. The drinks were all good - Hot Lady, Kerala Toddy, and Sweet Passion.

Chaithanya C G 26 Sep 2025

The food was Okay. Some were good,some bad. Here are some of the items we tried - *The famous mutta appam* - It was nice. But at the end of the day, it's just bullseye on appam. If you wanna try it, you can try it. *Kozhi & pidi* - was good but my friends from Kottayam says it needs improvement. *Their non-alcoholic "kallu"* - is just karikkin shake served in a pot??? Why even name it "kallu" ?! *Butter naan & Chicken mappas* - Delicious *Prawns roast* - another item I'd highly recommend. Yum! *Karimeen pollichathu* - the fish was NOT fresh. Tasted atrocious. Please look into this!!!! *Chilli lime* - very chilli-y Don't think a lot of people can finish this tall glass of chilli drink. But in moderation, it's good. Other than the food, the service was top notch Really appreciate the hospitality They deserve a raise 10/10 for ambience.