Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Must-Visit Rooftop Restaurants in Port Blair
- Local Culture and Food: What to Try
- Nearby Getaways and Things to Pair With Your Meal
- How to Reach and Get Around
- Accommodation Options Near Popular Rooftops
- Estimated Costs
- Traveler-Specific Tips
- Shopping and Culture Bites Around the Rooftops
- FAQs
- Conclusion
Introduction
Port Blair’s skyline is a tapestry of emerald hills, colonial-era landmarks, and the Bay of Bengal’s shimmering blue. As the sun dips early in the Andamans, rooftops become the city’s favorite front-row seats to golden-hour views, grilled seafood, and island breezes. This guide curates the best rooftop restaurants in Port Blair, along with practical travel details to help you plan an easy, flavorful evening—whether you’re celebrating, relaxing after island-hopping, or simply chasing a sunset.
Must-Visit Rooftop Restaurants in Port Blair
Amaya – SeaShell, Port Blair (Marine Hill)
Why go: One of Port Blair’s most popular sea-view rooftops with a chic lounge vibe, grill-focused menu, and sunsets over the harbor.
- Best for: Couples, small groups, anniversaries.
- Cuisine: Indian grills, seafood platters, Asian-inspired small plates.
- Price range: ₹1,200–2,000 per person (without alcohol).
- Timing: Evenings; sunset seats go fast—reserve ahead, especially Oct–Mar.
- Tip: Ask for a wind-sheltered table on breezy nights.
Love Garden – Hotel Shompen (Aberdeen Bazaar)
Why go: A casual rooftop resto-bar in the city center with upbeat music nights and easy access to markets.
- Best for: Friends, casual dinners, pre- or post-shopping bites.
- Cuisine: Tandoori grills, Indo‑Chinese, classic bar snacks.
- Price range: ₹800–1,500 per person.
- Timing: Evenings to late evening; weekly live music often on weekends.
- Tip: Combine with a stroll through Aberdeen Bazaar before dinner.
The Terrace – Sinclairs Bayview (South Point)
Why go: An open-air, sea-facing terrace at a clifftop hotel—great for breezy dinners with crashing-wave soundtracks.
- Best for: Families and couples wanting relaxed, scenic dining.
- Cuisine: Multi-cuisine with seafood and North Indian favorites.
- Price range: ₹1,000–1,800 per person.
- Timing: Predominantly dinner; weather-dependent during monsoon.
- Tip: Reach just before dusk for the best light and fewer crowds.
TSG Sky Rooftop – TSG Emerald View (Phoenix Bay)
Why go: A rooftop space at a centrally located hotel, typically set up seasonally for panoramic city-and-bay views.
- Best for: Groups, casual evenings.
- Cuisine: Mixed grills, Indian mains, bar nibbles.
- Price range: ₹900–1,600 per person.
- Note: Rooftop branding, setup, and hours may vary by season—call the property to confirm current availability.
Additional Open-Air Terraces With Views
- Hotel rooftops and decks around Marine Hill and South Point: Several stay-led terraces open for dinner during peak season (Nov–Mar). If your hotel has a deck, ask about sunset seating.
- Weather watch: From May to August (monsoon), some rooftops shift to indoor venues; outdoor seating can be limited or closed.
Local Culture and Food: What to Try
Port Blair’s food scene is a blend of coastal flavors and mainland Indian influences. Rooftops often spotlight grills and fresh catch with breezy island ambience.
- Seafood highlights: Grilled tiger prawns, red snapper, squid tawa fry, fish tikka, crab masala.
- Island touches: Coconut-based gravies, banana-leaf grilling, lime-and-chili marinades.
- Vegetarian picks: Paneer tikka, tandoori mushrooms, coastal-style veg curries, dal tadka with naan.
- Drinks: Tropical mocktails (kokum, pineapple, tender coconut), classic cocktails; alcohol service varies by venue.
- Sweet finish: Coconut payasam, caramel custard, and seasonal fruit platters.
Nearby Getaways and Things to Pair With Your Meal
- Cellular Jail + Rooftop Dinner: Watch the light-and-sound show, then head to Marine Hill or South Point for a late dinner.
- Marina Park & Rajiv Gandhi Water Sports Complex: Sunset strolls followed by a city-center rooftop.
- Corbyn’s Cove Beach: Swim by day; return to town for a sea-view terrace meal.
- Chidiya Tapu (Sunset Point): A 45–60 min drive; on return, celebrate with grills under the stars.
- Day trips: North Bay or Ross Island explorations pair well with an early rooftop reservation.
How to Reach and Get Around
Getting to Port Blair
- By air (best option): Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) has direct flights from Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and seasonal/directs from Delhi and other metros.
- By sea (limited, slow): Government passenger ships operate from Chennai/Kolkata/Visakhapatnam on select schedules; voyages take multiple days and are primarily for essential travel.
Getting around the city
- Taxis/Autos: Readily available; app cabs are limited. Agree on fares beforehand or ask your hotel to arrange.
- Two-wheeler rental: Common near Aberdeen Bazaar; carry license and wear helmets. Roads can be dark and hilly—ride cautiously at night.
- Evening logistics: Public transport thins after 9:30 pm; pre-plan your ride back from late dinners.
Accommodation Options Near Popular Rooftops
- Marine Hill/South Point (sea-view stays): Convenient for Amaya and The Terrace; great for sunset chasers.
- Aberdeen Bazaar (city-center stays): Handy for Love Garden and shopping; walkable to markets.
Budget ranges (indicative, per night)
- Budget: ₹1,800–3,000 (guesthouses, simple hotels).
- Mid-range: ₹4,000–7,000 (comfortable hotels with restaurants).
- Upscale: ₹8,000–15,000+ (sea-view rooms, multiple dining options).
Rates rise during peak season (Dec–Jan and long weekends). Book early for sea-facing categories.
Estimated Costs
- Rooftop dinner for two (no alcohol): ₹1,800–3,000.
- Rooftop dinner for two (with drinks): ₹2,800–4,500.
- Seafood platters: ₹900–1,800 depending on catch and size.
- Beer/cocktails: Beer ₹250–400; cocktails ₹400–700.
- City taxi (one-way within core areas): ₹150–400, time-of-day dependent.
Note: Alcohol service and pricing vary by venue and season; carry valid ID for age verification where applicable. Occasional dry days may apply.
Traveler-Specific Tips
Best Time for Rooftop Dining
- Peak season: November–March for clear sunsets and steady sea breezes.
- Monsoon: May–August; some rooftops may shut or move indoors on rainy/windy evenings.
- Sunset window (approx.): 5:00–6:10 pm across the year; arrive 30–45 minutes earlier for golden hour.
Families
- Pick earlier slots (6:00–7:30 pm) for easier seating and calmer winds.
- Ask about high chairs and kid-friendly menus; carry a light sweater for breezy nights.
- Use insect repellent after dusk.
Honeymooners and Couples
- Request corner tables with unobstructed sea views; consider weekdays for quieter ambience.
- Arrange a small cake or special setup in advance; confirm wind policies for candlelit settings.
- Dress smart-casual; floors can get dewy—wear slip-resistant footwear.
Friends and Solo Travelers
- Look for venues with live music or DJ nights on weekends.
- Split seafood platters to sample more; ask for catch-of-the-day pricing.
- Return rides thin late at night—line up a cab before your last round.
Shopping and Culture Bites Around the Rooftops
- Aberdeen Bazaar: Pre-dinner browsing for island spices, teas, and casual wear.
- Sagarika Government Emporium: Ethically sourced handicrafts—cane, coconut shell, shell art. Avoid buying coral or picking shells from beaches.
- Culture tip: Evenings are unrushed; many venues close by 10:30–11:00 pm—plan meals accordingly.
FAQs
Q: Do I need reservations for rooftop restaurants in Port Blair?
A: Yes, especially Oct–Mar and on weekends. For sunset-facing tables, book at least a day in advance.
Q: Are rooftops open during monsoon?
A: Operations are weather-dependent. Some shift indoors or limit seating on windy/rainy evenings. Call the venue the same afternoon to reconfirm.
Q: Can I get vegetarian options at rooftop venues?
A: Absolutely. Most menus include paneer and tandoori veggies, dals, and breads alongside seafood and grills.
Q: Is alcohol served at rooftop restaurants in Port Blair?
A: Many hotel-led rooftops serve beer and cocktails, but availability varies by venue and day. Carry valid ID; dry days may apply.
Q: What’s the best time to arrive for sunset views?
A: Aim to be seated 30–45 minutes before sunset (roughly 5:00–6:10 pm through the year) to enjoy golden hour and secure a prime table.
Conclusion
Port Blair’s rooftops distill the Andamans’ easygoing charm: sea-salt breezes, warm hospitality, and plates that celebrate the ocean. From stylish lounge grills on Marine Hill to laid-back city-center terraces, you’ll find memorable views and flavors—made better with a little planning around sunset, weather, and rides home. Pair your evening with a heritage stop or beach stroll, and you’ll have the quintessential Port Blair night out.
