Friends or family visiting town, and have no clue where to take them? We get your confusion, since Hyderabad has so much to offer in the culinary trail starting from lip smacking Telugu food, traditional Hyderabadi delicacies, going to specialty coffees, brews and seriously great Middle Eastern food. To spare you the work, we've curated a list of the best restaurants in town, some of which have been loved for decades. Here are top 30 restaurants in Hyderabad you should visit.
Friends Visiting Hyderabad? Take Them To These Top Restaurants in Town
Lé Vantage Cafe Bar
Lé Vantage is definitely lit during the nights, but we've spent quite a few afternoons here to vouch for the fact that it's better during the quiet, balmy noons. The vibe of the indoor seating is Mediterranean, and the top floor of the cafe-plus-bar has an amazing ambience complete with industrial chandeliers and neon signs in French. The music is usually pleasant at noon and perfect for conversations over wine or coffee.
Chicha’s
Gotta love the weekend specials at Chicha’s because there’s haleem, marag, and paya to be had. Popular for its Khatti Dal, Gurda Fry, and quirky Hyderabadi ambience, Chicha’s will offer you more than just biryani. Arrive with a hefty appetite, order the specials along with a Masala Coke and eat away. This biryani spot is great if you prefer slightly less spicy biryani.
Cafe Bahar
Drive past Cafe Bahar on the Basheerbagh road and you'll smell the headiest aroma of Dum Biryani and Irani Chai beckoning you to step inside. Started by a Persian settler who moved to Hyderabad from Mumbai, Cafe Bahar has been a steady favourite for Biryani for scores of Hyderabadis. Get the Hyderabadi Dum Biryani here, and you'll be impressed with the portion and meat quantity. The place is almost always crowded with waiting queues, so be ready to wait for at least a few minutes before you're seated.
Jewel Of Nizam
Overlooking green gardens stands a tall white structure that houses the Jewel of Nizam, a restaurant that sounds and looks straight out of a fairytale. Jewel of Nizam, The Minar, is a fine dining restaurant located at Golkonda Resorts in Gandipet. The intricate ivory decor and delicate chandeliers give the place a charming, elegant look, with the cobalt blue crystal glasses and plush seating add a spunk of colour. The cherry on top is the fantastic view of the Gandipet Lake from the tower. The Haleem here always sends us into a food coma aside from the kebabs.
Hotel Nayaab
Known as one of the first Irani cafes in Hyderabad to have sold Haleem commercially, Hotel Nayaab is one of the must-visit places to go when you're around Charminar, especially for early morning breakfast (we're talking as early as 5 AM.) You've got to try their Nihari which is served with sheermal or tandoori roti. You can also try the famous Hyderabadi breakfast Khichdi-Khatta-Keema here for a heavier meal. For vegetarians, Nayaab whips a phenomenal version of Paneer Butter Masala (topped with green chili, this is very spicy) that you can savour with butter naan. Wrap up the meal with Kesar Tea, their specialty, before heading out.
Aish - The Park
Aish at The Park is perfect if you'd like to savour Hyderabadi cuisine in a luxurious setting. Aish welcomes you into a royal ambience from the regal entryway and vintage musical instrument ushering you into a time gone by. While the Haleem here is served throughout the year, ask for the Chef's recommendation before you make a choice, since they regularly host food festivals here.
Spicy Venue
Up for a traditional Telugu meal? You cannot miss out on the South Indian Thali at Spicy Venue on Road No. 10, Jubilee Hills. We love the dal and the flavoured rice, and the biryani here is made in the Andhra style. The Avakaya Chicken Biryani if you love fiery, spicy food. The Chicken Fry Pulao is awesome with chunks of tender chicken deep fried and added to the biryani. However, what keeps taking us back to Spicy Venue is Apricot Delight — a custard based dish that’s made from apricot and has a seriously staunch fan base.
The Himalayan Cafe
The Himalayan Cafe serves, arguably, some of the best momo in Hyderabad. If you love momo with a bit of flavour, you might do a backflip after popping one of these. We recommend Mushroom & Cheese Momos and Schezwan Fried Momos, which are served with three types of homemade chutney. This underrated spot is addictive, we're warning you!
Sagar Papaji Ka Dhaba
Sagar Papaji Ka Dhaba is run by Kuldeep Dua and his family, and has been a favourite for home-style Punjabi food for decades now. Everything about the food here is homely including the homemade spices and masala. An onion chutney and a plate of masala onions are first served, and the chutney goes well with tandoori chicken. But don't stop right there and dig into tandoori roti and Chicken Ashiana (a gravy-based curry), kheema fry. Can't get enough of the meat? Go for Kheema Khaleji (mutton liver). A classic Butter Chicken won't disappoint either.
Hotel Shadab
No visit to the old city is complete without visiting Hotel Shadab which we think serves some of the best biryani in Hyderabad. The interiors are vintage with an old grandfather's clock greeting you on your way up to the space. Call for a Mutton Biryani with double masala; it feels like a hug. Wrap up your meal with some piping hot Irani Chai.
Taj Mahal Hotel
Taj Mahal Hotel at Abids is an institution in itself, serving patrons in Hyderabad for nearly five decades now. They've hosted dignitaries and celebrities over the years including Late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, M.F. Hussain among several others. Head here for lunch to demolish an excellent (and super filling) South Indian Thali or the all-day South Indian breakfast. Don't miss taking a look at the iconic pictures before you leave this fuss-free spot.
Dum Pukht Begum's
Five star restaurants often get a bad rep for serving food that's on the blander side, but Dum Pukht Begum's at ITC Kohenur proves otherwise. We'd recommend this place if you have a special occasion coming up, and would like to have some Hyderabadi delicacies in a fancier setting, the ambience is truly regal. Call for the Marag and Biryani alongside a bread basket to complete your meal.
Tuscany
This spot at Hotel Trident has been known for their excellent Italian food. We can't stop drooling thinking of their absolutely decadent Tiramisu. They also serve quick business lunches with lighter portions and dishes, if you'd like to step in for a quick meal. Call for an Aglio e Olio, finish your meal with a Tiramisu, and thank us later!
Mountain Taste of Hyderabad
Fancy old-school continental food? Think Chicken Roasts, Chicken in a Basket, Fish & Chips and much more, Mountain Taste of Hyderabad has it all. While we love the old school English fare here, they also have some of the choicest dishes from Hyderabadi cuisine including dishes that were cooked in the royal kitchens of yesteryear rulers of the Deccan. It's a great spot for family dinners.
Feu Desserts Bar & Kitchen
The Pan-Asian food at Feu is absolutely delectable, as are the desserts. We recommend this place if you're looking to chill with a group of friends over great cocktails and food. You could also head here for a leisurely weekend brunch, don't miss the Tiramisu French Toast when you visit.
Telugu Medium Kitchen
Like the name suggests, Telugu Medium Kitchen feels like you've entered a school in the 90s, quite literally. From a black board greeting you at the entrance, distressed walls and dark wood seating, the restaurant feels like you've gone back in time. They serve food from Andhra, Telangana and Rayalaseema including the iconic ones. Try the Nellore Chicken and Raju Gari Kodi Pulao when you visit.
The Pink Elephant
This OTT, kitschy space is awesome if all you want to do is dress up and click amazing pictures. Every square inch of this spot is super Insta worthy, and feels like you're inside a giant art installation complete with interesting pieces and murals. Their signature cocktails are amazing too, get the Kesaria that's made with Saffron. The cuisine is Modern Indian, with a unique twist on every traditional Indian dish.
Telangana Spice Kitchen
Telangana Spice Kitchen is almost always crowded thanks to their lip smacking food. The ambience outdoors is great for catching up with friends or cousins over drinks and amazing Telangana style spicy appetisers. The food here almost never misses the mark; try the Golichina Mamsam, Bagara Rice and curries when you visit.
Broadway The Brewery
Ask any Hyderabadi about they favourite brewery and Broadway would rank anywhere in their top five. The place has a super industrial vibe with vibrant artwork, serves excellent craft beer (try the Apple Cider) and food. Get the puff pastry pizza to go with your beers.
Seven Sisters
Seven Sisters is a hot favourite when it comes to serving North Eastern and Pan-Asian cuisine in Hyderabad. From their Thukpas, Ramen Bowls, Jhol Momos, Khow Sueys to Dim Sum, almost every dish here is great, and the ambience is reminiscent of cosy eateries in the mountains.
Rayalaseema Ruchulu
One of the OGs of Telugu cuisine in Hyderabad, Rayalaseema Ruchulu serves excellent rustic dishes such as Ragi Sankati and a host of other dishes local to the Rayalaseema region. Try the Ulavacharu Kodi Pulao made with horsegram and Natu Kodi Pulusu to go with your Ragi Sankati.
Minyu
Minyu should be on your must-visit list if Indian-Chinese food is one of your favourite cuisines. The spot offers amazing dishes like Burnt Garlic Fried Rice to appetisers. Get yourself some Butter Garlic Prawns and sip on the flavourful Jasmine Tea. They also serve nostalgic favourites like Darsan and Fried Ice Cream at the affordable eatery.
Aaromalé Café and Creative Community
While cafés are mushrooming all around the city, a place that looks and feels charming is the Aaromalé Café and Creative Community at Jubilee Hills. Run out of a twenty-five-year-old residential building that looks straight out of a cottage in Pondy or Coorg, the café serves pretty great food too. Try the Ras Omelette for breakfast or the Crumb Fried Chicken when you visit. You can also check out the home decor and fashion stores upstairs which are all run by women entrepreneurs.
Last House Coffee
Set up with the intention of brining Robusta Coffee into the mainstream coffee culture, Last House Coffee offers a stunning view of the Durgam Cheruvu Lake. Get the Salted Caramel Frappe on a warm day and chat with some interesting folks at the beautiful space.
Levant Turkish Restaurant
One of the best places in town serving Levantine cuisine, Levant Turkish Restaurant is where you should head to when you're craving some amazing kebabs and authentic Turkish food. Order from the Steak House menu for the lip smacking kebabs, Zarb if you're craving rice, and finish off your meal with the amazing Cheese Kunafah.
Gaurang's Kitchen
We'd recommend Gaurang's Kitchen for their special thali menu that changes everyday. Founded by designer Gaurang Shah, the ambience also reflects his design style, with handlooms and earthy colours. The meal starts with a selection of achaar and they switch up the thali menu to include wholesome home-style dishes from various states in India.
Bidri
A meal at Bidri starts with soulful live music on Tabla and other Indian musical instruments. Settle in for a gourmet spread of Hyderabadi, Mughlai and North Indian feast. We've often found folks bringing in their friends and colleagues from abroad to introduce them to the local royal cuisine. It's great for intimate family dinners and special date nights too.
Kortyard
If your idea of food is fun, vibrant and healthy, head straight to Kortyard Café at Jubilee Hills. The space is super vibrant and airy, letting in a ton of natural light even while indoors. Get their super colourful smoothie bowls for breakfast, and you'll leave feeling cheerful.
Gol Bungalow
One of the most expensive spots in town, Gol Bungalow at the Taj Falaknuma Palace is a bucket list restaurant that you need to visit at least once in life, for the experience of it all. With Sufi Qawwals serenading you through the night as you sit by the most stunning view of the city, the restaurant offers a glimpse of the royal life as you gorge on gourmet Mughlai cuisine. What's more, the restaurant comes offers private dining for special occasions, complete with a horse carriage ride and a shower of petals while you walk into the property.
Exotica Banjara Hills
Formerly known as Zafraan Exotica, this spot has been a go-to for great tandoori kebabs, and Mughlai food for years. Their buffet is pretty popular, offering some pretty great food options, so it's great for birthday parties or kitty parties too. We'd recommend this rooftop space during winters, when it truly comes alive. With candle-lit tables and a fish pond running across the restaurant, Exotica is great for romantic dates or family dinners too.