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
Dum Pukht Begum's
Tuscany
Mountain Taste of Hyderabad
Feu Desserts Bar & Kitchen
Telugu Medium Kitchen
The Pink Elephant
Telangana Spice Kitchen
Broadway The Brewery
Seven Sisters
Rayalaseema Ruchulu
Minyu
Aaromalé Café and Creative Community
Last House Coffee
Levant Turkish Restaurant
Gaurang's Kitchen
Bidri
Kortyard
Gol Bungalow
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.