Hyderabad is to the eclectic epicurean what fresh, exotic veggies are to the vegan. The city delights the true gastronome with its well defined culinary distinction between the ubiquitous multi-cuisine and the authentic gourmet affair. Whereas the culinary space between has morphed into an inventive ‘fusion’ cuisine that combines an indigenous taste with an international style. We take a salutatory tour of the top ten restaurants in Hyderabad.
Chinese Pavilion
Not everything in India is ‘made in China’. Certainly not the ‘Chinese Pavilion’ that makes the most authentic Chinese cuisine in our own little backyard in Hyderabad. While the ambience is tastefully warm, the service is warmer and highly efficient. But it’s the food that floors you. As you savor the fresh flavors of the salty sea with the succulent crab cooked in garlic sauce, oats and butter, the sumptuous shanghai prawns and salt and pepper lobster simply melt in the mouth. We especially recommend the delectably indigenous affair of bamboo rice in aniseed served in bamboo which can be combined with fish in a delicious oyster sauce. Location: Road 1, Opp. Vengal Rao Park, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-66785680, 040-66785681; Timings: 12 noon - 3:30 pm, 6:30- 11pm; Average Cost: Rs 800 for two, VAT extra; Facilities: Home Delivery possible, min order Rs 500, Credit Cards accepted.
Waterfront Cafe
The enchanting shimmer of a lake on one side, an elegant chic decor, scrumptious Indian and Pan Asian fare, a high quality service - all this and more is what you get at the Waterfront Cafe. The Thai cuisine here is by far the best that you get in Hyderabad. Some of the most authentic Thai preparations like Steamed Fish with Lemon Sauce, mildly spiced rice, and the hot Pad Thai Noodles are unbeatable. A minimum billing policy ranging from Rs 350-Rs 500 per person is followed here. Location: Next to Eat Street, Necklace Road, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-23308899, 040 -65278899; Timings: 12 noon - 3:30pm, 7:15- 11pm; Average Cost: Rs. 800 for two (weekdays), Rs. 1000 for two (weekends); Facilities: Liquors available, Smoking area, Outdoor seating, Live Music (except Tuesdays), Cash, Credit Cards, Travelers’ Checks accepted.
Little Italy
Voted unequivocally as the best vegetarian Italian bistro perhaps, in the whole country, Little Italy gives you an unsurpassed taste of the ‘real Italy’. The anti pasti, zuppe insalate, wood oven pizzas, primi and secondi piatti need careful consideration as you sip a vintage wine and munch your way through the carefully selected olives and artichokes. This quaint restaurant captivates you with charming interiors done in wood and glass and an outdoor seating with water running over the rocks. Location: F-550, 3rd Floor, Aryon, Road No. 92, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-23558001, 040-23558002; Timings: 12 noon - 3:30 pm, 7:00- 11pm; Average Cost: Rs 1000 for two, VAT extra; Facilities: Home Delivery possible.
Republic of Noodles
Opened recently in Hyderabad, RoN serves indigenous Southeast Asian fare drawing exclusively from the exotic cuisines of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Burma, Indonesia, Cambodia and China. While the Banana Leaf Wrapped Fish in (authentic) Balinese Spices makes you lick your fingers, the sticky, sweet, spicy spare pork ribs leave you begging for more. The vast impressive variety of noodles, stir fries, clay pot dishes are the house specialties. A spectacular dessert spread provides a fitting end to a fantastic gourmet meal. Location: Plot No. 2, Survey No. 64, Hitech City, Madhapur, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-44212121; Timings: 12 noon - 3:00 pm, 7:00- 10.45pm; Average Cost: Rs 1000 for two, VAT extra; Facilities: All Credit Cards accepted.
Barbeque Nation
Get acquainted with the international concept of live grill at the Barbeque Nation. A personal grill is fitted on each table where your choice of food is grilled just the way you like it. You can unwind with a welcome drink that is on the house before moving onto choosing from an interesting assortment of soups and salads. A sumptuous main course buffet that includes five vegetarian and non-vegetarian barbeque starters in unlimited helpings is followed by a delectable range of mouth watering desserts. Lots of wood and earthy brick walls in the European country style give the place a comfortable chic feel. Location: ANR Centre, Ground Floor, Road No. 1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-64566692/3/93461-66695; Timings: 12 noon - 3:00 pm, 7:00- 11pm; Average Cost: Rs 1200 for two, VAT & Service Charges Extra; Facilities: Credit Cards accepted.
Fusion 9
A fabulous gastronomic experience awaits you at this funky, fancy pub restaurant. The exotic extravaganza of the Sunday brunch buffet at Fusion 9 is almost a signature event with a moderately priced delightfully inventive fusion cuisine. The cocktails blend brilliantly with the special house dishes of lamb lasagna and the penne sauté chicken breast pasta. Location: 1st Avenue, Road No.1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-65577722, 040 65577755; Timings: 11 am - 11:30 pm; Average Cost: Rs1200 for two, VAT & Service Charges Extra; Facilities: WiFi available, All Credit Cards accepted; Cuisines: Mediterranean, Italian, Japanese
Sahib Singh Sultan
When you step into Sahib Singh Sultan, you literally step into a regal past redolent with the burnished memories of a bygone era. The menu transports you to a distant realm of forgotten tastes, flavors and flagrances. The food is an extraordinary mélange of authentic cuisines from Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat including a quite a few special Anglo- Indian dishes reminiscent of the British era. The vintage wines need to be savored slowly. Though time comes to an idyllic standstill here, the service is thankfully in tandem with the present time. Location: City Center, 5th Floor, Road no. 1 & 10, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-66683337; Timings: 12 noon - 3:30 pm, 7:00- 11.30pm; Average Cost: Rs 1000 for two, VAT & Service Charges extra; Facilities: Home Delivery possible, min order Rs 200, Credit Cards accepted.
Chutneys
More an institution than a restaurant, Chutneys is simply a must visit for the eclectic epicurean. The indescribably delicious ‘chiranjeevi dosa’ cooked in the Japanese style with less oil leaves you gasping with orgasmic pleasure of the culinary kind. The list of the exotic specialties is exhaustive but the butter dripping, mouth melting idlis, or the mushroom dosa and the garlic dosa, are worth a mention. This lavish fare is presented with a great traditional flourish on a banana leaf with many bowls of delectable chutneys like tomato, ginger, coconut, dal et al. Location: Shilpa Arcade, Road No.3, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-040 66778484, 040 23358484; Timings: 12 noon - 7:00 am - 10pm; Average Cost: Rs 750 for two, VAT extra; Facilities: Credit Cards accepted.
Sweet Nirvana
For those who want a taste of the exquisite delicate flavors of the European cuisine, this is the place to be. Revel in the breathtaking view as you sit indoors to enjoy the live music on cultural evenings or simply relax under the awning shade of the arcades in the hot afternoons. The hot cheese soup is an in house innovation that you would not get anywhere else. The most recommended entrees include the Paella, Chicken kiev, and the classic fish & chips. Location: Plot No. 105, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-66045759, 040 – 42414343; Timings: 11am – 11pm; Average Cost: Rs 800 for two, VAT extra; Facilities: Live music, Credit Cards accepted.
Collage
Collage offers an incredible world cuisine that is frankly inimitable. With interactive Tempura stations, a Japanese chef making the best sushi in the country, this place is a connoisseur’s culinary haven. The exclusive lunch buffet is an exquisite gourmet affair with typically uncommon dishes like Lox, Figs with cheese, an exotic array of cold salads, amazing entrees served in small quantities and what have you. An open wood fire lends an old world charm to the urbane ambience while serving Roman style Pizzas and small bakes on order. Two exclusive private dining rooms with an outdoor seating arrangement overlooking a private terrace make this a perfect getaway place. Location: Hotel Ista, Plot No.7 IT Park Nanakram Guda, Gachibowli, Hyderabad; Phone: 040-44508888; Timings: 6.30 am – 2.00 am; Average Cost: Rs 2000 for two, VAT & Service Charges extra, Buffet Breakfast per person (Rs. 650 + Tax) & Lunch (Rs. 850 + Tax); Facilities: WiFi internet, smoking area, Credit Cards accepted.
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Suchie Dutta Knaapen is a successful freelance writer/ editor/ proofreader/ blogger/ copy writer/ content specialist, based in India. As a freelancing communications specialist, Suchie divides her time between freelance writing for the developmental sector, online publications, print magazines and BTL advertising and teaching English (she is a TEFL certified teacher) to disadvantaged people from low socio-economic sectors. She especially likes to write on issues that are both eclectic and socio-culturally interesting with an intrinsic core value. She is the founder director of a below-the-line advertising agency, now one of mainstream entertainment events management outfit.
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