Classic restaurants in Hyderabad

Hyderabad is known to be a food lover’s paradise (pun intended) and is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. We explore 7 of the oldest and the most classic restaurants in town so you know where to head to next time you’re eating out!

Nanking: Chinese food at its finest

If you’re looking to grab some Chinese food, then Nanking is the place for you. It is a cute little place done up in a casual way while it still reflects influences from China. They serve authentic Chinese food and have a menu so extensive that it’ll make your head spin. No matter how overwhelmed you are by the sheer number of options, make sure try to chicken pakoda and chicken drumsticks.

If you’re a fan of seafood, try the Hunan prawns. Vegetarians can opt for the spring rolls. The service is good and the ambience is laid back, so you can focus on what really matters – the food.

Address: Building No 103, Park Lane, Near Smile Super Speciality Dental Hospital, Secunderabad

Rajdhani Thali Restaurant: For a taste of Rajasthan and Gujarat

Atithi Devo Bhava is their motto and they will pamper you as soon you set foot inside the restaurant – the tikka is applied on the forehead of each guest and the aarti is done before you are led to your table. Once there, the feast begins. Their 72 rotating menus with thousands of vegetarian delicacies from Western India, coupled with the warm hospitality of the servers, ensure a full stomach.

The welcome drinks are refreshing, and the meal is incomplete without the chaas. Their daal bati churma is to die for and the season specialty dishes full of mango are delicious. The ambience complements the cuisine and is very Indian. All in all, Rajdhani guarantees a truly royal experience.

Address: Level -1, Uptown Banjara, Rd No 3, Banjara Hills.

Blue Fox: For a classy evening out

Blue Fox is one of the oldest multi cuisine restaurants in the city and has earned a reputation for itself. The décor is elegant and functional, and the interiors are done up mostly in whites. Their baby corn mushroom masala is just the right amounts crunchy and spicy and the non-vegetarian platter has delicacies like fish tikka, Afghani chicken, chicken malai tikka, tandoori chicken, mutton tikka and kebab and is big for two people to have their fill.

Their biryani is especially famous. Apart from a range of spirits on their bar menu, they also have delectable cocktails. For an evening of good food and alcohol, Blue Fox is a great place to head to.

Address: Himayat Nagar Road, Opposite Brand Factory, Himayat Nagar.

Angeethi: Food from up north

Angeethi does a good job with their dhaba vibe – the interiors are colourful and desi with khaats and open brick decorations bringing an earthy feel to the place, and the peppy Hindi and Punjabi music sets just the right mood. The menu features traditional North Indian dishes like dal makhani and peshori meat along with parathas, kulchas and naans, and their kebabs and shorbas are absolutely heavenly.

The starters are especially good and the cheese kurkuri is an innovative and yummy option, as is the Non veg platter that come with Tandoori prawn, Chiken tikka, Sheikh kebab, Chandi kebab, and Tawa fish . The lassi is thick and frothy and is distinctly Punjabi. Visit Angeethi if you’re looking for traditional north Indian fare.

Address: 5 Floor, City Center, Rd No 1 & 10, Banjara Hills.

Taj Mahal Hotel

From dosas and idlis, to paneer tikka and honey chilli potato – at Taj Mahal, you get it all. They are famous for their South Indian breakfast food, but their Oriental and North Indian food is just as good. The thaliwhich is a platter of rice, roti, poori, a variety of curries and dal, and dessert will fill your stomach and ensure you eat a balanced meal.

Their dosas are beloved for a reason, they are crunchy, and the sambhar and chutney are absolutely scrumptious. The place is choc-a-block on weekends and that serves as a testimony to its immense popularity. Head to Taj Mahal Hotel for all your Indian food cravings!

Address: 570, Road Number 92, MLA Colony, Jubilee Hills.

Little Italy: Fare from across the world

Little Italy is a charming place with a stunning view of the city and spacious and airy interiors. It has a casual chic vibe and is perfect for a lazy Sunday brunch. Their brunch buffet offers a delectable spread of Italian cuisine and includes classics like bruschetta, lasagne, and a wide range of pizza and pasta.

The lasagne is deliciously creamy and saucy and is a sureshot hit. The quesadillas and the fondue also deserve honourable mentions. They serve beer, cocktails and mocktails that go perfectly with the meal and the desserts are all great, but the gelatos are especially amazing. Little Italy offers the best of Italy, right here in Hyderabad.

Address: F550, Aryon, 3rd Floor, Apollo Rd no 92, Jubilee Hill.

Palace Heights: Truly Hyderabadi

With a view of that city that promises to take your breath away and grand interiors done up in an almost royal way, Palace Heights is as Hyderabadi as it gets. It’s located in the hustle-bustle of Abids but you can enjoy a quiet and peaceful meal here. Their sizzlers are famous and the chicken steak sizzler is a must try. Apart from that, they have soups, cold salads, barbeques, and Indian, Italian, and Chinese fare.

They also serve alcohol and have all the usual brands of spirits alongside evergreen cocktails like Bloody Mary and Screw Driver. The service is prompt and the staff are courteous and will make your visit a pleasant one.

Address: 8th Floor, Triveni Complex, Opposite Santhosh Swapna Theater, Abids.

By Satpreet Kaur