Best Restaurants And Popular Food Places In Hyderabad
The city’s finest spots for flavour, ambience, and good times
05 Nov, 2025 by Shreem Nema
Hyderabad is brimming with cultural and historical stories. The culinary scene of Hyderabad has been evolving every day and if you are in search of the best restaurants in Hyderabad to experience great dining, then this list has got you covered.
Why are these spots the best restaurants in Hyderabad?
Socialise or work- these spots welcome every mood; you can unwind, work, or escape.
Unique atmosphere - rooftops, different interiors, poolside decks, or stylish grills set a memorable mood.
Amazing quality - dishes and service stay top-notch, even on busy nights.
Local flavor- menus highlight Hyderabadi cuisines and regional favorites of the city.
Exotica
Location: Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1500
Must-haves: Trio of Mushrooms, Hakka Chilli Chicken, Paneer Tikka Peshawari, Hara Bhara Kebab, Murgh ke Chaap, Karara Palak Chaat
Why Visit: A dining area with wooden elements, greenery all around, and relaxing sounds from a little artificial pond, this is exactly what the rooftop dining area of one of the best restaurants at Banjara Hills is like. The menu features North Indian cuisine, outstanding tandoor specialties, and a dessert menu that has just the right amount of polish to feel comfortable.
Aqua
Location: The Park, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 2500
Must-haves: Curry Leaf Fish Fry, Chicken 65 Biryani, Vegetable Penne Red Sauce Pasta, Baguette Chili Cheese Toast, Chocolate Brownie
Why Visit: Poolside dining with a view of lush greenery, this is the kind of dining experience Aqua brings. The menu here brings a range of continental and Indian dishes to your plate. With outside seating, low-intensity music, and the option of a candlelight setup, Aqua is one of the best restaurants in Hyderabad to have a romantic meal with your loved one.
Tansen
Location: Financial District, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 3000
Must-haves: Dal Tansen Sunehri, Delhi Style Smoky Butter Chicken, Lagan Ka Keema Kulcha, Shorba E Mahak
Why Visit: Tansen carves out an intimate yet grand dining experience away from the city's chaos. The decor is regal and the kitchen brings classic and modern Indian flavors to your plate. The candlelit area and the overall vibes of the place make it one of the best restaurants in Hyderabad that is well-suited to both business dinners and proper celebrations.
Pakka Local
Location: Road No. 7, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1200
Must-haves: Kattappa Curd Rice, Nalli Gosht Biryani, Chitti Muthyala Kodi Pulao, Bheemavaram Royyala Vepudu, Spicy Mini Veg Basket
Why Visit: This is one of the restaurants at Banjara Hills that is listed among those that fill the tables with locals and serve local delights. The place has an easy-going vibe, and being calm with relatively less noise, the place is ideal to spend hours with friends chit-chatting or working.
ASF - Ancient Stone Flames BBQ & Grill
Location: Multiple Locations, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1800
Must-haves: Ancient grilled paneer, Dal Makhani, Pudhina Corn Roll, Mustard Grill Fish, Dahi Vada
Why Visit: ASF stands out for attention to detail for ingredients and the fun of live grills. With locations scattered across the city, including near Banjara Hills, it’s a reliable option for groups that want a guarantee of classic flavors done right. This one’s a crowd-pleaser and usually makes it into the best restaurants in Hyderabad list and regularly pops up on guides to where locals gather.
Tips to choose well
Rooftops fill fast: For sunset or scenic dinners at Banjara Hills, reserve tables early.
For groups and family tables, opt for ASF or Exotica; both are spacious and used to handling celebrations.
Aqua and Tansen are stronger picks for quieter, smaller-group evenings, business meets, or special occasions.
During festival weeks or restaurant specials, fixed menus and tasting offers are everywhere; that’s the best time to plan your splurge.
Closing Note
The city of Hyderabad has a rich cultural and food history. Hyderabad is rumbling with stories, music, art, and food. Whether it's one of the best restaurants in Hyderabad, Tansen, or Exotica, as one of the best restaurants at Banjara Hills. The city has everything for everyone at any time.
Written By
A storyteller at heart, Shreem is a writer who finds magic in life's smallest moments. She devours stories in every form, movies, shows, books, or comics; she loves diving into narratives that spark imagination. She often geeks out on space and food trivia, and loves travelling while learning about new cultures and languages.
