The Tasty Trails: A Walk Through Hyderabad’s Food Lanes
Your guide to hyderabad’s popular food places
06 Dec, 2025 by Ishita Mishra
Welcome to the city of pearls, Hyderabad, famous for its history and flavorful delights. From shimmering bazaars to historical places, there is one thing everyone in Hyderabad talks about, and that is food. Hyderabadi cuisine is famous across the world, especially for its rich, spicy, and traditional dishes, like biryani. Whether you are exploring the busy streets of Charminar or looking for the best biryani in Hyderabad, this list of the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad is for you.
What makes these places the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad?
Ambience: Fun and cosy places to enjoy with your friends and family
Food: From real Hyderabadi flavours to different meal options for every craving
Hang out and unwind: these places are perfect for every mood and every vibe, you can chill, work or relax here
Exotica
Location: Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1500
Must-haves: Murug Ka Chaap, Garlic Naan, Lachha Paratha, Mutton Rogan Ghosh, Chicken Biryani, Dal Makhani and Cheesy Naan
Why Visit: Exotica is usually rated as one of the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad with a refreshing and calm rooftop experience covered in greenery, small fish ponds, and waterfalls, giving you a perfect relaxing escape into nature. Whether it's a brunch or a romantic candlelight dinner under the stars, this place will provide you with unforgettable moments.
Claysutra Pottery Studio & Cafe
Location: Gachibowli, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1500
Must-haves: Tom Yum prawn soup, Keema pao, Chipotle potato wedges, Exotic vegetable pizza, Murgh Banjara, Claysutra Mojito
Why Visit: Relishing in amazing dishes while making clay art, does this sound like something you would enjoy? Then Claysutra Pottery Studio & Cafe is where you should be headed. Whether it's a fun date or creative solo getaway, this place has it all. Enjoy tasty food, get your hands dirty, and relax in its earthy atmosphere. The uniqueness of this place makes it one of the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad to enjoy more than just a meal.
Jewel of Nizam-The Minar
Location: Gandipet, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1800
Must-haves: Nisha Jheenga, Raan-e-Nizami, Subz Chatpata, Kacchi Dum Biryani, Khubani ka meetha, Sagar Mahal Ki Martini
Why Visit: Jewel of Nizam - The Minar is located above a 100-foot tower with a beautiful lake view, classy royal interiors, and serves real Hyderabadi food. The moment you enter, you will get mesmerised by the royalesque ambience and essence of tasty Hyderabadi delights. In the city and want to eat one of the best biryani in Hyderabad? Then order the Kacchi Dum Biryani, one of the must-tries served here.
Habitat Cafe
Location: Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1200
Must-haves: Mexican Black Bean Burger, Guntur Kodi Kura, Railway Mutton Curry, Lotus Pudding, Blueberry Affogato, Vietnamese Shakearato
Why Visit: Habitat Cafe in Banjara Hills is the perfect spot if you're looking to relax, work, or just hang out. With its warm and comforting rooftop setup, this café feels like a complete mood lifter. This place has everything that makes you want to stay a little longer. This is one of the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad that has got all your plans covered, whether you're meeting friends, going on a casual date, or simply enjoying solo dining.
Kebabs & Kurries
Location: ITC Kakatiya
Cost for two: ₹ 3400
Must-haves: Mahi Qualiya, Warqi Parantha, Dum Pukht Biryani, KnK Kulfi, The Mauryan Sour Cocktail
Why Visit: If you love food that feels luxurious Kebabs & Kurries is your happy place. The moment you step in, the warmth of their kebabs and the richness of their Dum Pukht flavours instantly surround you. And if you are on the quest for finding the best biryani in Hyderabad, you should try out their Dum Pukht Biryani, which is a crowd favourite here.
Palace Heights
Location: Road No. 12, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1500
Must-haves: Mutton Goulash Soup, Veg Snow Balls, Fish Adraki Kebab, Special Chicken Biryani, Kaddu Ki Kheer
Why Visit: Palace Heights is one of those rare places where timeless charm meets soulful food, making it an easy favorite among the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad. With its warm ambience and sweeping city views, the restaurant instantly sets the mood for a relaxed, indulgent meal. The menu leans into comforting classics and rich flavors, the kind that make you slow down and truly enjoy every bite. Whether you are here for a quiet dinner or a laid-back hangout, Palace Heights wraps the entire experience in effortless elegance.
Basil Bistro
Location: Kompally, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 500
Must-haves: Lemon Butter Fish, BBQ Pizza, English Breakfast, Chicken Kheema Biryani, Iced Mocha
Why Visit: Basil Bistro is a cosy multi-cuisine café in Kompally, Hyderabad, offering a mix of Italian, Continental, Indian, and café-style dishes. Their pastas are creamy, pizzas fresh, and the biryani is a quiet crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re meeting friends or grabbing a quick bite, the vibe here hits the right note. It’s exactly this mix of flavour and friendliness that earns it a spot in the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad.
Paradise Biryani - A Legend since 1953
Location: Gachibowli, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 800
Must-haves: Loaded Chicken Nuggets, Hari Mirch Malai Kebab, Chicken Haleem, Gulab Jamun, Falooda
Why Visit: If you are looking for the best biryani in Hyderabad, then Paradise Biryani is where you should be headed. Whether it’s a quick bite or a relaxed meal, it’s the kind of place that makes every single meal satisfying. The iconic eatery has been standing the test of time since 1953, still serving some of the best food in the city.
Deccan Kitchen
Location: Film Nagar, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 1500
Must-haves: Apollo Fish, Deccani Laal Chicken, Telangana Fish Curry, Tandoori Pomfret, Double Ka Meetha
Why Visit: Deccan Kitchen in Film Nagar is one of those places you go to when you want a meal that feels warm, slow, and soulful. The setting is charming, the service is attentive, and the whole experience feels like a quiet escape from the city buzz. And if you love discovering hidden gems that can easily be counted among the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad, this one is definitely worth trying.
Malnadu Kitchen
Location: Kompally, Hyderabad
Cost for two: ₹ 900
Must-haves: Golinchina Paneer, Royyala Seekulu, Nalli Bokkala Koora, Apricot Trifle, Kobbari Badam Cooler Cocktail
Why Visit: Craving a dining spot that feels calm the moment you walk in? Malnadu Kitchen in Kompally gets the vibe just right. The ambience is warm, modern, and beautifully minimal, with soft wooden tones and open shelves that give the space a subtle Japanese-inspired touch. This place is often regarded as one of the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad by many. The ambience here is perfect for relaxed meals that feel unhurried and soulful.
Tips to choose well
Look for signature dishes like kebabs at Kebab & Kurries, biryani and Exotica for multi-cuisine options.
Browse reviews & photos to get a sense of ambiance, service, and food quality through online reviews and social media.
Reserve ahead to save a seat at the popular spots, which fill up quickly, especially on weekends and evenings.
Wrapping it up
Hyderabad is a city where every meal tells a story, from centuries-old culinary traditions to modern twists on classic flavours. From buzzing cafés to legendary eateries, the top 10 restaurants in Hyderabad show off the city’s diversity and charm. And let’s be honest, chasing the best biryani in Hyderabad is basically a rite of passage! Whether you’re a local foodie or just visiting, these spots promise unforgettable tastes, warm vibes, and memories that linger long after the last bite.
Written By
A journalism graduate, fueled by coffee, tasty food, and midnight scrolls.With a heart full of stories and a mind always chasing ideas. she finds inspiration in every bite and every beat. She enjoys exploring the blend of art, emotion, digital trends.
