A look at Hyderabad’s culinary renaissance

Hyderabad’s dining scene is having a moment. There was a time when the city’s culinary reputation rested largely on its legendary biryanis. Today, it’s serving up much more. There are art-forward Asian kitchens, inventive cocktail programmes worthy of destination bars, tasting menus, dessert bars – you name it. Below are the latest openings and experiences putting the city on every gourmand’s radar. 

Izumi launches in Hyderabad

After building a loyal following in Mumbai and Goa, Izumi has opened its third outpost in Hyderabad. The space is set against a picturesque lakeside backdrop and at the heart of it is Izumi’s signature live sushi bar – an element that has become synonymous with the brand across every city it enters. There are sashimi and nigiri offerings such as the Bluefin Chutoro, Hamachi, and Scorched Scallop Nigiri, alongside rolls like the Crispy Edamame Avocado Roll, Tempura Prawn with Spicy Mayo, and more. The robata grill program celebrates smoky flavours and Japanese grilling techniques. The opening is particularly meaningful for co-founder and chef Nooresha Kably, who once briefly called Hyderabad home during her student years. Her return to the city with Izumi marks a full-circle moment.

Where:  Before, NCC Building, Second Floor, R Quad, Durgam Cheruvu Rd, Hyderabad

KOKO Hyderabad introduces Tasting Thursdays 

KOKO’s newly launched ‘Tasting Thursdays’ is a weekly dining experience rooted in the restaurant’s modern Asian philosophy. The experience unfolds through a thoughtfully curated progression of dishes like comforting soups and fresh salads to signature sushi rolls, followed by an array of handcrafted dim sum. The heartier mains like Sliced Chicken in Black Bean Sauce with Butter Garlic Fried Rice and Braised Yee Mian Noodles are worth keeping space for. The experience is accompanied by a cocktail programme featuring serves like the aromatic Tom Yum Cup, the fruit-forward KOKO Bellini and the spicy KOKO Picante that get you into the weekend spirit early. Because Thursdays are the new Fridays!

Where: Ground Floor, Tower 30, RMZ Nexity, HITEC City, Hyderabad

Dandy & Dandy opens in Hitech city

A new addition to Hyderabad’s dining and nightlife scene, Dandy & Dandy is built around the concept of “Two Dandies. One Door. Same Room. Two Moods”. The space welcomes you with cinematic interiors, mood-driven lighting and a striking central bar with a globally inspired menu designed for sharing. The food offering blends comfort and creativity with dishes like Sabudana Fries, Dosa Crisps served with house-made chutneys, Parmesan Jalebi, Chilli Cheese Dragon Rolls, Charcoal Chicken Tikka and more. Adding to this is the cocktail programme that follows an ABV progression, moving from lighter aperitif-style drinks to bolder concoctions.

Where: 5th Floor, THE LOFT, Nexity, HITEC City, Hyderabad

Mille – The Dessert Bar launches in Jubilee Hills

Mille is redefining the city’s dessert scene with what it describes as India’s first plated dessert bar. Founded by Chef Anuhya Reddy, a Le Cordon Bleu London alumna whose experience includes acclaimed institutions such as Sketch, Ladurée and Le Gavroche, Mille transforms from a sunlit café by day into an intimate dessert theatre by night, where pastry takes centre stage. The menu is conceived as a collection of artistic plated compositions, with delicacies like Butterfly Cocoon, the dramatic Death by Chocolate, Cherry On The Tree, CaviarMisu, Rose-inspired desserts and refined takes on S’mores and cheesecake. 

Where: No 1, Plot no 183, Rd No 52, BNR Hills, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

Lili Cantonese Kitchen redefines Asian dining

This art-forward space is designed to be as much about the experience as the food, thanks to the whimsical interiors and interactive installations that reflect the dynamism of Asian culture. The menu opens with Sichuan Mapo Tofu, handcrafted dim sum, flavour-packed small plates and wok-tossed classics. The inventive cocktails and shareable plates are designed for leisurely dining with your friends. 

Where: Plot no. 1069, Road No. 45 Jubilee Hills, beside True Black, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad

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