Where to Eat in Hyderabad and Bengaluru

The food scene in South Indian cities, particularly, Bengaluru and Hyderabad is looking up. What with so many exciting places mushrooming across the cities in recent times. Foodies are spoilt for choice and we thought why not curate a list of new hangouts in these two metros for those wanting to know what's new in the culinary scene.

1. Firewater Neo Bar and Kitchen, Financial Districts

A premium fine-dining restaurant serving signatures from all over the world, is proud to announce the grand opening of its third outlet in Hyderabad with a 150-seater resto bar and a 120-seater Ultimate Multipurpose Hall for Corporate and Social Events. Building on the success of its outlets in HITEC City and Miyapur, Firewater brings a luxe yet contemporary take on global comfort food including favourites from European, Asian, and Indian cuisine, innovative fusion dishes, and timeless Hyderabad flavours, housed within a stunning, nature-inspired space.

Address: Level-12, The District, Myscape Rd, Financial District, Nanakramguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032

Timings: 12:30 PM to 11:30 PM

2. KOKO, HITEC City, Hyderabad

KOKO, the celebrated luxury Asian restaurant from Pebble Street Hospitality, has made its highly anticipated debut in Hyderabad, marking the city’s first standalone luxury Asian dining destination. Originating from Mumbai and renowned for its innovative Cantonese and Japanese cuisine, KOKO blends sophistication with modern allure, redefining the culinary landscape with exceptional food and unforgettable design. Spanning 10,000 sq ft, the restaurant’s interiors, designed by award-winning architect Sarah Sham, draw inspiration from Chinese imperial opulence, featuring deep emerald, crimson, and gold hues, plush velvet upholstery, and dramatic elements like the Red Tunnel and a grand curved bar. KOKO’s seating arrangements, including an exclusive soundproof private dining suite, create an immersive, intimate experience. Its culinary offerings highlight signature dishes such as the Lobster & Caviar Dumpling, Miso-Glazed Black Cod, and Edamame Black Rice, paired with innovative cocktails like the Tom Yum Cup and KOKO Master. More than just a restaurant, KOKO introduces Hyderabad to a new era of luxury dining, where elevated flavors, artistic design, and an immersive atmosphere converge to offer an unparalleled gastronomic experience.

Address: Ground Floor, Tower 30, RMZ Nexity, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081

Timings: Monday to Sunday, 12 PM - 1 AM

3. Italia, The Park Hotel, MG Road, Bangalore

Italia, nestled within The Park Hotel and a hallmark of Italian cuisine in Bangalore since 2002, has been reimagined with inspiration from Venice's iconic Cicchetti bars, offering a feast for the eyes and palate in a warm, vibrant setting. Cicchetti, born from the Venetian tradition of pairing small plates with wine in bustling bàcari, is celebrated here with authentic flavors and spirit, transporting guests to the lively streets of Venice. With a thoughtfully crafted menu featuring delights like bruschetta, handmade pasta, risotto, and classic desserts such as Tiramisù, paired with an innovative cocktail menu inspired by Italian art and culture, Italia blends tradition with modernity. The bar’s Spritz Studio showcases Italian charm with offerings like Grapefruit & Limoncello Spritz, Cucumber & Mint Spritz, and Cold Brew Spritz. As a cornerstone of Bangalore’s culinary landscape, Italia invites patrons to rediscover its vibrant essence, whether through intimate dinners or lively gatherings, promising an exceptional celebration of Italy’s rich heritage and modern flair.

Address: The Park, 14/7, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Yellappa Garden, Yellappa Chetty Layout, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560042

Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM

4. Lumara, MG Road

Lumara, a captivating new all-day dining resto-bar on MG Road, has opened its doors to Bangalore this winter, offering a seamless blend of global cuisine and innovative design. Founded by Arjun Hegde and Akshay Patil, with operations managed by Vivek Gunjikar, Lumara redefines premium dining with its immersive culinary experience, celebrating both local and international flavors. Designed to embrace Bangalore’s pleasant climate, the 9,000-square-foot space accommodates 265 guests, incorporating Mediterranean design elements, parametric architecture, and open-air seating that evolves throughout the day. The thoughtfully curated menu features globally inspired dishes such as the Granny Smith & Feta Salad, Angara Chicken Tikka, and innovative sushi options, complemented by signature cocktails like the Vintage Gimlet and Sulaimani. With a focus on exceptional design, including bespoke lighting, flowing curves, and large spherical windows that invite in natural light, Lumara embodies the essence of Bangalore’s vibrant social scene. As it sets a new benchmark for experiential dining, Lumara promises a refined yet welcoming atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination for discerning diners.

Address: 4th floor, Trinity Circle, Trinity Pothraj, #154, Old Madras Rd, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008

Timings: 12:00 PM to 1:00AM

5. Crackle Kitchen, Bengaluru

Crackle debuts as Bengaluru’s first standalone Omakase-style kitchen and bar, offering a chef-led, ever-evolving dining experience rooted in seasonal ingredients and bold, inspired cuisine. Led by Chef Vivek Salunkhe—whose culinary journey spans training under Raymond Blanc at the 2-Michelin-starred Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons to reinterpreting flavors from his grandfather’s farm in Karjat—the 22-seater space blends global techniques with deeply personal storytelling. The menu, shaped by the freshest produce, features dishes like The Susegad Goa (Hokkaido scallops or Kerala lobster steamed in coconut curry and egg custard) and Gardan Ki Tehri (Hyderabadi lamb neck paired with saffron risotto).

Cocktails by Avinash Kapoli’s Cocktail Kompany, such as the Fallen Angel (tequila, guava pickle, and bubbles) and Rebel’s Fire (tequila, bergamot, wasabi, and jalapeno), harmonize with the seafood-forward menu. The rustic, open-kitchen setting—centered around wood-fired cooking—invites guests to engage with the culinary process, creating an intimate, theatrical ambiance. Crackle’s philosophy revolves around spontaneity, seasonality, and reimagining familiar flavors through a global lens, making each visit a fresh exploration of nature-driven creativity.

Address: Ground floor, 303, 100 Feet Rd, Indira Nagar 1st Stage, Stage 1, Indiranagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560038

Timings:�Dinner Service Only, Slots - 7 PM to 9 PM, 9 PM to 11 PM

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