Best biryani in Hyderabad

154 people recommend, 31 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Pista House is one of the most frequently recommended biryani chains in Hyderabad, with regulars praising its consistency across branches, generous portions, and the zafrani mutton biryani in particular; the Tolichowki branch gets repeated shout-outs. However, it divides opinion: some locals report bland or poorly mixed biryani and skimpy meat portions. Quality also varies by branch, so locals advise picking the right outlet and eating in rather than taking away.

• RecommendsLists it as an honorable mention for mutton biryani.
• CaveatBiryani tasted like jeera rice with poor meat-to-rice ratio, leaving mostly rice.

Tolichowki·Shop.No.9, Pista House Tolichowki, 4-77/3/A, Complex, Yousuf Tekri, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India

152 people recommend, 15 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Nawaabs in Gachibowli is one of the most frequently recommended biryani spots in Hyderabad, with locals especially praising the mutton and zafrani mutton dum biryani for tender meat and fresh flavour, particularly at lunchtime. Expect crowds and waits for a table. A good number find the biryani inconsistent, bland on recent visits, or more hotel-style than traditional Hyderabadi, so opinions are divided even among fans.

• RecommendsLong queue but the nihari and biryani made the wait worth it, rated 10/10.
• CaveatFinds the meat portions in mutton biryani too small everywhere, including Nawabs.

Gachibowli·The Nawaab's Restaurant, 3/136, Banjara Basthi, Anjaiah Nagar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India

111 people recommend, 48 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Shah Ghouse is a well-known biryani name in Hyderabad that many locals include in their recommendation lists, and some find it a consistent, safe choice for first-time visitors. It is also genuinely divisive: some locals raise hygiene concerns, and others say the taste has declined over the years or call it overrated. One diner praises the Gachibowli branch for consistent taste, and a few people say the Tolichowki branch rarely disappoints.

• RecommendsImplied Shah Ghouse is better than Paradise.
• CaveatFound the biryani mediocre.

Gachibowli·Shah Ghouse Hotel & Restaurant, Gachibowli, Villa-8, Gachibowli Rd, opposite Bio Diversity Park, Raidurgam, Madhura Nagar Colony, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500104, India

111 people recommend, 49 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Bawarchi at RTC X Roads is a well-known old biryani spot that many locals still include in their top Hyderabad lists, and people repeatedly stress that the RTC X Roads branch is the original while other outlets are imitations. Recent visitors praise the flavour, and a few regulars say the taste has stayed the same over the years, but many others report a decline in quality and consistency in recent years, with results now hit or miss. Some warn against it outright, calling it overrated or mass-produced, and some locals raise hygiene concerns.

• RecommendsRecent visit was delicious: perfectly cooked rice, tender chicken, balanced spices; worth the trip.
• CaveatFinds the meat portions in mutton biryani too small everywhere, including Bawarchi.

RTC X Roads·Bawarchi Restaurant, Plot No. 44, RTC X Rd, Beside Sandhya Theatre, Chikkadpally, New Nallakunta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500020, India

109 people recommend, 13 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Cafe Bahar is one of the most-recommended biryani spots among Hyderabad locals, with the Basheerbagh branch singled out for consistency, tender chicken, and mutton keema biryani. Locals often suggest the double mutton biryani with double masala. However, some say it isn't what it used to be; a couple date the decline to Covid. Opinions are clearly divided.

• RecommendsSays it's the only consistent biryani place they've noticed, since quality elsewhere varies with timing and mood.
• CaveatFinds the meat portions in mutton biryani too small everywhere, including Cafe Bahar.

Basheerbagh·3-5, Cafe Bahar, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500029, India

108 people recommend, 65 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

A Charminar-area biryani spot that sharply divides locals: many still rank it among the city's best, while others call it overhyped, bland, and not worth the wait or price. Complaints recur about long queues and unwelcoming service, and some locals raise hygiene concerns. The mutton biryani is what most people come for, though one visitor found even that bland.

• RecommendsVisited Charminar repeatedly just to eat at Shadab, one of their favorite spots during their stay.
• CaveatFinds the meat portions in mutton biryani too small everywhere, including Shadab.

Charminar·Hotel Shadab, Madina Circle, 21-1-140-144, High Court Rd, near High Court, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India

104 people recommend, 25 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Meridian in Punjagutta is one of the most recommended biryani spots on the map, with locals praising the mutton biryani and the mirchi ka salan, and some calling it consistent. It is divisive, though: several say quality has declined since its better days and that it is hit or miss, and some locals raise hygiene concerns.

• RecommendsRecommends Meridian in Punjagutta for biryani.
• CaveatSays Meridian has declined and the biryani is not what it used to be.

Punjagutta·697, 1, Meridian Restaurant, 6-3, Mumbai Hwy, RTC Cross Road, Punjagutta Officers Colony, Punjagutta, Hyderabad, Telangana 500082, India

69 people recommend, 29 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Mehfil's Narayanguda branch earns praise from some locals for its double masala chicken biryani and a well-balanced, budget-friendly single plate, and it appears on several lists of go-to biryani spots. But it is clearly divisive: many warn the quality has declined and is hit or miss, with one former regular saying a bad experience made them never return. Takeaway and delivery draw the harshest criticism, and others find it too spicy or rate it among the worst biryani spots in Hyderabad.

• RecommendsWent for biryani; staff served by hand and wouldn't let them serve themselves, thought the service was nice.
• CaveatSays quality has fallen; recent visit was not as good as before.

Narayanguda·Mehfil, Chikkadpalli Rd, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500027, India

48 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Sarvi is a frequently recommended biryani spot in Hyderabad, with the Banjara Hills branch mentioned most by locals. People repeatedly call its biryani good, several say the mutton version is the standout, and one regular considers it among the few places still maintaining quality. Views are mixed, though: a few found it mediocre or overhyped, one says it is pricey, and others note quality may have changed over time.

• RecommendsRanks Saarvi third in a top-10 biryani list.
• CaveatTried it and found nothing great; calls it a mediocre, overhyped joint.

Banjara Hills·Sarvi Food Court, 6-2-626, Road No. 1, opposite Care Hospital, Avenue 4, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, India

43 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

A Mehdipatnam spot that locals repeatedly name among Hyderabad's best biryani, with praise for its boneless mutton pieces, saffron aroma, and dum biryani made without ajinomoto. Several say it beats more famous places, and some consider it among the few still maintaining authentic quality. One visitor found it not worth the hype, so expectations may vary.

• RecommendsRanks Maks Kitchen second in a top-10 biryani list.
• CaveatVisited based on suggestions but found it not worth the hype.

Mehdipatnam·Maks Kitchen, 10-3-76, 4th Floor, Above Kfc , opposite pillar no 3 Pvnr Expressway, Mehdipatnam Rd, Jyothi Nagar, Humayun Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500006, India

42 people recommend, 9 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Peshawar in Lakdi ka Pul is a frequent local pick for biryani in Hyderabad, with the mutton and zafrani biryani singled out and some calling it the best they have had in the city. However, opinions are split: several say quality has declined over time, one found the biryani too heavy on ghee with little spice, and a couple report bad experiences at the Lakdi ka Pul branch.

• RecommendsLists it as an honorable mention for mutton biryani.
• CaveatSays Peshawar long lost its quality.

Lakdikapul·6-2-30/E, Peshawar Restaurant, Saifabad Rd, beside DHL Office, P & T Officers Colony, Veer Nagar, Lakdikapul, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, India

32 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Potful is a delivery-only cloud kitchen that locals repeatedly praise for biryani, especially the vegetarian options like paneer tikka, jackfruit, and mushroom claypot versions. Locals say it is consistent compared to other cloud kitchens, not overly spicy, and budget-friendly. The main caveat is that a couple of diners felt the quantity was less than expected for the price.

• RecommendsDelivery-only place with great veg biryani; you can request extra masala or veggies.
• MixedSays the biryani is good but the quantity was an issue for them.

Potful Biryani, Kondapur, Rajaram yadav heights, Ground, H.No 1-59/168/1, Kondapur, Telangana 500084, India

32 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Grand Hotel is a biryani spot that many locals recommend, with one regular calling it the most consistent they know and others praising its chicken biryani, starters, and budget-friendly prices. However, opinions are divided: some say the taste has declined from years past, and one diner found barely any mutton in their biryani. The Abids branch comes up most often in recommendations.

• RecommendsSays Grand is quite good.
• CaveatConsiders it worse than Bawarchi.

Abids·Grand Hotel, 4-1-395, Bank St, Troop Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, India

23 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

4 Seasons, especially the Tolichowki branch, is a frequently recommended biryani spot in Hyderabad, with locals praising its tender mutton, zafrani and sufiyani biryanis, and non-oily authentic flavour. Some call it underrated and a safe pick, though rankings vary, from seventh in one top-10 list to being named among the city's best. One commenter dismisses the suggestion, and another lists it among places that were good back in the day.

• RecommendsRanks 4 Seasons seventh in a top-10 biryani list.
• CaveatReacts with disgust emojis to the Four Seasons suggestion.

Tolichowki·4 Seasons Multi Cuisine Restaurant, 9-4-77/3/D/4/5/6, Tolichowki Rd, opp. R.T.A. Office, Yousuf Tekri, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

Chaitanya Food Court, with the Kukatpally branch mentioned most often, is a frequently recommended biryani spot in Hyderabad. Diners mention the boneless mutton biryani, with one praising how much meat it has, the paneer biryani, and the option to ask for milder spice. Not everyone is convinced: one local found the rice oily, another says quality has slipped though the dum biryani is occasionally decent, and one doubts it counts as authentic Hyderabadi biryani.

• RecommendsTheir favorite biryani place among their go-to spots in Hyderabad.
• CaveatOrdered biryani twice and got oily rice with spices; sambar rice also not good.

Kukatpally·Chaitanya Food Court, Circle, MIG 25-26, JNTU - Hitech City Rd, near nexus mall, Kukatpally Housing Board Colony, KPHB 5th Phase, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500072, India

22 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

Santosh Dhaba is a multi-branch spot that locals often bring up for veg biryani, with the paneer, kaju, and veg handi versions praised as tasty, and branches like Abids, Begum Bazaar, and Hanuman Tekdi recommended; one calls it economical. Not everyone agrees: one local says it deserves more criticism than Paradise and should not be ranked above it, and another argues paneer does not belong in biryani at all.

• RecommendsSays even this dhaba puts more paneer and cashews in its veg biryani than Paradise did.
• CaveatBelieves Santosh Dhaba deserves more hate than Paradise and should not be ranked above it.

Abids·Santosh Dhaba Exclusive, No. 4-1-364/1 & 2, Jaya International Lane, opposite Sabarwal Travels, Hanuman Tekdi, Abids, Hyderabad, Telangana 500001, India

21 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Hillstar (formerly Hilton) is a frequently recommended biryani spot in Hyderabad, with the Khairatabad branch mentioned most often. The mutton biryani gets the most praise, a couple of people recommend the chicken 65 biryani and one the double masala biryani, and commenters call the food flavourful and tasty. One describes it as an old, authentic restaurant that is budget-friendly compared to high-end areas.

• RecommendsRecommends Hillstar Khairatabad among the few good places.

Khairatabad·HILLSTAR RESTAURANT, 6-2-940/A, ground floor, opp shadan college pillar No:1184, Taj Enclave, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, India

21 people recommend, 4 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Tosh-e-Daan is a frequently recommended, upscale biryani spot in Khajaguda; a few commenters praise the quality of its biryani and its rice-to-meat ratio, especially the mutton and zafrani variants, plus kebabs and marag. It is widely considered pricey, and some found recent visits flavourless or mediocre, calling it influencer hype. One commenter feels the biryani leans Lucknowi rather than Hyderabadi, and it can sell out early.

• RecommendsSuggests taking mom there; warns biryani sells out fast so go early.
• CaveatCalls it mid.

Khajaguda·Tosh-e-daan, 1-61/SO/202, First floor , Oak Plaza, Khajaguda - Nanakramguda Rd, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500104, India

17 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Hotel Nayab in Afzalgunj is a frequently recommended biryani spot in the old city, with locals praising its spicy, flavourful mutton biryani and calling it solid and reliable, and one preferring it over nearby Shadab. Its kesar biryani and early morning biryani also get shout-outs. However, one diner finds it oily and inconsistent.

• RecommendsRanks Nayaab fifth in a top-10 biryani list.
• MixedCalls it overrated and mass-produced, but later admits the biryani is good, just inconsistent in quality.

Afzalgunj·Hotel Nayaab, 22-8-111&112, Nayapul Rd, beside bata showroom, Chatta Bazaar, Nassir Complex, Darulshifa, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India

17 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Antera is a biryani place in Hyderabad that locals bring up often, mostly in passing recommendations rather than detailed praise. The dish singled out most is the mutton nalli gosht biryani, which one local called the best they'd had recently, though others simply suggest trying it. Vegetarians also mention it, recommending the paneer biryani and pulavs such as the brinjal version, but one local notes that for dum-style veg biryani you'd be better off elsewhere. Feedback ranges from enthusiastic to lukewarm, with one person calling the biryani merely decent, and one local likes the ambience and says it is usually not too crowded.

• RecommendsBest biryani they've had recently; nalli gosht biryani there.

AnTeRa Kitchen and Bar - Gachibowli, Mindspace Rd, P Janardhan Reddy Nagar, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India

16 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Mandar's Tolichowki branch is a frequent local pick for biryani in Hyderabad, with several calling it tasty, some naming it their favourite, and several recommending the mutton biryani, including the zaffrani version. Opinions are mixed on consistency: some say it doesn't always live up to the hype, and one local feels it was better years ago. Another notes its flavour and aroma stand out, though the masala is middling.

• RecommendsRanks Mandaar sixth in a top-10 biryani list.
• MixedMeat type is okay in established restaurants like this but tends to be undercooked.

Tolichowki·Mandar Restaurant, 9-4-77/F/10, Tolichowki Rd, Yousuf Tekri, Toli Chowki, Hyderabad, Telangana 500008, India

14 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Sri Kanya is a biryani chain that locals mostly recommend, especially for its fry piece biryani, which several describe as excellent and reliably good every time. Some note it is pricier than competitors, that its strength is pulao rather than classic dum biryani, and that quality varies between branches, with complaints of dry rice or heavy spicing in recent orders. Two people advise eating at the restaurant instead of ordering online.

• RecommendsFirst tried their fry piece biryani years ago and got hooked; it was also very cheap back then.
• CaveatReceived bagara rice with overly spicy semi-dry chicken instead of biryani.

Sri Kanya Restaurant, Sri Sai Thota Towers, Ravi Enclave, Kondapur, Sugathi Homestays St, opposite BLOCK-A, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084, India

13 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Cafe 555, especially the Masab Tank branch, is a frequent pick when Hyderabad biryani recommendations come up, and one commenter always keeps it at the top of their list. Another recommends it specifically for its mutton biryani.

• RecommendsAlways keeps Cafe 555 at the top of their list.

Masab Tank·Cafe 555 - Aqeeq Restaurant, CF32+8V6 Road Number 1 banjara hills, x road, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, Telangana 500028, India

13 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

Rumaan is a frequently recommended biryani spot in Hyderabad, with branches at Hafeezpet, Tolichowki, Kondapur, and Shalibanda. Commenters highlight its good taste and budget-friendly value; one calls it masala-heavy and another says a single portion is filling. One dissenter felt it did not belong on any biryani list, and a longtime customer says the taste is unchanged but may not appeal to everyone.

• RecommendsLists Ruman among their personal best biryani places in the old city.
• CaveatSays Rumaan Biryani should not even be on the list.

Hafeezpet·Rumaan restauranT - Hafeezpet, 11, Gachibowli - Miyapur Rd, New Hafeezpet, Gopal Reddy Nagar, Hafeezpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500049, India

12 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Hotel Sohail in Malakpet is frequently recommended for its biryani, with several calling it one of Hyderabad's best and a long-time resident vouching for it as the top option in the area. Its chicken biryani and smoky, wedding-style flavour are singled out. Some caution that it was more consistent in the past, and one person finds it only somewhat okay compared to alternatives.

• RecommendsRanks it fourth in their top five biryani list.
• MixedSays it is only somewhat okay compared to better options.

Malakpet·No-16-8-992, HOTEL SOHAIL, Government Printing Press Rd, beside Government Hospital, Officers Colony, Chanchalguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500024, India

12 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Telangana Spice Kitchen gets steady praise from locals for its biryani, with the mutton, nalli gosht, and special chicken biryani singled out, and one saying it comes close to the authentic old-school Hyderabad taste. One diner, however, questions the value, feeling the biryani is overpriced. Branches mentioned include Tellapur and Jubilee Hills.

• RecommendsSays it comes close to the old biryani taste.

Telangana Spice Kitchen Bar & Grill, Plot no, 373, Road Number 10, AND 22, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, India

12 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Pakka Local is a frequently recommended biryani spot in Hyderabad; a couple of commenters call it underrated, and one says it has been consistently good across multiple visits. People single out the paneer and veg biryani, the Nalli Gosht biryani, and the chicken dum biryani. The Banjara Hills branch is described as a premium option for Andhra varieties, and the Hitech City branch is also recommended.

• RecommendsPraises the paneer biryani, says it's the only veg biryani they've liked besides homemade.

Pakka Local, plot no.98, Rd Number 7, Imam Khomeini Rd, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, India

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

Green Park in Begumpet is a frequently recommended biryani spot, with commenters praising its well-cooked meat with ghee and saffron, generous portions, and its popular midnight biryani; one says it comes close to the old-school taste. A couple say it is pricey but worth it, and one notes service can be slow. One says quality has slipped recently, another that the buffet biryani is mediocre (order à la carte instead), and one finds the Madhapur branch weaker than Ameerpet.

• RecommendsNames Hotel Green Park in Begumpet as a pick.
• CaveatSays the place has gotten worse recently.

Begumpet·Hotel Greenpark, Hyderabad, Begumpet Rd, Leelanagar, Begumpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500016, India

12 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

An upscale biryani spot at Hotel Golkonda in Masab Tank that commenters repeatedly recommend, especially for out-of-town visitors, with the mutton biryani singled out as excellent. Several consider it pricey but say the taste and quality justify it, and a recent diner found the non-veg thali good too. One calls it mediocre, and another notes quality may have changed over time.

• RecommendsSuggests taking the visitors to Jewel of Nizam for food instead of eating near Charminar.
• CaveatSays the place is mediocre.

Masab Tank·Jewel Of Nizam- The Golkonda Hotel Banjara Hills, D No. 10/1/124, The Golkonda Hotel, Saifabad Rd, Masab Tank, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004, India

11 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Imperial is a biryani spot that many locals recommend, with some calling it underrated and one naming it their favourite after trying famous biryani places across the city. It has multiple branches, including Saidabad, Hafeezpet, Lakdikapul, Tolichowki, and Malakpet, with the Hafeezpet one also known for mandi. A couple of locals are dismissive, one mocking its inclusion in top lists and another advising people to avoid it, while one describes it as merely an okay experience.

• RecommendsRanks Imperial tenth in a top-10 biryani list.
• CaveatMocks Imperial's inclusion in the top list.

Saidabad·Imperial Multi Cuisine Restaurant, 16-2, 16/B, Chanchalguda, Saidabad Main Rd, Akbarbagh, New Malakpet, Hyderabad, Telangana 500059, India

10 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

A cloud kitchen that a few locals rate among the city's best, especially for its Hyderabadi dum biryani and jackfruit (kathal) biryani, delivered in a sealed clay pot. Opinions are split: some find it average or below average, portions run smaller than the name suggests, and one person found it dry with salan sold separately. Consistency complaints about taste and quantity also come up.

• RecommendsCalls BiryaniByKilo their favorite and notes it is delivered in a claypot.
• CaveatSays Biryani by Kilo is ignored because it is not good enough.

Biryani By Kilo- Gachibowli, Sri krishna Sanjay commercial, House No-2-60, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

A Madhapur biryani spot that many locals recommend, with a couple preferring it over better-known restaurants. Favourites include the boneless chicken, nalli, and paneer biryanis; one praises the desserts and another its clean, fine-dine feel. One found the biryani a little sweet, another the mutton not very tender, and one customer describes it as takeaway-only.

• RecommendsRecently tried this takeaway-only spot and it was good.
• CaveatFound the mutton biryani there not really tender.

Madhapur·House of Bagaara, The Square, Durgam Cheruvu road, kavuri hills,Madhapur, beside Vijetha Supermarket, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India

9 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

A biryani spot with branches in Kondapur and Nizampet that locals frequently recommend; one singles out the chicken fry piece biryani, and some call the place underrated. It is known for very spicy biryani, though milder options like the Veg Mini are praised for decent dum masala and good salan and raita. One regular usually orders it through the delivery apps.

• RecommendsRecommends trying the fry piece biryani
• CaveatSays the Kondapur one is too oily

Kondapur·Vasista's Srilakshmi Takeaway, Loukya Heights, Kondapur Main Road, Kondapur, Gautami Enclave, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084, India

8 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Pakwaan Grand, especially the Gachibowli branch, comes up repeatedly when people discuss biryani, mostly in brief recommendation lists. One diner praises its aroma, flavour and texture, and another notes its biryani somewhat resembles wedding-style biryani. One commenter remembers it being good a while back.

• RecommendsCalls Pakwaan an underrated gem.
• MixedSays Pakwaan was good two years ago, implying decline.

Gachibowli·Pakwaan Grand Restaurant, 133, Old Mumbai Hwy, Lumbini Avenue, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500104, India

8 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Niagara comes up often when people discuss Hyderabad biryani, usually listed alongside other spots rather than singled out. The Chaderghat branch is the one locals name most, and the mutton biryani is what gets recommended; one person who tried it liked it a lot. Another commenter passed on good word of mouth about the renovated Chaderghat outlet's saffron mutton biryani, while noting it is far from the city centre.

• RecommendsSuggests Niagara Hotel Chaderghat as a biryani option.
• MixedUsed to go before renovation but hasn't visited since, so unsure now.

Chaderghat·Hotel Niagara, 16-6-9/1, Road, Chaderghat Cir, opposite Thumbay Hospital, Chaderghat, Gowliguda, Hyderabad, Telangana 500024, India

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

A Kondapur biryani spot that comes up often in recommendations, with the mutton zafran singled out as a recent favourite. It reportedly grew from a small cloud kitchen into two full restaurants, and one fan even flew its box-packed biryani to Bangalore. Opinions are mixed, though: one regular liked it only once across several tries, and another finds other local biryanis better.

• RecommendsLists their mutton zafran among recent good biryanis they've had.
• MixedTried three or four times and only liked it once.

Kondapur·Charminar Biryani, Street Number 11, opposite Jai's Kitchen, Kondapur, Sri Ramnagar - Block C, Gachibowli, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084, India

8 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

A Mehdipatnam biryani spot that people repeatedly name among Hyderabad's best; one calls it slept on, and another credits it with authentic Hyderabadi taste. The chicken biryani gets mentioned, and one regular points to the fresh onions served alongside as a sign of quality. Not everyone is sold, though: one local says it is only worth visiting for haleem.

• RecommendsIncluded in a list of recommended biryani places.
• CaveatClaimed the restaurant is only good for haleem, implying the biryani falls short.

Mehdipatnam·Hotel City Diamond - Mehdipatnam, Mehdipatnam - Banjara Hills Rd, behind Rythu bazar, Vivekananda Colony, Santosh Nagar, Gudimalkapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500006, India

8 people recommend, 3 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Biryaniwalla & Co is a biryani place that several locals recommend; one says they were pleasantly surprised by it, and another found it good on a visit. The Banjara Hills outlet near the TV9 office comes up in a few mentions. The caveats: one local rates it poorly, another was let down by a recent order after enjoying it in the past, and a third notes that biryani quality across the city's famous spots, this one included, is not what it used to be.

• RecommendsA local says the Biryaniwalla & Co outlet near the TV9 office is a good pick.
• CaveatRates it a low 4 out of 10.

Banjara Hills·Biryaniwalla & Co., Plot No 100, Banjara Hills Rd Number 3, Beside TV9 office, SBI Executive Enclave, Green Valley, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500034, India

6 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Biryani Souq is a small spot that several locals rank among the best biryani in Hyderabad, with one calling it hands-down top tier. It is available on Swiggy and you can order extra mutton, though delivery coverage to your area can be unreliable. The main caveats are its small size and inconsistent delivery.

• RecommendsA small Film Nagar place, but in their experience among the best biryani in the city.
• MixedOn Swiggy and very good, can order extra mutton, but delivery to your location is hit or miss.

4th Floor, Biryani Souq - Take Away Kitchen, Sri Vishnu Enclave, 13, Journalist Colony Rd, MLA Colony, Film Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500096, India

6 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

Krishna's Kitchen in Madhapur comes up repeatedly for biryani: one commenter recommends it for a good amount of meat with the biryani, and another praises the tender meat in the Seema mamsam biryani. Others suggest the nalli and egg biryani, though one calls it overpriced.

• RecommendsSuggests trying Krishnas Kitchen in Madhapur as an alternative.
• CaveatCalls the suggested places overpriced.

Madhapur·Krishna's Kitchen, Plot no, police station, 140, lane, opposite to madhapur, Kavuri Hills, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033, India

6 people recommend, 2 warn against itvia r/hyderabad

Madina Hotel near Charminar is a biryani spot that multiple locals recommend, with some saying its mutton biryani beats the nearby Shadab. It also appears on one local's ranked list of Hyderabad biryanis. A couple of people warn they had bad experiences there, so quality may vary.

• RecommendsSays its authentic mutton biryani is even better than Shadab's.
• CaveatAgrees they also had a bad experience there.

Charminar·H.No. 21-1-1040, 1045, Madina hotel - Since 1947, Madina Building, 1072 to 1078, Pathergatti Rd, Charminar, Ghansi Bazaar, Hyderabad, Telangana 500002, India

5 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Ishtaa is a restaurant in Gachibowli that people repeatedly recommend for vegetarian biryani, especially the jackfruit biryani, which even skeptics of veg biryani found surprisingly good. Locals also praise the paneer and mushroom biryanis, though one found the Chettinad paneer pulav only average. One commenter counts it among the few places with genuinely good veg biryani.

• RecommendsRecommends trying jackfruit biryani here.
• MixedCorrects the dish name and says the Chettinad paneer pulav was average.

Ishtaa, NCC URBAN GARDENIA, Hitech City Main Rd, Lumbini Ave, Diamond Hills, HITEC City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India

5 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Locals mostly recommend Angaara, with a couple saying the biryani is good and one ranking the Miyapur branch third among Hyderabad biryani spots. One local who ate there loved the mutton biryani at the Bachupally Miyapur branch, though only from one visit.

• RecommendsLoved the mutton biryani there four months ago, better than any other restaurant, unsure of current state.

Miyapur·Angaara Restaurant, Hanuman Temple, Plot No. 21, Hanuman Temple Rd, Near मियापुर क्रॉस रोड, Balaji Nagar, Miyapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500049, India

5 people recommendvia r/hyderabad

Beyond Food Flavours in Masjid Banda began as a small takeaway outlet and has since moved to larger premises with dine-in, and people who have eaten its biryani praise it: one calls it the best in Hyderabad, and another says their hard-to-please parents love it and they have ordered only from here for two years. A customer since its early days says taste, quantity and quality have stayed consistent, though prices have gone up, especially on delivery apps, where offers partly offset that. One commenter's go-to is the Mughlai biryani.

• RecommendsSays the vegetarian food from this cloud kitchen is tasty and can be ordered online.

Masjid Banda·Sy No 132, Beyond Food Flavours, Link Rd 12, Sri Maruthi Nagar, Plot no 37, H. No 1-3/132, Hyderabad, Telangana 500084, India

5 people recommend, 1 warns against itvia r/hyderabad

A biryani place with mall outlets that some locals recommend, particularly the Nexus Mall branch, for its variety of starters and biryani; one visitor found it a bit spicy, and another praised the veg biryani. One critic says such places charge a lot for what they serve, and a mixed view notes it is pricier than most but offers good proportions of meat and rice and is better at pulao than traditional dum biryani. Side dishes like curd rice and pappu annam are also considered pricey.

• RecommendsRecommends the Nexus Mall branch for varied starters and biryani, though curd rice and pappu annam cost too much.
• CaveatSays they overcharge for what is basically bagara rice with toppings, not real biryani.

Kukatpally·Krishnapatnam, Nexus Mall, 407A, 4 th, Kukatpally Housing Board Colony, K P H B Phase 9, Kukatpally, Hyderabad, Telangana 500085, India