Hyderabad is the biryani capital of India. The city has many well-known places and popular restaurants that serve the famous Hyderabadi biryani with pride. Hyderabad chicken biryani was invented by the chefs in the Nizam’s kitchen in the mid-18th century. And it’s now known and loved all over the world. Slow-cooked rice, tender chicken (or veggies if you prefer that life), flavourful spices – it’s like the best things in the world on a single plate.
Naturally, the best Hyderabad biryani places are always crowded. It is difficult to find a seat without waiting for long hours, especially if you’re new to the city and don’t know the best timings to hit these places up. But hey, we’re all about making your life easy. Be it inside our residences or outside them. So when you’re craving a steaming hot plate of Biryani in Hyderabad, you can check out our list. It has a few places that aren’t very crowded, serve the yummiest food and are open till late at night. We’ve thrown in some ideas for a biryani date, too.
The top 10 places to eat biryani in Hyderabad are:
Source: https://www.paradisefoodcourt.in/marathahalli-restaurants.html
Paradise is one of Hyderabad’s most iconic biryani chains, with several branches across the city. Many people believe it’s overhyped now, and honestly, that’s true. However, it’s still a good place to start if you’re new to the city. The biryani is lighter than others, not too spicy and not too oily. Their dining area is clean and comfortable. The Chicken Biryani with salan and raita is the classic combo here. It might not amaze you, but it won’t let you down, either.
Address & Landmark: Many branches. For example: Begumpet branch: Beside Pantaloons, Opposite Indian Oil Petrol Pump, Mayur Marg, Begumpet, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 90142 06736 (Begumpet branch)
Opening & Closing Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Begumpet)
Average Cost: ₹1,000 for two (mid‑to-upper range)
Famous Dish: Nizami / Royal Chicken Biryani, Keema Samosa, etc
Source: https://www.venuelook.com/hyderabad/restaurant-of-bawarchi-restaurant-in-nallakunta
Bawarchi is famous for its aromatic and flavorful mutton and chicken biryanis. One of the most popular places in Hyderabad is known for good reasons. The biryani here is full of flavour and comes in large portions. It’s a little spicy, so prepare for that. The restaurant is always crowded, and finding parking can be tough. However, once you try the biryani, you’ll forget all about the hassle. Try the Bawarchi Special Biryani. You won’t regret it.
Address & Landmark: Plot 44, RTC X Road, Chikkadpally, New Nallakunta, beside Sandhya Theatre, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 80740 44409
Opening & Closing Hours: 11:00 AM to 11:30 PM
Average Cost: ₹650 for two people
Famous Dish: Mutton Biryani, Bawarchi Special Biryani, Chicken Dum Biryani
Meridian Biryani in Punjagutta is known for its balanced flavours and excellent spice mix. Their mutton biryani is very famous in Hyderabad and is packed with bold spices like cumin, cloves, and cinnamon. Just the smell will make you hungry. It’s a great spot for comforting and rich food. Many people come back frequently because the food quality remains high. If you’re looking for the best biryani in Hyderabad with strong, traditional flavours.
Address & Landmark: 6‑3‑697 & 6‑3‑694/1, RTC Cross Road, Panjagutta, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 90327 30504
Opening & Closing Hours: 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Average Cost: ₹700 for two people
Famous Dish: Chicken Dum Biryani, “Loose Biryani” style, Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani
Source: https://x.com/HiHyderabad/status/1161681152542793729
One of Hyderabad’s oldest biryani spots, Grand Hotel in Abids, serves traditional mutton dum biryani along with other classic dishes. It is known for its generous portions and genuine flavour. It remains a favourite for anyone looking for an authentic biryani experience. This place is great if you want something simple, affordable, and open almost all day. It’s not fancy, but the food is genuine comfort food. The biryani is quite spicy. The atmosphere is casual, and you’ll find a mix of college students, families, and regulars.
Address & Landmark: Plot 4‑1‑395, Bank St, Opposite Big Bazaar, Abids, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 91821 96698
Opening & Closing Hours: 12:00 PM to 1:00 AM
Famous Dish: Mutton Dum Biryani, Chicken Biryani, Mutton Nalli, etc.
Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/12806674@N07/34353237715
Located in Ghansi Bazaar, Hotel Shadab is one of the most famous biryani spots near the historic Charminar. As soon as you walk into the restaurant, the aroma of ghee, spices, and slow-cooked meat greets you. The biryani is delicious. It’s filled with local spices, juicy meat, and fluffy rice. Dining at Hotel Shadab feels special because it’s in the old part of the city. It’s nostalgic and, perhaps, a bit romantic. The ambience, the atmosphere, the people, and the food at Hotel Shadab all come together to create the best Hyderabadi biryani.
Address & Landmark: Plot No. 21, High Court Road, near Madina Circle, Ghansi Bazaar, Charminar area, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 40 2456 5949
Opening & Closing Hours: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Average Cost: ₹1,000 for two people
Famous Dish: Mutton Dum Biryani, Chicken Biryani, “Aromatic Biryani”
It’s always busy, but they manage to serve food quickly. Their biryani has a good balance of spice and ghee, and the chicken is usually cooked well and juicy. It’s a great choice if you want a classic Hyderabadi Biryani experience without too much chaos. Located in the heart of Hyderabad at Basheer Bagh, Cafe Bahar is one of the most popular and loved biryani places in the city. Renowned for its authentic Hyderabadi dum biryani, the place has been a foodie’s paradise since 1973. The place remains a crowd favourite for its no-frills ambience, generous portions, and consistent taste!
Address & Landmark: 3-5, 815/A, Old MLA Quarters Rd, Avanti Nagar, Himayatnagar, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 95159 34637
Opening & Closing Hours: 11:00 AM to 12:30 AM
Average Cost: ₹850 for two people
Famous Dish: Bahar Special Hyderabadi Dum Biryani
Source: https://www.wedmegood.com/wedding-venues/The-Spicy-Venue-922769
This place is not your usual biryani restaurant; it’s known more for its Andhra-style meals. But their Ulavacharu Chicken Biryani is a hidden gem that people wish to taste. The biryani here has a spicier flavour due to the use of Andhra masalas, which gives it a tangy and punchy twist. It’s definitely different from regular Hyderabadi biryani but equally satisfying. If you are adventurous and want to try something new, this is a great pick. It might just surprise you as the best biryani in Hyderabad for spice lovers.
Address & Landmark: Road Number 10, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 91772 10003
Opening & Closing Hours: 11:30 AM to 10:30 PM
Average Cost: ₹1,000 for two people
Famous Dish: MLA Potlam Biryani, Prawn / Andhra style biryani
With multiple outlets citywide, Pista House is a household name, also famous for its haleem during Ramadan. Most people know Pista House for its Haleem, but their biryani is good as well. The meat is tender, and the biryani isn’t too spicy; it’s just right for most people. If you’re near Charminar, this is a great choice for a hearty lunch or dinner. The place can get crowded, especially near Charminar, but the food is worth it.
Address & Landmark: Multiple outlets across Hyderabad ( One is in 20-4-132, Charminar Rd, Shah Ali Banda, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 93965 00786 (varies by branch)
Opening & Closing Hours: 11:00 AM to 12:45 AM
Average Cost: ₹300–₹450 per person (so- ₹600–₹900 for two)
Famous Dish: Chicken Dum Biryani, Zafrani Chicken Biryani, Chicken Lollipop Biryani, etc.
Source: https://www.itchotels.com/in/en/dining/dum-pukht
If you want to enjoy biryani at a nice restaurant, Dum Pukht Begum’s is the place to go in Hyderabad. Located in the elegant ITC Kohenur, the art of dum biryani reaches a royal level here. The chefs slow-cook fragrant basmati rice and marinated meat in a sealed handi. This method lets the flavours develop and blend under a thin layer of dough. The outcome is a subtly spiced, richly aromatic, and very tender biryani.
Address & Landmark: ITC Kohenur, Plot No. 5, Survey No. 83/1, Hyderabad Knowledge City, Madhupur, HITECH City, Hyderabad
Phone: 040-67660101
Opening & Closing Hours: 12:30 PM–3:00 PM & 7:00 PM–12:00 AM
Average Cost: ₹3,000 for two (premium / fine‑dining)
Famous Dish: Dum biryani with royal presentation and slow cooking.
Source: https://www.fuddo.in/local/biryaniwalla-and-co-banjara-hills?action=select_time&menu_page=true
Compared to the older restaurants in the city, Biryaniwalla & Co. feels modern and clean. Their service is quick, the seating is comfortable, and the food isn’t too oily or spicy. Their chicken and mutton biryanis have rich flavours and a great balance. People also love their vegetarian Paneer Biryani, which stands out for its authentic taste. It’s a quiet place for lunch or dinner, especially if you want to enjoy biryani in a relaxed atmosphere. For a clean, calm dining experience with tasty food, this place offers the best biryani in Hyderabad for modern food lovers.
Address & Landmark: Plot No 100, Banjara Hills Rd Number 3, Beside TV9 office, SBI Executive Enclave, Green Valley, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad
Phone: +91 406666 8111
Opening & Closing Hours: 12:30 PM– 10:30 PM (daily except Saturday, which is closed)
Average Cost: ₹1,200 for two people
Famous Dish: Some of their popular items include Special Mutton Biryani, Pathar Ka Ghost, Mirch Ka Saalan, Kebabs, Grilled Chicken, etc.
Exploring the biryani trail is an experience every foodie should savour. And if you’re staying in the city long-term, you deserve a home that’s as comforting as that perfect plate, just like a Stanza Living residence nearby. Great food, great stays, and great company, that’s how you make Hyderabad truly feel like home.
Finding the right place or PG in Hyderabad to live can make a world of difference in your work-life balance. For a smart living solution, consider professionally managed residences in these neighbourhoods. Stanza Living offers fully furnished rooms, housekeeping, home-style meals, and community events, all of which are perfect for working professionalsas well as students.
Top localities preferred by working professionals:
The Mutton Dum Biryani from places like Hotel Shadab and Paradise is considered the most iconic.
Yes! While Hyderabad is known for meat-based biryanis, many places like Biryaniwalla & Co. also serve tasty Paneer or Veg Biryani.
Try going during early lunch, from 12 to 1 PM, or early dinner, from 7 to 8 PM, to avoid long queues, especially on weekends.
Dum Pukht Begum’s at ITC Kohenur and Biryaniwalla & Co. offer clean and calm atmospheres, perfect for relaxed family meals.
Yes, most places like Meridian, Cafe Bahar, and Grand Hotel offer great food for around ₹700 to ₹900 for two.
You can find Stanza Living PGs in most areas like Banjara Hills, Gachibowli, and Madhapur, all near top biryani joints.