Best Biryani Restaurants In Hyderabad's Old City

Shadab Hotel, the popular restaurant in the heart of Old City, is celebrated for its authentic Mughlai and Hyderabadi cuisine. While it is renowned for its flavorful biryanis, the restaurant also has a terrific selection of succulent kebabs. You’ll find all the classics from hariyal kebab and tangri kebab to kalmi kebab and tandoori chicken. Their kebabs are grilled to perfection, and intensely seasoned and they have a decadent flavour profile that’s high on savoury notes. They also make a mean chicken 65 which has many takers.

This old-timey restaurant is best known for its dum biryani but they also make some great kebabs. Besides boti kebab, tikke kebab and tangdi kebab, the diner also sells some signature items like chicken Irani jujeh, shahi hyderabadi kebab and lehsooni kebab are the most popular. Pair them with their fragrant zaffrani chicken biryani which is made with layers of seasoned meat and fluffy rice in the traditional dum-style technique.

Café Bahar, established in 1973, is synonymous with comfort food and timeless flavours. Located near the historic Charminar, this restaurant has earned its reputation for serving soul-satisfying biryani that captures the essence of Hyderabad's culinary legacy. The biryani at Café Bahar is known for its long-grained, fragrant rice, tender meat, and a medley of spices that capture the essence of true Hyderabadi biryani. 

The Dum Biryani here is the biggest USP, with each grain of rice infused with the essence of aromatic spices. The Chicken 65 Biryani, a spicy variant of the classic, is a must-try for anyone who loves spicy biryani. The biryani at Café Bahar is known for its long-grained, fragrant rice, tender meat, and a medley of spices that capture the essence of true Hyderabadi biryani. The portions are generous, making it an ideal spot for those who love to indulge. The restaurant's diverse menu also includes other Hyderabadi specialities, especially kebabs and grills.

Tucked away in the bylanes of the Old City, Hotel Sohail is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on every biryani enthusiast's list. What sets Hotel Sohail apart is its commitment to authenticity and the use of authentic, premium ingredients. The biryani here is made with meat that has been marinated for hours. The restaurant's ambience, though modest, exudes warmth and hospitality. Don’t miss out on old-school delicacies like the Laham Mandi or Kabsa Dijaj, which is a beloved Saudi delicacy.

Though it’s hugely popular with modern foodies, Paradise Biryani has actually been here for decades. Nestled in the heart of the Old City, Paradise Biryani has earned its reputation as a legendary establishment. With a history dating back to 1953, this restaurant has been serving mouthwatering biryanis for generations. The ambience exudes a vintage charm, transporting diners to an era when the art of cooking biryani was a closely guarded secret. The Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani and the Mutton Biryani here are iconic, with fragrant basmati rice layered with succulent meat and aromatic spices. But the Qubani ka meetha is absolutely unmissable!

Alhamdulillah Hotel, located near the historic Mecca Masjid, is a culinary pilgrimage for those seeking an authentic Hyderabadi biryani experience. This low-key establishment has been a long-time favourite for its line of flavourful biryanis. The Dum Biryani here is a revelation, with perfectly marinated meat nestled between layers of fragrant basmati rice. Their other signatures are also terrific and are made using old-school methods, be it their haleem, mandi roti or paya. One of their hot sellers is the juicy and seasoned Talawa Gosht or Tala Hua Gosht which is best paired with a crispy roti.