As a foodie who eats out frequently, I’ve watched Hyderabad’s restaurant scene explode with new options. From cosy cafes to traditional South Indian restaurants in Hyderabad, the city’s culinary landscape is diverse and rapidly evolving. Recently, I’ve noticed a trend of progressive Indian restaurants popping up, promising modern twists on classic flavours. Located in KnowledgeCity Sattva, Zila, nestled in District150, caught my attention. Since I often work from Third Wave Cafe, I always wanted to try Zila.
My previous experience with this type of food and experience at Tevar left me underwhelmed, so I was curious to see how Zila would measure up. When I received an invitation to sample their menu, I jumped at the chance. In this blog post, I’ll share my honest thoughts on Zila’s offerings and whether they live up to the hype surrounding progressive Indian food in Hyderabad.
Cosy, Contemporary Ambiance At Zila
Finding Zila is easy – enter through gate 6 and take the elevator to District150. It’s a small setup opposite Subko, right in front of the elevator. The ambience is chic and contemporary, with pops of colour and nice lighting. Everything from the cutlery to the upholstery and decor is in sync, giving off a fine dining vibe.
Every element, from the tableware to the plush upholstery and sophisticated decor, harmonizes to create an upscale dining experience. The eye-catching bar counter adds a vibrant focal point, infusing energy into the space. Not to forget, the carefully selected background music enhances the ambience without overwhelming it, allowing you to immerse yourself in both the dining experience and your partner’s company.
While it might be a bit tricky to spot at first, Zila’s small and intimate setting creates a pleasant dining environment.
Review of Zila’s Menu & Flavours
First off, this is amongst those places that don’t have a fat menu running in pages and volumes, but a small, petit menu that is on point. Some might feel underwhelmed with the variety on the menu, however, the real deal is in the flavours.
As vegetarians, we were intrigued by the innovative options. The Kathal Tacos were a delightful surprise – soft taco shells topped with crispy, shredded jackfruit created a perfect textural contrast. The Bhel 2.0 was a standout, featuring farsaan topped with edamame and avocado. This modern take on a classic left us craving more, showcasing Zila’s knack for reimagining familiar flavours.
The main course continued to impress. The Kathal Rogan Josh, served with Walnut Pulao, was a revelation. Unlike traditional heavy curries, this version was refined and bursting with flavours, along with jackfruit chunks. The Pesto Paneer Pasanda with Baby Naan was equally innovative – sheets of paneer stuffed with pesto, rolled and grilled, served in a rich, slightly sweet gravy. Each dish demonstrated Zila’s commitment to pushing culinary boundaries.
By this time, we were quite full and had just enough space to try the desserts. We ordered one of the popular desserts here, Zila’s interpretation of the famous Puneri Mango Mastani. This unique dessert featured fresh mangoes, foam, and a delicate crust, offering a sophisticated twist on a classic. To quench our thirst, I tried the Twist of Bramble mocktail – a refreshing blend of elderflower, blueberry, and ginger ale. It was the perfect non-alcoholic option, balancing flavours without excessive sweetness.
Summary: A Good Dining Experience Worth A Try
Zila is a standout spot for anyone looking to try something new in Indian food. Their creative dishes put a fresh spin on familiar flavours, making for a fun and tasty meal. While the prices are slightly on the higher side, I think the quality and experience make it worth it. The service is top-notch – the staff is always around to make sure you’re happy with everything. It’s clear they care about giving guests a great time.
If you’re in Hyderabad and want to try Indian food with a twist, I’d definitely recommend Zila. It’s perfect for a special night out or when you want to impress visitors. The mix of cool atmosphere, interesting food, and great service makes it a winner in my book.
PS: I’m already planning to bring my family here soon. It’s that good!
That’s about it for this blog post. Hope you found this insightful and helpful to plan your trip to Zila for a hearty meal. Feel free to reach out to me for any assistance. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Atulmaharaj on Instagram, or Get In Touch.