best non-veg restaurant in hyderabad?

shah ghouse in tolichowki is the best non-veg restaurant in hyderabad for the overall experience - biryani, kebabs, paya, haleem (seasonal), all excellent. for biryani specifically, hotel shadab in ghansi bazaar. for andhra-style non-veg, kritunga in kukatpally. for fine dining non-veg, firdaus at taj krishna.

best mutton restaurant in hyderabad?

hotel shadab in ghansi bazaar serves the best mutton biryani in hyderabad. shah ghouse in tolichowki has the best mutton paya (trotters). for mutton kebabs, kebab-e-ali in hussaini alam does outstanding charcoal-grilled seekh kebabs. for andhra-style mutton, kritunga's goat curry is intensely flavored and spicy.

best non-veg in old city hyderabad?

the old city is non-veg heaven. hotel shadab (biryani, kebabs), shah ghouse (biryani, paya), mehfil (budget biryani), pista house (haleem), and the kebab stalls of hussaini alam. you could eat at a different non-veg spot every meal for a week and not repeat. all within walking distance of charminar.

best seafood restaurant in hyderabad?

fishland in himayatnagar is the most popular seafood restaurant in hyderabad with good fish fry and prawn biryani. for andhra-style seafood, ulavacharu in gachibowli does excellent royyala (prawn) preparations. nayaab at charminar does a surprisingly good fish biryani. hyderabad isn't a seafood city but these places do it well.

is hyderabad good for non-veg food?

hyderabad is one of the best cities in india for non-veg food. the mughlai tradition gives you biryani, kebabs, haleem, and paya. the andhra influence adds fiery chicken and mutton curries. the street food scene has kebab stalls and biryani counters everywhere. non-veg is the default cuisine in hyderabad, unlike many other indian cities.

best non-veg restaurants in hyderabad (2026)

tldr: my top 3 out of 22 places - shah ghouse in tolichowki (best overall non-veg, biryani + paya + kebabs, rs 700 for two), hotel shadab in ghansi bazaar (best biryani and kebabs, rs 600 for two), and kritunga in kukatpally (best andhra non-veg, rs 800 for two). full reviews with prices below.

i haven’t visited hyderabad yet. this guide is based on extensive research - local food blogs, google reviews, youtube food tours, and recommendations from hyderabad locals.

hyderabad might be the best non-veg city in india. i know that’s a big claim. delhi has its kebabs. lucknow has its galouti. kolkata has its kosha mangsho. but hyderabad has everything - biryani (the best in the country), haleem (gi-tagged), kebabs (mughlai tradition), paya (bone marrow soup), andhra-style chicken and mutton curries (fiery and bold), and a street food scene where non-veg is the default, not the exception.

the reason is history. the nizams ruled for over 200 years and their court cuisine was entirely non-veg-centric. the mughlai, turkish, and arab culinary influences merged with local telangana and andhra cooking traditions. the result is a non-veg food culture that’s deeper and more varied than any other indian city.

this guide covers the full spectrum - from old city legends to modern restaurants, from rs 150 biryani to rs 4000 fine dining. i’ve organized it by category because the non-veg landscape in hyderabad is too varied for a simple ranking.

i’ve rated everything out of 10. prices are for two people unless noted. no one paid me for this.

the awards (my picks)

best overall non-veg: shah ghouse, tolichowki - biryani, paya, kebabs, haleem - everything is exceptional
best biryani restaurant: hotel shadab, ghansi bazaar - the purist’s biryani
best kebab joint: kebab-e-ali, hussaini alam - charcoal-grilled street kebabs at midnight
best andhra non-veg: kritunga, kukatpally - fiery, bold, authentic rayalaseema cooking
best paya: shah ghouse, tolichowki - the late-night bone marrow soup ritual
best haleem: pista house, engine bowli - the gi-tagged original
best fish: fishland, himayatnagar - the seafood specialist
best budget non-veg: mehfil, charminar - full non-veg meal under rs 300 for two
best fine dining non-veg: firdaus (taj krishna), banjara hills - nawabi cuisine at its peak
best late-night non-veg: shah ghouse, tolichowki - open until 1 am, peak at midnight

the full list

#	restaurant	area	speciality	cost for two	my rating
1	shah ghouse	tolichowki	biryani, paya, kebabs	rs 700	9/10
2	hotel shadab	ghansi bazaar	biryani, kebabs	rs 600	9/10
3	kritunga	kukatpally	andhra non-veg	rs 800	8.5/10
4	cafe bahar	basheer bagh	biryani, kebabs, irani	rs 600	8.5/10
5	paradise	secunderabad	biryani	rs 700	8.5/10
6	pista house	engine bowli	haleem, biryani	rs 500	8.5/10
7	alpha hotel	tolichowki	biryani, kebabs	rs 600	8/10
8	ulavacharu	gachibowli	andhra cuisine	rs 1000	8/10
9	firdaus (taj krishna)	banjara hills	nawabi/mughlai	rs 4000	9.5/10
10	kebab-e-ali	hussaini alam	street kebabs	rs 300	8.5/10
11	hotel nayab	general bazaar	biryani, kebabs	rs 400	8/10
12	fishland	himayatnagar	seafood, fish	rs 700	7.5/10
13	mehfil	charminar	biryani, kebabs	rs 300	8/10
14	sarvi	banjara hills	biryani, kebabs	rs 800	7.5/10
15	bawarchi	rr nagar	biryani	rs 500	8/10
16	subbayya gari hotel	ameerpet	andhra meals	rs 500	8/10
17	astoria hotel	general bazaar	budget biryani	rs 350	7.5/10
18	dine hill	tolichowki	biryani, kebabs	rs 600	7/10
19	mohammedia sharief	malakpet	biryani, kebabs	rs 500	7.5/10
20	jewel of nizam (falaknuma)	falaknuma	royal non-veg	rs 8000+	9/10
21	rayalaseema ruchulu	madhapur	rayalaseema non-veg	rs 700	7.5/10
22	peshawar	nampally	peshawari non-veg	rs 600	7/10

biryani houses

biryani is the cornerstone of hyderabadi non-veg. i have a dedicated biryani guide, but these are the essential biryani houses for non-veg lovers.

1. hotel shadab

ghansi bazaar (near charminar) / cost for two: rs 600 / 9/10

shadab is the biryani purist’s choice. established in 1953, this ghansi bazaar institution serves what many locals consider the most authentic kacchi biryani in hyderabad. the mutton biryani at rs 320 is the star - perfectly layered rice, tender bone-in meat, and a spice profile that’s assertive without being overwhelming.

beyond biryani, shadab’s kebabs are outstanding. the shami kebab (pan-fried minced meat patty) is smooth, rich, and melts in your mouth. the seekh kebab has a proper charcoal flavor. the nihari (slow-cooked stew) on sundays is a special event - rich, gelatinous, and intensely flavored.

the double ka meetha here is the best dessert on this list - fried bread soaked in cardamom-saffron syrup, topped with thick rabri. it’s the perfect sweet end to a spicy meal.

the catch: old city traffic, basic ambience, slow service during rush hours. the first floor is slightly calmer than the ground floor.

verdict: the best biryani restaurant in hyderabad and a top-3 non-veg restaurant overall. the biryani, kebabs, and nihari together make it a non-veg paradise.

2. shah ghouse

tolichowki (original) / cost for two: rs 700 / 9/10

shah ghouse is the complete non-veg experience. while shadab specializes in biryani, shah ghouse excels at everything. the biryani is arguably as good as shadab’s (slightly richer, slightly more aromatic). the paya (bone marrow trotters soup) is legendary - thick, gelatinous, rich with collagen, and deeply satisfying at midnight.

the late-night experience at shah ghouse tolichowki is quintessential hyderabad. you arrive at 11 pm. the place is packed. you order biryani and paya. the biryani comes in 10 minutes, piping hot. the paya is thick enough to coat a spoon. you eat, you’re satisfied in ways that a 9 pm dinner at a fancy restaurant never achieves.

the kebabs here are excellent too. the boti kebab (cubed mutton) and the tangdi kebab (chicken leg) are both well-marinated and properly grilled. during ramadan, the haleem at shah ghouse is among the best in the city.

the catch: the midnight crowd means chaos - long waits, no parking, crowded tables. the newer outlets don’t match the tolichowki original. the quality can dip very slightly during extreme rush.

verdict: the best overall non-veg restaurant in hyderabad. the biryani + paya combination at midnight is a life experience.

3. paradise

secunderabad (original) / cost for two: rs 700 / 8.5/10

the most famous name in hyderabadi biryani. the secunderabad original is the best outlet - the ground floor counter for quick biryani, the upper floors for sit-down meals. the biryani is consistently good, the kebabs are reliable, and the overall experience is well-packaged.

paradise’s strength is consistency. every plate of biryani tastes the same. this is both the appeal and the limitation - it lacks the character of shadab or shah ghouse, but it never disappoints either.

the catch: tourist crowds, high prices by hyderabadi standards, and franchise-outlet-quality at non-original branches.

verdict: the gateway drug to hyderabadi biryani. start here, then graduate to the old city.

4. cafe bahar

basheer bagh / cost for two: rs 600 / 8.5/10

cafe bahar is the best all-rounder. biryani, kebabs, irani chai, osmania biscuits - all excellent under one roof. the biryani has a slightly more peppery profile. the kebabs - especially the shami kebab - are consistently excellent. the irani chai is among the best in the city.

the catch: always crowded, AC struggles, stick to hyderabadi items.

verdict: the most versatile non-veg restaurant in hyderabad.

5. bawarchi

rr nagar / cost for two: rs 500 / 8/10

the value champion. biryani for rs 280 (mutton) with portions that could feed 1.5 people. fast service, no pretense, factory-level efficiency. the biryani is good - not transcendent like shadab’s, but satisfying and fairly priced.

the catch: functional ambience, standardized flavor, no soul.

verdict: the best biryani for groups on a budget.

kebab joints

hyderabad’s kebab tradition comes directly from the mughlai court cuisine of the nizams.

6. kebab-e-ali

hussaini alam / cost for two: rs 300 / 8.5/10

this is the kebab experience you can’t get in a restaurant. kebab-e-ali is a street stall in hussaini alam that comes alive after 9 pm. the seekh kebabs are made from finely minced mutton, threaded onto metal skewers, and grilled over charcoal. they come off the grill smoky, juicy, and perfectly spiced. the boti kebab (cubed mutton) has a crustier exterior and a juicier interior.

the experience is purely street. you stand at the stall, eat kebabs wrapped in roomali roti (paper-thin bread) with sliced raw onions and green chutney. rs 300 for two people buys you a feast of kebabs, roti, and the atmosphere of the old city at night.

the catch: it’s a street stall. no seating, no hygiene certification, no instagram aesthetics. the area can feel unfamiliar if you’re not from hyderabad. cash only.

verdict: the best kebabs in hyderabad. the charcoal flavor and street atmosphere make this irreplaceable by any restaurant.

7. alpha hotel

tolichowki / cost for two: rs 600 / 8/10

alpha hotel’s kebabs are the best restaurant-quality kebabs in hyderabad. the seekh kebab is finely textured, the tangdi kebab (whole chicken leg) is well-marinated and juicy, and the shami kebab has a delicate, smooth consistency. the kebabs here benefit from a proper tandoor setup and consistent quality control.

pair the kebabs with alpha’s irani chai for the full experience.

the catch: lives in shah ghouse’s shadow. the biryani gets all the attention while the kebabs are the quiet star.

verdict: the best sit-down kebab experience in hyderabad.

8. firdaus (taj krishna)

banjara hills / cost for two: rs 4000 / 9.5/10

the fine dining end of hyderabad’s kebab spectrum. firdaus serves nawabi-era kebab recipes that you won’t find at any street stall. the pathar ka gosht (stone-slab-grilled meat) is the signature - tender, smoky, and unlike anything cooked on a regular grill. the galouti kebab here is silky smooth. the kakori kebab is delicate and aromatic.

these kebabs are technical achievements. the recipes come from the nizam’s court and the execution is flawless.

the catch: rs 4000+ for two. this is special occasion territory.

verdict: the best kebabs in hyderabad if price isn’t a constraint. museum-quality cooking.

andhra non-veg

andhra-style non-veg is completely different from hyderabadi mughlai. it’s hotter, bolder, uses more red chillies, and has a south indian flavor base. these restaurants represent the other half of hyderabad’s non-veg identity.

9. kritunga

kukatpally (and other outlets) / cost for two: rs 800 / 8.5/10

kritunga is the andhra non-veg champion. the menu focuses on rayalaseema and andhra meat preparations - fiery, oil-rich, intensely flavored. the natukodi (country chicken) curry is the star. the flesh is firmer and more flavorful than regular chicken, and the gravy is a deep red from dried red chillies. the royyala (prawn) fry and the mutton fry are both excellent.

the ragi sangati (finger millet ball) served with rasam and chicken curry is a must-try if you want an authentic andhra village meal. the combination of the bland, cooling ragi ball with the fiery curry is a brilliant textural and flavor contrast.

the catch: extremely spicy. the “medium” here is most restaurants’ “maximum.” the oil content is high. the kukatpally location is far from central hyderabad.

verdict: the best andhra non-veg restaurant in hyderabad. essential for anyone who thinks hyderabadi food is only biryani and kebabs.

10. ulavacharu

gachibowli / cost for two: rs 1000 / 8/10

ulavacharu takes andhra non-veg upmarket. named after the horsegram rasam, the restaurant serves refined versions of andhra meat dishes in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting. the natu kodi pulusu (country chicken in tamarind gravy), the gongura mutton (mutton with sorrel leaves), and the chepala pulusu (fish in tamarind curry) are all excellent.

this is andhra non-veg for the hitech city crowd - authentic flavors, better presentation, higher prices.

the catch: pricier than kritunga for comparable food. the gachibowli location caters to tech salaries.

verdict: the best upscale andhra non-veg. authentic without being intimidating.

11. subbayya gari hotel

ameerpet / cost for two: rs 500 / 8/10

the guntur-origin restaurant serving andhra meals with terrifyingly good chicken curry. the non-veg thali here - rice, dal, rasam, chicken curry, fish fry, and unlimited rotis - is one of the best meal deals in hyderabad. the chicken curry has that slow-building andhra heat that’s addictive despite (or because of) the pain.

the catch: brutally spicy. communal seating. perpetually crowded at lunch.

verdict: the most authentic andhra meals in hyderabad. bring water, bring courage.

12. rayalaseema ruchulu

madhapur / cost for two: rs 700 / 7.5/10

rayalaseema ruchulu focuses specifically on the food of the rayalaseema region (anantapur, kurnool, kadapa). the ragi mudda with natukodi curry is the signature. the bamboo chicken (chicken cooked inside bamboo tubes over fire) is a unique preparation worth trying.

the catch: limited menu focused on regional items. the spice level is extreme even by andhra standards.

verdict: for the adventurous eater who wants to go deeper into andhra non-veg beyond the standard items.

paya and haleem

two dishes that are quintessentially hyderabadi and quintessentially non-veg.

13. shah ghouse (paya)

tolichowki / paya: rs 200 per bowl / 9/10

shah ghouse’s paya is the stuff of legend. paya (trotters) are slow-cooked for hours until the collagen breaks down into a thick, gelatinous broth. the flavor is deep, meaty, and rich with bone marrow. it’s served with naan or bread for dipping.

the paya tradition in hyderabad is a late-night ritual. you eat it at midnight or later, after a long day, and the warmth and richness of the broth feels medicinal. locals swear it cures hangovers, cold, and existential dread.

verdict: the best paya in hyderabad. a dish that can’t be replicated outside the old city.

14. pista house (haleem)

engine bowli / haleem: rs 150-250 / 8.5/10

pista house is the haleem king. their haleem has a gi tag and it’s available year-round (most places only serve haleem during ramadan). i have a dedicated haleem guide, but pista house deserves mention in any non-veg roundup. the haleem is thick, meaty, slow-cooked for 8+ hours, and topped with fried onions, lemon, and fresh coriander.

verdict: the undisputed haleem champion. essential hyderabadi non-veg.

seafood

hyderabad isn’t a coastal city, so seafood isn’t the primary strength. but there are solid options.

15. fishland

himayatnagar / cost for two: rs 700 / 7.5/10

fishland is hyderabad’s most popular dedicated seafood restaurant. the fish fry (usually seer fish or pomfret) is crispy outside and moist inside. the prawn biryani is a nice variation on the standard mutton/chicken. the fish curry in hyderabadi style (with tamarind and coconut) is good.

the catch: it’s still inland seafood - don’t compare it to coastal cities. the fish variety is limited. prices have gone up.

verdict: the best seafood-specific restaurant in hyderabad. good but not groundbreaking.

fine dining non-veg

16. jewel of nizam (taj falaknuma palace)

falaknuma / cost for two: rs 8000+ / 9/10

dining at the taj falaknuma palace is a once-in-a-lifetime non-veg experience. the royal hyderabadi cuisine here uses recipes from the nizam’s personal kitchen. the haleem, the biryani, the kebabs - everything is elevated. the dining room is the former nizam’s personal dining hall with a 101-seat table and jade dinnerware.

the catch: the price. rs 8000+ for two is not food money, it’s experience money.

verdict: the most extraordinary non-veg dining experience in india. budget accordingly.

budget non-veg

17. mehfil

charminar / cost for two: rs 300 / 8/10

mehfil near charminar serves a full non-veg meal - biryani, kebab, and chai - for under rs 300 for two. the quality is genuine old-city hyderabadi. the portions are smaller than shadab or shah ghouse but the flavor is concentrated and authentic.

the catch: tiny, basic, no frills to the extreme.

verdict: the cheapest authentic hyderabadi non-veg meal.

18. astoria hotel

general bazaar / cost for two: rs 350 / 7.5/10

astoria’s mutton biryani at rs 180 is the cheapest biryani on any guide that’s still genuinely good. add a kebab and chai and you’re at rs 350 for two for a proper non-veg meal.

the catch: small portions, basic everything.

verdict: the best non-veg meal per rupee in hyderabad.

19. hotel nayab

general bazaar / cost for two: rs 400 / 8/10

nayab serves biryani that tastes homemade, kebabs that are well-spiced, and irani chai that’s among the city’s best. rs 400 for two for this quality is excellent value.

the catch: hard to find, limited seating.

verdict: the hidden gem of budget non-veg in the old city.

the non-veg map of hyderabad

old city (charminar/ghansi bazaar/hussaini alam): the motherlode. shadab, mehfil, nayab, astoria, pista house, kebab-e-ali. the best and cheapest non-veg in the city.

tolichowki: shah ghouse, alpha hotel, dine hill. the late-night non-veg hub. go after 10 pm.

basheer bagh: cafe bahar. the central all-rounder.

banjara hills: firdaus (taj krishna), sarvi. upscale non-veg for the premium crowd.

kukatpally/ameerpet: kritunga, subbayya gari hotel. the andhra non-veg belt.

gachibowli/hitech city/madhapur: ulavacharu, rayalaseema ruchulu, chain outlets. new city non-veg for the tech crowd.

looking for more hyderabad food recommendations? check out my guides to the best biryani in hyderabad, best haleem in hyderabad, best street food in hyderabad, and the hyderabad food guide.