From the moment one steps into Koyla, the Hyderabadi restaurant, one is taken back in time to the long bygone Qutub Shahi era. Standing on the door is a darban, dressed in the traditional garb of a sherwani, complete with the elegant rumi topi- the cap and mojadis- the traditional footwear. The uniforms of the ushers are typical of the Nizam era- chauhashas with kamar bandhs tied around the waist.

The beautiful tapestries are all done in masnat art, which is the traditional art form of Hyderabad. The truly palatial ambience of the restaurant is brought out by every little aspect of its décor. The walls whisper stories of a forgotten past, eg The Golconda Fort, which was once the envy of many a king, a beautiful dancer who had the Prince mesmerized by her gentility and grace. The old photographs of the Nizam are mystical snapshots of the royals, now long gone. The bar is set in the backdrop of a doli- a grand procession carried out in the yesteryears which took the newly wed bride to her new home, with a great deal of pomp and fare. Typical Hyderabadi bangles with their vibrant colours add an element of joy and mischief to the stately and elegant atmosphere.

The tables at Koyla are an adaptation of sigdis with glass tops. The regular divans are made to resemble traditional royal seats. Steaming food is served in copper vessels, with traditional silver cutlery to go with it. The menus have been designed as batwas.

Right from tantalizing starters, known as Gazak, to exotic desserts, one can find food fit for a king in this exotic restaurant.

The Gazaks include dishes like the Kursi Miyane, Lukhmi, Gosht ke Sev, Kabab Roti and others. The specialty of Hyderabadi food is Kababs and so there are certain food items that are actually cooked on heated stone. This traditional method of cooking is what gives the food at Koyla its authentic taste. The kababs have been placed in a special section called Nizam Ki Bhatti Se- one can pick from among Kabab ka Khazana, Patthar ka Gosht, and Lagan ka seekh, Seekh ke Qaafli kabab, Kalimiri chooza, Lazeez, Boti kabab and others. Apart from this Koyla also offers Shorbas and other dishes like Saalim Raan, Chippe ka Gosht, Bansi Raja ke Thikkay, Nizami Pasande, Mirchi ka Saalan and many more. The main course is set under Hyderabadi Khaas which includes lip smacking items such as Haleem, Nahari (trotters), Chutney Gosht, Burhani, to name a few. These can be accompanied by an assortment of rotis. Another segment of the food that is absolutely irresistible is the Degh Se. Consisting of the rice preparations, this section offers dishes like Biryanis, Qubooli, Divani Handi, Zarda Pilaf and others.

For those with a sweet tooth, Hyderabad ki Mithaas has a delicious array of desserts like Qubani ka Meetha, Shahi tukda and more, served in traditional silverware. The grand finale of this royal feast is the bhapka or the traditional finger bowl made of copper.

A true Hyderabadi dining experience is incomplete without a pan. and at Koyla, the pan daan is set in a vintage car at the exit.