Ottimo Cucina Italiana - ITC Kohenur — Restaurant in Hyderabad

As someone from a regular Indian middle-class Tamilian family (less so these days), my relationship with food has always been rooted in simple pleasures—great taste, comforting familiarity, and affordability.

Thanks to a company-sponsored gift, I had the opportunity to dine at ITC Kohenur’s Italian restaurant, Ottimo Cucina Italiana—a luxury I wouldn’t normally seek out, especially given my usual hesitation to review five-star hotel food. I understand their need to cater to international palates, often at the cost of bold, local flavors. But this was a special occasion: our wedding anniversary, and my wife loves Italian cuisine (though her vegan lifestyle makes dining out a bit of a challenge).

I made the reservation online, clearly mentioning the occasion and her dietary preferences. My hope was that Ottimo would either have vegan dishes marked or be flexible enough to customize. Unfortunately, it leaned toward the former—limited vegan options (especially dessert) and not much room for improvisation. That said, the evening was still memorable, even if the food didn’t fully meet our expectations.

ITC Kohenur is easy to locate, nestled in Hitech City opposite Inorbit Mall. We arrived on time for our 8:30 PM Friday reservation, and valet parking was handled smoothly—as expected from a five-star property.

The hotel itself is stunning, and Ottimo is perched with a lovely view of the Durgam Cheruvu cable bridge. We were warmly greeted by the staff and the chef, who presented us with a bouquet and wished us repeatedly on our anniversary. Shivam and Sneha, in particular, were exceptional—genuine, attentive, and thoughtful throughout.

We were seated at a cozy corner table with a view, and the menu was presented via a digital tablet. While the interface was modern, the content left us wanting—especially for vegan choices. (Toscano nearby does a better job here.)

We ordered the minestrone soup, a pasta, and a pizza. The food was well plated and made with top-tier ingredients, but the flavors were too subtle and authentic for our South Indian spice-oriented palate. It’s not a criticism—just a mismatch of expectations.

The bill came to ₹3,800 (excluding alcohol), which felt fair for the overall experience rather than just the meal. They gifted us a chocolate cake for dessert, decorated our table with rose petals, and made every effort to personalize the evening. The chef was honest about the limitations and encouraged us to return with more lead time so they could prepare vegan options better. That responsiveness meant a lot.

Ottimo is known for its themed décor, authenticity, and gastronomical presentation. They have curated a menu that blends regional Italian delicacies with seasonal local produce, and while that’s a culinary strength, it may not resonate with everyone’s taste palette.

In summary: Service: Impeccable. Staff and chef went above and beyond. Ambience: Elegant, quiet, and perfect for intimate conversations. Food: High quality, authentic Italian. Limited vegan options. Pricing: ₹2,000 per person is reasonable for a luxury date night, without alcohol. Good portion sizes. Tip: Give them advance notice for dietary preferences—they’re willing to accommodate.

Would I return? Yes, but with better planning. Ottimo is a great choice for special occasions, especially if you value experience as much as the food. Just remember—it’s Italian fine dining, not...

I have been trying to visit Ottimo ever since it opened , it was destined to be a farewell visit for me last night .....

Perched on the 22 floor of the ITC Kohinur, it basically overlooks almost entire of hi-tech City from where it stands .... The restaurant is very similar to how Tre Forni is ... Kitchen in the middle and seating around it ...

Fairly spaced out and very soft lighting ...

The views from Skypoint outside Ottimo are unparalleled . If you have any of the pixel phones, try the night sight from skypoint - it will put all apple phones to shame ....if not for the food, a visit for the view is a must .

We ordered the veg anti pasti , pizza Bianca , stuffed morrels , rosemary grilled chicken , asparagus risotto , Panacotta and casatta ..

When we entered it wasn't as full , but soon it filled up.

There were other dignitaries of the food world in the room as well not sure if their presence affected our service . I was constantly searching for the wait staff for everything - water, orders , dessert ..

So the positives - great views from Skypoint and Ottimo. If you are not with young children, ide recommend sitting outside ...

Not so positives

Pizza Bianca was ordered because it was their signature dish. Mind you , it comes with a white sauce and then they call a hail Mary based on the mushrooms and the truffle oil earthiness to counter the white sauce. Now when we got the pizza neither did it smell or taste of truffle oil.. when I pointed it out , the came out with truffles - I said wow the real deal....and then the chef grated some on our pizza. I curiously happened to touch and smell the shavings and it felt cold. I immediately put it in my mouth trying very hard to convince myself this is a effin truffle its tasting like a effin truffle but not to be. They have probably stored it so long, they might as well put it in fabelle on display( truffle - chocolate - get thy drift ). The fungus had a shelf-life of a 100 hours. This had far exceeded it. Oh and when the truffle was brought to the table I got the " only for you sir, the chef has got truffle " 🤦‍♂️

Service is definitely as issue or they are grossly understaffed and under prepared to run a full restaurant. I am used to crisp service but getting overlooked in favour of others is not something I like. Don't wait me hand and foot but when I look up, ide like to see someone keeping a hawks eye on who needs help , not running around helter skelter in a full restaurant . Also a reality check of sorts for Bengaluru.

Price wise it doesn't ask for your kidneys so it's affordable ,

Dessert selection is short and the Panacotta is definitely worth a try but qty is meagre . Atleast I was like "kidhar hai" types when it was served - everyone burst out laughing including the server ... The casatta was bleh .

It's still early days for Ottimo in Hyderabad...... if you ask me will I prefer it over...

The Ottoman Cucina Italian restaurant in ITC Kohenur offers a delightful lunch buffet experience. The moment you step into the restaurant, you will be greeted with a warm and inviting ambiance. The staff is friendly and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of excellent.

One of the highlights of the lunch buffet at Ottoman Cucina is the wide array of choices they offer. From delectable Italian classics to innovative fusion dishes, there is something to suit every palate. The variety of appetizers, main courses, and desserts is simply impressive. Whether you're a vegetarian or a meat lover, you won't be disappointed with the options available.

The quality of the food at Ottoman Cucina is outstanding. Each dish is prepared with precision and attention to detail, resulting in flavors that are rich and satisfying. The freshness of the ingredients shines through in every bite, making it a true culinary delight.

In addition to the delicious food, the presentation at Ottoman Cucina is impeccable. The buffet spread is beautifully arranged, showcasing the vibrant colors and enticing aromas of the dishes. It truly adds to the overall dining experience.

Overall, I highly recommend visiting Ottoman Cucina at ITC Kohenur for their lunch buffet. The wide variety of choices, along with the excellent quality and presentation of the food, make it a must-visit for any food lover. Whether you're dining alone or with a group, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.

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