Jewel of Nizam - The Minar — Restaurant in Telangana

This was the forth time we went to Jewel of Nizam. More for the ambience. The food used to be fairly good. But nothing outstanding about it. But this times experience was terrible. We had ordered a la carte. Kebab dishes as I said fairly good, not outstanding. Sheekh kebab could be stale, as it was quite dry. Family said that. I don't eat meat hence for main course I ordered for Kofta narma E dil. It's a fancy name for Shahi paneer kofta and pudina lachcha paratha. After a very long wait, I got my order. Lachcha pudina paratha was all flattened, hard and dry. No Lachcha at all. Not for human consumption. Only an animal can eat. And the fancy Paneer dish, I can't even describe how bad it was. Not to waste words the gravy was like vomit and kofta was only lump of kofta. No taste whatsoever. I couldn't have eaten these dishes. So I complain to the Manager and also tell him my wish to speak to the Chef. He goes saying I will come back, leaving me wondering what is happening for a good half an hour. By then I am feeling very hungry. Others in the family are done with kebabs. Then the Manager and the chef comes. I give my piece of mind to the chef. He has now made the same dish again. It still looks the same and I have no stomach to try it again. I said u should have asked me if I wanted anything else. They don't do anything with paratha. Which By now has become absolutely hard. Both these dishes are laid on the table and intermittently the waiter, the manager would come and request please eat it. I felt like I was forced to eat, something Which I repulsed the very sight of it. Then we say Please don't waste any more time, and give the bill. The manager emerges again with still that horrible dishes on the table untouched and says we will give 10 percent discount on the bill for the inconvenience. I was so upset with this experience that I said u need not do that. I had not eaten anything. No one came and said we can make something else for you. And I was wondering they don't even care. What kind of a restaurant is this. Only the name is fancy like their dishes and their ambience, but even a normal humble restaurant wouldn't have allowed me to leave on empty stomach. As if this was not enough. Now comes the biggest SHOCKER. The bill that we get has that damn kofta and paratha Which I didn't eat. I was appalled. Again Manager. He says, he can't do anything, as it has already entered their system. So they will have to charge. And then everything starts fitting like in a jig saw puzzle. That's the reason they couldn't make any other dish, they couldn't replace it and yet had to charge for it. I FELT ABSOLUTELY CHEATED. We said we don't even want your ridiculous 10 percent discount. But that again would take another hour and they would come back saying, we can't change, because it is already entered the system. So I walk out of that place empty stomach with only pity for that place and wondering at this ' NIZAMI ' experience. I was told I would get a call from a responsible person. I haven't gotten anything call as yet. We had gone for yesterdays lunch. That's as much they care...

Specifically picked this venue as a birthday treat as its in a spectacular location and had good food reviews. It is all that, but boy-oh-boy everything else was a disaster!! In summary:

1. Staff: Need training in what an "exclusive customer experience" is supposed to be like.
2. 2hrs for dinner if you arrive @19.30: Even arriving on time, with such an extensive menu and preparing the food and just chilling, 2 hrs is nothing! AND they tell you that you must leave by 21.30
3. Dress code: The staff totally ignored their own Web site. Apparently ripped jeans and sandals are perfectly acceptable.
4. Internet: For the love of money, please offer it to diners and allow them to share this exclusive experience there and then. Learn from far less exclusive restaurants !!

I recognise that Jewel of Nizam will have it's advocates, but our experience was at best very unfortunate, at worst bad!

If you want to read more then please do.

I saw Jewel of Nizam, Golkonda Resorts as an "exclusive" dining experience (in that it's circa 4x the normal meal prices in Hyderabad) & has a dress code (according to their web site), and of course the spectacular views!!. Booked online and preferred the 19.30 dinner. No where on the web site does it say you have to "vacate" by 21.30 if you book the 19.30 slot. It feel like "bums on seats" are their priority. Web site states "Dinner 07.00 PM to 11.30PM". Just 2 hrs really!!! Email confirmation of deposit payment also states the same.

I wanted to email some pics, but, even though this venue is hugely expensive compared to the majority in Hyderabad, we were NOT ALLOWED to have internet access as we were not resident!!! REALLY GOLKONDA COME ON, EVEN KARACHI BAKERY OFFER INTERNET!!! As soon as we finished our starters we were asked if we'd like to order mains, as we had to vacate by 21.30 - REALLY GOLKONDA, THIS IS AN EVENING RUINING STATEMENT. We spoke to the manager who was apologetic about his staffs comments. Yep he should have been, a totally unacceptable way to try and promote what was supposed to be a wonderful customer experience. The clock was ticking, so did we have time for mains and a desert - the answer was NO, we certainty didn't. So we just ordered a desert. Then bewilderingly after ordering a desert with the manager, he offered us a small cake with "Happy Birthday" iced on it by way of apology for his staffs unsubtle way of telling us "the clock was ticking". WE HAD JUST HAD DESERT, AND WE'RE NOW OFFERED A CAKE!!! Then a staff member wanted to take a photo ON HER own PHONE. ....errrr why!! Dress code. According to Golkonda Resorts own Web site: Formal & semi-formal. Well that's totally ignored by the staff. Ripped jeans, sandals are apparently acceptable. I've eaten all around the world, in exclusive and Chai shops, but i have never experienced a feeling like i was just "cash in the bank". Get them in, feed them asap, ship them out and get the next lot in. Food is great, BUT CUSTOMER SERVICE IS...

Edit: Visit in 2025

A Royal Culinary Experience at Jewel of Nizam - The Minar Jewel of Nizam, located in The Golkonda Resort in Hyderabad, is a true gem offering a royal dining experience that transports you to the era of the Nizams. The moment you step in, you are greeted by an ambiance that exudes luxury and heritage. The regal decor, intricate details, and traditional Nizami-style architecture create a lavish setting perfect for a special occasion. The restaurant's unique location within a minaret provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, including the serene Osman Sagar lake. It's an ideal spot for a romantic dinner date or a memorable evening with family. The view from the top is one of the best in Hyderabad, giving you a top-down perspective of the city's skyline. Our evening was made even more special by the warm welcome and impeccable service provided by Yusuf. His recommendations from the menu were spot on, guiding us through a gastronomic journey of authentic Hyderabadi and Mughlai cuisine. The food was nothing short of extraordinary, with each dish showcasing rich flavors and traditional recipes. From the delectable starters to the aromatic biryanis and succulent kebabs, every bite was a testament to the culinary heritage of the region. The ambience, coupled with the 5-star service, made for a perfect evening. The staff was attentive and courteous, ensuring that every need was met promptly- thanks to Yusuf. Jewel of Nizam is more than just a restaurant; it's a complete experience that delights all the senses. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in authentic Nizami cuisine in a truly royal setting.

I took my parents to jewel of Nizam - the minar when they visited me in Hyderabad.

It was a great experience wrt the ambience, food and the service. They also gave the complimentary cafe from their side.

The place is well lit at night but if you want to see the view of the city from minar then i recommend you to visit in day time.

I would totally recommend this place for a royal lunch or dinner with family/ friends or a date.

They have vallet parking and the restaurant is inside...