Haveli

All that the name suggests - lavish, opulent with grand columns and detailed woodwork, and glimpses of satin and velvet and gold and... well, you get the idea. But there's nothing intimidating or suffocating about any of this; it's all just packaging and it doesn't pretend to be anything else. Haveli provides just the right kind of diversity to the list of restaurants in the same complex: Malgudi (South-Indian), Kabura (North-West Frontier) and L'Autre (Continental).

Although it serves Chinese and Italian food too, Haveli specialises in Mughlai, Hyderabadi and Punjabi cuisine. This restaurant draws quite a bit on the popularity of all-time classics like biryani and kebabs to keep it going. But it does a good job of the classics, so no one's complaining.

There are a couple of new and interesting kebabs for starters, like the Nimbu Machli Tikka (murrel marinated in spiced yogurt and baked) or the Murgh Chutney Kebab. The Veg. Manchuria and Paneer Tikka also make good appetizers.

You must have the Dum Biryani here, it's up there with the best. Flavored just right and with well-marinated veggies/chicken, it's a sumptuous if somewhat heavy treat. The Assorted Roti Platter is a good deal at Rs. 65, and it goes great with Dongri Dolma (mushrooms in gravy), Kadai Chicken or Achar Gosht.

Somewhat sidelined but putting up a fight are Chinese dishes like Mixed Soft Noodles, Manchuria and American Chopsuey. If you must eat pasta at a place called Haveli, then try the Vegetable Au Gratin or the Macaroni And Cheese.

But go Indian with dessert. Qubani-ka-Meetha, if you prefer to stay conventional. Haveli also has a selection of ice-creams, and sweets like Raj Bhog and Rasmalai. Plus a lunch buffet at around Rs. 200 (12pm - 4:30pm), which, as always, is a good way to try everything out without worrying about the prices. The service is friendly and quick, and the prices are on the steep side if you choose to go a la carte. But this is a good place to check out, if nothing else on the first or ground floor tempt you.