What you see – Ista hotel’s restaurant Collage is nestled between giants like the Indian School of Business, Microsoft and Infosys. Away from the bustle of the city it has a weekend getaway feel to it. Beautifully surrounded by rocks as inanimate company, the hotel has a gate that seems like an entrance to a different world.
Collage is the 24-hour restaurant at Ista and has a lovely wide entrance hall adorned with huge stacks of fine wine on either side. There is also a good and tempting display of fresh fruits.
Add to the contemporary ambiance, a breathtaking view of the Golkonda (looks splendid at night with the riot of colors reflected by it) and you realize that the fusion of traditional and modern couldn’t have been better.
Travertine table tops complement the brown wooden décor. There is a choice of seating too. You can opt to dine around the Teppanyaki counter, or choose to view the city from the outdoor patio and pavilion.
What you get – There is an expansive buffet spread at lunch here. Add to it a Teppanyaki counter where the choicest of Japanese delicacies are whipped up as per your request right in front of you and you know what you can enjoy here. Along with Japanese fare are the mouth-watering special Roma pizzas (thin and crusty) that you should give a try.
At dinner there is only the a la carte menu to choose from but that does not limit the choices as the menu has a good selection of all cuisines from Indian to Italian. There is also a well-balanced selection of desserts. The soft cakes are very appealing.
Our verdict – You have to experience the ambiance to believe what we are saying. We’d recommend that you sit outside and enjoy the scenic view and the cool breeze in the evenings. The food is par excellence but there is scope for improvement in the desserts. Service could improve. What’s best is that it is 24/7. Valet parking facility is available.
What you pay for a meal for two – Rs. 1,500 for a la carte and Rs. 1,800 for buffet (exclusive of wines)
Drive to – Collage Hotel Ista Plot No. 7, IT Park Nanakramguda, Gachibowli, Hyderabad – 08.
Call at – 040-44508888.