Kadamba In Hyderabad Is The Cool New Bar On The Block

Hyderabad has a new rooftop darling. Kadamba, perched above Durgam Cheruvu with views of the lake and the cable bridge, bills itself as a neighbourhood bar, but everything about it suggests a space you would happily travel to, even from another city. I sure did, and safe to say, it has left quite an impression on me. 

At the centre of it is co-founder Vikaas Passary, whose vision leans toward analogue living and easy, returnable evenings. It’s built for long, unhurried evenings, for an afterwork meet-cute with a stranger, for conversations that spill past midnight, and soon for regulars who want a place that feels like their own little corner in Hyderabad.

All Decked Up

Designed as a modern-day take on the Indian chaupal, Kadamba channels the warmth of a familiar gathering space without the fuss of a “concept bar.” It’s relaxed and rooted, just the way I like it. And yes, the three Kadamba trees at its heart set the tone before the first drink even arrives.

Shankar Narayan Architects has crafted a space that brings together elements like cement jalli, soft plaster, coloured tiles, nevar chairs, wood, mirrors, and bold accents that add personality without screaming for attention.

The bottle-shaped entrance gate adds a fun design wink and the mezzanine overlooks the lake. The cluster of Kadamba trees anchors the space like a living, breathing chaupal.

Rotating Glasses

Kadamba’s cocktails draw from everyday Indian flavours, mango, guava, amchur, pineapple, sitaphal, but never resort to the syrupy excess that usually accompanies that promise. The bar programme is led by Sujan Shetty, known for his quietly meticulous approach to technique, and Palash Kadam, who translates that philosophy into everyday ease behind the counter. 

The menu offers signatures that each carry their own personality: Aam-Chur with its citrus punch; Kya Toh Bhi with a herbal, savoury warmth; Agasi Negroni with a coastal twist; and Aam-Rudh, bold, layered, and expressive.

Across my two visits spread across the preview dinner and launch party, I ended up tasting most of them. On the preview night, I stayed loyal to T-Loop, a drink that reveals its balance slowly, refreshing and gently smoky, the kind you repeat without thinking. When the entire table began ordering the other signatures, we had a game of rotating glasses wherein everyone got to taste all the cocktails. For me, Maska emerged as an unexpected favourite: rich without being heavy on the palate. Aam-Rudh also stood out with its brightness and that 'summer afternoon' guava flavour.

And for non-drinkers, the bar doesn’t fall back on “juice plus soda.” The mocktails mirror the same care and complexity, fruit-driven, herb-led, sometimes indulgent, always intentional. You will find many of the cocktails like T-Loop, Rumba Ho and others sans the alcohol. A thoughtful zero-proof programme feels surprisingly rare these days, and the bar gives it the respect it deserves. 

Bar Nibbles

It may position itself as a neighbourhood bar, but the food is not afraid to steal the evening entirely. The menu is split cleanly between veg and non-veg, with both sides leaning into nostalgia, street flavours, and Indian bar culture rather than heavy-handed reinvention. It’s inventive but comforting, the kind of food that quietly becomes the real draw of a place meant for cocktails.

For the non-veg crowd, there’s plenty of depth and swagger. Ghee Tari Machhi with pav for indulgent dipping, Kallu Shaap Prawns channelling toddy-shop energy, Mutton Chaap with hara chutney, Apna Seekh with khasta naan, and a coastal-style Kerala Grilled Fish that keeps things light but flavour-packed. These dishes feel rooted in memory rather than trend-chasing, and it’s clear the kitchen is unafraid to let regional masalas, chilli, and old-school bar formats lead the flavour profile.

In Hyderabad, where meat often dominates the table, the veg plates here hold their own, playful, yet satisfying. I was quite apprehensive, given the impressions people had given me of the city in terms of vegetarian food so when the food came out, I was quite surprisingly happy with the spread.

At the preview dinner, the chef sent out a curated selection, and even with modest expectations, the veg dishes turned out to be impressive with dishes like The Mushroom Gola, Podi Edamame, and Farsi Ko Achaar.

The Moong Chilli Dry, for me, was easily the dish of the night. This feels like something you’d eat on a Delhi street corner. It is punchy, crunchy, raw mango-forward, and impossible to stop picking at. I would go back to Kadamba just for this.

Butternut Squash Korma was a gentle, creamy comfort dish that still feels substantial. The sweet earthiness of the squash is well-balanced, and the banana bun makes the whole thing feel quietly indulgent. For a veg diner looking for an actual main instead of snack-hopping, this is a strong pick.

Sugar Rush

With desserts, the bar leans into indulgence. The Kesar Pista Brûlée was soft, and nostalgic, all owing to the pistacchio. The sugar crust cracks gently and the pista gelato tastes authentic, a bar dessert that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

Whereas the Death By Chocolate is a Hyderabad take on a Bengaluru classic. Though interpretations of classic DBC often divide opinion, this one lands on the “quite good” end of the spectrum.

ELLE Gourmet Verdict

Kadamba is the kind of bar every neighbourhood hopes for: thoughtful cocktails, comforting food, design with personality, and a mood that encourages conversation over spectacle. The next time you’re in Hyderabad, head over to Kadamba and experience an easygoing night full of fun and flavours in the city.

Address: 4th Floor, R Quad, beside NCC Building, Doctors’ Colony, Madhapur, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081

Hours: Mon–Thu 5 pm to 11.30 pm; Fri–Sat from 12.30 pm

Reservations: +91 90631 69915

Valet: Available