One8 Commune, the latest dining establishment located on the first floor of the Loft building in Hitech City, Hyderabad, is attracting numerous cricket enthusiasts. Curious about the reason? It’s part of a series of restaurants co-owned by cricket legend Virat Kohli. A sign at the entrance proclaiming “Hyderabad Kohling!” has quickly become a popular spot for selfies.
The restaurant’s interiors feature warm earth tones of light brown, highlighted by wicker and cane furniture, along with modern elements like metal and glass high-rises. The decor ranges from sharp looks to bright colors spanning blue to gold. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with both high and regular seating options. In the evenings, it keeps guests entertained with music, drinks, and food until closing time.
Cricket-themed elements are prominent throughout, from the menu to the stylish drink presentations, creating a vibrant cricket-centric ambiance. A particularly popular photo spot is a glass display of Virat Kohli’s jersey, digitally autographed during his visit to the restaurant with the RCB team in Hyderabad.
The menu features several of the cricketer’s personal favorites, such as the “mushroom cream avocado cheese googly,” a creatively crafted steamed dim sum with a twist. The dim sum’s dough is infused with beetroot juice, giving it a distinctive red hue. Upon tasting, warm cream cheese blends with creamy avocado, accented by the earthy flavors of shitake mushrooms and the aromatic hints of truffle oil.
The interiors, adorned in soothing earthy tones of light brown, feature wicker and cane furniture, complemented by contemporary touches like metal and glass high-rises. The ambiance offers a relaxed setting with a mix of high and regular seating. In the evenings, the restaurant comes alive with music, drinks, and delicious food until closing time.
Unsurprisingly, cricket-themed decor abounds, from the menu items to the stylish presentation of drinks, all celebrating the sport. One standout piece is Virat Kohli’s digitally signed jersey, a favorite for photos, especially after his visit with the RCB team during a Hyderabad match.
The menu showcases many of the cricketer’s personal favorites, such as the creatively named “mushroom cream avocado cheese googly,” featuring a unique twist on steamed dim sum with beetroot-infused dough. Each bite releases warm cream cheese, creamy avocado, and the savory notes of shitake mushrooms enhanced by truffle oil.
At the bar, the “trophy pour,” featuring blue pea flower tea, gin, and vodka, is meant for four and packs a punch. For those preferring a spicy kick, the “mango picante” with mango and tequila is a must-try.
Corporate Chef Agnibh Mudi shares, “We currently operate eight restaurants nationwide, each offering many of Virat’s favorites. In each city, we adapt the menu to suit local tastes.” In Hyderabad, additions include spicy dishes like Byadgi mirchi paneer and lime chili pickled prawns, alongside local favorites such as Hyderabadi khatti dal and anda keema pav.
For those seeking milder flavors, the avocado flatbread is a delightful choice. The menu spans modern Indian, regional, Asian, and Continental cuisines, featuring everything from pizzas and sliders to global staples like laksa and hawker-style noodles, as well as classics such as spaghetti aglio e olio and penne grilled salmon.
During my visit, I opted for the kheema ghotala, perfect for an early evening meal, paired with warm butter-toasted pav. Dessert options include tempting treats like tiramisu cornetto and burnt Basque cheesecake, though I skipped them due to the pesky mosquitoes outdoors.
