The SceneThe Waterfront Café Exotica, when it first opened, was almost the only roof-top, semi-alfresco place of its kind, in this part of the city. Then, and since, it has lived up to its image - that of a place which offers a truly exotic dining experience.

Named well, Exotica tends to floor you with its obvious elegance. The lift doors on the 5th floor of the building open to transport you to a different realm - one of bamboo, murmuring water, thatch roofing and water plants - distinctly a South-East Asian island feel in land-locked Hyderabad.

While the restaurant also provides indoor seating, it is the outdoor section that is the main draw. Done in accents that elevate the relaxed mood, be it the unobtrusive music, the subdued lighting or the view of the city lights on the horizon, Exotica manages to calm the most frantic software employee.

The FoodThe Waterfront Café The food and the drink perhaps fall well within the category of average, given the recent rash of new restaurants opening all over Hyderabad, but the ambience here is definitely first class.

One of the specialities of the place is the seafood platter. Both versions, the Tandoori Indian one as well as the Chinese one, priced at Rs. 1,575, are equally sought after by the corporate regulars here. And while the restaurant serves both Indian and Chinese food, it is its Tandoori Indian items that seem to be more favoured. In fact, you would also do well to gravitate towards the non-vegetarian part of the menu, as the kababs and seafood seem to be their forte.

The VerdictThe Waterfront Café An exclusive place, meant for one of those many beautiful Hyderabadi nights - with company to match.