The SceneThe Waterfront Café The sensual curve of the metal strut framing a breathtaking view of the Hussain Sagar and of the evening traffic on Lower Tank Bund road beyond, evokes a memory of Sydney. For, its silhouette, reminiscent of the Opera House, is a familiar enough one, even if you haven't been anywhere closer than 1,000 miles of it.

The reflection of the lights on the glass, superimposing the view of the lake, the live music (except on Tuesdays - it's the band's night off), and the diffused lighting, transport you to a place that may not be quite firmly anchored to the Necklace Road anymore.

The FoodThe Waterfront Café The rather detailed menu is presented with almost an invisible flourish while the Captain waits for your judicious selection. The service is impeccable, although the conversation between the staff does get noticeable sometimes; nevertheless, the food arrives well before you begin to finally get impatient with just the view.

Alas, this is when the music playing softly in your head stops. The food here, for the price you will be paying, is quite pedestrian, and if you are not lucky, downright below average. The Indian selections might make the grade, but its downhill thereon. The Chinese food is average, and the Thai, the genuine Thai chef notwithstanding, not quite what you came in for.

As the meal progresses it dawns upon you inevitably that the steep cover charges (Rs. 350 on weekdays and Rs. 500 on weekends per person) are for the view and the ambience alone.

The VerdictThe Waterfront Café While The Waterfront Cafe might be somewhere you would like to visit for a glimpse of a very urbane Hyderabad, holding its own amongst the international fine dining places for its unimpeachable atmosphere, it is not quite where you would want to go for a satisfying belly-warming meal.