Asmita Mukherjee| Hyderabad
Toscano, the celebrated Italian restaurant with a decade-long legacy, has significantly amplified Hyderabad’s culinary landscape with its outpost in Hitech City. This established name in authentic Italian fare aims to deliver a high-quality dining experience that brings a slice of the Tuscan countryside to the bustling urban environment, all under the Tuscan charm of culinary excellence.
Chef Rohit Tokhi, Vice President – Chief Operating Officer, Toscano India emphasised the restaurant’s core philosophy. “Our ethos is to bring a piece of Italy on a plate, ensuring every guest has a memorable experience,” Tokhi stated. He highlighted Toscano’s commitment to consistency, confirming, “At Toscano, we ensure a consistent and authentic Italian dining experience across all our outlets in India.”
Toscano’s growth reflects its unwavering commitment to consistency. “We are now present in 6 cities,” Chef Tokhi revealed, detailing the brand’s journey from Bangalore to Chennai, Pune, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Mumbai. Chef Tokhi shared that Toscano is strengthening its presence in Hyderabad with a new outlet set to open in the Financial District within the next three months. “We are here to expand our Italian cuisine portfolio under the brand Toscano,” he stated.
Stepping into Toscano, one is immediately transported straight to Italy. Bright, luxurious interiors bathed in natural light from large glass windows and framed black-and-white photographs of Roman landmarks evoke a distinct European charm. Quirky, modern touches like chalk drawings on blackboards add a contemporary flair, successfully delivering that Tuscan countryside feel. The cheerful vibe is palpable, complemented by an open bar and a well-lit outdoor dining area.
The menu is a tribute to unyielding authenticity. Chef Tokhi stated, “At Toscano, we ensure a consistent and authentic Italian dining experience across all our outlets in India,” emphasising their ethos of providing a piece of Italy on a plate. “The menu strictly adheres to Italian roots, not introducing local adaptations. While fresh ingredients like vegetables, flour, and lettuce are sourced locally, foundational elements such as high-quality olive oil or specific varieties of tomatoes are imported to maintain that true Italian flavour profile,” he noted.
Our culinary journey began with the Bruschetta non veg, featuring parma ham, smoked salmon, and pesto chicken. Chef Tokhi recommends first-timers try the Insalata di Quattro Fagioli Con Cereali and their Sourdough Pizzas, from which we relished the Toscano special pizza.
We savoured the Frito Misto di Calamari Gamberi e Pesce, followed by the comforting Risotto di Polo Spinaci e Piselli. Chef Tokhi’s personal favourite, encapsulating the menu’s essence, is the Spaghetti Aglio Olio e Pepperoncino, describing it as “A simple dish containing 6 ingredients: Pasta, Olive oil, Garlic, Red peppers, Basil and Salt. A simple dish yet it takes skill to perfect.”
To complement the meal, we sampled refreshing beverages like Basil orange, Mango milkshake, Spicy Cool, and Peach Berry Cooler.
Our experience concluded with a delightful exploration of Toscano’s dessert offerings. The Classic Vanilla Crème Brûlée presented a perfectly caramelised top over a smooth, vanilla-infused custard, offering a timeless end to the meal. For those seeking a blend of textures and flavours, can try the Chocolate Hazelnut Mango Cheesecake Slice – a harmonious combination of rich chocolate, nutty hazelnut, and tropical mango. Chef Tokhi also highly recommends Tiramisu for a classic Italian indulgence, alongside the decadent Kahlua Mousse, promising a rich and satisfying finish to any dining experience.
