Lunch plans often begin as a quick bite and quietly turn into long conversations, extra orders, and a second cup of coffee. That’s exactly what happened during my afternoon at Nomme, tucked away on Banjara Hills Road No. 2. the city’s usual pace felt distant the moment I stepped inside.
Nomme describes itself as India’s first coffee theatre, and the concept reveals itself slowly. The space is calm, earthy, and thoughtfully designed—nothing loud, nothing hurried. It feels like a place meant for lingering. What truly sets it apart is the coffee theatre itself: not a screen or a performance, but a live visual journey of coffee beans racing through transparent tubes overhead, ending their run at the brewing station. It’s subtle, theatrical, and oddly meditative, especially when paired with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the room.
The lunch was hosted by Shuvra, whose warmth and easy hospitality set the tone for the afternoon. Service was attentive without hovering, allowing the meal to unfold at a relaxed pace.
Behind the menu is Hisham Zarour, a chef from Lebanon whose expertise in Mediterranean cuisine anchors Nomme’s culinary identity. In conversation, he spoke about how the space was imagined as a meeting point—where coffee, theatre, and Mediterranean flavours come together naturally. He also mentioned that this concept, where coffee becomes an experience rather than just a beverage, is a first for India.
We began, as one should here, with coffee. The Flat White Habibi and Fishtick Latte were both comforting yet distinctive, layered with nutty warmth and gentle sweetness. These aren’t rushed cups of caffeine; they are meant to be sipped slowly, preferably while watching beans glide overhead.
The table soon filled with a generous spread. The hummus trio offered familiar flavours with small twists, while the strawberry hummus surprised with its balance—unexpected, but not gimmicky. The slow-cooked lamb brisket, one of the chef’s specialities, arrived rich and aromatic, alongside peppercorn ribs that packed depth and spice. The pepper corn cheese roll leaned indulgent, while the corn and cheese dim sum and kaffir lime chicken dim sum brought brightness and texture to the table.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the tempura prawns—light, crisp, and clean—while the mushroom tortellini stood out as a comforting, well-balanced pasta that quietly stole the spotlight. The burnt garlic fried rice worked beautifully as a shared dish, tying the flavours together without overpowering them.
Dessert was non-negotiable. The pistachio cheesecake was indulgent without being heavy, making it an easy favourite and a fitting end to the meal.
Nomme is the vision of Imtiaz Ali Siddiqui, and that vision is clear: this is not a place for hurried lunches or quick exits. It’s for people who enjoy slowing down, discovering flavours, and letting conversations stretch longer than planned.
If you are looking for a mindful dining experience—where food, coffee, and space work in harmony—Nomme makes a compelling case. It’s the kind of place where a casual lunch quietly turns into an afternoon well spent.
Must-try: Mushroom tortellini, kaffir lime chicken dim sum, peppercorn ribs, and the pistachio-forward coffee selections like the Flat White Habibi and Fishtick Latte.
The review is written by Siftpreet Kaur and Sakshi Dham, interning with Deccan Chronicle