Virat Kohli’s Hyderabad One8 Commune: A Hotspot for Foodies, But Is the Price Justified?
Hyderabad, known for its rich food culture, has seen the rise of several high-end restaurants owned by celebrities. These venues offer a combination of exclusive experiences, gourmet meals, and a peek into the personal style of the celebrity behind them. However, the hefty price tags often lead to debates about whether the experience is worth the cost.
One such spot gaining attention in the city is Virat Kohli's restaurant, One8 Commune. Located at RMZ The Loft in Knowledge City, near Hard Rock Cafe in HITEC City, this restaurant has quickly become a favorite for food enthusiasts and fans of the cricket star. Launched in April 2024, One8 Commune has already established itself in other major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.
The restaurant recently became the center of an online conversation when an Indian School of Business (ISB) student, Sneha, shared her experience on social media. She posted an image of a simple dish—bhutta (steamed corn)—which was priced at Rs. 525. In contrast, the same dish typically costs Rs. 30-50 on the streets of Hyderabad. Sneha’s post quickly went viral, sparking a flurry of reactions across social media platforms.
“Paid Rs. 525 for this today at One8 Commune,” Sneha captioned the post, along with a picture of the corn garnished with coriander, lemon, and served alongside a spread. The eye-catching presentation of the dish didn’t do much to pacify critics, as many expressed dissatisfaction with the steep pricing.
While some users criticized the restaurant for the exorbitant price, others pointed out that these premium eateries are about more than just the food. “You paid for the ‘community’ One8 has created—the people, the music, the vibe, and of course, the premium location,” one user remarked. Another echoed this sentiment, saying, “Well, usually they charge for the ambience. The food is basic, but the vibe is the selling point.”
Not everyone was convinced, though. Some users dubbed the price tag as a “Kohli tax” and shared their own less-than-satisfactory experiences. “I didn’t like the place. They had issues with chappals (Birkenstocks), and every dish we had was underwhelming. The price didn’t justify the product,” commented one disappointed diner.
Despite the mixed reviews, One8 Commune continues to draw fans of Virat Kohli, who flock to the restaurant not only for the food but also to experience the unique vibe and atmosphere that comes with the celebrity-owned brand. Whether or not the price justifies the experience remains a matter of personal opinion.