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Ravissant Restaurants

Alister Miranda profiles Goa's first-rate eating-houses
By Alister Miranda

Fiesta

Italy's contemporay shift to Greek, Spanish, Portuguese and French cuisine, has propelled the Chef-cum-proprietress Yellow Contractor to impart the once all-Italian Fiesta a Mediterranean flavour. So, Mediterranean it has been since this season, while still remaining predominantly Italian. A flag and the country's name is sported alongside to denote the origin of each offering appearing on the delectably designed food menu.

Situated bang opposite Tito's in Baga, Calangute, from 7 pm onwards every day of the week except Thursday, 'Monalisa' in imaginative moods ushers you along a short pathway to Fiesta. A verandah of an 1932-built Goan villa and its garden beckon and accommodate upto 80 discerning diners. Yellow's Mediterranean magic then takes over.

Amidst appetizing strains of World Music, to get started, choose from Italian starters Buffalo Mozzarella and Feta cheese with tomato Bruschetta, the Anchovys marinated in olive oil and Basil with garlic Crostini, the Carpaccio - thin slices of beef fillet in traditional dressing and garnished with parmesan shavings or the Greek Smoked aubergine mix and Pita bread.

Accolades attracting main course constituents are the Spanish Paella - a large portion of mixed seafood flavoured with Olive oil and fresh herbs placed over vegetable and rice and the Greek Moussaka - a combination of aubergines or mince-meat. Beef eaters can feast on Steak with Portuguese and French styles to choose from. But continuing to hold their place of pride are Fiesta's eternal favourites, the wood-fired-oven pizzas Pizza Con Tonno E Olive - a no-cheese pizza, Pizza Capres, the 10-inch Pizza Margharita with a choice of toppings and Calzone - a pizza envelope made with your favoured stuffing.

Take your pick from an array of Grovers wines to wash down a stylishly presented meal.

Address: Saunta Vaddo, Opp. Tito's, Baga, Calangute, Bardez, Goa.
Telephone: 279894
Mobile: 9822104512
Covers: 80
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Yellow Contractor
Timings: 7 pm onwards (Not bound by 'last order taken at' timings)
Closed: Thursday

Florentine

It's unbelievable that a restaurant gets internationally known for just one dish on its menu - the succulent Goan Chicken Cafreal. It is indeed a record of sorts. Thirty-eight-year old Florence D'Costa from Saligao, after a short stint in a local hotel, in 1987, decided to take off on his owen; and what a take off it has been. The rest is history.

Beef, pork and mutton find no place on Florentine's menu. Only fish and chicken it has always been. The rates are unbelievably reasonably - considering the fame it has acquired. Closing time or 'the last order taken' time is strictly adhered to, so make sure you are not late.

Address: Pequeno Morod, Saligao, Bardez, Goa
Telephone: 278249
Covers: 75
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Chef: Florence D'Costa
Timings: 11 am - 3 pm & 6 pm - 10.30 pm

Golden Net

The pastmaster of Goan cuisine Rui Madre Deus, is at the helm of Golden Net. And his presence and expertise is what makes all the difference. A celebrated chef, who is also the General Manager of the Ronil Beach Resort that houses Golden Net, Rui's food has been recognized internationally for its authenticity.

The restaurant that spills on to the poolside during the evenings serves is widely known for its Caldo Verde, Soupe de Camarao, Pomfret Recheido, Vegetable Caldin, Prawn Curry Rice, Pork Vindalo, Vegetable Xacuti, Fish Curry-rice and Ale Bele.

Address: Ronil Beach Resort, Calangute-Baga Road, Bardez, Goa.
Telephone: 276101, 276099
Fax: 276068
Covers: 120
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Reservation: Recommended for Evenings
Chef: Rui Madre Deus
Timings: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Horse Shoe

What better address for a Portuguese-Goan restaurant than the Latin quarter of Panjim. Sitted along the Rua de Ourem since 1980, Horse Shoe came back with a bang since September last year. Now with air-conditioned comfort and in true Portuguese style, you are treated to the age-old Portuguese favourites cooked up by baritone-voiced owner-cum-chef Vasco Silveira. Your tastebuds will be tickled by the Canja de Galinha, Caldo Verde, Soupa Grossa, Fish Balchao, Chouricos, Chicken Piri Piri, Feijoado, Arroz Refogado de Galinha, Camarao Frito, Peixe em Molho de Alhos e Manteiga and the irrestible Bolo sans Rival.

Address: Rua de Qurem, Panjim, Goa
Telephone: 431788
Covers: 40
AC/ Non AC: AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Vasco Silveira
Timings: 12 noon - 2.30 pm & 7 pm - 10.30 pm

Infantaria

This confectionery-cum-fast food joint is highly recommended for its reasonably priced sumptuous breakfast buffet that is on from 8 am to 12 noon. An assortment of cakes, pasteries, snacks, juices, milkshakes and even steaks, tandoor and Chinese dishes are also available at Infantaria. A sister concern of Souza Lobo, it is owned and ably managed by Maria Santana Lobo.

Address: Near Football Ground, Umta Vaddo, Calangute, Bardez, Goa
Telephone: 277421
Covers: 80
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Chefs: Caetano, Agapito & Peter
Timings: 8 am - 8 pm

Joet's

A miraculous transformation it has been from a Kud (shed) that was used to store the rampon nets and canoes, to a vibrant Joet's - a famed seaside seafood restaurant. Nicely tucked in the Northern corner of the Bogmalo beach, it is only the white sand that keeps it from embracing the azure sea. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Joet's is a hot favourite with the locals and foreigners alike ever since the restaurant was started in 1980 by Jose and Etelvina D'Cruz. While Etelvina D'Cruz cooks up mouth-watering Goan fare like Prawn curry rice, Vindalo, Cafreal, Prawn Balchao, her sons Nello, Selvy and Joe look after the guests, aided by a friendly staff that is hand picked from the Bogmalo village. Fresh fish laid on ice blocks invite the diner to take a pick and cooked to order. Joet's offerings can be relished best with cocktails christened Blue Lagoon, Fuzzy Navel and Joet's Boggler.
Punchy music everyday and a live performer on Tuesday, makes Joet's a much visited night spot.

Address: Bailli Chal, Bogmalo Beach, Bogmalo, Goa.
Telephone: 555036
Covers: 100
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Chef: Etelvina D'Cruz
Timings: 8.30 am - 11pm on all days

Le Restaurant Francais

This five-season-old French speciality garden restaurant has carved a niche for itself in Goa. Its trio of French owners, Florence - who plays the role of a hostess to finesse, Serge - in the role of Maitre d'hotel and youthful Morgan - the Chef, have made sure the restaurant exudes an infectious joie de vivre. Besides the authentic cuisine, you are served a big slice of France in a homely and friendly atmosphere, overlooked by a gigantic model of the Eiffel Tower. Resplendent with photographs, posters accentuated with clever lighting, you will unmistakably guess that the theme for this season is the Circus.

As soon as you make your choice of food, a complimentary mise en bouche (a pre-starter) comes your way. If you aren't sure what to order, call for Morgan, whose most likely combination will be Sorbet A L'Avocat, Crème de Concombres, Orange et coulis de Betteraves or Aspic de legumes dux trios saveurs, quenelles de Poivrons rouges, gingembre et feuives de Nori for starters; the main course would comprise, the most expensive but the best, Gambas en deux cuissons, emulsion aux crustaces, champignons de Paris en papillote or the vegeterenean Torte a la tomato confite et du chevre fondant, Aubergine a l'dil et du miel, salade verte; and for dessert it would be Fondant Tiede au chocolat, crème Anglaise or Poelce de fraises aux pistaches et du pain D'espices, sorbet yaourt Basilic. Florence would cajole you to try out her favourite main course delicacy Croustillant de sardines sur feuilles de brick, tomatoes confites, coulis de Basilic, puree de pommes de Terre a la vanille fratche (crispy sardines on philopastries, sweetened tomatoes, Basil coulis, potato puree with fresh vanilla).

But no matter what you feast on, you'll definitely come back asking for an encore.

Address: Milky Way, Baga Road, Calangute, Bardez, Goa.
Telephone: 9822121712
Covers: 45
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Morgan
Timings: 7.30 pm onwards (Not bound by 'last order taken at' timings)
Closed: Wednesday

Minguel Arcanjo

Named after its famed legendary Goan Chef, the late Miguel Arcanjo Mascarenhas, the Mediterranean restaurant is the Taj Exotica's piece de resistance. Situated at the far end of the expansive lobby, Miguel Arcanjo is dominated by Italian, Morrocan, Spanish, Greek and French cuisine that originates from an Open Kitchen that is housed within the restaurant itself. This feature alone definitely puts this restaurant quite a few notches above all others in the starred genre. Besides the airconditioned main hall, there is also a Mediterranean Balcony that's pleasantly fanned by the sea. 

Expertly managed by 26-year-old Sous Chef Dinesh Kapri, on whom even the Executive Chef Bernhard Koeing showers wholehearted praises, Miguel Arcanjo lets you have an eyeful of how each dish you've ordered is created. Chefs interacting with the rotisseure, grill, paste cooker, chawarna machine and the gas and wood fired pizza owen are in full view of the diner.

While musical trios led by Emiliano and Augustinho serenade and pamper you with music of your choice, help yourself to the French influenced appetizers Smoked Salmon Mousse and Tamoto Tien, or the Italian Carpacio of Tenderloin, or the Greek Mutton Kibbeli & Tabbouleh sandwich. In soups, choose from the saffron scented Spanish seafood soup or the chilled Syrian green soup. For the main course try the Parma Ham wrapped and baked Red Snapper, the Oven-baked Pomfrets with grilled vegetables and potato Roesti in Romesco sauce, Guinea Fowl, Oven baked crisp Duck Breast and the New Zealand Lamb chops. Also, take your pick from an array of Pizzas, Pasta, Paella and Risottos. Don't fail to reach out to the Italian and French wines lying close at hand, to compliment each and every culinary delight.. The desserts too are a steal - the Mocha Chocolate Chip Parfait, French Lemon Apple Tart, Milk Chocolate-Ginger Mousse and Tiramisu.

The resounding success and fame the restaurant has acquired in just over a year would surely make the late Culinary Maestro Miguel Arcanjo smile with pride.

Address: Taj Exotica, Calwaddo, Benaulim, Goa.
Telephone: 705666
Fax: 738916
Covers: 68
AC/Non AC: AC & Non AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Dinesh Capri
Timings: 12.30 pm - 14.45 pm and 7.30 pm - 11 pm
Closed: Monday

Martin's Corner

South Goa's most happening restaurant has grown to its formidable presence from a humble tiny gaddo. Martin, his wife Carafina and their sons Bonny and Pobre have together taken Goan cuisine to formidable heights. Sea food cooked in a homely Goan style is their forte. Under a nicely crafted bamboo sheltered roof indulge in a finger-licking experience wih fried Mussels, Masala fried Prawns, Recheido Snapper, Caldin, Xacuti, Vindalo and Sorpotel. For dessert, the Bebinca is a must. Indian and Chinese dishes also feature on the menu.

A One-Man band is in attendance every Saturday. Reservations are strictly recommended on Saturdays and Sundays.

Address: Bin Vaddo, Betalbatim, Salcete, Goa.
Telephone: 880061
Mobile:9822123843
Covers: 200
AC/Non AC:Non AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Carafina Pereira
Timings: 11 am - 3 pm & 6.30 pm - 11pm

Palms n Sands

Owned by David Pinto Palms n Sands is for the serious diner. If you're a first timer, a winding croutoned pathway doesn't really prepare you for an exclusive dining experience - but it relaxes you straightaway. Choose to sit at the formal hall, the garden section or the beach section. If you've come along with your sweetheart, opt for the exclusive table perched upon a four-metre high pedestal for a romantic dinner. The beach section commands a beautiful view of the sea with the waves providing the music.

Hygiene is number one on the agenda. The restaurant has its own source of water which is sterilized and used for cooking and ice making.

The food is simply superb. Palms n Sands at any given time stocks half a dozen types of fish. Crab meat is a delicacy that can be relished in preparations like Crab Bisque, Crabmeat Au Gratin, Crab spring rolls and Crab Xacuti. Lobsters are treated in at least six made to order styles. Pork Spare Ribs and Stuffed Suckling Pig are popular Sun n Sand specialities. Exotic cocktails like Stawberry Daiquiri, Long Island Iced Tea, Tequila Sunrise and the Goan Rumba are a big hit. Don't leave without checking out the Apple Pie and Date Pancake.

Address: Dando, Candolim, Bardez, Goa
Telephone: 277161, 276171
Covers: 120
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Suresh Oly
Timings: 8 am - 11 pm

Riverside

This is the Leela Palace's free standing restaurant that sits on the banks of the River Sal. The cuisine is authentic Italian all the way. Headed by an Italian Chef, it comes alive every evening. It rarely operates during lunch, only to cater to private functions.

Fitted with an open pizza kitchen, exotic Italian dishes are born out of home made pasta and imported meats and cheese.

Expert Italian recommendations comprise Carpaccio di Branzino con Olive e Olio de Tartufo (Sea Bass carpaccio with kalamata olives and truffle oil) Insalata di Pomodoro e Bocconcini Affumicato (Freshly smoked mozzarella served with char-grilled tomatoes), Zuppa di Pesce alla Ligure (Ligurian seafood broth with charred garlic crostini), Penne con Gamberetti e Pomodoro Crudo (Penne rigate with fresh tomato - basil stew and Goan prawns), Agnolotti di Verdure Erbe con Pomodoro Secchi (Vegetable and fresh herb agnolotti with sun-dried tomato sauce), Kerala Pizza (Kerala fried prawns, onions, green chilli and assorted bell pepper), Coda di Aragosta con Salsa di Zafferano e Zucchini (Goan lobster tail on vegetable agnolotti with saffron and zucchini sauce), Suprema di Pollo Ripieno di Ricotta e Pancetta (Ricotta stuffed chicken breast with rosemary potatoes and grilled vegetables) and Panna Cotta con Bache (Vanilla cream with berry compote).

Address: The Leela Palace, Cavelossim, Mobor, Goa
Telephone: 871234
Fax: 871057
Covers: 54 (Riverside, Non AC), 85 (AC Hall)
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Roberto Illari
Timings: 7.30 pm onwards

Souza Lobo

Situated on the Calangute beach, the 1932-established Souza Lobo is a culinary institution in itself. Started by the late John Martires Lobo (Bulu), it is now kept alive and famous by his wife Maria and their son Jude. Famed for its seafood and ofcourse Goan dishes Stuffed Crabs, Prawn Curry, Vindalo, Sorpotel, Xacuti, Full Baby King fish grilled and Crepe Souza Lobo keep bringing the crowds back for more.

Overflowing with foreigners and locals specially during lunch and dinner times, be ready to wait for your turn that would come within not more than ten minutes. The service is quick and an order is usually tabled in 10 minutes flat. Reservations over telephone are not accepted.

Address: Calangute Beach, Bardez, Goa
Telephone: 281234, 276463
Covers: 240
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Chef: Biju Francis
Timings: 11 am - 11 pm

Sweet N Sour

Vasco's Pride, Sweet N Sour is Hotel La Paz Gardens' Chinese restaurant. Religiously dishing out finest Chinese delights under the baton of Chef Madan Pradhan, Sweet N Sour continues to host a wide ranging clientele comprising besides local food connoisseurs, corporate personnel, sailors and visiting Chinese, Korean and Japanese mining delegations.

In the Chinese year of the Dragon which the décor tastefully suggests, Chef Madan recommends an assorted starter that has Sesame Ringers, Crunchy Chicken, Dragon Chicken and Delite Prawns nicely arranged around a candle smiling from under a scooped out tomato. Rainbow Soup comes next, followed by Chukadam (Steamy rice with chicken), Lobster in Black Bean sauce or Crab in Mushroom & Bamboo Shoots or Steamed Red Snapper in Oyster sauce or Prawns with honey sauce. Cool off with Lychees or Honey Noodles with Ice Cream.

With an exhaustive repertoire of Chinese fare and his caring nature, the affable Chef Madan will make sure you visit Sweet N Sour over and over again.
On every Friday and Saturday serenaders will keep you company.

Address: Hotel La Paz Gardens, Swatantra Path, Vasco da Gama, Goa.
Telephone: 512121 (6 lines)
Fax: 513302
Covers: 60
AC/Non AC: AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Madan Pradhan
Timings: 11 am - 3 pm & 7 pm - 11 pm

Valerio's

Literally sitting atop Hotel Biai do Sol is Valerio's. A multi-cuisine restaurant, it commands a panoramic view of the Baga beach and the gently flowing creek. Valerio's two Swedish chefs give the cuisine a truly international touch.

As the balmy breeze kisses you and with Valerio's sauve restauranteur Anuj Joshi is at his hospitable best, treat yourself to a Seafood salad, a tomato soup flavoured with lime and chilli, a Vegetable pie with Bell pepper sauce, grilled Kingfusg with beetroot puree and sautéed spinach, panfried chicken in a creamy white wine sauce, steak with redwine sauce and grilled aubergine and Crepes stuffed with pineapple and fresh coconut on a papaya sauce. A circular bar counter seated in the middle of the restaurant offers heady cocktails that include Valerio's Special, Strawberry Margaritta and Knockout.

All roads lead to Valerio's every Wednesday and Saturday when a live band is in attendance.

Address: Hotel Baia do Sol, Baga Beach, Calangute, Goa
Telephone: 276084
Covers: 70
AC/Non AC: Non AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Love Otrelius
Timings: 8 am - 11 pm

Wan Hao

For authentic Cantonese and Szechwan cuisine in Goa, there's no other than Goa Marriot Resort's Wan Hao. The décor, music, furniture, ambience and cuisine, gives one an ambrosial Chinese experience all the way. The 11-month-old 56-cover restaurant, depicts a Chinese courtyard - complete with cobbled stone and a crushed wall finish. Holding centrestage is a rare large Chinese Opium Bed. For hosting private diners are two private dining rooms, each having a capacity to accommodate intimate groups of ten.

Wan Hao revolves around the Chinese Master Chef Paul Chen, who recently returned back from a culinary journey to China. Armed with secret recipes and ingredients he picked up from Shanghai by using his unusual charm, Paul Chen has now cooked up a fantastic new menu.

As a result of Mariott's pioneering effort, each dish comes in two portion sizes, Small and Regular; thus providing the diner the option to order a wider variety. With the focus now more on sea food and white meat, an ideal Wan Hao meal would mostly include Dim Sums - a choice of steam dumplings, Snowballs of Minced Vegetables or Prawns for appetizers, a Minced Prawn or Mushroom Ginger Soup, Stir-Fried Shrimp in Chili Sauce and Scallions, Lobster with Ginger and Spring onion, Chicken 'Gong Bao', Stir-fried Lotus Root, Fungus and Mushrooms, Stir-fry of Bamboo Shoots, Baby Corn and Black Mushrooms. For dessert try Apple Sesame and Chocolate Spring Rolls and Deep Fried Ice Cream with Caramel sauce.

Literally translated, Wan Hao means 'Very Good'; which it indeed is.

Address: Goa Marriot Resort, Miramar, Panjim, Goa.
Telephone: 437001
Fax: 437020
Covers: 56
AC/ Non AC: AC
Reservation: Recommended
Chef: Paul Chen
Timings: 7 pm - 11.30 pm
Closed: Monday

(The Restaurants covered appear in alphabetical order.)

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