Food & Hospitality World spoke to some of the leading fine dining restaurants in Goa to check out their brand strategy and role in promoting local cuisine
Bistro, Alila Diwa Goa
This exclusive dining venue overlooking the pool in The Diwa Club at Alila Diwa Goa offers a contemporary menu with exotic offerings and fine gastronomic delights created using local produce and key local cuisine ingredients. Choose from an a la carte bistro style menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner that offers a wide selection of light meals with Mediterranean influences complimented by an extensive selection of fine beverages. Another popular feature is the all day breakfast served from 7 am to 7 pm.
USP of the restaurant
Bistro at Alila Diwa Goa offers daily specials, having an organic farm to table approach where produce is sourced directly from the resort’s organic garden or from within a 500 mile radius of the property. Through these special offerings Alila Diwa Goa is encouraging guests to indulge and experience in fresh, healthy and seasonal dishes made from ingredients harvested in house, having the perfect ripeness and flavour and thus a higher nutritional content. They have taken into consideration various factors while putting together the organic garden at the property, helping in the conservation of water, increase in soil fertility, reduction of pollution and soil erosion. The farming is carried out organically and naturally without the use of hybrid seeds and pesticides.
Promotion of local cuisine
Keeping in mind the wellness of our guests, the idea behind the implementation of the farm to table concept is to offer them a thorough global experience with the use of seasonal and location specific fresh produce, delivering clean carbon free meals.
The very famous Amaranth (Tambdi Bhaji) vegetable, cultivated in Goan local fields and found in abundance in Goa is creatively used in global cuisine here at Bistro.
Some of the dishes which are a part of the specials at Bistro and include the use of fresh local produce and cuisine are, Alila Garden Greens Bruschetta with Organic Papaya Salsa and Kokum Dust, Trio of Seafood – Scallops with Amaranth Pesto to name a few.
Bistro aims at reducing the use of imported and outsourced products by giving focus to the freshest seafood, locally sourced meats, and in house vegetables, fruits and herbs, following the farm to table concept and setting a trend in the dining space.
– Chef Mrunal Dhamaskar, Sous Chef
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
Simply Grills, Goa Marriott Resort
Overlooking the decadent Mandovi River, Simply Grills at Goa Marriott Resort is the perfect outdoor dining destination. Savour perfectly grilled meat, seafood, and vegetarian platters at the comfortable outdoor restaurant. Simply Grills is a romantic choice for a “date night” meal, and is also the ideal venue for big family gatherings. After the open kitchen, Simply Grills’ most distinctive design feature is probably the rustic 6 ft long wood panel menu listing the fresh catch of the day and the accompaniments on offer at the entrance itself (along with a quirky Mario Miranda mural). There’s also open-air cabana seating for couple’s or friends that only compliments the contemporary restaurant décor. The menu is expansive, the meat/ vegetables are easily paired with seasoning that often imparts notes of garlic, citrus, pepper and paprika.
USP of the restaurant
A specialty restaurant serving up sizzling grills and barbeques is an interactive experience where you can take your pick from the haul of the day is our clear focus. From a range of fresh seafood like snapper and lobster, premium meats like pork, tenderloin and German sausages as well as seasonal vegetables; specially matched with homemade marinades and accompaniments. Our chefs have curated a carefully compiled a la carte menu that balances an extensive selection of succulent grills like Slow Baked Salmon, Grilled Lamb Rack and, along with an assortment of signature innovations like Saltimbocca and Chicken Scaloppini. Also available are comfort options like Lasagne Primavera or Lemon and Herb Roast Chicken. In the dessert section, on offer apart from the international selection of Tiramisu and New York Cheesecake is the local favourite Sera Dura (or Sawdust Pudding) is a Portuguese delectable pudding.
Promoting local cuisine
The newly planned menu at Simply Grills will fall in line with the season’s food trends calling for fresh, grilled and savoury flavours reminiscent of cookouts and meals straight from the farmer’s market.
In tune with staying true to Goa’s local-sourced culture, Simply Grills only serves the fresh catch of the day, which is brought in by a local fisherman from Betim. This fish is cooked with special grounded spices handpicked by Aunty Jessica (who resides in St. Estevam) and whose cuisine is influenced by her grandmother.
Chef Selester, a local resident from the quaint fishing village of Arambol, Goa has been brought up within the fishing community and incorporates these influences and his knowledge in the cuisine that is served at Simply Grills.
– Chef Anupam Gulati, Executive Chef
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
Citrus Café, Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort, Goa
Citrus Café is the multi-cuisine restaurant at Lemon Tree Amarante Beach Resort, Goa. Ensconced in the beautiful midscale resort, located just 250 metres from Candolim beach, this bright and inviting restaurant offers a distinctive ambience and refreshing décor. Adding zest to the place is a riot of fun mats and amusing baby tees’ with quirky one-liners that promise to make the guests chuckle and guffaw. Known for its unique eclectic menu, crafted at special rates, Citrus Café is a perfect destination for treating family and friends.
USP of the restaurant
A 24×7 multi-cuisine coffee shop – Citrus Café makes sure its eclectic Indian and international menu leaves you craving for more. Besides the lip-smacking options in the menu, we have also snuck in popular Goan cuisine to suit the palette of our discerning guests looking for some local flavour in their buffet. What’s more, the restaurant has a ‘ghar ka khaana’ menu – to cheer up those occasional lonesome moments away from home. We also serve an extended breakfast till noon for the convenience of our guests.
Promoting local cuisine
To enhance the food experience of our guests, we have introduced local Goan flavours in the menu, both buffet and a la carte. Besides this, every fortnight we also host a Goan Food Festival where the scrumptious menu comprises of an array of Goan specialties, including our chef’s signature Goan dishes. Encouraged by the response, plans are underway at Citrus Café to introduce more seafood in the menu, especially over weekends. To further entice our guests and provide them a wholesome experience. We also have plans to introduce a live band performance, on festival nights, by local groups, who would be invited to play indigenous Goan music and perform for our guests. With authentic music and an equally delectable local fare its needless to say Citrus Café at Lemon Tree Amarante Beach, Goa is all geared up to feast your senses.
– Nikhil Sasidharan, General Manager
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
Food Exchange, Novotel Goa Resorts & Spa
Food Exchange is the all-day diner at Novotel Goa Resorts & Spa with signature multi-station buffets and a wide selection of Indian, Asian and international a la carte dining. The outlet exceeds guest expectation and anticipates their discerning needs by offering innovative food and beverage, excellent product and service through consistency and discretion. From the luscious Goan grills to the fresh catch of the day the restaurant has a global buffet concept with an eclectic mix of live cooking. The signature dishes include authentic Goan spread, pastas, kebabs, freshly baked pizzas, assorted ice creams and specialties from Asia, Mediterranean region and classics of Indian cuisine. Food Exchange lends an exquisite, refreshing dining experience with an alfresco kitchen overlooking the soothing green paddy fields and vitality pool. This outlet offers a multi-cuisine menu and strongly emphasises on freshness and creative food presentations in distinctly unique styles with individual open kitchens that allows its diners to have direct interactions with chefs.
USP of the restaurant
The Food Exchange is the only buffet restaurant with live and open kitchens engaging its guests to interact with the chefs and customise their favourite food the way they like! It is an innovative, trendy all-day dining venue for modern travellers and international diners. Service is quick, efficient but discreet, allowing the guest to get a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
No food experience in Goa is complete without fish and the touch of local Goan cuisine and rich flavours undoubtedly exudes in all dishes at Food Exchange. The simple yet exotic Saraswat Thali is a must try when you visit Novotel Goa Resorts & Spa that offers multifarious, nutritious food, meticulously arranged on a large steel plate. Foodies can choose a vegetarian or non-vegetarian Thali and experience an array of sumptuous dishes from Indian bread, appetisers, salad, entrees, sweet treats and finally the drink of the day, exclusively at Food Exchange.
Promoting local cuisine
We organise special theme dinners that focus on Goan seafood and the authentic Goan cuisine by showcasing the catch of the day and allowing guests to pick their choice of fish and marinade. This is then prepared by our chefs who are of local origin and thus understand the pairing of flavours and textures. We have a dedicated team that is culturally connected to the form of Goan style cooking and are able to offer the most authentic Goan food to guests.
To pay tribute to the regional culture, we serve our very own Saraswat Thali which consists of all the local seafood and fresh vegetables in all its richness.
– Chef Ganapathy Mallya, Director – Food & Beverage
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
Balcao, Lazylagoon Sarovar Portico Suites
Located on the famous Baga creek, Lazy Lagoons’ ‘Balcao’, which is Portuguese for Balcony, is a restaurant-cum-bar where one can catch a glimpse of the bohemian life in Goa. The wall murals painted by Mario Miranda, a famous Goan cartoonist, make for the unique décor which complements the restaurant overlooking the pool. The multi cuisines offered consist of a la carte and buffet options, that employs an authentic Goan culinary approach. Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the air of susegaad, which is Goan for relaxation completes ones need for everything that is deliciously fulfilling.
USP of the restaurant
Staying true to the Goan ethos, the ambience of the ‘Balcao’ complements the food as it plates a blissful array of Goan flavours presented in a beautiful manner. The Goan cuisine here is predominantly seafood, be it a tangy curry or batter fried prawns.
Promoting local cuisine
We educate our guests on the local produce and spices available ranging from a variety of chillies to the vinegars or fenis. Take for example the feni. It’s admired and consumed by the world over, however it is distilled in Goa.
– Terrance Motha, General Manager
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
Alegria, Taj Exotica, Goa
Alegria, offering Goan delights with unique vegetarian Saraswat and Portuguese cuisine focuses on the highest-quality produce with emphasis on the first grade products served exclusively in our restaurant.
I started my career in 1970 with a passion for Goan food. I mastered the art of authentic Goan Christian cooking and traditional Hindu Saraswat flavours and introduced them to the Taj Hotels in Goa.
Today, 43 years later we continue to host celebrities, royalties and heads of states.
USP of the restaurant
Taj Exotica guests can savour the cuisine prepared by a team of talented chefs at Alegria who are committed to using the best ingredients and products to serve excellent good to our guests. The Goan coastline also give us a bounty of nature’s produce in the form of fresh catch, not to mention the freshest of vegetables and fruits grown in this region, thus enhancing the flavours of every ingredient on the plate.
Promoting local cuisine
The menu at Alegria features a section of “Put yourself in the hands of the Chef”. A tasting menu for those who cannot decide is among the a la carte choices. Small portions are crafted and thoughtfully offered by the chef, allowing guests to savour the multi-course offering in the form of a chef’s degustation menu.
– Chef Urbano de Rego, Corporate Chef
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
Jamavar, The Leela Goa
Jamavar wraps you in its mystique like a shawl caressing with warmth and chic, it is The Leela’s signature Indian fine dining restaurant. Like its name (Jamavar is a special type of hand made shawl made in Kashmir), the ambience reflects the very warmth as you enter into the air conditioned portals. The décor is modern with traditional Indian elements. Vibrant colours, lattice work and floral displays add a touch of elegance to the restaurant. The soft lighting and mellow music provide an intimate and relaxing setting for a true royal Indian dining experience.
USP of the restaurant
The Jamavar menu offers authentic North and South Indian cuisine that reflects the distinctive cooking styles and dining rituals of India’s ancient nobility. There is a section in the menu which offers a variety of local Goan specialties. The famous and without a doubt traditional Rissois de Camarao and Prawn Piri Piri in starters. Chicken Cafreal,Mutton Xacutti,Pomfret Rechado, Prawn Balchao, Goan Fish Curry, Pork Vindaloo in the non-vegetarian main course selection and the vegetarian main course selection offers Caldo Verde, Konkan Aloo and Vegetable Xacutti to name a few. Not to forget that Cashew Feni be the spirit behind your meal. To finish off we have the traditional Goan pudding Bebinca served with vanilla ice-cream.
Promoting local cuisine
The fusion of east and west is what makes Goan cuisine irresistible to the tourist who flock the state throughout the year.
- The restaurant buffet menu features Goan Dish of the Day.
- Jamavar restaurant features Ethinic Goan Thali
- Weekly Goan cuisine promotions in terms of culinary highlights
- Cooking Demo by chefs for in-house guests (interactive sessions which encourage our guests for insight of traditional Goan cuisine)
- Organic garden and spice plantation in the hotel which provides herb requirement for traditional Goan cooking.
– Chef Abhijit Naik, Executive Sous Chef
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
Alfama, Cidade De Goa
Nestled in the heart of Cidade de Goa, you will find the perfect spot for music, romance and a variety of authentic gourmet cuisines to indulge in. As acclaimed as its cuisines, Alfama’s charming ambience of romantic balcaos, intimate alcoves and vivid murals recalls Lisbon’s bohemian old town. Ensconced within this old world setting, you can succumb to an experience ranked as the ‘Best World Cuisine’ in Goa by a prestigious award while strolling musicians serenade you and discreetly attentive staff enhance your dining pleasure. From 7.30 pm onwards, the Latino styled restaurant comes alive.
The menu at Alfama bears the unmistakable connoisseur stamp. A delicate balance of imaginative global cooking imbued with exciting local flavours, it gives a gourmet twist to your taste buds. For instance, a smoked chicken salad tossed with a temptingly tangy mango chutney and baby greens, a slow oven baked snapper steeped in recheado masala served with potato gratin, vindaloo undertones accentuating an oven roasted rack of lamb accompanied by celery mint croquette, the distinctive coconut flavour and delicately spiced aroma of the Goan speciality, vegetable caldeen are just some of the signature dishes designed to evoke your emotions and stimulate your senses. Moreover, you will love the authentic Saraswat Thali consisting of classic preparations with local vegetables and spices as key ingredients.
USP of the restaurant
Like its namesake, Cidade’s award winning restaurant is all about Portuguese charm. Alfama retains its Portuguese heritage yet presents a delectable spread and ambience that promise to surprise you with each visit. The Fado evening is one such tribute to the past. The Fado, a Portuguese origin song, is a mellifluous haunting melody, evoking passions of love, sorrow, jealousy, guilt and satire. The Fado evening is on first Tuesday of every month, led by Goa’s famed Fadistas, who have vowed audiences with their soul-stirring renditions of the Fado, along with gourmet cuisine paired with wine.
Promoting local cuisine
Apart from the famous flavours and ingredients of Goa like the cafreal/ periperi/ recheado/ balchao /caldeen/ tondak/ mangoes/ cashews/ seafood being used in an international context with plated food, we also offer the very traditional vegetarian and seafood Saraswat Thali in royal silverware for the gourmands.
– Chef Sunit Sharma, Executive Chef
(As told to Saloni Bhatia)
Sessions, Hard Rock Hotel Goa
At Hard Rock Hotel Goa, we give you every reason to kick-start your culinary journey with Sessions, our all day multi-cuisine restaurant. Opening up to new tastes and sensations with creative breakfast delights and sumptuous lunches, romantic dinners and sinful desserts, Sessions offers a rich ensemble of global and local cuisines all-inspired by our culinary chefs. We have something to satisfy the tastes and cravings of all those with a penchant for good food and wine. With world class food, world-class music and outstanding hospitality, Hard Rock Hotel Goa is an ideal place for people from all walks of life to come, enjoy and have a great time out.
USP of the restaurant
The USP of the Hard Rock brand has always been its American fare, especially the Legendary Burger which is atop every foodie’s list. However, at Hard Rock Hotel Goa, we customise the menu to suit the tastebuds and dietary needs of all our guests. From retro-styled snacks and Continental delights to authentic Indian meals and Goan-inspired fare, our appetising offerings are galore. We are truly delighted that our signature dishes namely the Oreo Cheesecake, the Tupelo Chicken Wings and the Legendary Burger have found a special place in the hearts of our loyal gastronomes.
Promoting local cuisine
We have rolled out some delectable culinary offerings for our guests to come and indulge at Hard Rock Hotel Goa. Our High Bar Brunch that is held every Saturday has been a huge crowdpuller with local and international items on display. While Chicken Cafreal and Chicken Xacutti have been an all-time favourite from our Goan menu, Prawn Xec Xec, Shark Ambotik and Kingfish curry have tickled the palate of many seafood lovers. For those who want to curb their late night hunger pangs, we have a special Midnight Buffet, every Friday, with mouthwatering street food delights. Some of the Goan specialties highlighted on the menu are Ras Omellete, Sorpotel and Choriz, which are all accompanied by the rustic Goan bread “Poie”. Some of the Goan dishes like Prawn Reshad Masala have also been incorporated in our in-room dining menu. We, at Hard Rock Hotel Goa roll out innovative menus from time to time to give our guests something unique and exciting apart from our regular offerings.
– Vikas Sharma, General Manager
(As told to Sudipta Dev)
Fame Restaurant, Planet Hollywood Resort, Goa
The hot spot resto-lounge featuring Western and Asian cuisine overlooks the swimming pool and portico. Its eclectic music and lounge area is a perfect place for an evening outing. It’s open for lunch as a relaxed grills and stir-fry venue if you are in the mood for tempting starters. Enjoy the unique array of contemporary platters offering grilled seafood, the choicest meat cuts and fresh vegetables, along with Asian stir fries. Handpicked from the hotel garden by the chefs, only the best ingredients go in preparing the wide choice vegetarian menu. From delicious Japanese bigiris to Thai curries, sashimis and teppanyakis to bento lunches, the menu is designed to satiate connoisseurs of fine dining, along with a wide selection of wine spanning diverse grape varieties and regions. Plan an intimate dinner with someone special in the exclusive private dining area.
USP of the restaurant
Its USP are many and that’s why, in just nine months, it is recognised as one of the best restaurants in Goa. Fame started the first serious take on Sushi and Sashimi in Goa. The fact that the restaurant turns to a lounge as the evening progresses, makes it a perfect night spot. During the day, it’s a great place to lounge around the pool and enjoy the stir fries and grills at the restaurant.
Promoting local cuisine
We promote Goan cuisine through the Planet Dailies restaurant however, there are Portuguese items or its renditions on the menu to remind the rich past of Goa.
– Chef Sundar Sudarshan, Corporate Chef
(As told to Mohit Rathod)
Pickled Mango, Resort Rio, Goa
Nestled on the banks of the Baga river in Arpora, Resort Rio offers an incredible culinary experience in the heart of Goa. Resort Rio is Anup Shah and Alpa Shah’s labour of love. They bring with them a unique international sensibility of marrying the local with the global. Their passion and desire to make a difference and touch people’s life is evident in the exclusive offerings of the resort. The four distinctive restaurants at the resort aim at bringing the world to Goa on a plate. Each restaurant here excels in its specialty, giving guests a unique experience. You will find something to suit every mood and taste. From local Goan delicacies and authentic Italian cuisine to traditional Indian fare, pan-Asian flavours and delectable desserts and savouries, it has it all. The innovative cocktails and the choicest of wines on offer set the tone for an exceptional gastronomical sojourn. Guests can savour the world famous Goan cuisine at Pickled Mango. This all-day dining multi-cuisine restaurant overlooking the pool offers culinary delights from around the world in a classic manner. Karaoke Nights and live bands performing here elevate the dining experience to another level.
USP of the restaurant
- Live counters
- Themed nights
- Feni-based cocktails
Promoting local cuisine
We promote local cuisine through our Goan themed nights, which feature a lavish buffet with live counters. The idea is to educate guests about the local flavours by hosting an interactive dining experience which is both a visual and sensory treat.
– Sunil Mathai, Director, Food & Beverage
(As told to Saloni Bhatia)
Waterfall Cafe, The Zuri White Sands, Goa Resort & Casino
Waterfall Cafe is located on the ground floor having a great view of a huge waterfall, artificially created over the swimming pool and also being the largest and most beautiful restaurant, it combines a unique mix of air conditioned section seating and open sky seating arrangement. The restaurant has modern and fancy look with wonderful articrafts decorating the walls. Large bay windows look over the wonderful scenery of waterfall and the swimming pool area. The centre ceiling has wood and matte finish, adding to the royal look of the restaurant. Another restaurant of the resort that features Goan cuisine is Fins. It is located at the beach side, 200 metres away from the beach with the green lawns around the restaurant giving the romantic feel and the waves of the sea giving a ‘wow’ experience. In the evening, the restaurant looks very unique with the natural moonlight on the grass lawns. The canvas canopy fitted in a dome at the centre of the restaurant gives it a very modern and stylish look. The spacious dining restaurant is known for its Goan delicacies.
USP of the restaurant
The menu offers a broad range of Continental, North Indian, South Indian, quick bites and Goan delicacies. The beverage list features the collection of domestic and international wines, large varieties of whiskey and vodka, cocktails, mocktails and Goa’s most famous drink Feni. The The rambooze bar at Fins is built on a wooden boat right outside the restaurant with a capacity of 20 covers. Some of the interesting drinks on the menu are strawberry kiss, afterglow, shirley temple, mojito, caprioska, susegado, chilly feni and cosmopolitan.
Promoting local cuisine
It is a traditional Goan and sea food restaurant that serves delicacies which are a combination of regional cuisine and sea food grill. The fried Goan prawns are most enjoyed by the people. A Goan dessert platter featuring some traditional Goan sweets are also on the menu. The resort through these two restaurants offers a taste of the regional culture and cuisine.
– Chef Farooq Baig, Executive Chef
(As told to Saloni Bhatia)