Bored Of Thalassa? Here’s Where Else You Can Dine With Buddies On A Goa Weekend

Gunpowder moved from Delhi to Goa in 2012 and since then, there’s been no looking back. Climbing up the popularity charts in the sunshine state is this lovely restaurant housed in an old Goan bungalow {restaurant shares space with Delhi’s other iconic clothing label People Tree}. Gunpowder likes to do a mish mash of classics from South Indian states. Their Andhra Prawn Masala, Syrian Beef Fry, and Kozhi Fry {chicken fry} are all spectacular. South Indian staples like the fluffy appams and the fish curry infused with coconut milk are also house favourites.

Just the place for a romance-filled date or a long lunch with your friends, Antares’ open-air setting {high up on a hill} overlooking the sea makes it a favourite. Started by former Masterchef Australia contestant — Sarah Todd — Antares is as popular with Bollywood stars as it is with us regular folk. You can savour Modern Australian cuisine with hints of Goan here with specials such as the Chilli Barbeque Prawns, the Cauliflower Sausages, the Pork Belly with Kokum, and the Pumpkin Tortellini. Their selection of cocktails too is a hit with patrons, especially their Captain Espresso Martini and Raw Mango and Green Chilli cocktails.

Want to celebrate your trip to Goa with a special meal? Then, A Reverie will suit you perfectly. Known for their innovative flavours, A Reverie might be heavy on your pocket but patrons insist that you won’t mind it once you’ve gorged on your meal. The Truffle Bomb {black and white truffles enclosed in chocolate}, the Reverie Fried Chicken, and the Left Hung & Fry {bourbon-cured beef fillet} are excellent picks. For mains, you can choose between Double Smoked Duck Breast, Confit Chicken, Pork Belly, and Lamb Shanks that are decadently prepared.

Located in Goa’s capital — Panjim — Black Sheep Bistro sure has raked in the rave reviews since its inception. What you get here are global flavours recreated using local produce at this farm to fork concept restaurant. The Fish Cakes, Lamb Osobucco, Chicken Hainanese Rice, the Liver Pate, and the Goan Chorizo Bruschetta {with chocolate shavings } are favourites here. This place is also loved by vegetarians who come by for the Paneer Hainanese Rice, Mushroom Stroganoff, and the Veg Arancini.

Can we take a moment to reminiscence about our fabulous meals at La Plage time after time? The freshest of seafood, The French-meets-Mediterranean menu and the fabulous desserts. We recommend the Beetroot Carpaccio with Mango and Feta, Grilled Mussels with parsley and garlic butter, Goat Cheese on Toast with lashings of honey, and never leave without sampling their Chocolate Thali. A traditional Gujarati thali served with La Plage’s sweet treats such as chocolate mousse, chocolate-dipped fruits, chocolate ice cream, chocolate cake, chocolate pie and more. The portions are generous here, the hosts friendly {and may we mention good looking}, and they are pet friendly too. And once your tummy feels tubby enough, just walk down to the lovely stretch of Morjim beach right outside where you can lie under umbrellas and take a nap to sleep off your heavy duty meal.

What do the French and Bengalis have in common? Their love for mustard, of course! And that’s why Mustard, in Sangolda, celebrates these two cuisines with a curated menu. The Bengali part of the menu has been curated by food historian Pritha Sen and the French touches are done by chef Gregory Bazire. If you are focussing on the French offerings, you can try the Beef Bourguignon {where the meat is marinated overnight in red wine before being cooked in a rich stew} or the Roast Chicken. On the Bengali end, there are classics like Doi Maach {fish cooked in yoghurt} and the Kosha Mangsho {a spice-packed mutton curry}.

Housed in a  vintage Portuguese bungalow, House of Lloyds is one of the best-known restaurants in Candolim. They serve up a mix of Goan and Continental treats and they have plenty of options for you to choose from. However, you cannot leave without trying their signature Pork Chops, any of their steaks, and their prawn dishes that are simply spectacular.

The seasonal appearance of this restaurant every year makes sure that theme always remains fresh and up to the mark. Run by Christopher Saleem Agha Bee {son of actor, the late Jalal Agha}, Sublime pushes boundaries with new additions every year along with signature dishes such as Blue Cheese stuffed Beef, Clams served with Goan Chorizo, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Puffed Rice Bhel and Tuna Carpaccio.

Located at Anahata Retreat, Ashwem, L’Atelier is perfect for when you want to watch the sun go down with a beer in hand. You can lounge under the coconut trees and sample their Indo-French menu. The highlights include the Grilled Kingfish, the Marinated Fish Ceviche, and the Chicken Chakli. Their fresh fruit cocktails too are a must try. And did we mention their Breakfast Pizza complete with bacon and a fried egg?