Goa has never been so competitive. Even a few years ago, hotels offering standardized food and drinks would have been sufficient, but that no longer works with today’s guests. With diners constantly looking for new experiences, we now see an influx of hip standalone eateries with unique offerings and specialty dishes. In comparison, five star restaurants can appear tired, making them the last choice for diners.
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not anymore. Luxury hotels in Goa are revamping menus and interiors to attract diners from across the country and the world. Realizing that food and beverage is not just a commodity but a competitive differentiator to leverage, they have started introducing innovative offerings by partnering with reputed standalone restaurant brands, some global.
For your next visit, take note of these three iconic properties and their edgy new restaurants.
Paper Moon, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa
With an aim to transform dining from convenience to experience, Indian Hotels Company Limited (IHCL) has partnered with Ristorante Pepper Moon SRL to bring Pepper Moon, the renowned Italian culinary experience from Milan to India.
Paper Moon | Photo Credit: Elmer D’Souza
Debuting in India at the Taj Fort Aguada, Resort & Spa, Goa, Paper Moon offers gourmets an authentic experience based on a menu handpicked by the original team. Using the freshest produce in each season, diners can expect inventive dishes such as Carpaccio di Pomodori con Caprese, Olive Taglias e Capri, Pizza Capricosa, in addition to a wide selection of wines and cocktails including La Vita in Rosa, Amalfi Coast, and more. Supplement to dishes.
Vincent Ramos, Senior Vice President, IHCL, Goa, is of the opinion that, with Goa becoming a gourmet parade, with several independent restaurants and nationally acclaimed chains opening outlets here, Paper Moon is poised to attract an audience of independent bars and restaurants. Attracting, because of its central location in the heart of North Goa. Their USP, they say, is their home-style Italian food, whose menu changes seasonally.
A cocktail at Paper Moon | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
He says, “With our first outpost in India, in Goa, we are catering to tourists and locals as well, and not just focusing on our in-house customers, who usually stay at five-star properties. Is ideal in. Paper Moon’s culinary art is being welcomed and appreciated by the locals and we will expand our reach with this new eatery. Almost a meal for two. ₹5,000+ taxes. For reservations, 8326645036 call on
Edge-Tropical Bar & Kitchen, Alila Diwa, Goa
With a new look, refreshed vibe and an all-new feel, The Edge is a family-friendly, all-day venue that’s seamlessly transitioning into a lovely sundowner spot to enjoy a gin michelada or Caribbean flair. Featuring a live bar and a show-kitchen with a spectacular view of the infinity pool and the Goan landscape of swaying palms and paddy fields, The Edge offers a unique experience.
A Snapshot of the Edge | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ingredients are carefully sourced locally, with a menu designed for relaxed and shared dining. Don’t miss their Ramen Bowls, Aged Egg Florentine, Poi Sliders, BBQ Pork Belly, among other favorites. As for the drinks menu, it has been curated by bar consultants Arjit Bose and Pankaj Balachandran. Their popular and specialty offerings include the Queens Park Swizzle, the Aji Negroni and cocktails like the Caribbean Flair and the Residency Punch.
Suvir Sodhi, General Manager, Alila Diva Goa explains, “The Edge has been designed to be a space that makes you forget you are in a five-star hotel… It has consciously created a stand out with its own unique identity. -Located Like Alone. . With the right pricing strategy, we have attempted to break down the barrier that one might have about dining at a five star hotel. It offers a warm, personalized and relaxed atmosphere Since we opened in October, we have seen many non-resident guests coming either for lunch or sundowner or even to spend the entire day exploring the wide variety of experiences we offer.” A meal for two approx. ₹2,000+ taxes. For reservations, call 8322746800
A dish from Edge’s menu | Photo credit: Abhijeet R Parsekar
Sylvia, W Goa, Vagator
Noting how the past few years have made gin the flavor of the town, W Goa has capitalized on the drink’s popularity by launching Silvia, a venue that celebrates its burgeoning renaissance in India. An experiential gin bar that is home to cocktails from around the world, this bar features over 21 exclusive gin labels ranging from British, German and Japanese to Indian crafts.
The cocktail menu at Sylvia’s is designed to welcome the varied taste preferences of guests at both in-house and local diners.
A cocktail at Sylvia’s | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Tanveer Kwatra, general manager of W Goa, says the bar is a “self-transforming space as it doubles up as a vibrant venue with live gigs on busy nights. Such experiences attract diners to luxury hotels today.” Although located in a luxury hotel, it easily characterizes the escapism that beach bars are known to offer. This is one of the many reasons why it is not only the hotel is a hit among US guests, but also among local diners.
The highlight is the Gibson Course: a five-course drink, served with pickles where you can detect dry, wet, sweet, herbal, floral tones. For sides, include grapefruit tart, brie tempura with chili jam, truffle potatoes, among others. ₹ 5,000+ taxes per person. For reservation, call 9168616029