The 40-day Lenten period is over, which means we can eat meat again! Goa has probably the most diverse cuisine culture of all the states in India. Add to that, the fact that we have no restrictions on beef (thankfully) means we do some pretty awesome stuff with our red meats. Goan cuisine aside, there’s nothing like firing up the grill and having a blazing hot barbeque session. But with the summer evenings being as hot as they are already, we figured we’d leave the grilling up to the professionals. Here are the 5 best grill houses and barbeque restaurants across Goa.
Dandey’s Grill – Sangolda
No list of grill houses in Goa will ever be complete without Dandey’s Grill, the OG of grillers in Goa. Tucked away behind Picnic Hotel on the CHOGM Road, Dandey’s Grill has been around for decades, serving some of the best and most innovative sizzlers. The ambience isn’t much to write home about, akin to a simple Goan eatery complete with chequered table cloths and full wooden details. But open the menu, and you will find steaks stuffed with ham and blue cheese, meat pockets, bacon wrapped prawns, and a personal favourite, their take on a surf and turf. At surprisingly very reasonable prices, Dandey’s Grill has and always will be a classic.
Karlton’s Horizon Grill – Candolim
The first of Karlton’s ventures in Goa, Horizon Grill in Candolim is a crowd favourite for anyone who frequents the coastal belt. With its large seating area and high wooden roof, Horizon Grill is perfect for groups of dinosaurs who are looking to devour anything that’s placed in front of them. Masterchef Karlton (who also owns Bottlejack Bistro in Porvorim) serves up a meat-heavy menu of beef, chicken, pork, and seafood grills such as the Basil Garlic Grilled Fish Or King Prawns, Roast Chicken with gravy, a number of mouth-watering beef steaks (you have to do the Wellington at least once in your life), and the house favourite, Slow Cooked Roast Leg With Rosemary And Garlic. That last one is the easiest way to achieve Nirvana.
Ignia – Verna
If you’re looking to leave the hustle and bustle of the cities in search of a venue that’s got pretty much the most relaxed ambience – then look no further than Ignia. Close to the Udear Spring, Ignia is far enough from the noise of life, choosing to instead delight you with live music, and a live barbeque. Their innovative menu includes specials like Raw Mango Chicken and Japanese Tori Karaage, and one of my personal favourites, the Ingnia Pulled Pork Burger. But since it’s the grills that we’re here for, make sure you order the Slow Cooked Beef Rib Steak – you will not be disappointed. On the other hand, if you’re feeling adventurous, try the Lamb Shank with Blueberry Jus. It’s definitely worth the trip.
Uzzo Grill and Cafe – Colva
Continuing our trip Southward, we come to Uzzo Grill and Cafe, a hip young grill house that has become a haunt for many in the South. The vibrant atmosphere sees South Goa’s party crowd coming out, packing the place usually on the weekend to get a taste of not just the food, but the music as well. The multicuisine menu features a variety of Portuguese and Goan dishes, but key among those is their BBQs and grills. If you’re in the mood for getting your fingers messy, gorge on their righteous ribs and barbeque chicken wings. If you’re in the mood for a full-fledged main, their grilled pomfret, among other sizzlers, is pure bliss.
Barrels and Bones – Panjim
In the capital city of Panaji, you’ll find the extremely popular Barrels and Bones. Known for their rustic Americana interiors, Barrels and Bones is the perfect spot for a night out in the city. Delicious wood-fired pizzas are usually the crowd favourite here, but the decerning diner will find a wealth of options among their vast selection of grills and sizzlers. If you’re in the mood for some pork, try the Sweet Soy Glazed Pork Sizzler served with a tantalizing bacon mash and grilled veggies. The more daring among you may want to go for broke on their one-of-a-kind Bacon Wrapped Steak, because you’re not going to find it anywhere else in Goa. If you’ve got company and looking for variety, we suggest you order the BBQ Mixed Grill Platter – a little bit of everything for everyone.
Did we do enough to bring on the meat sweats? Or are there any other grill houses that need to make the list? Let us know in the comments below.
