Ana Bar & Kitchen, Old Goa – A Hidden Gem with a Soul
Tucked away on Karmali Station Road, Ana Bar & Kitchen isn’t just a restaurant—it’s the beating heart of a small, close-knit community. What you’ll find here is not your typical dining experience. You’ll find soul. Stories. And a lot of love—plated beautifully by none other than award-winning Chef Vasquito.
From the moment you walk in, it feels like coming home. The charm is in the details: handwritten menus, familiar smiles, and the comforting buzz of locals catching up over a glass and a plate.
The Food: A Trip Down Memory Lane, and Then Some
Chef Vasquito doesn’t just cook—he tells stories through food. His “Club Memories” sandwiches are nostalgic tributes to the Clube Nacional and Clube Vasco da Gama days, with humble paos stuffed with everything from salted tongue to pork roast and steak and onion. Each bite tastes like heritage.
And then there are the Light Bites—a masterclass in fusion and flavour. The Lumpia Ronnie Garcia brings Carnival to your plate. The Crunchy Chicken Wings with Putki Pari Sauce are packed with Goan humour and heat. And the Prawn Butter Garlic Toast? It’s comfort food in Chinese boots.
But when you want to go big—really big—the Heavier Bites menu doesn’t hold back. From the signature pork ribs to the fiery New Orleans Blackened Fish, the kitchen doesn’t miss. Try the Rastafari Roast Pork Chop for a Jamaican twist, or Blue Mignons if you’re feeling indulgent. Every dish has a personality.
Community Vibes: Where Everyone Knows Your Name
This isn’t just about what’s on the plate. Ana’s is where the neighborhood gathers. Where strangers become friends and the bar feels like your own.
And then there’s Karaoke Wednesdays by KJ Ashley. A night when the Singing Chef takes the mic and hidden Goan voices from the village emerge, one by one, to sing their hearts out. My phone battery died so I had to grab a video of KJ Ashleys page to show the vibe. It’s warm, it’s real, and it’s impossibly Goan.
Why You Should Go? You’ll eat dishes you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll meet people who make you feel like you belong. You’ll come for the food but stay for the vibe.
Ana Bar & Kitchen is a reminder that the best restaurants aren’t just about fine dining—they’re about fine living.
Go hungry. Go with friends. Go find your new favourite...
Read moreTucked away in a quiet corner of Old Goa, this small bar-restaurant doesn’t boast sweeping views or fancy décor, but what it does serve is some of the most memorable food. It’s the kind of place that, once discovered, quickly becomes a personal favourite.
The menu is a well-balanced mix of local Goan ingredients and flavors and creative fusion dishes, and while the service can be a bit slow, the food more than makes up for the wait. Santana the main service guy does give good food & drinks recommendations.
The New Orleans blackened fish is an absolute standout—perfectly spiced, cooked to flaky perfection, and bursting with coastal flavor. Their burgers are another unexpected delight: juicy, flavorful, and crafted with clear attention to detail. Crab cakes we perfect and loaded with generous portion of crab meat. Marisco A Bulhao Pato was a dish we tried first time ever, a unique flavour Portuguese style shellfish dish. The chicken wings were average and can be skipped.
The vibe is laid-back and unpretentious, ideal for a relaxed meal away from the touristy bustle. Just be prepared for limited parking.
If you’re in Old Goa and don’t mind trading the view for a plate of unforgettable food, this little spot is a must visit. Definitely going back to try out more...
Read moreWent for lunch on a Monday (note: their weekly off is on Tuesdays), and wow, what an amazing foodie time we had! This ~25 covers restaurant -in a very simple setting- is run by the talented Chef Vasquito, opened its doors in October 2024. Drinks: "Brazilian Lemonade" - an excellent rum based cocktail, was indeed sublime!. Starters: 'Chicken liver pate' (with toast), & 'salted ox tongue' (on a bed of mashed potato) - both just super!! Entrée: 'Bife a Portuguesea' - beef steak served medium rare; & 'Marisco a Bulhao pato' - Portuguese style shellfish in wine. Both dishes were of a very high standard. Dessert: "I can't believe its not Gordon's" (Ramsay) - sticky toffee pudding served with ice-cream - totally wicked (yummy)!! This restaurant is hands-on by Vasquito himself, so guess the food & cocktails have to be 5 stars! Please do visit this gem of a restaurant, located in Ella, Old Goa (we used Google maps). Note: Being big fans of Chef Vasquito's food, we have followed him & feasted at nearly all his earlier ventures: Clube Vasco, Ernesto's, Lusitana, & (now) Ana. Do visit Ana, guaranteed to satisfy, especially if you love Goan Portuguesea...
Read more