I recently dined at Deck 88, the in-house restaurant of The Astor Hotel, and it was an unforgettable culinary experience. From the ambience to the food, the entire evening left a lasting impression, and I’m happy to share my detailed thoughts on the meal.
Ambience: The ambience at Deck 88 is exceptional. The restaurant has a contemporary yet cozy atmosphere with an inviting vibe. The addition of live music playing until 11 PM added a special touch to the dining experience. The music was melodious and soothing, providing just the right amount of background sound, without being overwhelming or loud — perfect for a relaxed evening meal. The lighting and decor also complement the overall mood, making it an ideal place for both a casual dinner or a special occasion.
Service: The service at Deck 88 was top-notch, and our server, Suraj, really stood out. He was attentive, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. He took great care in explaining the ingredients and the level of detail in each dish, which made the experience feel personal and enhanced our appreciation of the food. His attentiveness made sure that everything went smoothly throughout the evening, making the meal even more enjoyable.
Menu and Food: While the menu is limited, it is definitely more than enough and carefully curated to offer a range of flavorful dishes that showcase quality over quantity. Every dish we tried was a delight, and the meal was truly an experience.
Appetizers: Pani Puri with Yogurt Bombs: We started with Pani Puri, which was served with yogurt bombs. The dish was an absolute showstopper. Although it seemed a bit expensive at first glance, we had the opportunity to chat with Chef Dave, and he explained the intricate process behind the creation of the yogurt bombs. The effort and detail that went into making this dish were incredible, and after hearing about the process, it felt totally worth the price. The Pani Puri itself was fresh, crispy, and packed with flavor, and the yogurt bombs took the dish to another level.
Ghee Roasted Mushrooms: The mushrooms were perfectly roasted in ghee, giving them a rich, aromatic flavor. We let the chef choose the pairing bread, and he recommended two plain dosas, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. The dosas were crispy and light, and the combination of the ghee-roasted mushrooms and dosas was delicious.
Drinks: The drinks were decent though not as extraordinary as the food. We tried two mocktails — the Kiwi Delight (bartender’s choice) and the Lime and Mint Cooler. While refreshing, they didn’t have the same standout quality as the dishes. They were simple, pleasant, but lacked the depth or creativity that the food offered.
Main Course: Goan Xacuti: For the main course, we decided to try a Goan Xacuti, which was a masterpiece. The curry was rich, flavorful, and had the perfect balance of spices. The pairing of roti and Malabar parathaelevated the experience. The Xacuti was perfectly complemented by the breads, and the combination of textures and flavors was simply exquisite.
Pricing: Deck 88 is definitely on the pricier side, but given the quality of the food, the attention to detail, and the overall experience, it is well worth the cost. The unique dishes, the live music, and the impeccable service justify the higher price tag, and it’s a place you visit when you’re looking for something special.
Overall Experience: Dining at Deck 88 was more than just a meal — it was a culinary experience. The restaurant does an excellent job of offering dishes that are not only flavorful but also creative and thoughtfully prepared. From the conversation with the chef to the delicious food and amazing service, it all came together beautifully. The food alone would be worth coming back for, but the entire experience, including the live music and the personal attention from Suraj, made it memorable.
I would highly recommend it for anyone seeking a high-quality dining experience in a relaxed yet sophisticated...
Read moreUnparalleled Stay at The Astor Hotel!
I recently had the immense pleasure of staying at The Astor Hotel, and it truly surpassed my highest expectations in every aspect. From the moment I set foot in the grand lobby, I was greeted by the warm smiles and impeccable hospitality of the hotel’s outstanding team.
The ambiance was nothing short of extraordinary—elegant, refined, and inviting. The interiors, adorned with lavish furnishings and exquisite decor, exuded a sense of luxury that made me feel instantly at ease and at home.
The staff were not only courteous but exceptionally attentive and genuinely warm-hearted. They consistently went above and beyond to ensure my comfort, leaving a lasting impression with their professionalism and kindness.
Dining at The Astor was a feast for the senses! The cuisine was truly exquisite, with an impressive menu featuring an array of delectable dishes. Each meal was beautifully presented, rich in flavor, and of the highest quality.
Other remarkable highlights included: • Pristinely clean rooms, complete with plush, high-end amenities • A prime location, close to all major attractions • Fast and attentive room service • A state-of-the-art fitness center and relaxing spa facilities
In all, my experience at The Astor Hotel was unforgettable. If you’re in search of unparalleled hospitality, an exquisite ambiance, and top-tier amenities, The Astor is the place to be!
Wholeheartedly...
Read moreWe visited deck 88 at candolim for a casual lunch and we're surprised to find such an excellent service right as we entered. The staff was well spoken, polite and warm. Narendra received us very well. Yahi was our server and she really helped us in selecting the dishes as per our mood. Five stars for her attention to detail and extremely warm personality.
Coming to the food...it was top notch, extremely attentively prepared . Special attention was given to the presentation which was top notch.We had Suhas the sous chef come and check in with us on the choice of the menu and his suggestions as well. He gave us quite a few insights as to what kind of thought process went into the curation of the menu. Also offered to tell us they have some cooking classes for everybody.
The goan veg curry was amazing, just the way traditionally with kokum that we savor locally. The Pulao was customized to our taste and turned out brilliant. We ordered the. Grilled chicken reduced in red wine that was fantastic. The chicken rice book was excellent and came with 2 different sauces.while we were just thinking that we had had the best came the desserts. They were freshly made and we're excellent. We ordered the banana walnut cake, the triple choclate cake and a crossiant.
Overall a fantastic experience, would love to come back to try their...
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