FOLGA GOA — Restaurant in Goa

Folga takes you by surprise. It is located in the heart of Salcete and yet it seems removed from this very essence. At night it draws you in. The green paint, incandescent lights, high Mangalore tiled roof and the large cane lamp shades are a setting for a different world, where cuisine, liquor and ambience all come together to produce a delightful effusion for the senses.

It was a birthday celebration and the night of the first day of Carnival, so the place was packed to the rafters, which is an achievement, especially when one learns that the restaurant is not even three months old.

I started out with a Sangria with red wine, which was nice, except that I wished I had a choice of red wine. And if I had that choice I would have gone for Vermouth.

Of course the Sangria became my choice as Jack Daniels was not available.

The fish fingers were a delight and I think, I had a plate full, which means someone else at the party had a lot less.

They came the cheese and mushroom which I devoured. Thank God no one was counting.

This was followed by the chicken sate, which I believe is a work in progress and if the chef is listening, I do hope it goes in the direction of Thai cuisine.

But without a doubt, the best was reserved for last — chicken pot rice. I have no idea if it was the signature dish, but to me it certainly was.

And when I go back it will pot rice, over and over and over again.

I wasn’t dancing, but I heard, to my dismay, that those who were, got free shots.

Now for a word about the furniture. The chairs, were super comfortable, I have no idea why. Seriously, I never thought pure wooden chairs could be so comfortable.

Cutlery usually gets to me, especially, if not polished and too light. Somebody at Folga obviously did his home work, because I liked what I holding in my hands while eating.

And the band that night was exceptional. We sang as loudly as we could and in any other restaurant, we would have been thrown out lock, stock, barrel and shoes, but the owners, Allison and Sweema are really cool.

Folga is definitely going to see more of me, my wife and hopefully,...

Folga Goa is a serene, field-facing spot that blends rustic charm with a lively, contemporary vibe—especially appealing during the monsoon when the surrounding paddy fields glisten. Expect a relaxed, open setting, warm lighting, and a crowd that skews toward families and groups out for an unhurried evening. Ambience • Calm, scenic views over paddy fields; particularly pretty on rainy days. • Live music on select evenings adds energy without overwhelming conversation. • Rustic-modern decor; outdoor-friendly seating and a casual, social atmosphere. Food & Drinks • Menu spans Goan, Indian, and pan-Asian comfort picks. Seafood is a draw—prawns, lepo, and chonak preparations are popular when fresh. • Starters like rawa-masala prawns and crispy fried fish pair well with their cocktails. • Spice levels are generally balanced; sauces tend toward bold and crowd-pleasing. • Portions are ample for sharing. • Note: Quality can vary by dish and day—seafood thalis may not always be available, and some gravies can lean oily. Best to ask staff for daily recommendations. Service • Attentive, friendly staff who are happy to guide orders and suggest specials. • Table service is prompt even on busy nights; management presence is visible and welcoming. Price • Moderate pricing; good value for ambience and portion sizes. • Works for casual dinners, small celebrations, or a relaxed drink-and-bites evening. Best For • Sundowner dinners with a view. • Groups who enjoy sharing seafood starters and grills. • Visitors staying in South Goa looking for a scenic dine-out with music. Tips • Aim for an evening reservation to catch the field views at golden hour. • Ask which seafood is freshest that day; consider skipping items that aren’t available or recommended. • If sensitive to oil, request “less oil” or opt for grilled/ rawa-fried preparations. Verdict Folga Goa is worth a visit for its atmosphere and hospitality alone, with the kitchen delivering its best on seafood starters and bar bites. Go in for the views and vibes, lean on staff suggestions, and you’ll have a satisfying,...

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Folga Restaurant truly knows how to blend an elegant dining experience with the wholesome charm of a family-friendly atmosphere.

I had the pleasure of visiting on a buzzing Saturday evening. From the moment I arrived, the staff rolled out the red carpet treatment, displaying an unwavering level of courtesy and professionalism. Their attentive yet non-intrusive service truly elevated the dining experience.

Turning to the food – an area where Folga shines with unstinting brilliance. The menu, an enticing mix of classics and innovative creations, tempted from every corner. I found myself opting for the prawns, a dish transcendently good, offering a carnival of flavors right from the first bite.

Now, let me sway your attention toward the steak, arguably a Saturday special at Folga. Charred to perfection with a layer of exquisite seasoning, the steak was simply remarkable, potentially one of the best I've had to date. A must-try for anyone venturing into the Folga dining experience.

And what's a fine meal without some entertainment to go along with it? The restaurant's infusion of live music into the scene was a welcome touch. The musicians struck a fine balance between lively and soothing tunes, contributing to a really enjoyable ambience.

A star off merely for the reason of wanting to experience more from Folga and explore their full potential. Is there an area where they might shine even brighter? Only subsequent visits can reveal this.

In a nutshell, it was an evening well-spent at Folga Restaurant. Their blend of superb food, warm service, and congenial music absolutely guarantees a return visit. Give it a try for a memorable Saturday night outing - you won't be...