Kinis bistro and cottages — Restaurant in Goa

Only visit if you want to be insulted.

We decided to visit here because the restaurant looks nicely decorated, bright and clean. We have no complaints about the setting.

We sat down to look at the menu and as both myself and my partner are vegan, tried to see what we might like to eat. There appeared to be very little suitable for vegans and nothing is marked with any sort of dietary requirements. A helpful lady came and told us that her son is the chef and trained in London (where we are from, actually) and when we asked her what on the menu would be suitable for us, she went to ask her son who took the time to come out of the kitchen and explain to us the few dishes that he could prepare vegan. There weren't very many dishes possible and I must admit that I didn't really want any of them as I was hoping for something more exciting but my partner wanted to try the 'Nonna's Vegetable Casserole'.

We asked for two portions but the chef said he would just bring us one as it would "be enough food" which was very odd. I wonder what would have happened if only one person had ordered it? Would they have only received half? The chef did say that if it wasn't enough once served, he would make one more but as the first one took 25 minutes to arrive we didn't feel like waiting again. What arrived was perfectly acceptable but not anything exceptional and the portion size is what we'd have expected for one.

As we finished the chef came out again to talk to us and we asked about his experience in London. This is where it all went very downhill.

He told us that he'd worked at a restaurant in Mayfair, London which was often protested by vegans because they still imported and served foie gras (banned in many countries due to the huge amount of animal cruelty involved). He then went on to complain about vegans wanting to eat particular foods, and then literally said “Chefs hate vegans”. Not exactly what you want to hear when you are a customer of a chef at that particular time… This made us feel very unwelcome and uncomfortable, despite us never having done any more than simply asking if there were any vegan menu items we could choose from. 

My partner and I felt so shocked and uncomfortable that a chef would say that to our faces, that we didn’t even want to complain. We just wanted to leave as soon as possible. We had already ordered two portions of apple crumble, but only one arrived and despite not having ice cream accompanying it, were still charged the same amount. I didn’t like the apple crumble but my partner found it acceptable. To be honest I was probably more upset about the chef’s comments than paying attention to what I was eating by then as I just wanted to leave.

I’m not sure if everyone who goes to this restaurant with any sort of dietary requirements such as being vegan, lactose intolerant, allergic to nuts etc. will be treated the same but a good chef should know how to adapt and prepare food accordingly if they have the skills and not tell their customers that they hate them while laughing about it.

There are too many other good restaurants in Agonda who treat their customers better and serve great food to bother going here at all. I...

If you're looking for a comfortable and welcoming beach getaway near Agonda, look no further than Kinis Bistro! My experience here was truly fantastic, and I can't wait to share why you should consider it for your next trip.

Location: Right off the bat, what impressed me was the proximity to Agonda beach. It's just a short stroll away, perfect for those who love the sound of waves and sandy toes. No need to deal with long commutes or crowded buses – the beach is practically at your doorstep!

Cleanliness: My room was sparkling clean and well-maintained. It had everything I needed for a comfortable stay, and the attention to detail was evident. I especially appreciated the fresh linens and well-functioning bathroom.

Hospitality: Ruchika and her team truly shine when it comes to hospitality. They made me feel welcome from the moment I arrived, offering helpful advice and personalized recommendations. Their warmth and attentiveness added a special touch to my stay.

Culinary Delights: Now, let's talk about the food! Kinis, the onsite restaurant, is a hidden gem. Nanak, the chef, is a culinary wizard, whipping up dishes that are both delicious and creative. The menu has something for everyone, and the option for a custom menu adds a personal touch. I highly recommend trying Nanak's signature dishes – you won't be disappointed!

Overall: My stay at Kinis Bistro was a delightful experience. The clean rooms, convenient location, exceptional food, and warm hospitality made it a perfect beach getaway. Whether you're a solo traveler or exploring with friends, I wholeheartedly recommend this guest house.

Additional Tips:

Do inquire about their custom menu option. Nanak takes pride in tailoring dishes to your preferences. Don't be shy to ask Ruchika for recommendations – she knows the area well and can point you towards hidden gems. Book your stay in advance, especially during peak season, as this charming guest house tends to get popular quickly. Bonus: If you're looking for some peace and quiet, the guest house has a lovely garden area where you can relax with a book or enjoy the cool evening breeze.

I hope this review helps you decide if Kinis Bistro is the right fit for your next beach adventure....

Nestled within the tranquil embrace of Agonda in Southern Goa lies the captivating oasis of Kini's Bistro & Cottages. My inaugural encounter with this heaven of serenity was a serendipitous one, in the company of dear friends from Goa. As I ventured to explore their culinary offerings, I found myself caught in an enchanting reverie of culinary excellence and genuine hospitality.

The moment those expertly crafted cocktails graced my palate, I was transported to a realm of astonishment. Kini's effortlessly melds gastronomic mastery with artistry, delivering a symphony of flavors that awakens the senses and leaves a lasting impression. The quality of both the food and cocktails is nothing short of a delightful revelation, a testament to the dedication of its proprietors, Nanak Singh and Ruchika Singh.

Kini's Bistro & Cottages, nestled in the heart of Goa, presents itself as a concealed treasure, offering respite from the hustle and bustle of life. Having resided in Goa for what seems like an eternity, I can vouch that this establishment is a clandestine paradise tucked away in Agonda's embrace.

What truly distinguishes this heaven is not just its epicurean excellence but the humble souls that steer its ship. Nanak and Ruchika, the gracious custodians of Kini's, radiate warmth and down-to-earth charm. Their welcoming nature creates an atmosphere to homecoming, a rarity in the world of hospitality.

The cottages, a seamless blend of comfort and aesthetics, provide a sanctuary for weary travelers and explorers of life's beauty. These heaven-like abodes ensure a cocoon of comfort, allowing one to unwind and rejuvenate amidst nature's embrace.

In a world that often rushes past in a blur, Kini's Bistro & Cottages stands as a heaven of tranquility and authenticity. As I eagerly anticipate more holidays and weekend plans at this idyllic retreat, I raise a toast to Nanak Singh and Ruchika Singh for crafting this masterpiece. May they continue to scale the peaks of success, delivering unforgettable experiences to all who seek solace within the heaven of Kini's.

With heartfelt gratitude and warmest regards,

Manan Sodhi Director...