Laughing Buddha — Restaurant in Goa

My favourite place to stay in Arambol. Shacks are basic but the location isn't easily beaten. Owner doesn't allow his staff to harrass people on the beach like all the other places - which is honestly why I stayed there. While I understand them wanting to market, it's so offputting and stops you enjoying the beach itself when people are running you down insisting you eat there, so I always loved the Laughing Buddha policy. That continues when you eat/stay there. While staff will check on you briefly, they generally leave you to enjoy yourself and conversations without constant interruptions or intrusive questions. Food is decent, obviously with a large menu the chef's aren't going to be experts in every cuisine so stick to usual fare (Indian, Israeli, sandwiches etc...stuff like that) which is always good - really good iced coffee also. Service is a little slow but no slower than most other places in Arambol. Really chill place to lounge, stayed there and been in a rowdy group before but never had an issue as always respectful of his place, respect which was always returned. People in other reviews seem to have an issue with the owner but never had one myself. Maybe that's cos I'm British also and understand his matter of fact way...

The wait staff were helpful and friendly and the food was fine - not the best we've had in arambol but a varied menu with most things reasonable quality. Unfortunately the whole experience was marred because the owner (a white British man) was very rude when we asked a simple question about splitting the bill ("look, sweetheart, that's not how we do things here") and was condescending and intimidating towards our friend who asked. Every other restaurant we've been to this whole trip has never had a problem with splitting the bill (you just each go to the counter and pay for what you had and they tick it off the overall bill, simple!) so we were really surprised by how extreme and rude the owner's response was as it felt completely unnecessary. We understand that sometimes people have bad days and get snappy but it was Christmas day and we had spent a lot of money there over the course of the afternoon so we would have appreciated a bit more courtesy. Unfortunately we won't be going back there. I recommend spending your money on locally-owned places as these tend to be much friendlier not to mention more...

How the mighty have fallen! Stayed here for 5 weeks last year and although the managers were most unpleasant, the place was great and the food NEVER disappointed. This year the food is totally inconsistent, sometimes downright awful, and it is clear the cook is not the same as last year. Have just come here for yet another disappointing meal. Ordered the expensive schnitzel with hummus and the breading was strange, and half of it had no chicken in it. The hummus, which is sadly "hit and miss" this year, was a miss. My boyfriend had an expensive fish thali that had no fish(!), and came with less food than the veg thali, but cost way more! For a good fish thali, go to "My Shack". It's great, and costs 70...