Leda Balcao Goan Seafood Restaurant — Restaurant in Goa

If there were 6 star's I'd give those !

I chanced upon LEDA by accident ! I was on my way to the Taj Exotica's Lobster Shack, but decided to turn left to LEDA as it looked so damn enticing. The restaurant is located on the road that leads to Benaulium beach, and looks like a boat deck when seen sideways, it was lit up for XMAS ( as it was still Nov 2nd week when I went). There was live entertainment (jazz/sax/flute) a whopping big xmas tree to put you in a real good vibe and the décor itself is tasteful, fun and relaxing at the same time. There's a bar at the far end and the waiters are friendly, prompt helpful and on their feet. The menu is not vastly varied but has enough to keep both vegetarian and non vegetarian choices in mind. The food is good, and the quantity is LARGE. Talk about great goan hospitality! We ordered just 3 dishes among the 3 of us, including 1 starter and could literally finish nothing (even though it was thumping good fare). Having eaten a piddly measly portion at our resort restaurant (Caravela - more on that in detail later) it was so nice to finally get VFM Quantity and Quality.

We had the batter fried Calamari, Kingfish steak and a Veg Biryani. All 3 were distinct, plentiful and good. Careful attention was paid to the tartare sauce, and the subtle hint of spices in the biryani, showcasing the skill of the chef. Presentation is also thoughtful and unique.

I highly recommend LEDA for a good night, it's slightly upscale and best suited for families and will leave your mind and stomach satisfied. I look fwd to going back on my next visit in South Goa. If they continue the way they are going currently (they're quite new having opened in Dec 2019) I won't be surprised if they reach the top 10 must do restaurants in South Goa...

Such a lovely place! We reserved a table for 7 via google. And our reservation was accepted. However, there was no one present (a host/hostess) to guide us to our reservation, or let alone to even ask us anything.

After finding ourselves a table big enough, it took them a whole 10 mins to send across a waiter. Service is super super slow. However we were very happy with our server, Arjun. Patient and kind guy.

We chose the place because it had live music, but it was so disappointing. He didn’t have the best voice, he didn’t sing the right music to suit the moods of people. The crowd looked bored to death, and yet he didn’t change his tempo.

A suggestion, please do play some kind of music like commercial English, to ease the mood.

Coming to the food, we started off with: Crispy Chicken Strips, which could’ve done with some more seasoning or spices. The garlic sauce with it was divine! Cheesy Fish Fingers, absolutely delish! Chicken Tandoori, the best I’ve ever had. Not greasy, and so so masaledar. Even the masala was spot on! Beef Tongue Roast, succulent, not smelly and a MUST TRY! Batter Fried Squids, lovely! Kingfish Masala Rawa Fry, the rechado was spot on and homely ! Fish was fresh as well.

Coming to main course : Prawns Fried Rice and Chicken Fried Rice, average. Mushroom and Paneer Veg Gravy (forgot the name), something we all enjoyed. A different combination but yum to the taste buds Butter Chicken, massive let down. Tomato Based Gravy, forgot the cream. Beef Fry and Appams, spot on. MUST TRY! Have tasted better Appams.

All in all, the food was delicious and clean. You don’t feel bloated.

Ambience: 5/5 Food :...

This restaurant is less than 3 mins walk from my accommodation, I was full of anticipation bearing in mind the reviews online and recommendations from locals. It is a good looking place inside and out, especially at night, no doubt about that. I entered and sat down, as I perused the menu I attempted to order a large gin & tonic, this seemed to test my waiter's comprehension, but having rehearsed the G&T order 2 or 3 times we seemed to get there. I then asked what the difference was between their Goan prawn curry and the prawn Balchao, waiter 1 told me the Balchao was spicy (something I'd already read on the menu) but was unable to expand, he said he would get a senior waiter, I waited, senior waiter (2) also failed to explain the difference and said he would get waiter 3. I waited. Eventually waiter 3 arrived and gave me an adequate explanation and good advice wrt the quantities of food I should order. Great service waiter 3. I also asked if the prawns were fresh and could be cooked shell & head on, any decent cook knows that this imparts a much improved level of flavour, you don't have to be a chef to know this. Sadly, they only had shelled prawns and it showed in the end result.

The Goan prawn curry was ok, but I didn't come out for 'ok', I can get 'ok' cooking at home for myself. The parathas were good.

When you go out you are paying for a complete dining experience, this one was flawed. My conclusion on this occasion was "style...