Makutsu - Japanese & Asian Bar — Restaurant in Goa

Not sure where to begin describing the bad experience at Makutsu, but ill keep it short.

1.The order placing process is extremely confusing. We were a table of 10 and were given two sheets of paper with about 30% of the menu crossed out as unavailable. 10 of us had share two papers (they could have given us 10 papers) so we had to get one of us to record everything which is such a waste of time. We all had to count how many and what type of Yakitori each person wants and then one of us has to make notes. The food took quite a long time to arrive We were given a broken chair to sit on. I'll forgive that as we were a table of 9 but ended up being a table of 10 and the last chair given to us had a leg broken, so perhaps they weren't prepared for an additional person. All the Yakitori was bland. Non veg Yakitori was underwhelming. The veg Yakitori we ordered such as sweet potato and brinjal was mostly raw in the middle. Service was terrible. Halfway through our main course (when 2-3 people on the table didn’t even get their orders yet), they asked us to pay the bill because apparently when the clock strikes twelve, the day and the server changes on their system. It was 11:20 when they asked us to clear the bill.. not even close to midnight. But even if it was - how does the server matter when the restaurant is getting the money on, before or after 12? That apart, they told us the last order was at 10:30 which was fair. But usually dessert doesn’t count as a food order as it’s already prepared. When we asked to order dessert at 11:40, they said we couldn’t as the time to order was over. This is for cheesecake, and the staff was quite unapologetic. I’m pretty certain they don’t make cheesecake after the order has been placed, so serving ready cheesecake shouldn’t be an issue. We asked if we could split the bill and make multiple transactions (since we were a table of 10) and were told we couldn't. The staff just seem miserable working there and don’t want to make even a small effort to please a guest with such routine requests. The best items we had were all the raw items - Surf and Turf, Rare beef ponzu and Tuna Tataki. Anything cooked was terrible. No noodle items were available so our options for mains was simply Donburi and Chicken Katsu Curry. Quite sad. Seems like the place is riding on hype and the name of the chef-owner rather then on good food and service.

Unrelated to my experience, but we had made reservations for 9 and since half our group hadn’t come yet, we were waiting outside. Another group came for their reservation 8 minutes late , while we were standing outside... and their table had gone. The staff was so unapologetic. They'd given the table to another pushy group standing outside simply because they couldn't be firm enough to refuse.

Oh well,...

First of all let's talk about the atmosphere, At first when we arrived there it was slightly different then my imagination but once I entered the place it was just amazing.

A whole different vibe with the lively Music, privacy and the comfy and cozy ambience, each table having four sets of chopsticks over rectangular stones.

A peep through you can see the kitchen and it gives lovely Japanese vibes!!

Secondly the service was very systematic and quick with a kind and responsive man attending to the customers, he gave us the menu card which is not like the normal menu cards

The menu card had all the dishes listen on it with a small square next to each dish, in which we need to write the quantity of the dish we want, it is then taken and given to the kitchen after which our dish is prepared and served.

I'll say it is a total cave of treasure because of the food there, so flavourful so appetizing and very well presented.

Talking about the dishes we had the YakiSoba was the best!! It come in three flavours and we ordered the veg one and I'll say it is a moreish dish, a must try definitely recommend it.

We also had Okonomiyaki which was just scrummy, we ordered the tofu Okonomiyaki from the three different types that they offer.

Chicken Oyster/Soriresu was the dish that we had next which was succulent and piquant. You'll definitely need to try this one.

After which we had Crab Takoyaki, definitely tasty just a little too cheesy and crabby to my taste.

The Yuzu lemonade was a luscious and refreshing drink, just felt really nice after having it.

A totally toothsome meal!!

The chopsticks place on the table are one time use and also as tradition goes is used to determine luck based on the way it seperates, if breaks properly it is said to be good luck and if it breaks unevenly then bad luck to the person who seperated the chopsticks.

The table also had soya sauce and pickles and tissues. We enjoyed it all!!

As for methods to make payments The place offers cash payment as well as UPI transactions.

A total mouth watering meal and lovely experience which was not very costly. Will definitely...

If you are in Panjim, then you must visit India's only Yakitori Bar Makutsu. located in landmark area of Fontainhas just next to Joseph Bar. The brainchild behind Makutsu is the same person who successfully runs Antonios@31st i.e. Chef Pablo Miranda. Please note that to visit here, make a one month prior reservation! (Dear Makutsu : My only complain is please pick the phone. Otherwise everytime I had to get in touch with you via instagram messages). Makutsu is open only for Dinner and they have 2 slots 7pm to 9pm and 9pm to 11pm. The capacity of this place is 16 pax. I would suggest book a Yakitori Bar Counter seats to experience ehat goes behind making lipsmacking dishes. It can seat 4 people and you can watchl live how Chef Pablo and Chef Rohit Usgaokar along with rest of the team make Makutsu sucessful. It can be little hot in this special area but its worth it. Speaking about Food mark my words you wont be disappointed (Please come empty stomach!). Even hardcore non vegetarians will fall in love with superbly grilled vegetarian yakitoris. Dishes to Try Meat Yakitoris - Duck, Meatballs, Prawns Veg Yakitoris - Babycorn & Leeks, Okra, Brocolli Other Dishes - Prawns in Yazu Chilli Glaze, Chicken Karage, Prawns Takoyaki Bowl Dishes - Salmon Donburi, Chicken Katsu Curry Desserts - Hokkaido Milk Bun. Each and every dish right from Yakitoris to desserts is a wonderful flavour to your tastebuds. A little bit on the expensive side but it deserves for the experience they serve.

All the best Makutsu, cant wait to come next time and try some new dishes...