Restaurant Chef Pillai Goa — Restaurant in Goa

Visited in April. Location: India, Panaji, Goa.

In Goa, finding decent restaurants of high quality can be quite challenging; one often has to search extensively, to remove all expectations beforehand is key—it's a bit of a gamble. That said, Chef Pillai's restaurant stands out as the best establishment we discovered in Panaji.

The interior exudes coziness and charm, adorned with photos of the chef and his family on the walls, creating a pleasant atmosphere overall.

Food: Selecting dishes for a family of four proved challenging, so we opted for one of their set menus to sample the highlights of their offerings. They offer several set menus with variations main dish in the main sets. We opted for the Nirvana and Lobster set.

The appetizers were well-executed; while not particularly innovative, they boasted good flavors. The shrimp, with its tender texture, paired excellently with the sauces, introducing new dimensions of taste.

Moving on to the main courses, the lobster in sauce was impeccably cooked, with a pleasing texture. I particularly enjoyed the mashed potatoes with coconut flakes—an intriguing combination previously unknown to me. The second set featured fish in a signature sauce, boasting a delightful creamy blend of coconut and curry flavors. The sauce had a smooth, slightly airy texture, and the fish, though tender, contained small bones necessitating careful consumption. To round off the meal, we were presented with an assortment of appetizers—chicken, beef, lamb, shrimp, and asparagus—all enveloped in various rich sauces, allowing us to savor the diverse flavors of India. While enjoyable, none reached the level of culinary mastery.

Our dining experience concluded with two desserts—a mousse reminiscent of creamy baked milk infused with spices and a puff pastry accompanied by creams. Personally, I found the desserts somewhat lacking in balance, fatty, lacked elegance in taste, they were simply sweet.

Service: The service was commendable; the waiter assisted us in making selections and provided detailed explanations of the dishes. Plates were cleared promptly, and upon request, adjustments were made to reduce the spice level for one member of our group.

Conclusion: In the context of Goa and our accommodations, Chef Pillai's restaurant stands head and shoulders above the rest. It's unlikely one would find more delectable fare coupled with attentive service and an inviting ambiance elsewhere. I wholeheartedly recommend this establishment—your dining experience here is sure to...

Nestled in the heart of the city, "CHEF Pillai" promises a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. Among their many enticing dishes, their FISH NIRVANA stands out as a true gem.

Upon entering the restaurant, the aromatic scents of spices immediately transport you to a world of exotic flavors. The warm and welcoming ambiance, adorned with elegant decor, creates a delightful atmosphere for a memorable dining experience.

The menu boasts an extensive selection of curries, but their Fish Nirvana steals the spotlight. Served in a rich and creamy sauce, the tender fish pieces are infused with a harmonious blend of traditional Indian spices. Each bite is a burst of flavors, with the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory undertones.paired with fluffy ghee rice and freshly prepared garamagaram porrotta and appam

Second was the Injipuli chicken wings the chicken itself is impeccably cooked, maintaining its succulence while absorbing the fragrant spices. The sauce, a symphony of spices, features layers of cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, creating a truly aromatic masterpiece. Paired with fluffy basmati rice or freshly baked naan bread, this dish becomes an exquisite indulgence.

What truly sets "CHEF Pillai apart is their commitment to using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The chicken is tender and free of any unwanted gristle, ensuring a delightful texture in every mouthful. The skillful combination of spices is a testament to the chef's expertise, resulting in a chicken curry that is robust, flavorful, and comforting.

The service at "CHEF Pillai is impeccable, with attentive staff ready to guide you through their menu and cater to your preferences. Whether you're a seasoned curry aficionado or a newcomer to Indian cuisine, they make you feel right at home.

In conclusion, Chef Pillai offers an exceptional food that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight. From the inviting ambiance to the expertly crafted flavors, this dish is a testament to the restaurant's dedication to providing an authentic Indian culinary experience. A visit to chef Pillai is a must for anyone seeking a memorable fish and chicken curry that satisfies both the stomach and the...

Update: we celebrated my mom's 60th birthday here. The staff went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. This was a really new experience for our family, a lot of guests being from older age group. A massive thank you for the entire team for making this evening such a memorable one for us ❤️ you all have a forever place in my heart for all the wonderful things you did for my mom's special day. Right from planning the perfect menu, offering to do a simple decor themselves and to serving each guest with lots of love there was no space to complaint. All out guests totally loved the food and the credit definitely goes to the Staff and chefs.

It''s truly an experience like no other! Right from the warm welcome till the goodbye. Recently went here for lunch and we tried two of their tasting menus - nirvana feast and the veg one. Both were absolute perfection! The dishes that stood out to me were venad paal konch (prawns grilled in coconut milk) - being a Goan who has been eating prawns since childhood, I can tell you I've never had such amazing preparation of prawns! Could eat 2 whole servings of just this. Fish nirvana was true to its name and fame. Such creamy delicious flavours that complimented both appam as well as nool paratha very well. Travancore kozhi roast, ulli theeyal, and sambharam kadumanga were equally delicious too. Although the food was outstanding, their service definitely stole the show! A big thanks to Basil for his wonderful dedicated service and for explaining each dish nicely, and for the encouragement to eat a bit more even after we were so full half way through the course. The entire staff truly made us feel at home. The meal ended with sulemani tea which you just cannot miss. It was truly the best ending to a wonderful gastronomical experience. Thank you again to the entire staff, chefs of this establishment for an...