The Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen Goa — Restaurant in Goa

Went here on Mother’s Day and had one of the best culinary experiences ever. This is going to be my most detailed review. I will split my review into 3 parts. 1) Food, 2) Service, 3) Ambiance.

1. Food: The food was so good it took me to an entirely different dimension. They provided us with a complimentary mocktail followed by a complimentary bread basked. We started off with (Prawn Stack, sushi rice, avocado, sesame, mango salsa) It was a deconstructed prawn tempura which had an entirely different take on it, every bite was absolutely delicious. The second dish we had was (Prawn Skewers) this dish was very tasty, but nothing to get me excited, wouldn’t really try it again. The Third dish was (Pork Ribs, Kimchi with Jasmine Rice) this pork was the best cooked pork I have ever eaten. This dish was the highlight of the day. The Fourth Dish was (Goan Chorizo and Special Potato Pizza) The dish was really tasty, however the green dressing they used slightly diverted from the flavour, the pizza base was really delicious. The fifth dish (Beef Casoulet, Bean Dip, Poi) was an absolute shocker, the poi was so soft and just fell apart when cut, just like butter, the beef pieces were perfectly cooked and the flavour profile of this dish is something that is going to have me visiting Sanctuary every time I am in Goa. The sixth dish (Sanctuary Beef Burger with Bacon) was a perfect burger with a juicy patty, it had the perfect flavour profile and I couldn’t have enjoyed it any more, the potato wedges were delicious too. The Seventh Dish (Nasi Goreng Chicken, Ayam Taliwan, Nyonya Acar) was such a strong aromatic dish, we could smell the dish even before it arrived at the table, this was by far the best Nasi Goreng rice we have ever eaten, the chicken was perfectly cooked. Moving onto desserts, we ordered the (Tropical Island Bliss) which was really tasty and fresh) they have used edible flowers as a garnish which if consumed give a bitter taste and throw the dish off, but if removed, the dish is a solid 8/10. The second dessert ( Sugarfree Dark Chocolate Mousse) was very rich and delicious. And Finally the Best Dessert of them all (Australian Lamington) this dessert is the best dessert I’ve had in all of Goa and internationally too, just could not get enough of it. It’s a light chocolate mousse with crumble and a berry center. Absolutely a standout dessert and a 10/10.

2. Service: The staff here definitely know their stuff. Our server Madan was very knowledgeable and made great suggestions to our meal. Before we ordered, he showed us pictures of each dish that we were going to order. The staff that work here are all very friendly and kept checking up on us from time to time.

3. Ambiance: This is one of the most beautiful places I have visited for a meal. It is set up within an old Portuguese ruin, the plants and trees here are beautiful. There are multiple indoor and outdoor seatings. There is ever a play room for children. The pictures do not do justice to this place, you just need to visit. There is a huge...

An unforgettable dining experience for all the right reasons mostly.

Pros - Service makes all the difference at Sanctuary. In goa, where mostly the attitude of wait staff is they are doing you a favor by letting you give them your business, The Sanctuary, is an oasis of professional, competent and courteous service without being obtrusive or overbearing.

Special mention needs to be made of Deepak, Anand, Madan and Ramesh from the wait staff who were all super prompt, friendly and efficient.

Food - we ordered Wild mushroom tartlets (INR 550) and Crab xacuti cakes (INR 675) for starters. Both were outstanding with my vote going slightly more in favor of tartlets. Our main course orders were Thai green curry prawn with jasmine rice (INR 875) and chicken roulade. Though I always prefer sticky glutinous rice with Thai dishes over any other kind of Indica rice, let’s just say jasmine rice did not interfere into us enjoying the lip smacking green prawn curry. However, Chicken roulade was a disappointment. The meat was chewy and did not taste fresh. When I brought this to the notice of wait staff, they suggested I try Mutton Ghee roast (INR 750) instead. They were also kind enough to not charge me for the chicken roulade. I am not big on spicy Indian foods but the mutton ghee roast though being super spicy for my taste, was very delicately slow cooked and was one of the best mutton ghee roasts I have had in ages. Full marks to the kitchen staff for getting that one absolutely spot on.

Beverages - while I went for the classic negroni (INR 800) cocktail, my partner decided to try Tiki not Tikka (INR 800). I like my cocktails strong and not sweet and was happy to note the mixologist worked up a potent mix. Though I wish there was less ice shaving and more cocktail in Tiki not Tikka.

Dessert- we shared a Lamington (Australian and not the Kiwi version, INR 525) which is a chocolate mousse with strawberry and blueberry fillings. I loved the way it was presented and the dish definitely lived up to the expectations.

Things that can be made better - We had drinks and starters in the dining room which has a bar attached. All the shaking, mixing and grinding at the bar was very noisy and with the piped music playing over it, in a small room which has about 4 tables made it cacophonic and claustrophobic. We decided to move outdoors for the main course. There was a big group of Punjabi aunties having a loud and boisterous kitty party over there which made us want to run away again. Maybe such groups can be accommodated in a secluded private dining room where all their yelling and screaming does not hassle...

Restaurant Review: Sanctuary

Rating: ★★★★★

Nestled in the heart of the city, Sanctuary offers a sublime dining experience that transcends the ordinary. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with an ambiance that felt both serene and luxurious—a true sanctuary from the hustle and bustle outside.

Service: Bunty, our server, was the epitome of exceptional service. His warm demeanor and attentiveness made us feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for throughout our meal. Bunty’s detailed knowledge of the menu and his thoughtful recommendations enhanced our dining experience immeasurably.

Ambiance: The restaurant’s ambiance is nothing short of enchanting. Soft lighting, elegant decor, and a harmonious blend of modern and traditional design elements create an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated. The subtle background music added a perfect touch, allowing for comfortable conversation.

Food: The culinary delights at Sanctuary are truly exceptional. We sampled both Jain and regular vegetarian dishes, and each was a masterpiece in its own right.

Charred Broccoli Soba Noodles (Jain): A delightful dish that balanced smokiness and a rich umami flavor perfectly. The noodles were cooked to perfection, and the charred broccoli added a wonderful depth of flavor. Heritage Veg Biryani (Jain): This biryani was a revelation. Fragrant, flavorful, and beautifully presented, it was a symphony of spices and textures. Every bite was a testament to the chef’s skill and dedication to quality. Duo of Dal with Roti: The regular vegetarian offering was equally stellar. The Dal Makhani was creamy and indulgent, with a depth of flavor that was simply out of this world. The Dal Tadka was a vibrant, aromatic delight that perfectly complemented the soft, fresh roti. It’s safe to say that this duo of dal was the best I have ever had—absolutely cosmic.

Overall: Sanctuary is more than just a restaurant; it’s a haven for food lovers seeking an extraordinary culinary journey. The combination of exceptional service by Bunty, the serene and luxurious ambiance, and the divine food makes Sanctuary a standout dining destination. Whether you’re looking for Jain or regular vegetarian cuisine, Sanctuary delivers an experience that is nothing short of magical. Highly...