Sanman Restaurant — Restaurant in Maharashtra

We stopped for lunch at this place. We started off with the fish thali (Basa, Surmai and Pomfret).

The thali comprised a generous piece of fried fish, a fish curry, the quintessential rice bhakri and steamed rice. We had exchanged the dried prawn subji for chicken curry as we don't like the dried seafood.

The fried fish delivered—delectable masala. The curry delivered—provocative but not overspicy. The bhakri and rice complemented all of the above.

The solkadhi hit the sweet spot—the right mix of sour, spicy and tangy. We ordered an extra large mug each—the small katora that came with the thali just didn't cut it for us.

The icing was the Fried Bombil. To give you an idea about its quality, we ordered one plate, and after the first bite, ordered FOUR more plates. Tantalizing masala-coated, crisp exterior blending with the meat that just melted in the mouth. Oh la la!

At the next table, some other fortunates were intensely involved with the most delicious-looking fried tiger prawns and crab curry. We would have similarly indulged ourselves, only M/s Sanman would have had to provide us with another stomach each. Well, there's always another day...

The vegetarians with us were not disappointed either. Their veg thali was delicious, it seems.

The ambience is cosy; the service, pleasant and enthusiastic; the cost quite reasonable (₹500 per head for a ton of seafood). They even have an arrangement with the building opposite where you can park your car.

Yes, a gazetted seafood lover's paradise. I would definitely stop here...

If you are craving for simple yet delicious home-style sea food preparation, Sanman Restaurant is the place you ought to visit. Located in the heart of Alibaug, Sanman serves Gomantak delicacies. Don't expect to be blown away by the ambience, Sanman is at heart a khanaval (local mess). But this khanaval (and many other like it) can take on any five star and niche sea-food serving restaurants in the country. Sanman's simplicity is it's greatest USP. This, simplicity, is what bowled us (a group of 8, including 2 vegetarians) over. We ordered 2 veg special thalis, multiple portions (stopped keeping a count after the 3 plates) of Tisrya Masala and Prawn Masala, chapatis, bhakaris, wades and plain rice. The veg thalis were scrumptious. Not heavy on the seasoning and spice, the assortment of vegetables dishes, rice, chapatis and bhakaris and sweet dish (shrikhand) was a complete wholesome meal. The sea-food dishes (Tistya - Mussels and Prawns) were exceptionally succulent, served in traditional Gomantak style coconut gravy, the two dishes left us wanting for more. No meal in coastal Maharashtra is complete without Solkadhi and Sanman's Solkadhi was soulful. And finally the icing on the cake was the service. Extremely warm and quick. Any they would request us to have more servings, that just elevated the entire experience. To sum it up, Sanman deserves a five...

Famished at Beach outing day, we arrived at this famous spot for the Famous dish - "Surmai Fish Thali" ❤️ Now here goes our PROs and CONs list :-

PRO :--- Being a Bangali (or Bong as YOU call us) we are allllways open to Fish meals and we would rate a 100 ⭐ for Surmai Fish fry + Surmai Fish curry!! Absolutely amazing 🤩

Also another 100 ⭐ for that Pinky Ghol (Solkhadi) or I will call it Pinky Chaanch 🥰 Just a unique Delicious... Refreshing drink ✨❤️✨

Only CON is :--- We had also ordered Plain Curd (Dahi) but the price and quantity was NOT SATISFACTORY!!! It was Rs. 60 but just a little tiny bowl of curd ??!!! That too at a hot place like Alibaug!!! Whyyy? Dahi is the cheapest natural cooling food item which shouldn't have been compromised at any level!!

Anyway other experiences:- Staff behaviour --- friendly and Super Fast!! Name register ---- Name calling after name registration at reception was super fast 😂 really!! I'm serious!!! Toilet and washroom --- way cleaner than beach ones!! Souvenir --- lovely pieces available here!! Affordable price ❤️

P.S. :- My father is an Acute Pancreatitis patient. So we always opt Plain(sada) courses for him (hence veg courses). Generally veg items are also rich and spicy at many places. BUT HERE the Veg Thali was sooo perfect for him!! Just the exact amount of oil and spices!! Good food...