Goa Nights — Restaurant in Cebu City

Honestly, a restaurant that serves good Indian food is really hard to come by in Cebu. It’s not pricey. If you know your food, it isn’t really a sky rocket amount to pay for better quality ingredients. It certainly feels like only very few actually understand this. I’ve been here a lot and their bar makes a mean negroni if you enjoy your cocktails and again, if know what you like, it doesn’t disappoint. I like their Aperol and the Campari spritz for lighter drinking. To find a bar that serves their cocktails just right and not too sweet, it’s a struggle. So if you struggle like me, go here.

Other cocktails to try: Cape Verde, St. Paul’s Ruins, Lisbon, Casualty and Hola from Mexico to name a few. If they have passionfruit, try their Happy Street cocktail - that’s one of their best sellers in Macau.

Food is more modern Indian. A lot less intimidating for those who’ve never tried Indian food before. It’s on par with other Indian restaurants I’ve frequented while abroad. They are an international brand from Macau.

Food recommendations:

For starters, if you like salads try out the chickpea salad it gives a good break from the meats. Their trio dip platter with hummus, tzatziki and babaganoush paired with the Afghani naan is a no brainer. Their hummus is easily the best in the city. The chicken tikkas are nice and succulent, beef tenderloin is definitely popular and for good reason. The quality of the beef is good. You have to add the seasoned butter it is served with for burst of flavour.

If you’re keen on lamb dishes, the lamb chops are to die for. I tend to gravitate towards their galouti kebab, this isn’t for everyone but it’s a great starter to try if you’re more accustomed to Indian food. It isn’t as spicy as the one from Tunday Kababi in Delhi but hits the spot.

For main dishes, the chicken tikka masala is a must. (Opt to have it with garlic naan not rice!) For rice lovers, chicken biryani with the raita is great. Their spinach curry with paneer is a treat, very flavourful.

Goan dishes to try:

Pork sorpotel! I’m thinking how to best describe this to a fellow Cebuano while I’m typing this. Think sisig but not as fatty, it’s a bit tangy, spicy and vinegary with just the right amount of salt. This is good served with a bit of bread on the side.

Goan curry. This one is a bit more hearty with not so much heat. I like this one with rice.

Best way to sample a few dishes at once is to try their set lunch thali. Best introduction to indian food and this one is more pocket friendly.

For an interesting evening, definitely keep an eye out for their events. They do bar takeovers and wine events too. Went a few months ago, they invited an amazing mixologist from (The Aubrey Bar) Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong. There was also a lady mixologist from a popular bar in Taiwan called Indulge Bistro that came over and did her magic. Really good stuff!

Ambience: Tastefully electic with pops of colour. Seats are comfortable. It’s a nice space, not too...

Fine dining environment. We reserved on the day. We enjoyed the calm and cozy dining ambiance. The waiter in attending makes dining convenient and makes the dining experience stand out from other places. Warm lighting, comfortable chairs with sofa seating are available. Great ambiance for a romantic experience.

There is parking and an in restaurant handwashing station and powder room.

Pricing is rather on a high end price point for a Cebu local dining option and plating per meal is for 1 person.

Dining for yourself or for two with 1 drink each is ideal. Good date place or for executive meals but not for large groups of 6 or more if 1 person is footing the bill. For 4 meat dishes, an appetizer, 2 cocktails, plus service charge, we spent 9K plus equating resort restaurant prices, though the dining environment, food quality, premium meat and service makes it a stand out.

For kids below 7, there is not much choice, as it might be too strong with spice if your kids are not used to it. We fed our kid the flat breads and which she liked.

We tried and recommend the basics: Dips starter, Chicken Tikka Masala, the lamb chops and Chicken Biryani which was served in a warm metal bowl.

The order of Kebab was 1 skewer served in suspension which came with flat bread and herbed butter. Meat was premium, and there is a difference from the casual dining kebabs at lower priced restaurants that use meat saw dust. It is a different expectation.

Prime cut meat kebabs are served at Goa Nights.

There were only 2 options for dessert. A custard and something else. We opted for dessert elsewhere.

Non fine dining Lower price point casual dining that have similar cuisine & dishes: Tandoori, Persian Palate, and Hussam.

Comparable cocktail bar at lower price points: 1521 in Faustina...

Ambiance: The ambiance at Goa Nights is vibrant and lively, reminiscent of the coastal vibes of Goa. With colorful decor, beach-inspired elements, and upbeat music, it sets the perfect mood for a culinary adventure.

Service: The service at Goa Indian Food is prompt and attentive. The staff members are friendly and knowledgeable about the menu, offering recommendations and ensuring a pleasant dining experience.

Food Quality: The food at Goa Indian Food is exceptional, offering a tantalizing fusion of flavors from Goa's coastal cuisine. From succulent seafood dishes like Goan fish curry and prawn balchao to flavorful vegetarian options like paneer tikka and vegetable xacuti, each dish is expertly prepared with fresh ingredients and aromatic spices.

Must-Try Dishes:

Goan Fish Curry: A fragrant curry made with tender fish, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, delivering a burst of flavors with every bite.

Prawn Balchao: Juicy prawns cooked in a tangy and spicy sauce, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Vegetable Xacuti: A rich and aromatic curry featuring a medley of vegetables simmered in a coconut-based gravy with a complex spice profile.

Overall Experience: Overall, dining at Goa Indian Food is a delightful culinary journey through the flavors of Goa. With its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and mouthwatering dishes, it's a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Goan cuisine. Whether you're a seafood lover or vegetarian, there's something on the menu to satisfy...