Review of Top Nosh – Candolim Goa

The other day, MR R came back from his walk looking very pleased with himself.

“I’ve found you a new restaurant to review. The menu looks great, lots of things you love to eat. Drinks the right price and on Wednesday night they have the Rajasthan folk dancers.”

How could I refuse?

The menu is wide-ranging offering breakfast, lunch and dinner. Indian, Chinese and Western food. With a few interesting dishes I have yet to see on other menus. 

STAFF and SERVICE

As soon as we entered, we were greeted with smiles. I just knew then MR R had made a good choice. Smiling staff says a happy staff, and I later realised why. The owners, Indihar and his wife Janaki, are a very lovely, welcoming couple. Indira works front of house, hosting and when the restaurant becomes busy, slips easily into the role of waiter. Janaki, works behind the bar with her beautiful smile.

Harish our waiter for the evening was charming. Took and served both our drink and food orders professionally and promptly and also did a table check, in addition a table check by Indira.

The actual surroundings are modern, with a feel of a continental, patio bistro.

The table was beautifully set, with cutlery, condiments, fresh linen table cloth and napkins as well as paper napkins. A nice touch with the flower.

DRINKS

 60ml vodka Rupees 70/£0.76/€0.87/₽64.87/$0.98/₴27.36

Large Kingfisher Beer Rupees 110/£1.18/€1.36/₽101.91/$1.54/₴43.00

Diet coke Rupees 60/£0.64/€0.74/₽55.59/$0.84/₴23.45

There was a slight error with the drinks, in respect to the menu said vodka was Rupees 60, however when the bill was delivered the vodka was priced at Rupees 70.

 HYGIENE

The restaurant and bar area, immaculate. The table setting and cleanliness excellent.

Toilets. Only one toilet and sadly I have to say due to there being a urinal in there it smelt badly. There was soap, toilet roll and paper napkins.  Passable, but certainly not the standard I expected compared to the restaurant.

FOOD

Fillet Steak: Rupees 380/£4.10/€4.73/₽352.12/$5.34/₴148.54

Garnished with fried tomato and mushrooms served with boiled vegetables and potatoes or chips.

I was disappointed at first to find that what I actually was given was a flattened steak, which wasn’t mentioned on the menu.  I asked for medium rare, however the outside was medium and the middle was medium rare. On a positive note, the steak was beautifully tender and succulent. The vegetables fresh and tasty, not overcooked slightly sautéed. Presentation, spot on.

Half Chicken Tandoori: Rupees 250/£2.68/€3.11/₽231.57/$3.51/₴98.05

A good portion of chicken that undoubtedly was a half chicken with breast, leg and thigh. Great fiery seasoning, which MR R loves. I would advise if you don’t like too much spice mention this when ordering. Cooked exactly to MR R requirements-well done. Well worth the money.

 

 

 

                                      THE SCORES:

                                             FIRST IMPRESSIONS 5/5

                                             AMBIENCE 5/5

STAFF    5/5

SERVICE 5/5

HYGIENE Public areas 5/5 Toilets 2.5/5

FOOD 5/5 5/5 

DRINKS 4/5

OVERALL SCORE 4.6/5 Red Hot chillies 

 

WOULD I GO AGAIN?

Most definitely

The highlight of the evening, had to be the Folk dancer. A great atmosphere and guest participation.

 

 

 

 

TOP NOSH

SOUZA VADDO, NEAR THE STONEHOUSE, CANDOLIM GOA