A delicious fusion of Spain and Goa on a plate!
When it comes to eating out, we look for outlets which serve good food in an interesting ambience. Places featuring both are obviously quite a hit. And here’s one of them.
This aesthetic outdoor restaurant will leave you in awe – not just with its fascinating, yet simple decor and warm lighting, but also with the delicious choice of cuisine it offers.
Nestled in the quiet village of Siolim, in North Goa, is a Spanish fusion restaurant, Barrafina. If you’re wondering if that’s a chain of cafes from London, you’re mistaken as it’s solely a new venture, owned by two best friends – Savio Gracias and Lloyd Rodrigues – both of who are very hospitable hosts and are always around to assist the customer.
SPANISH WITH A HINT OF GOA
Barrafina is a Spanish fusion restaurant and bar, with a dash of Goan thrown in. They tell us what exactly they mean by ‘a dash of Goan’.
Lloyd says there are certain dishes like Chorizo, where they source the sausages locally. He further adds that the dish is Spanish, but certain ingredients are sourced locally – hence the ‘dash’ of Goan.
As already mentioned, Barrafina is a Spanish fusion restaurant that specializes in tapas, with a menu that offers a lovely spread of assorted tapas, just waiting for you to try them.
Savio suggests a must-try, called Patas Bravas, which is prepared from potatoes and Bravas sauce. Another one is Gambas Al Ajillo, which contains prawns in chilli garlic oil and poie. And then, there’s the chefs special, the Beef Barafina.
However, the restaurant does have certain dishes that are 100% Spanish in nature, while a few have the Goan touch. Other than tapas, salads and sea food are on the menu as well.
CAPTIVATING COCKTAILS
The food at Barrafina will keep you coming back for more. And, if that doesn’t convince you, the restaurant also has a very interesting bar menu, unlike anything that you have heard or tasted before – the reason being that all the cocktails have originated in-house, and each cocktail has a tale of its own.
Savio tells us that the cocktail, 813, gets its name from the house number of the restaurant. Then, there’s Bernadette, who is Lloyd's mother; while Don Julia is Savio’s mum.
Likewise, the other cocktails also derive their names from close friends or acquaintances or interesting events connected with the owners.
Other interesting cocktails on the menu are Sorry Not Sorry, Date Night In Xioli etc. To find out about the remaining cocktails, you will have to visit the place and experience the drink and feel the vibe for yourself!
ANYONE FOR A CUPPA?
Apart from cocktails, hot brews are also available here – that’s your coffee and tea – with some fine options to choose from.
Additionally, there are cold brews, which are cold versions of hot brews. And, there’s a treat for coffeeholics who like it cold – try the Vietnamese coffee or C & T (Coffee & Tonic) to know the lovely taste of these drinks.
SWEET NOTHINGS
But, don’t leave just yet! No meal is complete without dessert. Like we say ‘there’s always room for dessert’. Another aspect that makes Barrafina notable is that all the desserts are whipped up in-house by Savio’s wife, Stacy, who has a Diplôme de Pâtisser from Le Cordon Blue, in Paris.
The desserts are very Spanish in origin, and include delicacies such as like Basque Cheesecake and Churros.
Currently, Barrafina is only open in the evenings, but Savio and Lloyd say that they intend to start all-day dining soon. Other plans are also in the pipeline.
In short, Barrafina checks the vibe list with aesthetic decor, good service and delicious food, all topped with some good music. So, add this to your must-try restaurant list. You won’t be disappointed!
WHERE: Bamon waddo, Siolim, North Goa
WHEN: Open on all days, except Tuesday
TIMINGS: 7 pm – 11 pm
CONTACT: +91 77666 367556 / Instagram: barrafina_goa