Goodfellas Italian Restaurant, Benaulim Goa : Restaurant Review

We’ve been to Benaulim heaps of times and passed by Goodfellas but for some reason didn’t feel motivated enough to pop in. Last Saturday, I was determined to finally make an entry that was long overdue.

At first glance, Goodfellas is a quaint eatery, tucked away in a quiet corner, with a mellow ambience and a subtle Italian vibe. With its rustic wooden furniture, dim lighting, and an inviting aroma of freshly baked dough, Goodfellas sets the stage for a satisfying dining experience.

As I settled into my seat, I couldn’t help but notice the eclectic mix of music playing softly in the background. From classic Italian tunes to modern jazz, the playlist added an extra layer of charm to the overall atmosphere. The vibrant melodies seemed to dance around the room, setting the perfect backdrop for a leisurely evening of indulgence.

The vibe at Goodfellas is relaxed and the staff members are attentive and eager enough to guide you through their menu.

We decided to order the Goodfellas Pizza. The crust was a decent size, and chewy with those coveted charred spots that speak of a well-fired base. The light sauces boasted a tangy flavour that harmonized perfectly with the creamy morzzarella. The wood-fired oven, visible from the dining area, exudes an air of authenticity, hinting at the magic happening in the kitchen. However, while the pizza was near perfection, the chicken toppings were a slight disappointment. It had an unexpected sourness which made me believe that the chicken was not all that fresh. It was a letdown amidst an otherwise good experience.

Despite this minor flaw, the overall experience at Goodfellas is not just about the food; the ambience, music, and vibe seamlessly blend together, inviting you to linger and savor the moment.

The culinary delights extend beyond their pizzas. The menu boasts a tantalizing selection of pasta dishes that seemingly cater to every pasta lover’s cravings. From classic Italian favorites to innovative creations, Goodfellas offers a diverse range of pasta options that will leave you spoilt for choice.

Try the Ravioli Spinacio Rosso Crema Di Ricotta E Noci, which is in-house made ravioli stuffed with local Amaranth leaves and Ricotta cheese cream. It’s a comforting and satisfying choice that showcases Goodfellas’ commitment to Italian recipes.

For those seeking a lighter option, the Le Prugne in Montagna (prunes in the mountains) is a must-try. It comprises sun-dried prunes with goat cheese, crispy speck ham and lavender gel. The simplicity of the dish allows the quality of the ingredients to shine through, making it a refreshing and delightful choice.

Aside from their remarkable pasta offerings, Goodfellas also serves a selection of bruschetta. These delightful toasts feature crusty bread topped with a variety of flavorful combinations. You could choose the classic Bruschetta al Pomodoro, featuring ripe tomatoes, garlic, and fresh basil, or venture into the realm of creativity with their Alla Norma, which combines smoked aubergine cream, feta cheese and tomato confit topped with crispy aubergine strips.

Goodfellas attracts a good set of wining, dining, indulging crowd. While there are no huge fails, I think for me it’s a once in a blue moon kind of eatery. Competent, friendly, nice music, pizza and pasta. Can it get better than this? In Goa, yes it can!