Ah, South Goa on a Saturday night. These days, it’s not exactly the first place you’d be itching to hit up, is it? Not because of a shortage of good eateries, mind you—there are plenty of places dishing out delicious food—but because the energy just hasn’t been…let’s say, sizzling. However, exceptions can be made, and in this case, one had to be. Kalliste was calling, and frankly, I’d had it on my list for longer than I care to admit.
Kalliste, meaning “the prettiest and most fair of all”—a bold claim, but I’m happy to say it more than lived up to its name. Laid over two floors, the owners clearly had a vision and the decor was thoughtful, cosy, and elegant.
As we walked in, a private party was raging upstairs while the ground floor was open to the rest of us. I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for live music, so seeing a duo strumming away on a Saturday night? First goal post: smashed.
The real test, though, is always the drinks, isn’t it? Enter Shantanu, the hero of the evening. Warm, helpful, and the kind of waiter who actually knows his stuff—what a rare treat. We quizzed him on the cocktail menu, and after some playful nudging, we settled on the Zaphroni (think Martini Rosso, Campari, gin infused with saffron and star anise) and a Chiquita (Blue Pea Tea Infused Gin, Elderflower, Egg White, Lime Juice, and Guava).
Let me tell you, these weren’t just your run-of-the-mill concoctions. These were top-shelf alchemy. The kind of cocktails that make you remember why you love cocktails. Both packed the right amount of kick for a Saturday night.
Food-wise, we dove in with the Popcorn Chicken and the Kalliste Platter, served with an assortment of homemade dips. Warning: this is not subtle. This is an all-out assault on your senses—in the best way possible.
Then, feeling daring (or maybe just influenced by the drinks), we went for an oven-fired Vegetarian Margarita. I’m going to be blunt: this pizza could start a religion. Thin-crusted perfection, with a cheese-and-topping combo that could make a carnivore weep with joy.
And if that wasn’t enough to keep us happy, Kalliste also offers hookah. Not your average, overly sweet, smoke-bomb nonsense, either. The Dubai Special Hookah was the perfect end to the evening. Honestly, how more places don’t offer this, I’ll never know.
Special mention again to Shantanu, who was the embodiment of excellent service—making spot-on recommendations and serving them with a smile that made everything taste just that little bit better.
Now, here’s the thing that really grinds my gears. Why wasn’t the place packed? It hurts my soul when spots that get everything right—food, drinks, ambience—aren’t heaving with patrons. Kalliste deserves to be South Goa’s crowning glory on a Saturday night. So, here’s my plea: get yourselves down there. This place is a gem, a much-needed oasis of fun, flavour, and flair. And let’s be honest, we could all use a little more “Kalliste” in our lives.
Honest Reviews 