Some Saturday nights, you crave chaos—the kind of place where elbows knock over cocktails and the music competes with a hundred conversations. Other times, you want something quieter, a little more dignified, preferably somewhere that doesn’t involve fighting off a group of teenagers for the last barstool. This Saturday, we were in the latter mood. Enter Nora’s Cantina, tucked inside Novotel, Panaji, a hotel that has quickly integrated into the vibrant fabric of the city.
It’s new, it’s shiny, and, as we correctly predicted, it’s not the sort of place where you’d struggle to get a table.
Now, let’s start with the look and feel. The restaurant is spacious, and they’ve done it up well. But here’s the thing—it’s a “Cantina” that serves Spanish and Portuguese cuisine. So naturally, I walked in expecting warm, rustic vibes, maybe a hint of old-world Iberian charm, something that whispered fiesta rather than murmured corporate hotel dining. Instead, I was greeted by an aesthetic that felt like someone had skimmed a Mediterranean travel guide but got bored halfway through. But hey, I wasn’t here to critique the wallpaper. I was here for the food.
The evening commenced with a complimentary aperitif—a gesture that, in many establishments, might be a token offering. Here, however, it was a masterstroke: a delicate concoction that danced on the palate, hinting at ginger and other spices.
Accompanying this was a trio of amuse-bouches—a whisper of the chef’s intentions. The bread basket, often an overlooked prelude, arrived as an ensemble of artisanal loaves, each exuding warmth and an aroma that beckoned immediate indulgence.
Our first order : Burrata Caprese. Now, I’ve eaten my way through enough burratas to know that when done right, they are clouds of creamy perfection, a little drizzle of something olive-oily and herby making them even better.
But what arrived at the table was a burrata perched atop sliced tomatoes in a way that suggested someone had given up halfway through plating. No dressing. No excitement. Just… burrata and tomato, looking like they were having an awkward first date.
Then came the savior of the evening: Pollo Alla Antigua, Braised Chicken cooked in white wine, figs and rosemary. Now, this is where things took a turn for the better.
The chicken was tender, beautifully done, and happily set atop a composition of potato mash. The apricot added a nice sweet kick, the mashed potatoes were creamy, and the cherry tomatoes added a pop of freshness. Finally, we were on the right track.
Then came dessert. And this is where things got serious. We ordered a chocolate dessert, which arrived looking too pretty to eat—but eat it we did. It was chocolate upon chocolate, a dessert that doesn’t whisper sweet nothings but instead shouts, “You better love cocoa, or else.” Deep, indulgent, and strictly for people who aren’t afraid to commit to chocolate.
But the real star of the evening? The Churros Con Chocolate. These arrived as a complimentary gift from the kitchen—which was a lovely gesture from Sous Chef Utsha. Either way, these churros were phenomenal. Light, crispy, and creamy, they made me momentarily consider moving in. If there was a single reason to return to Nora’s Cantina, these churros might be it.
So, the final verdict: Would I go back? Hmm. Panaji is bursting with restaurants vying for attention. In a city where culinary delights beckon from every corner, Nora’s Cantina at Novotel Goa Panjim offers a pleasant dining experience. While it may not be the most avant-garde establishment in Panaji’s bustling food scene, its warm ambiance and attentive service provide a comforting retreat. Would I return? Perhaps, on an evening when familiarity and ease are the desired companions.
The service was lovely. The chef and serving staff were warm, welcoming, and clearly eager to make sure we had a good time. And sometimes, that’s enough to tempt you back for round two.
Honest Reviews 