Goa may be everyone’s favourite drinking destination. And just like others, yours truly decided to go on a Goan feni and tapas food trail, organised by an experiential travel house, Make It Happen. The trail took me to a few old and modern bar places as well as historic eating joints too. After all, it was a lesson in history with a dash of feni. However, it was a vintage Goan club frequented by colonial nobility during the Portuguese era that made a fascinating experience, Restaurante Vasco da Gama.
Inside The Club
Hidden in the by-lanes of Panjim, invisible to the tourist eyes which are mostly keen on seeking out the colourful houses of Fontainhas, is this historic bar and restaurant place. Originally called Clube Vasco Da Gama, it used to be the oldest social club in Goa, almost more than 100 years old. My guide, Petula told me that it used to be a club back in the early ‘90s, however, reserved only for the elites.
The stunning décor of the restaurant now called Restaurante Vasco da Gama catches your attention at first glance. The restaurant is decorated with a nautical theme, featuring models of ships, compasses, and other artefacts related to Portuguese maritime history. The restaurant’s interior is elegant and sophisticated, with warm lighting and comfortable seating, making it the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a celebration with family and friends.
Also Read: When In North Goa, Eat Like A Local At These Restaurants And Cafes
The restaurant also has a spacious outdoor terrace that offers panoramic views of the Goan streets. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink or a meal while soaking up the breathtaking views.
What To Eat There?
Feni has never been my drink of respite. Since returning to Goa this year, however, I’ve appreciated its texture more. As part of my food trail, this club was the first stoppage in a long bar crawl that introduced me to feni-tasting and innovative food pairing with it — that included fun cocktails. The restaurant specialises in Goan and Portuguese dishes also. And while you’re there, don’t miss trying their fish chips and croquettes.
If you push past the new Goan cafes that we keep seeing popping up on the Internet, we end up discovering places that are more than just pretty.
Would you like to visit Restaurante Vasco da Gama?
Where: Garcia de Orta, Panaji, Goa
When: 11:30 am–3:30 pm; 7 pm–11 pm
Cost: ₹700 for two (approx.)
Cover image credits: Instagram/Restaurante Vasco da Gama