Buongiorno Goa

“Ladies are nice and gents are full of spice…Come to Goa, Come to Goa, Goa Hurray!”

Last weekend was spent with a group of close friends amongst the palm trees, sea breeze and sandy beaches of none other than sunny Goa. It’s been years since I last went and I don’t know why that is. It’s a hop, skip and jump away from Bombay and if you go when it’s not too busy it’s absolutely great. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, the beaches are quiet and the restaurants always have a table available. I've decided that I need to go at least twice a year from now on as I just loved it.

Sur La Mer Hotel Goa

While I was there I realised that my love affair with Italian food has managed to extend itself all the way to this hippie haven. A quaint little restaurant tucked away in a side street of Assagao, North Goa is Ciao Bella.

The owner Mario and his wife Simona opened this darling eatery a few months ago and it's already gained status as the new ‘rave’ in Goa. So, ofcourse when I got word of this news I was excited to see what the fuss was all about.

Primo Italian pastas and hearty home made dishes using local and imported ingredients were available on the menu. I don’t have to tell you that after spending all day in the sun and sea, the group of us which included a very hungry pregnant friend, were all starving.

After we were promptly seated by our friendly waiter we got to meet Mario, the owner who told us about the evening specials in his cheerful Italiano accent which brought a smile to faces and made our tummies growl with excitement.

The service was quick and for laid-back Goa that was a pleasant surprise. The food, exceptional!
We began with Bruschetta, a staple starter when you’re eating Italian, was one of the best I've tasted. Fresh juicy tomatoes on chewy sour dough bread that had just the right amount of olive oil. It was a good start to a great meal.

Then came the mains: Ravioli with Mascaporne in Fresh Tomato Sauce; plump parcels of pasta filled with creamy, rich mascaporne cheese, lightly coated in fresh tomato puree.

Penne Pesto; cylinders of ribbed pasta tubes coated with herby pesto finished with a generous sprinkling of crunchy pine nuts and parmesan. Yum! 

Spinach Ravioli stuffed with Ricotta; bright green parcels of spinach induced pasta, stuffed with crumbly ricotta topped with a drizzle of a scrumdiddlyumcious butter sage sauce which was surprisingly light and full of flavour.

Penne Arrabiatta with Prawns; pasta coated with a spicy tomato sauce, served with fat little gamberos. Although tasty, this dish could have had a few more prawns thrown in.

Last but not least my dish was the house special, a Vegetable Lasagne; hand on heart the best lasagne I have ever had! This dish was bursting with flavour. Soft sheets of pasta swimming in a creamy spinach and béchamel sauce, topped with generous ladles of tomato sauce and soft mushy veggies with big stringy balls of fresh mozzarella, that was baked to perfection. Oh my God! I’m dying just thinking about it.

The portions were large and after we had stuffed ourselves to the maximum, we decided that based on the quality of the food, the special dessert of the day, Profiteroles was a must. Were we glad! Soft, gooey mini éclaires covered in dark velvety chocolate sauce, topped with fresh swirls of sweet cream…it was beautiful.

All I can say is if you are going to be in Goa anytime soon, book a table now and if you're not, plan your trip and book a table now!

A relaxed, slightly rustic restaurant that serves a superb meal and leaves a lasting impression. Molto Bene…mmuuah!

Address:
Ciao Bella Restaurant,
House No. 569 Assagao Baden Rd.,
Assagao,
Goa- 403507.

Facebook:
Ciao Bella Restaurant