In Goa, one of the most relaxing and ubiquitous experiences loved by visitors is dining by the beach. From humble shacks to swanky restaurants, there are a wide variety of establishments to choose from. But the lush terrain of Goa also offers other opportunities to relish delectable meals with a scenic water view. A new restaurant in South Goa has capitalised on its unique location to do exactly that. Riverside, a cosy Pan-Asian restaurant, recently opened at the luxurious St Regis Goa. As the name suggests, it is nestled along the banks of a river (Sal) and promises a memorably serene experience unlike any other in the region. We dined there for lunch and tried several signature dishes and drinks. Read our full review below:
Photo Credit: Riverside, St Regis Goa
As it was raining heavily, we took our seats indoors. The chic white interiors with beige accents exuded leisure with an edge of refinement. We perused the food menu and spotted various crowd favourites as well as lesser-known delicacies highlighting flavours from different Asian regions.
Honey Chilli Renkon. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Our meal began with the Honey Chilli Renkon. The crispy lotus root had a beloved combination of sweetness and spiciness, partly derived from hot mirin. We are glad to say that the level of crunch, which is not always easy to master - was exactly right. The other veg appetiser we tasted - Spicy Garlic Edamame - turned out to be rather subtle in comparison, but delicious nevertheless. For many, a Pan-Asian meal would be incomplete without some dim sums and baos. Riverside ensures you have those options. We especially liked the juicy Chicken Sui Mai Dim Sums and fluffy Pork Baos.
Indonesian-style Ikan Bakar. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
If you like seafood, don't miss the chance to savour Riverside's fish steak packed with Indonesian flavours. The Indonesian-style Ikan Bakar came wrapped in banana leaves. Paired with the homemade sambal oelek, it melted in our mouths with delightful aromatic bursts. This is something we'd gladly return for. If you're sticking to chicken, opt for the reliable comforts of Wok Tossed Chicken, Red Chilli and Sichuan Peppercorn.
Wasabi Martini. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
Among the cocktails, we highly recommend After 8. A bright, refreshing combination of gin and grapefruit, this drink is perfect for a picturesque sundowner by the river. We were also enchanted by the sensations of the Wasabi Martini. The muddled cucumber with syrup provided a sweet smoothness, which eventually gave way to a hint of heat from the wasabi. If you're looking for a good mocktail, opt for the Hibiscus Berry Bliss - a bubbly concoction of hibiscus tea, berry puree, agave syrup and soda.
Soba Noodles with Straw Mushrooms and Truffle Oil. Photo Credit: Toshita Sahni
In the main course category, the menu features popular delights like Kung Pao Chicken as well as niche classics such as Yuzu Miso Glaze Black Cod. We especially enjoyed the Mapo Tofu and Shiitake Mushroom in Spicy Braised Sauce. The soft silken tofu and mushroom absorbed the spice of the sauce wonderfully. We paired some spoons of it with Signature Spicy Edamame Fried Rice with Chicken and Egg. This preparation of jasmine rice is aromatic enough to be enjoyed alone, but some might still crave the comforts of gravy. If you're in the mood for noodles, ensure you sample the yumminess of Soba Noodles with Straw Mushrooms and Truffle Oil. It needs to be paired with no other main dish. These noodles felt like the kind of simple indulgence you crave on vacation after hours of swimming, relaxing walks on the beach or a long nap. We slurped the strands with childlike enthusiasm.
Photo Credit: Riverside St Regis Goa
The sweet ending to our meal was provided by a seasonal Mango and Coconut Milk Pudding. Grounded in local flavours, it was cool and satisfying. If our bellies were not too full, we would have been tempted to try the Pandan Creme Brulee or Wasabi Yuzu Sorbet. But we do like keeping some treats to be discovered the next time!
Photo Credit: Riverside, St Regis Goa
As we had visited during the monsoon, Riverside's outdoor patio was mainly closed for dining. Nevertheless, as we took a walk outside after our meal, we were quite charmed by the location. We could easily imagine how relaxing it would be to eat and watch the quaint fish trawlers on the water, framed by the lush greenery on both banks. It is the kind of unhurried, escapist South Goa experience city dwellers like us tend to dream about. We have only just returned and already cannot wait to go back!
Where: Riverside, The St. Regis Goa Resort Mobor, Cavelossim, Goa, 403731.
Operational Hours: Lunch - 12:00 to 3:30 pm; Dinner - 7:00 to 10:30 pm (Closed on Mondays)