North Goa’s Assagao village is no longer as sleepy as it once used to be. On the contrary, some of the most famed restaurants, cafes and shopping centres have made it their permanent abode.
And, newest to the scene is Barfly – a restaurant that assures one an unforgettable dining experience.
OUT ON A NEW ADVENTURE
Barfly, which opened in August this year, is the brainchild of a dynamic team comprising Karrtik Dhingra, Shyaam Khurana, Bipin Sibal and Tarun Siban.
The four previously curated Titlie Goa, a quirky spot that soon became a crowd-puller. And now with Barfly, they’ve managed to give Goa its first Agave Bar.
Reflecting on the inception of Barfly, Karrtik, who’s also a passionate designer says, “After introducing Titlie Goa back in 2019, our desire to innovate led us to conceptualize a space with a distinctive identity, exploring uncharted details. Our mission was clear – to honour and celebrate the rich history and culture of Goa.”
And they did just that, transforming a 150-year-old colonial-styled bungalow into an enchanting bar and restaurant, their little creation – Barfly.
WARMTH OF THE BYGONE ERA
Be it the Sunday grazes, after-hour parties or live music, the vivacious ambience at Barfly is quite infectious. However, the genuine charm lies in the revived vintage shell windows and roof.
What the restaurant has done is preserve its old charm, but certainly with a hint of modern conveniences.
“It stands as a testament to our commitment to innovation and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, providing locals and tourists with a captivating venue to relish the essence of Goa through exceptional cuisine and memorable moments,” adds Karrtik, who aims to create a community-led space.
With a space no less than a magical wonderland, every room at Barfly is thoughtfully planned to encourage social interaction, with each offering a distinct experience.
With a space no less than a magical wonderland, every room at Barfly is thoughtfully planned to encourage social interaction, with each offering a distinct experience.
EVERY ROOM TELLS A DIFFERENT TALE
At Barfly, every room comes with some unique experiences. Under a single roof, there’s a grazing room, a bar with a verandah overlooking the alfresco living rooms, a candle room, a wine and cigar room, and a dining area that converts into a high-energy party zone.
The space is also home to two bars – the Agave Bar and the Tales from the Villa – that serve elevated signature cocktails like the modern Caramel Milk Punch, The Melon Negroni and more.
“I have seen that guests particularly love the Agave Bar at Barfly, where they can indulge in unique concoctions that narrate stories of adventure, discovery and evolution in the world of spirits,” says Tarun, the chef-cum-entrepreneur at Barfly, whose personal favorite is the Arabica.
“The Arabica cocktail has a delightful blend of sweetness, coffee-driven flavours, and a creamy texture. The infusion of top-quality coffee introduces aromatic and robust notes, while a subtle hint of lactose adds a velvety touch, elevating the overall indulgence to new heights,” explains Tarun, adding that it has been a crowd favorite since the beginning.
UP FOR A GASTRONOMIC VOYAGE?
There’s a lot in store when it comes to food. From Barfly Sourdough Tartines, refreshing salads like Sikil P'aak and Burrata with Walnuts Granola to large plates that feature options like the Barley Risotto with seasonal vegetables, and a Seven Spice Roast Chicken with fattoush.
A highlight of the food menu is the Sunday graze -- Barfly commune’s grazing table with an all-star ensemble.
“I have several favourites, but the 48-hour marinated chonak is hands down the best dish on the menu. The tahina and miso combination along with the extended marination heightens the umami and natural sweetness of the fish,” Tarun highlights.
And, a truly indulgent feast isn’t complete without sweets. The dessert menu promises exquisite flavours with Spiced Chocolate Semifreddo, Bananamisu that simply leaves you craving more.
The dessert menu promises exquisite flavours with Spiced Chocolate Semifreddo, Bananamisu that simply leaves you craving more.
BARFLY IS AN EXPERIENCE
Music being pivotal to any celebration, Barfly partners with bands and artistes to ensure live performances every day.
From soothing tunes at the Sunday Grazes or the upbeat music at week day (Thursday to Sunday) parties at the Barfly Jungle, the music is sure to brighten your mood.
This festive season, two Sunday Graze brunches are set to take place on Dec 24 and 25 with a special customised cocktail and food menu along with live music.
In the end, the essence of Barfly lies in its ever-evolving nature, envisioned to constantly introduce one to new experiences.
As Karrtik puts it, “Our goal is to ensure that each guest stepping into Barfly encounters something truly distinctive, making every visit a unique and memorable journey.”
DETAILS
LOCATION: Anjuna Mapusa road, Saunto Vaddo, Assagao, Goa 403507
CLOSED ON: Tuesdays
TIMINGS: 1pm -- 1am
APPROX PRICING: ₹ 2,000 (for two)
INSTAGRAM HANDLE: thebarflygoa