There are some restaurants that are on everyone’s recommendation list for people travelling to Goa. Thalassa is one of them, known far and wide for its breathtaking view and some not-so-good Greek food. Since this was the one trending restaurant I had so far not visited, I decided to make amends during this visit.

I did a lot of research on what to order and everyone said food did not matter – the view did. Some helpful suggestions were to try grilled prawns, feta and their mixed grill. So, armed with this information, I go there straight from the airport with bated anticipation.

When I enter the restaurant, the view takes my breath away. It is indeed one of the most romantic views in Goa. I settle into a conveniently placed seat and order some house rose wine (Rs 350) to compliment the mood. When the server arrives dressed in the uniform blue shirt, I place the order of Grilled Prawn Skewer (Rs 350) and Mixed Grill (Rs 750), asking him to substitute the chicken with Greek village sausages. The food arrives as I am sipping into my second glass of wine, and being totally in synch with the surrounding. The prawn skewer arrives but sans the feta that is promised in the menu. When I ask the sullen looking server who took my cheese, he says we can give you feta but it will cost you Rs 370. 

                                          Prawns Skewers

When I ask for some bread, I am told I can have some pita bread but it will cost Rs 60. Determined not to let any monetary expectations of the restaurant disturb my poetic mood I agree to their demands. The prawns taste pleasant, even though they are served lukewarm, the pita is fresh, but the feta tastes nowhere like feta, but more like a salty sour paneer and so has to be ditched.

                                          Pita bread

A little later my heart sinks when I see the mixed grill platter in front of me because it has been over grilled to death. The chicken is still there despite my request to avoid it, and a couple of pieces of Greek village sausages added have been added, for a change without charging me. As I dig into it, some half a dozen little creepy crawly bugs start crawling out of the platter, making the plate of tough dry meat even more difficult to eat. By now my poetic mood has disappeared and I decide I have had enough. I ask to see the manager.

                                  Mixed Grill Platter

After some time, another gentleman in server’s dress comes and says he is the manager. When I say he is not and I want to see the manager, looking directly at the Greek lady manager who is sitting on the cash register, but the gent informs me the manager is not available. I show him the bugs and he nods knowingly saying that’s how it happens at Thalassa, and nothing can be done. Disgusted I ask for water, and pat comes a bottle of water with a bill for Rs 40.

So here is my advice – do go to Thalassa for the view, but minimize your interaction with the restaurant. And please don’t think Greek food is as bad as what you taste here. Real Greek food can be amazing.

The review was anonymously done after paying for the meal.

Ratings (Out of 5)

Food: 2.0 | Ambience: 5.0 | Service: 1.5 | Value: 2.5 | Overall: 2.5

Meal for two: Rs.2000 | Alcohol: Yes | Credit Card: Yes | Wheel chair friendly: Yes

Address: Ozran, SM Vagator, Goa. Tel: 9850033537