Matsya Freestyle Kitchen at Samata Retreat Centre

Having eaten here last year, we decided to revisit. The menu formula is unchanged, we elected to go for the seafood fixed tasting menu option at Rs 2,500 each. Course after course was delivered, with chef Gome coming out to explain each course as it is served. The food was as delicious as our last visit but we did have to ask the (slightly detached) waiting staff to ask the kitchen to slow down, at one stage the waitress was standing by us with our next course as we were finishing the previous one. We found the white wine (at Rs 1,600 a bottle) perfectly adequate and at odds with some of the poor reviews seen here previously. Matsya is a good choice if you want something different and a change from the fairly standard beachfront fare to be found in the Arambol area. Do make sure your driver knows where Matsya is before setting off, it’s not the easiest to find.

A very interesting concept where you eat what the chef has planned for the meal. However he will ask you first if you have any allergies or restrictions. That night we started with a kind of churos and a chutney to dip in. Very well with the drinks. Then a fresh oyster with spices and mango, followed by crabs, shellfish in a curried sauce, excellent fish. The lamb was tender and juicy. Dessert was fresh fruits with ice cream with a soup like sauce. Limited bar but a good selection of wines. All the dishes are brought by the chef himself and the service staff does the rest. Matsya close early March and will reopen in Morjim after the monsoon.

I recommend this place. Very good food and worth the drive even if you are far from this place. I loved it !!!

Having eaten here last year, we decided to revisit. The menu formula is unchanged, we elected to go for the seafood fixed tasting menu option at Rs 2,500 each. Course after course was delivered, with chef Gome coming out to explain each course as it is served. The food was as delicious as our last visit but we did have to ask the (slightly detached) waiting staff to ask the kitchen to slow down, at one stage the waitress was standing by us with our next course as we were finishing the previous one.We found the white wine (at Rs 1,600 a bottle) perfectly adequate and at odds with some of the poor reviews seen here previously.Matsya is a good choice if you want something different and a change from the fairly standard beachfront fare to be found in the Arambol area. Do make sure your driver knows where Matsya is before setting off, it’s not the easiest to find.

A very interesting concept where you eat what the chef has planned for the meal. However he will ask you first if you have any allergies or restrictions.That night we started with a kind of churos and a chutney to dip in. Very well with the drinks. Then a fresh oyster with spices and mango, followed by crabs, shellfish in a curried sauce, excellent fish. The lamb was tender and juicy. Dessert was fresh fruits with ice cream with a soup like sauce.Limited bar but a good selection of wines.All the dishes are brought by the chef himself and the service staff does the rest.Matsya close early March and will reopen in Morjim after the monsoon.