Como Agua Reimagined: Goa’s Freshest Culinary Escape

Tucked into Vagator’s lush tropical edge and gazing out at the Arabian Sea, Como Agua has always been one of Goa’s most striking venues. But this season, it has transformed from a beloved pizzeria and Negroni bar into a full-bodied culinary destination one that’s as committed to craft as it is to creativity. Ratna Vuppala gives a lowdown of this place.

A Menu Built on Freshness — and You Can Taste It

The refreshed menu, led by Chef Amit Kumar, is anchored by a simple, rare promise: no processed ingredients. Everything  from the citrus infusions in the cocktails to the buttermilk in the fried chicken is made fresh, in-house, and handled with intention.

My meal began with the Citrus Avocado Toast, an unassuming dish elevated by its creaminess and surprising brightness. The avocado was lush without being heavy, with citrus cutting through in all the right ways.

The Fried Chicken Tenders were a standout  juicy, crisp, and coated in a house-made buttermilk batter. The sweet chilli dip on the side delivered the perfect hint of warmth without overpowering the chicken’s tenderness.

Then came the star of their new commitments: the Burrata with Garlic Chimichurri, served with warm focaccia. Light, fresh, fragrant  and unmistakably high-quality. Their fresh mozzarella and burrata are made in-house using A2 milk, giving the cheese a rich yet clean flavour that sets it apart from anything you’ll usually find in Goa.

Pasta That Surprises, Pizza That Comforts

For mains, the Fettuccine was easily one of the best I’ve had in recent memory silky, perfectly cooked, and subtly indulgent without being overwhelming. The Spaghetti Aglio Olio was simple, bold, and executed with confidence: exactly how Italian classics should be.

Of course, Como Agua’s heritage lies in its pizza  and their Neapolitan-style pies, slow-fermented for 48 hours, continue to shine.

In the vegetarian selection, The Farm stood out with its tangy tomato-basil base, fresh mozzarella, olives, mushrooms, and beautifully caramelized onions. For non-vegetarians, Hot Honey & Double Pepperoni was irresistible: salty, spicy, sweet, and profoundly satisfying thanks to that signature spicy house-made honey.

Cocktails That Tell Their Own Stories

At the bar, Head Mixologist Aman Dhiman brings a thoughtful, ingredient-first approach, creating drinks that are fresh, balanced, and deeply layered without a single drop of processed juice.

Each cocktail feels like a journey.
She’s Perfect, a clarified gin cocktail with watermelon, is bright and refreshing.
The Nest, with truffle vermouth and a white chocolate egg, is whimsical but can be strong for some.
For something playful and bold, Two Honeybees brings together tequila, smoked honey, and raw mango pickle.
The 1 AM Friend, Shiso Sexy, and Turn The Page offer more tropical, fruity interpretations, while Sláinte leans into warm, woody notes.
And the most unexpected creation on the list High Tea at Harrods blends gin, Campari, Kahlua, jaggery, and Tres Leches foam into a dessert-like cocktail that somehow remains balanced.

What ties them all together is a commitment to Indian-grown ingredients: sea buckthorn from the Himalayas, Kerala vanilla, raw mangoes, vetiver transformed into something ultra-refined.

The Atmosphere: Vibrant, Easy, Effortlessly Goa

Como Agua’s setting adds to the experience  lantana-woven architecture, lush green surroundings, and sweeping, beautiful sea views without feeling overdone. The service is warm and attentive. Though the views remain stunning, parts of the venue feel a little dated, and a refresh in maintenance and décor would go a long way in enhancing the overall experience.

Final Verdict: A Rare Culinary High in Goa

The food is vibrant and consistent, the cocktails are imaginative, and the commitment to in-house craftsmanship especially the mozzarella is bold and refreshing.

It’s not just a place to eat; it’s a place to experience. One of the few spots in recent times where meal after meal truly impressed enough to make you want to come back the next day.

Como Agua isn’t just evolving. It’s setting a new benchmark for Goa’s dining scene.

Location: Como Agua, Vagator Beach, North Goa, Goa, India

Timings: 12:30 PM – 12:30 AM

Approx. Cost for two: ₹1,500

 

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Hunaaan Indiranagar: A Contemporary Pan-Asian Dining Experience

From bold spices that make you question every meal you’ve ever had to dishes that taste like they’ve travelled the world, Hunaaan delivers flavours that refuse to play it safe. Neha Dua gives a lowdown of the place. This contemporary Pan-Asian restaurant in Indiranagar packs the heat of Thai food, the heartiness of Korean cuisine, delicate Japanese dishes, and wholesome Chinese fare. Step into the 40-seater cosy place for a meal that will slap you awake and then lull you into a food coma. Plates exploding with personality Not having sushi here would be nothing short of criminal. The Ebi Tempura and Avocado Maki is everything one expects from Japanese cuisine. The prawn tempura comes alive in a riot of colours and flavours. Vegetarians, fret not, you can indulge in the Avocado Garden. Their dumplings are delectable, with very fine wrappers and perfectly balanced flavours. The Chilli Coriander Chicken Dumpling is a sight for sore eyes and hits you with a kind of balanced chaos that you can’t have enough of. And if you like your dumplings soupy, the Basil Flavoured Curry Dumpling won’t disappoint. Raise a glass to excellence A smooth Virgin Pina Colada, featuring creamy coconut milk, has the potential to teleport you to a tropical destination, while the Soju Picanté, a Hunaaan Signature Cocktail, is aptly described as “Everything you want from a picanté: Spicy, lemony, and we dare you to have just one.” Shaken. Stirred. Sipped. A little oink, a little sugar, and a lot of swagger Hunaaan’s imported pork belly deserves a mention. Doesn’t melt in your mouth, but is definitely less fatty than several other places. If you’re a tofu fan, don’t skip the tofu sizzler. But be prepared to share it with one or two others, for the portion size is HUGE. Although

Pure Kitchen to SOL55: Café Hops Across India

What: The Pure KitchenWhere: Bandra The Pure Kitchen brings a refreshing, honest take on clean eating to Bandra, one that feels warm, approachable, and rooted in real nourishment. Founded by Aaliya Ahuja of Oleander Farms and Saltt Karjat, the brand reflects her belief that healthy food shouldn’t feel like a punishment. Instead of restricting ingredients, The Pure Kitchen champions better alternatives: monk fruit instead of refined sugar, unprocessed honey over syrups, and clean, mindful swaps that elevate nutrition without compromising flavour. What truly sets the space apart is its transparency; every dish arrives with a protein count and calorie breakdown, empowering diners to make choices that serve their lifestyle. From low-carb bowls and vibrant vegan plates to guilt-free desserts, the menu balances comfort with consciousness. The Bandra outlet itself is a cosy, calm reprieve, ideal for mindful lunches, post-workout meals, or a quick grab-and-go treat from the charming coffee window. Pure, fuss-free, and thoughtfully crafted, The Pure Kitchen makes eating clean feel genuinely delightful. What: Dynamo, Vagator Hilltop Where: Goa Dynamo, located on the scenic Vagator Hilltop in Goa, is redefining the state’s sundowner culture with a seamless transition from laid-back sunset moods to an energetic, music-driven nightlife atmosphere. The Cliffside restro-lounge offers uninterrupted sea views, a curated cocktail program by internationally acclaimed consultants, and a menu shaped by chefs trained under award-winning culinary leaders. Signature plates such as Chaap & Chokha, Chilaquiles, Falafel Mezze Platter, and Korean Wings pair effortlessly with cocktails like Special Train to Goa, Spirit of the West, and Calico: The Painted Horse, each crafted with depth, flavour, and narrative. The interiors combine rustic Wild West cues with contemporary metal accents, creating a warm yet edgy aesthetic across its terrace, lounge seating, VIP sections, and bar-side tables. As the sun dips and the music builds, Dynamo

Kai Kitchen in Bangalore: A global feast in the clouds

Bangalore is often known for its weather, start-up culture, and (unfortunately) traffic. Let’s throw another iconic thing into this mix: Kai Bar and Kitchen. Located on the thirteenth floor in the heart of the city, this rooftop restaurant feels like an escape pod from the city below. Once you step off the elevator, the noisy streets become a thing of the past, as you get ready to indulge in an “elevated” dining experience. Allow NEHA DUA to walk you through it. The exceptional use of natural light makes the already spacious interiors look even larger and more open. The retractable glass ceiling, coupled with the relaxed atmosphere, creates an inviting vibe, perfect for indulging in a sobremesa that lasts hours! Their special fixed lunch menu, aptly named Zenith, is proof that great food tastes even better with a view. It comprises a thoughtfully curated selection of Asian, Continental, Oriental, and Mediterranean influences. Five courses, five moments You would expect the prices to be as sky-high as the view, but they are unbelievably down-to-earth. Zenith offers two options in its fixed menu: a three-course meal priced at 999 and a five-course meal priced at 1299. Plus taxes, of course. We highly recommend the latter, because the more the better, right? Soups, salads, dimsums, sushi, appetizers, large plates, and desserts. Gotta have ‘em all. The Smoked Chicken Salad, with baby arugula, dressed to perfection with a yuzu vinaigrette, feels fresh and is quite the looker. The Togarashi Crispy Lamb seemed a little too crisp, but felt familiar and comforting in its own right. Vegetarians, you will probably love the Edamame Dumplings and Green Paradise Sushi, both offering a symphony of flavours. A very special mention here to the Chocolate and Cranberry Cookie Dough Tart with Mascarpone Cream. Decadent yet subtle, the berries’

Top New Restaurant Menus in Mumbai and Delhi

What: New menu at Vanilla Beans Where: Bandra, Mumbai Vanilla Beans, Mumbai’s premium eggless patisserie, has launched its New Strawberry Menu, celebrating the city’s strawberry season with fresh, handcrafted creations. Known for its artisanal, made-to-order desserts, the Bandra-based brand founded by mother-son duo Deepa and Rohit Desai continues to champion seasonal produce through layered textures and bold flavour pairings. This year, alongside its cult-favourite Nutella Strawberry Cake (also available in single-serve tubs from ₹250), Vanilla Beans introduces two new highlights: the Nutella Strawberry Krispy Kunafa, made with imported kataifi and homemade pistachio paste for a delicate crunch, and the Nutella Strawberry Crunchy Crumble, featuring a buttery crumble over creamy Nutella and fresh strawberries. The expanded collection also includes Belgian Dark Chocolate Strawberry, Biscoff Strawberry, and Strawberry Cheesecake, with vegan and sugar-free options across cakes, bentos, and tubs. What: KampaiWhere: New Delhi Kampai, one of Delhi’s most prominent modern Japanese restaurants under TasteShop Pvt. Ltd., celebrates its seventh anniversary with a first-of-its-kind feedback-driven menu. Known for its authentic flavours and warm hospitality, the brand invited loyal diners and 10 leading food enthusiasts to co-create its refreshed culinary direction. Guided by the Kampai chef team, months of tastings and guest review sheets shaped a dynamic new menu that blends Japanese classics with contemporary Asian influences. The revamped selection introduces bold additions such as Sandos, Sushi Tacos, Crispy Nori Bites, Prawn Sesame Toast and Cornets, all enhanced with Japanese condiments and house-made sauces. Desserts see a dramatic upgrade too, featuring a Pull-Up Cake, Cotton Cheesecake, and the much-awaited Mochi in signature flavours. With locations in Aerocity and Vasant Kunj, Kampai continues to pair minimal Japanese aesthetics with a vibrant social dining atmosphere marking a new chapter fuelled by community, creativity, and collaboration. What: SumaWhere: MumbaiSuma, Mumbai’s newest fine-dining destination by S.P. Motles, founded

You May Also Like

Connect with us