Goa New York

"Special shout-out to Malcolm for being a great host! Made reservations for our group of seven and were seated in their downstairs seating. Felt really weird to begin with because their main floor looked busy and downstairs seating felt very disconnected. No music, an empty/decommissioned kitchen and very quiet. Btw, there is nothing about this place that felt like "Goa" including their menu & food. Everything after that strange beginning changed quickly after our server Malcolm ensured we had a good experience. Our order included a couple of things like Yam Hai Hum ($13) Nachos, Steamed Chicken Momos ($13), Thecha Chaap Kolhapri ($18) - the best Soy sticks I've ever tasted; Chatpata Paneer Bao ($16), Butter Chicken Bao ($16), Shami Lamb Kulcha ($16), Saag Paneer Lehsuni ($23), Old Fashioned Chicken Tikka Masala ($24), Shrimp Goan Curry ($32) - the best non-veg dish of the evening, and Lamb Shank Nihari ($32). With the exception of few dishes, the food really lacked the flavor punch we were looking for. Food wasn't spicy at all, so if you like spicy food - ask for spice level. They were also out of many items which was announced at the very beginning and the only dessert they served that evening was Gulab Jamun. Goa New York felt like they are going through some tough times. Felt like the team has no clue on how to run the restaurant and I suspect they'll either get past this difficult time or shut shop within six months. I wish them success and hope they turnaround their business!"

"We had a very pleasant experience at Goa. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. We had ordered Sharaabi Chicken, Soya Chaap, Spinach Kulcha, Goan Shrimp, Gangster Paneer, Chocolate Lava Cake , Gulab Jamun Cheesecake for our table. Everything was unique and delectable. We will be back to try other things on the menu. This place is highly recommended."

"We came to this restaurant because of a recommendation and it didn’t disappoint. The charcoal butter chicken was my favorite with basmati rice. It’s a little spicy but creamy and delicious. The chicken was super tender and flavorful. We also had the pork sorpotal that was good but wouldn’t order again, I would try another dish. The garlic naan was fluffy and delicious. Service was super friendly, Malcom helped us and gave us some great recommendations because some of us aren’t that good with spicy food so he gave us some curd that went really well with the food and took the spicy a little down. They told us they were changing the menu and adding some new drinks too. The place wasn’t full but we came on a Sunday night. Will come back soon. Thank you for everything."

"My friend and I came here for a comedy show. We decided to grab drinks and appetizers at the bar while waiting for the show to start. The atmosphere is beautiful and the staff are super kind, but the service is what negatively impacted my experience. My friend ordered the mango margarita, which he confirmed was excellent (albeit super pricey at $24 a pop). I ordered an extra dry grey goose martini with a twist. The first time around, I received a super sweet martini with olives. After I let the bartender know, he made another martini for me, which was still equally sweet. I then resorted to requesting my cocktail to be replaced with a draft beer and he didn’t come back for 20 minutes. I had to flag him down and when I finally caught his attention, he came over to let me know that they were out of the draft beer that I ordered. When I received the bill, I noticed that I was charged a different price for the appetizer, even though I ordered off of the menu that clearly stated the price. The bartender then let me know that I was using the downstairs menu but never had he clarified this for me when I was making the actual order off of said menu (which was the menu he had given me in the first place). The final straw for me was when I tried to wear my jacket that was hanging on the chair I was sitting in—it was drenched in red wine. Someone had spilled it on me while I was sitting at the bar (photo enclosed of the spilled wine on the floor underneath my chair). When I made this complaint to the bartender and hostess, they both offered a perfunctory apology. While the atmosphere is lovely and the staff are kind, I will not be coming back to this establishment due to the lackluster service which left a bad taste in my mouth."

"My recent dining experience at the Goa Indian restaurant in NYC left me with a whirlwind of impressions, both positive and slightly critical. Let me start with the shining star of the evening - Malcolm, our service waiter. His attention to detail and impeccable service elevated our dining experience to a whole new level. His recommendations were spot-on, and he made sure we felt genuinely cared for throughout our meal. The ambience at Goa was inviting and created a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. The tasteful decor and warm lighting added a touch of elegance to the dining area, making it an ideal setting for a pleasant meal. It's clear that the management has invested thought and effort into curating a space that complements the culinary journey. One noteworthy observation was the significant variance between the online menu and what was presented in-house. Surprisingly, the latter not only boasted reasonable prices but also featured a broader selection of delectable vegetarian options. This unexpected discovery was a pleasant deviation from what we had initially anticipated. Our visit coincided with a Diwali party taking place downstairs, infusing an air of festivity into the atmosphere. This added an exciting dimension to our experience, making us feel like honorary guests at the celebration. It was heartwarming, though I must note that the restaurant had relatively few guests who did not partake in the festivities. The culinary journey itself was a tantalizing adventure of unique flavors and generous portions. The Coconut Rice, while not extraordinary, held its own as a decent side. We ordered for three, but the quantity could have easily satisfied a party of five or more. That said, there was a subtle adaptation of Goan Cuisine to cater to local palates. While the dishes were undoubtedly delicious, I couldn't help but feel that some of the authentic Goa flavors were slightly tempered and missing a slight edge, the finale aaah and ooh. In terms of beverages, the restaurant offered a curated selection of wines and beers, although it lacked a variety of hard liquor options. The dessert menu was a delightful crescendo to our meal, providing a sweet and satisfying conclusion to our culinary expedition. Conveniently situated, there's an Edison Parking garage nearby for patrons driving in. In summation, dining at Goa Indian restaurant was an experience filled with flavors, warmth, and a few areas for potential enhancement. Malcolm's exceptional service, the inviting ambience, and the surprising difference in the menu on their website and at the restaurant, showcasing array of vegetarian options are highlights that make it worth a visit."