Titlie, a new entrant to the restaurant scene in Goa sits gracefully atop a cliff in Vagator, overlooking the sea and the hills. The name couldn’t have suited the restaurant any better – for it does personify everything that a Titlie, or a butterfly, should be. Sun-kissed, bursting with colour and designed with finesse, this restaurant with a view in Goa has diners swaying to both, soothing music and a cool, gentle breeze at any time of the day.
About Titlie Culinary Bar, Vagator
That’s not all the inspiration it has taken from the butterfly. Titlie Culinary Bar in Vagator seamlessly transforms from a cheerful brunch spot to a moody, romantic place to gaze at flaming sunsets. Even in the nighttime, Titlie in Goa is a treat to the senses, as the sounds of the waves crashing on Ozran Beach below pair perfectly with some wining and dining amidst good company.
The Food
When it comes to food, it’s a safe statement to make when I say that there truly is something for everyone. This stylish-yet relaxed restaurant boasts of an extensive food menu and a bar menu to match! From avo-toast for Gen-Z to Porcini French Toast and Chicken Liver Parfait – every item seems more tempting than the next, and this is just in the Bread section alone!
Titlie Goa does have it’s own spin on food though, like every restaurant that wants to stand out. And here, they go by a concept called ‘Collaborative Cuisine.’ They use Indian and International produce and through a fusion of sorts, to serve up visually stunning dishes.
You won’t find more than a couple of tried-and-true options on the ‘Small Plates’ section of their menu either. Andhra Chicken, Tofu Tarter, Wit Beer Battered Fish, Fresh Laffa and Pressed Pork Belly really stood out among the offerings. The Onion Bhaji, is something I’ve bookmarked for my next visit thanks to the curious description that came alongside – ‘Dark Chocolate Mole, Beet Shreds and Charred Chilli.’
What I loved
I opted for the Sweet Potato and Chickpea Croquettes with Hummus, Gremolata Curd, Lime and Tabbouleh as well as the Garlic Butter Poached Prawns with Pol Sambal, Sambhar Puree, Cucumber and Lime. The Croquettes, being vegetarian, were better than the Prawns! Whether you’re vegetarian or not, I’d definitely encourage you to try it. Next, upon a recommendation, we gave the Curry Leaf Schnitzel a try. The regular bread-crumbed chicken breast was replaced with a mildly spiced flattened chicken cutlet topped with hoisin bbq sauce and green apple slaw.
I don’t know what it is about pretty restaurants, but they always make me want to order something fresh and light– and so I gave the Paprika Chicken Salad a whirl. It came with tiny pieces of diced mangoes, sun dried tomatoes, carrot and cucumber shavings. While it looked visually appealing, this is a dish I’d probably forego the next time for its taste didn’t impress.
There are more finger foods on offer in Titlie’s ‘Clay Oven Tapas’ section – and if you’re in the mood for some North Indian staples, there’s Chicken Tikka (with Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes), Tandoori Chicken (with rose and harissa), Fish Tikka (with thyme, tangerines and pista) – and a bunch of other dishes with interesting flavour combos like these.
For more Indian food, try their interesting array of Kulchas – I was itching to order the onion and bacon kulcha as well as the Green Pea and Goat Cheese one. But I went in favour of main course instead… there’s no way I would have managed to try both. See what I mean about being spoiled for choice?
International Cuisine at Titlie
The Mains had a great balance of international and Indian flavours. Grilled/Fried Snapper with hot sauce, Goan Chorizo Kra Pao, Chicken Pot Roast and Goat Meat with Saffron Rouille with Indian Origin Espresso Jus stood out for me. But again, I went with a vegetarian dish (how unlike me!) upon a recommendation, and was completely blown away! The Handmade Gnocchi with cherry tomatoes, feta sauce and parmesan shavings with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar was pure harmony on a plate! I polished this off in minutes!
For a menu as vast as Titlie’s, I’d have expected a massive dessert spread too, but there were sadly only 4 desserts listed. Pina Colada Kulfi was an easy pick among the handful, and it comprised of a Coconut Kulfi with Pineapple Sorbet. A really novel twist on a classic mocktail… mellow flavours and as summery as it gets!
Spirits and More
Titlie in Goa also has an impressive bar menu with finely crafted cocktails alongside wines, beers and spirits. We chose two of their mocktails and I just cant’t decide which one I liked more! The Pomo Cherry (Pomegranate and Cherry) drink was OMG so delish! If you like fruity drinks, this one packed a punch and that lingering cherry aftertaste was divine! The banana-vanilla-chocolate smoothie (I forget the name of that) was downright yummy too and just the right kind of indulgence on a hot day by the seaside.
Given the rave reviews that Titlie is racking up and the unmatched views it offers, its not long before this restaurant in Vagator sees itself on lists like ‘Most Instagrammable Restaurants in Goa’ and ‘Best Restaurants with a View.’ I’d suggest making your way there on the double, before those coveted tables at the very edges of the restaurant are permanently occupied. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Here’s the number to call to make reservations – 98997 71020, and remember to tag me on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram when you go!
For more places to eat at in Vagator, check out Sakana and Antares. There are also some great food trucks in Vagator and around that you may like to stop by at. Bye!