Martin’s Corner

Review and recommendations

One of Goa’s most renowned restaurants, Martin’s Corner is probably the first dining recommendation to every visitor to Goa. A large space that is almost always packed, Martin’s Corner is a safe bet for diners and a more promising option for those seeking a lively, bustling evening. People like to host celebrations such – birthdays, anniversaries, reunions for a reason. It has a festive vibe, and you can count on a crowd. Located in Betalbatim in South Goa, the restaurant has plentiful, organised parking which is a relief for those driving themselves in and around the state.

Carafina Pereira’s husband Martin started the restaurant in 1989 with just four tables. Pereira has grown her late husband’s legacy from a corner stall into a cavernous, open-air, multi-cuisine pavilion that feels very ‘Goa’ in every way. From continental to Indian Chinese to Goan to some tandoori staples, they serve a little bit of everything to cater to a wide audience of locals, Indian and Western tourists. The kitchen is focused however, and despite culinary variety they maintain a consistent standard year after year. The large menu spawns many favourites, but one would be remiss without ordering any of the seafood specials – crab, tiger prawns or Goan fishes either fried in a house masala, grilled or done in butter and garlic. The prawn curry rice is authentically tangy and coconutty; the choriz chilly fry is sumptuous and the pork ribs are wonderfully tender. They do western style desserts – cheesecakes and decadent chocolate creations but their serradura takes the top spot. If you manage to secure yourself a portion of that divine bowl of pudding, consider yourself blessed!