Feb 19, 2016 11:01 AM
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For those who have not been here - Cafe Tato's is a small-time restaurant serving Bhaji-Pao, Tea/coffee but for those who have eaten here, its a legacy of taste running for more than a decade. The food is tasty and of high standards which is what has earned fame for themselves in Goa.
Now they have ventured into a new restaurant serving delicious Goan Fish Thali and a complete set of other meals and dishes. You can read my review of this new restaurant at: https://mouthshut.com/review/Tato-s-Fine-Dine-Panaji-Goa-review-rrrqsromrt
The below is about the cafe.
Location: Right in the heart of Panjim city at a busy Church square, hidden under a small lane. A lot of movement around this place because of the famous Touristic spot - Panjim Church, which is flocked by all tourists and foreigners. Cafe Tato is at walkable distance from the church. The place is very popular, just ask anyone around and they should be able to redirect you there.
Remember this is a very crowded area so car parking is very tough, moreover most roads around here are one-ways, hence better to ask for directions before you decide to move forward with your car. If you are coming from Panjim Bustand, after the second petrol pump, near the old secretariat, take a left road and continue towards left(ask for Panjim church) and then turn to the first right(sharp 90 degrees, small lane).
Ambiance: Crowded! Hardly any place to move around. The owners have made the best use of the place and converted a small shop into a two floored restaurant. You would surprise yourself as you keep walking inside and keep finding place.
Service: Though there is lot of crowd, the service is pretty quick. Staff are polite and helpful.
Menu: People who visit this place, do not usually spend a lot of time reading through the menu as they know what they have come here for. Usually, it's one of those delicious local Bhaji (sabji) that people prefer along with Pakoras, Mirchi and tea/coffee or fresh lime soda. So, mostly the question people have is what kind of Bhaji is available. There are quite a few choices available like Chchole, Sukha Bhaji(plain potatoes), Biya(Cashew-nuts) Bhaji, Mushroom bhaji, Alsana(beans) Bhaji, Patal Chana Bhaji and so on. Along with it you can take Undo(local Bread) or Puri. Sides can be cutlets, hot Pakoras, Batatwada or Mirchi along with green chutney. The preparation is different and tastier because of Goan touch and use of coconut in the preparation.
Just as an FYI - they also serve vegetarian Thali for lunch. The place is a pure vegetarian restaurant.
Price/Quantity: Cost for Pau-bhaji, Tea/coffee and some sides would be close to Rs. 200 for 2 people. Portions are somewhat lesser as they serve in a flat plate.
Final take? I am based in Goa and anytime I feel like to be pampered with some nice preparations and do not want to take the trouble preparing the same at home, we visit this place, else this is nothing new for us as we can prepare the same at home, easily. However, definitely a worth visit especially you are an outsider. So, next time you are site-seeing in Goa and around Panjim Church, do walk-up to this place.
