Conveniently located in the outer circle of Connaught Place, Lady Baga occupies the first and second floor above a Subway outlet. The first floor is divided into two sections, one has a brightly lit rustic ambience, the other transports you to a beach - complete with sand on the floor and the entire length of the two walls covered with a screen playing the video of a beach. I would recommend you to book a table in this section for a real feel of Goa. The second floor is very shacky, with different nooks created with thatch, somewhere on a sloping roof and somewhere on the wall and cane tables and chairs as one finds in most shacks in Goa, as well as low couch type seating. This dimly lit space is cozy and the music here is softer, allowing you to have a conversation with your companions. The different levels as well as seating options through the restaurant are tied together with all the funky artwork on the wall.
Not only is the décor in keeping with the theme but so is the food on offer. The prices too are similar to what one would expect to pay at a shack on Baga beach - this is especially notable because when Goa's popular Souza Lobo had opened in the Capital a few years ago, the prices were at least three times of the restaurant in Goa. From chilli fry (Rs 275) to Bombil fish (Rs 350) and chorizo pao (Rs 475), calamari (Rs 400) and dishes in Recheado and Cafreal masalas are served much like they are in Goa. The Kara Beef Fry (Rs 400) is really fiery {I am told by my companions since I don't eat beef or buff), but the Recheado prawns (Rs 550) are very flavourful as is the chorizo pulao (Rs 475). The menu is extensive and I can see myself going back to try the vindaloo, crab and a fish thali. But if you're not hot on typical Goan fare but want to check out the laid-back, hippie-ish vibe of the place, there are burgers, pastas, et al.
The drinks too are well priced. A pint of Kingfisher Ultra beer is just Rs 100. Signature cocktails are in the range of Rs 300-400, while the classics start from Rs 290. If you like desi flavours try The Fisherman's Tonic (Rs 325) that is a gin-based drink with flavours like kokum and curry leaves. The Baga Bong (Rs 350) is served dramatically in the midst of nitrogen infused smoke {we are warned by our server not to pour our drink into the glass filled with the chemical} and is a refreshing mix of white and dark rum with lime, grapefruit and Cointreau. And when we asked for a pitcher of mojito to be custom-made, our instructions are followed to the T, motivating us to go for another pitcher of the same.
The service is friendly and efficient, the vibe chilled, we have no complaints from the food or drinks, and we have certainly no reason not to come back again. In fact, whenever we miss Goa, Lady Baga will be our saviour.
Lady Baga, P-3/90, Connaught Circus, Connaught Place, New Delhi.
