Florentine Magic: Home of the Best Chicken Cafreal in North Goa

Step down a quiet Saligao alley and into a place where the spice hits your nose before the dish hits your table. At Florentine Bar & Restaurant, the air hums with coriander, garlic, and lime—the unmistakable scent of Goan chicken cafreal in the making. No frills here, just flavour that whispers legacy, tradition, and the claim to the best chicken cafreal in North Goa. 

A Taste of Celebration

Florentine isn’t just loved by locals — it’s been officially crowned. At the 9th Food Connoisseurs India Awards 2025, this humble Saligao eatery took home titles for the Best Seafood Experience – Goa and Restaurant Serving the Best Goan Cuisine. It’s a celebration of true Goan flavours done right — spicy, soulful, and unforgettable.  

Star Dish & What Else Makes Florentine Shine

Best-Selling Dish: Chicken Cafreal

Florentine’s chicken cafreal is not just a dish, it’s a Goan story. Long-marinated in a green masala full of coriander, garlic, ginger, cinnamon and lime, each bite delivers juicy chicken drenched in zingy, spicy goodness—traditionally served with soft poi bread and extra gravy on request. 

Beyond the Star Dish: Flavours Worth the Fork

Rava-fried Prawns & Oysters: Crispy, golden, and perfect starters.

Butter Garlic Prawns: Rich, buttery, and fresh—ideal if seafood is on your mind.

Delightful Dessert: End on a silky note with their smooth caramel custard or Serradura.

Seafood Platter: A generous spread of your favorite seafood like mussels, prawns etc.

Crispy Chicken: Lightly battered, perfectly seasoned, and golden to a crunch. 

Why It Stands Out

A Heritage Dish: Florentine introduced cafreal in Saligao back in 1985 and perfected it over decades.

Real Home‑made Touch: Every masala batch is mixed by the D’Costa family—cooked with care and consistency.

Simple & Comfortable: No formalities, just cozy seating, polished walls, and friendly staff. 

Ready for Your Goan Flavour Kick?

Hungry yet? Here’s the plan: pull up a chair at Florentine, order grilled chicken cafreal with poi—or go bold with a full seafood platter and fried rice. Add a side of crispy chicken and a plate of fish curry rice for true Goan delight. You’ll feel why this small Saligao gem just claimed its title as the best chicken cafreal in North Goa. Now go taste the legend—your palate will thank you.