Historical version 8 of Palms Of Goa, W1W 6YR (view current version)
- 020 7580 6125 or 020 7580 6156
- 160 New Cavendish Street, W1W 6YR (streetmap) (osm) (gmap) (bingmap) (streetview)
- palmsofgoa.com
- noon-3pm, 6-11pm Mon-Sat; closed Sundays and Bank Holidays
One of the two Fitzrovia branches of a chain of South Indian/Goan restaurants in the West End, the other one being on Charlotte Street. They also used to have a Soho branch, Palms Of Goa, W1F 0EF, but that closed in mid-2012. Until some time around 2008 the restaurant on the New Cavendish Street site was known as 'Neel Kamal' or 'Neel Kish' (depending on who you ask).
Kat visited with a group of six others on a weekday lunchtime in mid-December 2008 — we were the only customers at first, a few smaller groups arrived throughout lunchtime.
Most of the group opted for thalis ('vegetarian', 'non-vegetarian' and 'fish' options were available, all around £11-£14). All were proclaimed very tasty, although the portions could have been a little bigger for our hungry party. Kat opted for a Pork Mas (£6.50), described as a medium-hot dish with vinegar, ginger and garlic. Although it was enjoyable and not at all oily, I couldn't really taste the vinegar and it wasn't very hot - I was left thinking that I should have gone for the vindaloo after all. The side dish of Paneer Pakora (three for £3.50) was a little on the dry side but the batter was lovely, and was good comfort food for a cold winter day.
The staff were friendly and helpful, and the service was quick - though if I was in the area I would probably only bother to come here again if Ragam (1 minute round the corner) was full.