This Japanese Restaurant In North Goa Offers A One-Of-A-Kind Experience You Won't Find Elsewhere

Food is a crucial part of any vacation, and the concept's not any different in Goa. With stunning beach shacks serving crazy cocktails and delicious food, and more refined restaurants that bring a touch of sophistication and Delhi/Mumbai's elite party culture, it's a challenging task to open something that matches the level. We entered Jsan with the same thoughts, and it's safe to say they proved us wrong. From food whose tastes linger long after you're done eating to drinks that are phenomenal and an unmatched vibe, Jsan has successfully overpowered every existing refined cafe and restaurant in Goa, especially when it comes to Japanese food.

We know taking our word for it may be challenging, considering Goa is a hub of good food and drinks, but here's why it stands out!

A Japanese-inspired izakaya, Jsan is tucked away in Anjuna and is a barely 3-minute drive from the beach. Right from the get-go, it sets the expectation of the great evening you're about to experience. Keeping true to its Japanese roots, you enter through a torii gate-type setting. For those who don't know, torii gates are traditional Japanese gates that mark the entrance to a shrine and symbolise the transition from the mundane world to the spiritual realm. Jsan does the same, except the spiritual realm here is one of amazing food and drinks, and the mundane world is your regular Goa shack culture. It's one of the few Japanese-style izakaya places in North Goa, bringing this depth of Japanese culinary culture. 

The interiors are minimal with a strong attention to detail. You'll find tables made of yakisugi (charred wood), floors inspired by kintsugi (bringing broken pieces together), and subtle lighting. Led by Chef Vishesh Jawarani, its name also draws inspiration from family and Japanese culture. The J stands for the family name Jawarani, and San is a Japanese honorific. A through and through Japan-coded adventure, it has a warm, inviting and unhurried aura that you usually don't get to see in Goa. Plus, the staff is super sweet and helpful, so you feel super welcomed, too!

Taking the limelight away from the setting and ambience, let's talk food. Chef Jawarani is an alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America. In the past, he has worked with many Michelin-starred kitchens in New York and brings the same level of perfection to Jsan. There's a strong focus on ramen, and a single bite of it will make you realise why it's the star of the menu here. With noodle-making equipment brought straight from Japan (for authentic texture), ramen comes with rich broths and slow simmering. The menu's focused and flavour-driven. Small plates include gyozas, edamame, sea bass, salmon, tuna, and chicken karaage. What we loved most about their menu was how hearty the portions were and how, even with limited items, they bring the best of everything.

The drinks made us fall in love with the place just as much as the food. Shri Aroskar, Times of India Mixologist of the Year 2020, is the head of bar here, and his 14 years of experience clearly show in the cocktail menu. It's like the bar has an identity of its own, with drinks made from Japanese ingredients (duh!) and local spirits and botanicals. The curation is so perfect and smooth that you feel instantly transported to a Delhi bar. What's more awesome is that these cocktails are built to complement your food, so your entire meal becomes a curated experience. It's easy to spend an hour here and forget that you're in Goa Goa.

Google Rating: 4.8/5

Price: INR 2,000 for two (without alcohol)

Timings: Monday, Wednesday to Saturday - 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, Sunday - Noon to 11 PM (Tuesday closed)

Social Media: @jsangoa