By Neha Mehrotra
To the world, Anjuna, one of North Goa’s buzziest spots, might be home to Goa’s lively nightlife and beachside clubs. But if you pause for a moment and take in the beautifully decorated rock formations, white sand coves, swaying palms and perfect sunsets, you’ll discover an unexpected warmth and comfort woven into its very air. It is this very duality that defines Goa’s newest culinary gem—Jolene by the Sea. Bold and intentional, yet ever open to the unexpected and comforting to the soul.
Perched high above the sands of Anjuna Beach, Jolene by the Sea is stitched together by the passion of discovering and experiencing the finest culinary experiences across the globe by Shakeel and Amrita Ladak, Gaurav Batra, Ankit Tayal and the Michelin-starred chef Suvir Saran. The calm dining destination married with European artistic elegance reminds you of a one-of-a-kind sensory experience with a ‘je-ne-sais-quoi’ magic at play and invites you to experience globally inspired comfort food, expertly curated cocktails and a vibrant yet laid-back atmosphere that evolves as the day unfolds into night.
An Inviting Ambience
With breathtaking 180-degree views of the roaring, sun-kissed sea as its backdrop, Jolene carves out a stunning space of its own. The material palette combines a raw and earthy tone overlaid with accents of metal and amber and the use of raw and organic materials matches the natural hues of the beach. The restaurant has a warm, friendly ambience despite its glamour and unfolds frame by frame through composed vignettes that allow for the landscape of the sun and the sea to be front and centre. Bathed in natural light by day, Jolene is at its most mesmerising at sunset, when the sky is ablaze with colour. By night, soft ambient lighting from chandeliers crafted with wooden branches and pendant lights adorned with wooden beads casts a dreamy, golden glow.
Global Flavours and Experiences
Food at Jolene is served with a simple philosophy that they don’t just create food; they tell stories, rooted in the land, the sea, and the world beyond, pulling influences from Goa’s rich history and its connection to global flavours. Culinary maestro and Michelin star chef Suvir Saran plays with the local, seasonal, and regional treasures of Goa and serves dishes and flavours that are familiar yet bold. Created for oceanside indulgence, the signature dishes feature Kochi Lobster Cornettos, M&M Prawns (Madrid to Morjim), Misal Ramen, Chicken Syrian Pizza, Tunisian Aubergine Caviar and more. For desserts, indulge in Jolene’s Shaggy Everyday Sundae, Pannacotta Indulgent Guilt-Free Celebration, and Jolene’s Jumbo Macaron Sandwich.
Helming the Jolene bar menu is Feruzan Bilmoria, True Palate’s Head Mixologist. With a passion for research, education and cocktail innovation, Feruzan has crafted exceptional flavours by blending Anjuna’s final local ingredients with cutting-edge technique. Some of the signature cocktails on the menu are Peaches and Cream, Ya Ya Ya Coco Jumbo, The Baklava Gimlet, Jolene’s Pink Limeade, and The Powerpuff Sodas.
The Dream Team
Jolene is the result of a dynamic collaboration fuelled by Amrita Arora and Shakeel Ladak’s shared passion for discovering the finest culinary experiences across the globe. Amrita’s refined aesthetic sensibilities and well-travelled perspective, combined with Shakeel’s deep-rooted expertise in luxury real estate across Mumbai and Goa, infuse Jolene with both warmth and vibrancy. Joining them is Gaurav Batra, an F&B industry veteran and Business Development Head at True Palate Hospitality, who brings his expertise in luxury dining. The hospitality group’s co-founders—Ankit Tayal, Vartik Tihara, and Anshul Goel—known for their work with Neuma, One8 Commune, and Pincode, bring their collective vision to life, redefining fine dining with understated elegance. Steering Jolene’s culinary journey is Michelin-starred Chef Suvir Saran, a visionary best known for Devi, the first South Asian restaurant in the U.S. to earn a Michelin star. With Jolene, he realises his lifelong dream of crafting a ‘modern-global-comfort’ menu. The space itself is designed by Aayushi Malik, an acclaimed architect specialising in hospitality interiors, whose boutique design studio is known for creating exquisite, functional spaces. Together, this powerhouse team has shaped Jolene into a high-spirited, multi-sensory experience that seamlessly blends bold innovation with the easy charm of Goa.
(Cover Credits : Instagram @amuaroraofficial)
