"Avinash Martins rebuilt Cavatina around indigenous Goan produce — book the degustation for South Goa's most personal fine-dining dinner."
About Cavatina by Avinash Martins
Cavatina sits on the Taj Hotel road in Benaulim, a short drive from the Taj Exotica, and it has become South Goa's most talked-about fine-dining room. Chef Avinash Martins opened it in 2012 cooking continental and Western fare; when the pandemic broke international supply chains, he turned hard toward local sourcing and rebuilt the restaurant around the mantra ‘Local Heart & Global Soul’.
The result is a chef's signature degustation that reads Goan produce through global technique — Martins was named among India's top 30 chefs by Culinary Culture in 2022, and the kitchen has cooked for visiting names including the touring Coldplay team. For other South Goa tables, compare the long-running Black Sheep Bistro and the cliff-top Thalassa.
The Kitchen
The menu is a tasting progression that mines Saraswat, Catholic and indigenous tribal Goan cooking. Signatures include ‘Prawns Who Drank the Feni’ and ‘Nest in the Woods’ — chicken cafreal with quail eggs and crispy potatoes — alongside a crab xec-xec bisque and a spanakopita reimagined with red amaranth and cashew butter. Each course is built to carry a recognisable Goan flavour under a refined plate.
It is a fine-dining format and priced accordingly; book the degustation rather than ordering piecemeal, because the kitchen's argument only lands across the full menu. Wine and Goan-spirit pairings round out the meal.
The Room
The setting is a candlelit garden room rather than a hotel dining hall — intimate, low-lit and built for a slow evening. The table count is deliberately small, so service is personal and Martins himself often works the room. It rewards an unhurried booking and dressing up a little.
Best for an anniversary or proposal
Cavatina is made for an anniversary or a proposal — the candlelit garden, the small room and the multi-course pacing all point at a milestone. For other Goa options, see Bomra's or browse the fine-dining guide and the seafood guide.
Not for
Not for a quick beach-shack lunch or a budget evening — this is a small, candlelit degustation room with fine-dining pacing and prices to match.
Frequently Asked
Who is the chef at Cavatina?
Avinash Martins, who opened Cavatina in 2012 and rebuilt it around indigenous Goan produce under the mantra ‘Local Heart & Global Soul’. He was named among India's top 30 chefs by Culinary Culture in 2022.
What is Cavatina known for?
A chef's signature Goan degustation — dishes like ‘Prawns Who Drank the Feni’ and ‘Nest in the Woods’ (chicken cafreal with quail eggs and crispy potatoes) that read local flavours through fine-dining technique.
Does Cavatina have a Michelin star?
No. The MICHELIN Guide does not yet cover India, so no Goa restaurant is starred. Cavatina's recognition comes from Culinary Culture's top-chef listing and India's restaurant press.
How much does dinner cost at Cavatina?
It is a fine-dining tasting format in the upper price range for Goa; the per-person total depends on the degustation and any wine or Goan-spirit pairings.
Where is Cavatina located?
On the Taj Hotel road in Benaulim, South Goa, a short drive from the Taj Exotica resort.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at Cavatina by Avinash Martins
Book directly through Cavatina; the degustation seats go first.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
AddressTaj Hotel Road, Benaulim, South Goa
NeighbourhoodBenaulim, South Goa, near Taj Exotica
CuisineModern Goan
PriceChef's signature degustation menu; fine-dining range per person
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingSmall candlelit garden room; reservations essential
ReservationReservations essential; the room is small and books out
