The owners of a longtime Short Pump-area Indian restaurant have branched into Chesterfield. 

Last month Jassi Singh and Charanjeet Ghotra opened Rutba Indian Kitchen at 13822 Village Place Drive in the Midlothian Village Square shopping center. 

Rutba is Singh and Ghotra’s second local restaurant, joining Anokha Unique Cuisine of India, which they opened near Short Pump Town Center in 2008. The duo also own two restaurants in Charlottesville, Milan Indian Restaurant and Kanak Indian Kitchen. 

Ghotra said Rutba’s menu is similar to Kanak’s with classics like butter chicken, samosas and grilled kebabs, along with Chukundari kofta, which is a vegetarian take on meatballs with beetroots, and the Paneer Bhatura, a type of bread that’s stuffed with Indian cheese and spices. 

“We have a lot of dishes that we had created (at Kanak) that are very popular there, and people here like them as well,” Ghotra said.

Entrees at Rutba range from around $17 to $25, and it also offers a variety of Indian beers and wines, as well as a full cocktail menu. 

Rutba restaurant debuted in mid-July and is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner. 

Last year Singh and Ghotra purchased Rutba’s 3,000-square-foot Village Place Drive building, which was formerly a Wendy’s, for $1.2 million, according to county records. They converted the space from a fast-food joint to a sit-down restaurant with the help of Fultz & Singh Architects. 

Singh and Ghotra have been in the industry for decades, starting out in restaurants in New York and Virginia Beach in the 1990s. They’ve opened four restaurants over the course of over 20 years, first with Milan in Charlottesville in 2003, and prior to Rutba, their most recent opening was in early 2020 with Kanak.

Ghotra said he and Singh always make sure their restaurants are stable and successful before moving onto another. 

“If you can’t handle it properly, then there’s no point in opening (a restaurant) then closing it, right?” he said. 

Rutba and Midlothian Village Square are just a mile down the street from Winterfield Crossing, which just signed on Stella’s Grocery as its newest food tenant.  

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He cited the recent testing of six samples belonging to the Empire Group of Restaurants, which turned out to be unsafe due to the use of banned synthetic colouring.

“Despite repeated warnings, the restaurant group continued to use the unsafe colouring agent. Only after legal notices were sent did the colour go from red to yellow,” the health minister told reporters during his weekly media briefing.

There was no response from the Empire Group of Restaurants.

According to the minister, better quality food and drugs can become the norm only if people insist on quality goods.

“Yes, the government needs to do its part and tackle this legally, but people too should cultivate quality conscious as culture,” he said.

The minister also said the health department held a video conference on July 30 with cooking oil manufacturers to insist that the trans-fat level should not exceed 2 per cent.

“We told them that if it exceeds 2 per cent, strong action will be taken against them,” he added.

Dinesh Gundu Rao said the oil manufacturers were also urged to sell used cooking oil (UCO) to manufacturers like Pyrene Industries, which converts UCO into biodiesel.

According to 2024-25 data, 28,73,124 litres of UCO were used to manufacture biodiesel and soap, he said.

“We want this figure to increase substantially so that UCO does not go back into the market for cooking purposes,” he added.

Rao said the Karnataka government has merged the enforcement division of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani (ASU) medicines under the AYUSH Department, as well as the existing AYUSH drug testing laboratory in Bengaluru, with Drug Control Division of the Food Safety and Drug Administration Department for better functioning of the Health Department.

According to him, the government’s proposed app to control drug safety is expected to be functional by the end of this month.

“With this app, we can immediately withdraw defective drugs, as we can track at distributor level. So, we can put an immediate stop to further sale of that drug,” said the minister.

He said, once the app is in force, they will expand its scope. “Next will be to take it to the pharmacy level. We want to onboard every pharmacy on the app,” he added.

At present, the recall procedure takes two days, he said, citing the recent recall of nearly 40 lakh drugs in two days.

“This too, we had made a breakthrough with the help of a software. Earlier, it used to take nearly 30 days to recall batches of failed drugs from the market,” he added.

The minister also said work is progressing at expected pace in bringing the private ambulances and mobile medical units under the ambit of Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (KPME) Act. “We will be coming out with an amendment soon,” he added.

There’s always something magical about eating out in Goa. But lately, Goa’s food scene has been cooking up something extra special. From breezy beachside haunts to flavour-packed kitchens, these new restaurants are rewriting what it means to dine in Goa. So, whether you’re here for the weekend or lucky enough to call this coastal paradise home, here are some fresh spots you’ll want to check out.

Best New Restaurants In Goa

1. Lento

Hidden in Saligao, Lento feels like a beautiful ruin slowly reclaimed by plants and patience. Designed by Dishant Pritamani, it’s a café that invites you to pause, relax, and enjoy simple, honest food. The food here is soulful and made with a lot of love by Chef Jyoti Singh. Try the Sunrise Congee, a comforting rice bowl with mushrooms and coconut sauce, or the McPav, a playful take on a chicken burger, made with juicy homemade patties and soft Goan pav. The coffee, made from beans grown in Karnataka’s Salawara Estate and crafted by an award-winning barista, is subtle and lingering. 

Where: next to The Second House, Muddavaddi, Saligao, Goa
When: 9 am – 6 pm

2. House Of Telugu

If you’re craving bold flavours and a deep dive into Telugu culture, head straight to House of Telugu in Vagator. Started by the team behind Sanctuary Bar & Kitchen, this new restaurant in Goa brings homestyle comfort food, royal feasts, and street favourites under one roof. The menu is full of flavour-packed gems like Golkonda Kodi and Stuffed Mirchi Bajji is crunchy, tangy, and full of personality. Seafood lovers will love the Andhra Tawa Fish and the Bheemavaram Royyala Pulao, full of prawns and spices from the Konaseema region. To go with the food, try cocktails like the Mayabazar or the Konaseema Kiss.

Where: Panchayat road, H.no: 1615, Grand Chiwar, Amani Hotel lane, off Anjuna, Vagator, Goa
When: 12 pm – 4 pm; 7 pm – 11:30 pm
Cost: ₹1,000 (For two)

3. Morjim Culture

Morjim Culture is a new all-day destination that offers a little bit of everything. Whether you’re an early bird looking for your morning coffee or someone who wants to dance under the stars, this is your spot. In the morning, it’s all about fresh brews and feel-good food. As the sun sets, Morjim Culture turns into a sundowner paradise, where you can enjoy dishes like Golden Kataifi Prawns, Vietnamese Beach Bowl, or Shrimp Tortellini in lemon butter sauce. Pair it with cocktails like the Irish Maid or the refreshing Hey Honey. When night falls, head into Unculture, their hidden speakeasy bar and try the Spro’groni, a twist on a Negroni with coffee, or the spicy Raw Mango Picante.

Where: JPPC+3QF Gawade Wada, Morjim Culture, H# 763/A, Pernem, Gawde Vaddo, Morjim, Goa
When: 7 am – 11 pm
Cost: ₹2,200 (For two)

4. Toula Bar & Kitchen

Toula Bar & Kitchen brings together two rich food cultures, Mediterranean and Asian, in one beautiful space. The space is chic yet relaxed, perfect for a date night, a long dinner with friends, or even a quiet lunch by yourself. You might find sushi rolls paired with Mediterranean herbs or a classic hummus dish topped with soy-glazed mushrooms. The cocktail menu at this new restaurant in Goa is inspired by emotions and experiences, offering drinks that surprise and delight. It’s a dining experience that brings together different cultures, ideas, and people.

Where: H No. 124, Survey No. 52/5 & 52/8, 10/2, near Holiday Inn, Candolim, Goa
When: 12 pm – 12 am
Cost: ₹1,000 (For two)

Also Read: 10 Raksha Bandhan Menus Across India That Bring Back Shared Plates, Fights, And Fond Memories

5. Sivana Beach Goa

If you’ve been dreaming of a perfect beach day in Goa, Sivana Beach might just be your new favourite place. The sunsets here are magical, and they pair beautifully with their refreshing cocktails. One dish you simply must try is the Coconut Jam & Dark Chocolate Toastie. If you’re in the mood for something savoury, go for the Portuguese Prawns. Don’t miss the Truffle Mozzarella Fagottini either; it’s a dish made for slow afternoons. Sivana is the kind of place you’ll want to keep coming back to.

Where: Ashwem Beach Road, inside Leela Cottages, Morjim, Mandrem, Goa
When: 7 am – 1:30 am
Cost: ₹2,500 (For two)

6. Albayli

If you’re someone who loves places that feel warm and welcoming, Albayli is going to win your heart. This is a place where you can sip on cocktails, play a game of pool with friends, or curl up in a comfy corner with a book and your favourite dish. Their Thai Green Chicken Curry is rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced, served with soft jasmine rice. Or if you’re craving something more Indian, try the Albayli Murg Makhanwala. Whether you’re going solo or with a bunch of friends, this is one of those places where you come for a quick meal and end up staying much longer.

Where: No. 511 (4), Ward No, House, 1, Vagator, Goa
When: 12 pm – 4 am
Cost: ₹1,800 (For two)

7. Kai Boré

Kai Boré (which means “so good” in Konkani) is the kind of place that instantly puts you in a good mood. Whether you’re a local or a traveller, there’s something here to surprise you at this new restaurant in Goa. Start off with the Squid Butter Garlic or the Prawns Tempura. The Cheese Cigars are another hit, crunchy outside, cheesy inside, and perfect for sharing. Kai Boré is not fancy or over-the-top; it’s chill, friendly, and full of flavour. 

Where: Alex Residency, Colva – Benaulim Rd, Povacao, Seraulim, Benaulim, Goa
When: 11:30 am – 3:30 pm; 7 pm – 11 pm

8. Junta de Xacutti

If you’re in the mood for something truly Goan, then you need to check out Junta de Xacutti in Margao. This new restaurant is bringing back the flavours of old Goan kitchens. Their menu is full of traditional dishes like prawn-stuffed squids, Mori Ambottik (shark curry), Thambdi Bhaji (red amaranth), and Moshkacheo Sango (drumstick and prawn curry). The chefs don’t serve the same menu every day; they change it up, bringing in different Goan classics depending on what’s fresh and available. Whether you’re a local looking for that taste of home or a traveller wanting to experience real Goan food, this is the place to go.

Where: Adolfo mansion, Bernardo F Costa Road, opp. Dogears bookshop, Pajifond, Madgaon, Goa
When: 11:30 am – 11:55 pm
Cost: ₹900 (For two)

These new restaurants are the perfect additions to Goa’s ever-evolving food scene!

Cover Image Courtesy: Supplied and Sivana Beach Goa/Instagram

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First Published: August 04, 2025 8:55 PM