Ritz Classic is the standard recommendation for Goan thali in central Panaji — an unfussy, multi-room restaurant near the bus stand that serves enormous lunch and dinner thalis (the local set meal): fish curry-rice, chicken curry, pickled prawns, fried mackerel, dal, vegetable curry, papad, and a glass of solkadhi to wash it down. The whole spread costs less than the price of a cocktail at the riverfront hotels.
Service is brisk but friendly and the kitchen has been doing the same thing well for decades. Veg, fish, chicken, and pork thalis are all available; à la carte options run the standard Goan repertoire. Lunch is the main event; the kitchen often runs through the catch of the day. No reservations; busy at peak times.