Fodor's Expert Review Arca Nova

Inside a budget hotel in a great location on the jetty, this simple, open-air restaurant doesn't skimp on quality or authenticity. The menu is almost entirely seafood—chicken and specialty items (like lobster) must be ordered in advance. Every dish is cooked to order and presented in a clay vessel. The Prawns Kerala—fried—and the braised seerfish are terrific. If you agonize over oil, tell the chef in advance. Note that service can be slow, and open-air dining isn't available during the monsoon.