THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN GOA
Vegans, carnivores, sugarholics, adventurous eaters – our select list of the best places to eat in Goa has everyone covered.
Conceived for those craving home-style Goan meals in a no-frills setting, Bombil dishes out quintessential Goan fish thalis among other classic dishes.
Originally famed for its vegan desserts, Okapi is more than just a café in Moira. Run by multi-talented friends, Aarti Sinha and Mahi Baid, the café has a limited but well-executed menu with a catering facility.
One of the oldest bakeries in the Latin Quarter, Confeitaria on Rue de 31 Janeiro has been going strong since 1930. Fresh bread and cakes are still made in wood-fired ovens, and you can find all kinds of Goan sweets and snacks.
An ode to the village tavern, this tastefully done bar in Benaulim village, South Goa does beautiful cocktails and Goan good in comfortable, modern surrounds.
Around the corner from Joseph’s bar in Fontainhas is the equally bustling and warm tapas and cocktail bar – Antonio.
This little joint in Calangute is run by a couple passionate about veganism. They keep thoughts of animal cruelty front and centre with the name and serve vegan versions of comfort foods.
This tiny watering hole nestled in the picturesque streets of Fontainhas dates to the 1970’s. On its way to being shut down in 2017, it was rescued from oblivion and relaunched by current owner Atish Antonio Fernandes.
At Larder + Folk in Panjim, Chef Priyanka Sardessai and her team absolutely nail the art of making a sandwich.
Café is a misnomer for this truly iconic bakery and one of Panjim’s oldest institutions. In a previous incarnation, Café Central was born in 1932 near the municipal garden in Panjim.
Brought to you by the Dhuri family of Tato’s, Vida brings upscale, modern dining to Margao. Occupying a large, airy space in Borda with verdant views of the open land it faces, Vida caters to the Goan and Indian palette.
This beautiful boulangerie and patisserie promises craft, comfort, and community from their little spot in Miramar and gosh do they deliver!
Up north in Anjuna, remote workers in search of stable power, internet, and wonderful home-style food have co-working space Clay at their disposal.
Tranquil, quiet, clean, and airy with fresh, wholesome food inspired by the Mediterranean – this is the essence of Kefi, a café and bistro in Assagao.
Born in Angola, Jose Vasco Silveira landed in Goa after serving in the Portuguese army. Silveira planned to explore the land of his ancestors for 3 months but has since stayed for 43 years.
Wandering through the alleys of Fontainhas, many thirsty travellers stumble upon Tea Trunk much to their delight. Housed in a 100-year-old casinha (little house in Portuguese), Tea Trunk brings a passion for carefully crafted teas to the world.
Located on the Ozran beachfront in Vagator, Bean Me Up boasts an award-winning bed and breakfast, yoga space, restaurant, and conscious boutique.
An unassuming, rustic bakery and café in Colva, South Goa. Mon Petit Frere has just four tables and can serve up to twelve customers at a time.
One of Goa’s most renowned restaurants, Martin’s Corner is probably the first dining recommendation to every visitor to Goa.
This all-day breakfast café is known for its signature coffee, confections, and a wide-ranging bistro menu. You won’t find digital nomads huddled behind their screens here due to a strict no laptop/iPad policy.
One of the country’s most innovative restaurants is tucked away in Benaulim in South Goa. The brains behind Cavatina, Chef Avinash Martins has been ranked as one of India’s top 30 chefs by Culinary Culture Co. in 2022.
India’s best bar, Asia’s 4th best bar of 2022, how does a bar in Colva, South Goa, far away from a major metropolitan area achieve this stature?
Experienced city restaurateurs, Parth Timbadia and Sandeep Sreedharan are the brains behind modern coastal experience – Mahé.
Taking dining in Goa to the next level is relatively new entrant, Petisco. Petisco, the Portuguese word for small plates, brings together the international experience of head chef Halton Dsouza and the creativity of Pranav Dhuri, of the youngest generation behind Café Tato
Started by Keshav Dhuri in 1913, this café was first named Hindu Uphar Graha. Known by fellow neighbourhood residents as ‘Uncle’ or tato in Konkani, Dhuri decided the café take on this name instead.
The bright yellow interiors of The Goan Kitchen in Loutolim house one of India’s most worthy efforts to save regional heritage.
It is only recently that restaurants in Goa have been serving up Hindu Saraswat cuisine. Across India and within Goa, Goan food for the tourist has often been synonymous with Catholic Goan food.
Tucked away inside a bungalow in the village of Camorlin in Loutolim, you will find this small family-run bakery with a staunch following of customers.
POPULAR EXERIENCES IN GOA
When you’re not carousing through the best restaurants in Goa, join us on some of our most in-demand adventures.
Panjim, Goa • 2 Hours • From Rs. 850
Panjim, Goa • 3 hours • From Rs. 2700
South Goa • 3.5 Hours • From Rs. 2500
North Goa • 2 Hours • From Rs. 850
Panjim, Goa • 3 Hours • From Rs. 2500
North Goa • 3.5 Hours • From Rs. 1400
North Goa • 3.5 Hours • From Rs. 1800
North Goa • 3 Hours • From Rs. 2500
