I have had the privilege to stay in Goa for 2 years as part of my management trainee stint and during this time I was even more privileged to explore the restaurants of Goa. Although South Goa has unblemished beaches, scenic drives and tranquillity, I will have to admit that North Goa is all about nightlife, shopping and liveliness, the major reason people come to visit Goa.
Moreover, North Goa is dawned with hundreds of amazing restaurant from its humblest, sand-at-your-feet beach shacks to its higher-end diners , although giving you multiple options but at the same time contributing to indecision in the minds of the tourists.
This list can be the go to bible for your next visit to North Goa so that you spend less time in uncertitude and more time relaxing and appreciating the beauty to be soaked around. I have also divided the blog into breakfast,lunch and dinner places for the ease of it. Season time lasts between October to April, we figured we’d focus our energies on keeping your belly full and your hearts happy with our absolute favourite meals in the beach town, chronicled and compartmentalized for your viewing/ eating pleasure.
Breakfast
1.Eva Cafe:
Where: Anjuna Beach
What to order: Homemade breads with jam/butter , shaksouka , smoothies , pancakes
This cute little cafe is our favourite breakfast spot which takes you to the illusion of Santorini with its white decor and amazing sea view. The cafe is a bit space crunched though with a seating of 15-20 people at a time but if you reach at 9 am, you are sure to get your favourite seating. It is indeed a rare hidden gem.
2. Cafe Bodega:
Where: Panaji, Goa
What to order: Carrot cake, smoothies, cupcakes, omelettes
If you want to savor the beauty of an art gallery with heartmelting breakfast, this is the perfect place. A very good cultural centre, in a beautiful old Goan house with an extraordinary cafe in the patio. The garden is perfect for sunsets on the open air theater. Definitely mandatory to go, when coming to Panjim! One thing which stands out in this place is their fresh detox water that they make and keep for all visitors, something everyone looks forward too on a hot summer day!
3. Cafe Cotinga
Where: Anjuna, Goa
What to order: Banofee pie, coffee, breakfast plate
Set in the background of blue and white with a bohemian feel to it , this is a very romantic place for a date. The place has some beautiful lighting which makes it stand out and is located inside the Tamarind Hotel. We went here looking for some breakfast and we were not disappointed. The ambience is extraordinary with both inside and outside seating.
4. Baba Au Rhum
Where: Anjuna, Goa
What to order: Earth Pizza, Vietnamese Coffee, Croissants
This is the perfect place for a work from home setting. This is a must go if you really love eco-friendly themed restaurants and places – They have converted old sewing machines to be used as tables, they don’t use disposable plastics and serve purified drinking water. Overall a great experience. The juices are refreshing and the food specially the pizzas are delicious!
5. Artjuna
Where: Anjuna, Goa
What to order: Babaganush, Falafel Plate, Shakshuka, Healthy Breakfast/Juices
This place by far has the best breakfast spread and is also a hippy haven. I like spending relatively quiet Sunday mornings for breakfast here. The food is excellent, the atmosphere is conducive to get one’s creative juices flowing and customer service is very good. This restaurant lives up to it’s name. It has a chilled out vibe, food is fresh and fabulous the book corner, yoga section and child’s play area makes the place unique .The mediterranean thali and the avocado salad both were fantastic and while you are there, any smoothie or a juice is a must have!
6.Infantaria
Where: Calangute, Goa
What to order: shakes, rolls, croissants , breakfast plate
This was the first place we had tried out when in Goa with our friends. The ambience is not as great as the other cafes, but this is one of the oldest favourites of Goa and still has its own old school charm. A nice and cozy little place just 10 minutes walk from calangute beach on the main road… They have a very diverse menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The ingredients they use is very fresh and from the scratch. Must must go for people staying at Baga or Calungute!
Lunch:
7.La Plage
Where: Ashwem, Goa
What to order: Chocolate Thali, Pizza , Chicken Burger
Riding across the solitary streets of Ashwem and Morjim, you come across this extremely beautiful restaurant overlooking a private beach area. Since Ashwem is a little farther off from the local touristy areas of North Goa, the crowd here is quite sophisticated and posh. The restaurant is a little on the expensive side but it is definitely worth every penny. Perfect place for your instagram pictures, sipping on cocotails and enjoying the lazy sun!
8.Gunpowder
Where: Assagao, Goa
What to order: Egg Appam, Kerala Mutton Curry, Malabar Prawn Curry , special cocktails
You need to visit this place for lunch just for the wonderful and extremely delicious food they serve! This place was supposed to be opened by an ex army officer who is a Keralite and specialises in Malabar delicacies. Lunch just becomes even more tasty with a simple setting under the trees that it provides.The food is very fresh and gives you a very different take on South Indian cuisine. The restaurant also has a small art gallery and bohemian clothes store which makes the visit even more worthwhile!
9. Titlie
Where: Vagator, Goa
What to order: Brunch, seafood, hummus pita
This place resembles its name, defining the peace, joy and color a butterfly brings to your space. This place has got the best of both the worlds. Its right on the edge of the beach so the views are amazing. The food, the views and the ambience is perfect for a lovely night out/lunch with friends.
The live band and the DJ will keep you on your feet all night. The tempting recipes will make you eat more. It has become a famous spot on the vagator lane and I would recommend a prior reservation a week in advance!
10. Jamun
Where: Assagao, Goa
What to order: Seafood, North indian
A classic Goan home converted into a very well designed Restaurant celebrating regional cuisines from all over India. The seating section is divided between indoor and outdoor areas. I personally love the outdoor seating area with greenery all around and hues of the purple in the elements around representing the color of Jamun. Among the cocktails I tried the Jamun Sour and Kosambari in liquid. Both the cocktails were fantastic but If you ask me which one I loved more it would be the Kosambari in liquid – The drink was unique and will give you a little something to wonder about. The servers are well informed, polite and efficient. Head here for a great time with friends and family and don’t forget to choose the outdoor area for a memorable one!
11. Thalassa
Where: Siolim, Goa
What to order: cocktails, beer, calamari , pizza, fruit shisha
There is nothing new one can write about Thalassa as most of the people have visited this place sometime in their lives. The new Thalassa which has opened in Siolim is definitely far more bigger in terms of space and beauty compared to the old one!
Dinner:
12. Cohiba
Where: Candolim, Goa
What to order: Sheesha, Cocktails along with Karaoke
Each saturday night we would head out to Cohiba just to have a fun night of Karaoke and cocktails which this place is extremely famous for. They also organize zumba lessons and dance workshops sometimes,so you are recommended to call up enquiring about what is planned before you head out!
An absolute favourite, you can sit here the whole night sipping beer and with a sheesha ,enjoying the old charm music and the cold breeze coming from the Siquerim beach nearby.
13. Antares
Where: Vagator, Goa
What to order: Cocktails, Pizza
This place is a hot and old party favourite for all youngsters. The first restaurant on the Vagator lane, easy to spot with loud music and good finger food! When you are in a mood for a party and donot know where to head to, Antares should be an easy option! With plenty of seating space, it is not difficult to get a table and you can enjoy a night of dancing there till 4 am. The ambience is chilled out and the restaurant has a wonderful view overlooking the sea from the hillock.
14. Calamari
Where: Candolim,Goa
What to order: North India food, dessert
When in Goa and craving for North Indian, Calamari was our hot favourite! This is a modern beach shack on Candolim with both a restaurant feel for indoor preference and an outdoor shack overlooking the sea.. They also have a dance floor but the DJ mostly plays Goan and local songs.. The show stealers are many but the one we have hooked on to for years are the open house set up with shamiyanas on the beach front which is undoubtedly the most serene around.
The live band adds to the choices of drinks and food which is curated to perfection.
The photo booth at the entrance has many memories for us and we can’t have enough of this place…must visit during the day during winters for the mood is romantic and the visitors are colorful which makes the experience memorable
15. Purple martini
Where: Anjuna, Goa
What to order: Cocktails, finger food
This is definitely the new kid on the block that is getting famous too soon! The place has a very bohemian and young feel and is famous for its sundowners! It is counted as the top 3 instagramable places in Goa now a days and celeb spotting is easy at this place. This place is however is a little on the expensive side and usually has a cover charge of 2-3 k depending on the availability and season. It is worthwhile to reserve in advance before paying a visit!
16. Bay 15
Where: Panaji, Goa
What to order: Goan Fish curry and Rice, Kismoor
This was a rare and hidden gem discovered during one of our office parties. The location is a little difficult to find and is in the interiors but once you have discovered the gem of a place this is, you will want to come back again and again!
This restaurant is huge and has small huts for accommodation overlooking the bay where you can witness the most beautiful sunrise or sunsets! This has also been one of the famous places for organising a destination wedding.
In the evenings, the restaurant has its live band playing which enhances the beauty of this place.
17. A Reverie
Where: Calangute, Goa
What to order: Date night fancy food, desserts
This place manages to hold a very high rating only because of the fancy way it looks and even more fancy food it serves. This is a perfect proposal place if you are in Goa but the food is overrated! You can visit this one time just to enjoy the grandeur this place exhibits.
Traditional:
Apart from the above list, below are the four restaurants where you can enjoy some local delicacies and Goan food. These places donot have a fancy feel to it nor do they serve outstanding cocktail ,but can promise to give you the most exquisite traditional Goan thali or dishes to experience for a lifetime.
18. Kokni Canteen
Where: Panjim
Personal favourite and a must visit. The Goan thali and the fish rava fry is a must have at this place!
19.Ritz Classic
Where: Panjim
This is a cheaper substitute for the Kokni Canteen but an old time favourite among the localites. Ritz Classic is a multi-cuisine restaurant based in Goa renowned for its seafood & Goan Thali since 1978. What began as a quaint, little restaurant with Cafe Ritz Restaurant & Bar in the heart of Panjim City serving the traditional Goan food soon expanded to Ritz Classic.
20. Pousada by the beach
Where: Calangute, Goa
This restaurant operated by a father and son duo (Josh and his dad) was discovered by us one day while walking along the Calangute beach after a day of paragliding. The Sea/Beach facing Garden Restaurant and Bar is open from 11 am 7 pm . The food is personally served with utmost care by the owners and is extremely delicious. If all the above isn’t enough reason to visit – the restaurant has two gorgeous dogs (called Chai and Biscuit!) who are happy to say hello.
21. Mum’s kitchen
Where: Panjim
This place serves very homely dishes in case you are homesick and are craving for your mom’s food. This place is also a tribute to “Mothers” from far flung corners of Goa for having contributed In compiling exclusive traditional recipes, the result being a range of food so exquisite it’s a testimony to the rich Goan culture.
Panjim’s Favourites:
22. Black Sheep Bistro
What to order: cocktails (pan cocktail), Crab Ravioli, Mushroom Rice, seafood
This place definitely gives you a top dining experience and a feel of being in a Michelin star . The food and cocktails are so yum that you can bite your fingers off.
We initially went because it was rated Number 1 and were not disappointed. The restaurant does not offer a great view as it is nowhere close to the beach ,it is a city style restaurant but the food will make up for all of it.
We particularly enjoyed the Inspired Chorizo-Pav with its dark chocolate shaving, the Peanut Crusted fish and Goan Pesto Crusted fish. All the dishes we tried were innovative, fresh and delicious.
23. Fishermans’ Wharf
What to order: Seafood
The one in South Goa is definitely bigger, better and more beautiful overlooking the river however the food at this Panjim counterpart will also not disappoint you. It is located in a charming colonial building in central location of Panjim. The interiors remind you of a fisherman’s village with both indoor and outdoor seating. There is also live singing organised every evening.
24. Route 66
What to order: burgers, beers
This restaurant will give you a very american feel to it! Recommended for people who love their burgers and beers. It has amazing crafted food with creatively curated drinks. Great hang out place with friends. And now they have launched their new American breakfast menu and have taken the breakfast game to all the new level.
25. Black Vanilla
What to order: Pastry, Salads, Cheesecake, Brownie, Sandwiches
Looking for a place for a coffee date and some light eats?? You cant beat the Black Vanilla!
An artisanal boulangerie. A patisserie par excellence. And a very well constructed menu.It’s perfect for well conceived bites that are subtle and flavourful accompanied by well crafted beverages.
Beach Shacks:
26. Curlies
Where: Anjuna
What to order: Sheesha, beer, calamari, noodles
Do I need any special mention for Curlies? Ofcourse not! This place is a heart stealer just overlooking the Anjuna beach where you get cheap but delicious food with that great a view!! For first timers in Goa, it is a must.. I still keep going back to the place even after visiting it for the 100th time.. There is no better place to chill and relax in North Goa which can win over Curlies! The hippy feel, the sun beds and the aunties serving hot piping maggi in the evening just below the restaurant is unbeatable.
In the evening, you can also go for a swim just in front of the restaurant and they have some mad ass parties in their overhead deck during the weekends!
27. St Anthony’s
Where: Baga,Goa
What to order: Beer, seafood
Brittos was undoubtedly the winner of the shacks in Baga Calangute area till St Anthony’s came into picture..At St.Anthony’s bar and Restaurants the mood is light and happy and very Goan. There is a pool table with live entertainment every night to keep your feet tapping. Order a light snack and pair it with a beer as you gaze at the stars all night long . Sheesha is a favourite among the many thronging this establishment. A value for money place, it finds one wandering in anytime of the day.
28. Burger Factory
Where: Morjim, Goa
What to order: shakes, classic chicken burger, blue cheese burger, black bean burger
Do any of you remember the TV star -Shweta Salve. This restaurant was started by her and her husband. A very breezy and extremely beautiful restaurant which is a must visit for all youngsters. The USP- extremely good looking waitress and mouthwatering burgers- what a combination!
The beauty of the place will take you to unknown districts and countries, the fairy lights overlooking the sea, the chilled out and coloful decor, the artistic seatings and what not!
29. Marbela Bar and Restaurant
Where: Marbela Beach Resort, Arambol
What to order: Italian, beer
This restaurant is situated in far North Goa, away from the hustle & bustle of busy Baga & Calangute areas. You have to travel through dense forests to reach this resort.It is like a hidden paradise with a true beach vibe.
White is the main color of the resort with open air bar near the beach, white cabanas with comfy sun loungers and the private pristine beach.This place is very quiet(no crowd) in the mornings(with good music) but a happening party place at nights when it transforms into Club M.
* Those who want a luxurious beach experience with finest food & drinks and with privacy; they must definitely visit this place at least for a day at leisure.
30. Britto’s
Where: Baga, Goa
What to order: Beer, seafood
Only one sentence that will sum it all up for Brittos- Some things will never go out of fashion! No matter how many new restaurants open in Goa, people will still flock to Goa’s oldest best- Brittos for the experience, location ease and food!
For the visual version of this experience, please head over to our youtube and Instagram channel.
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0kc8LRLKTCA23oQHXqWGuw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.benjabi.affair/
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The Benjabi Affair 