I have had the privilege to stay in Goa for 2 years as part of my management trainee stint and during this time I had the time and the right friends with whom I could explore the restaurant life of Goa. Although South Goa has unblemished beaches, scenic drives, tranquillity and some amazing high-end restaurants, I will have to admit that North Goa is all about nightlife, shopping and liveliness, which is one of the major reasons why people come to visit Goa.
Moreover, North Goa is dawned with hundreds of amazing restaurants from its humblest, sand-at-your-feet beach shacks to its higher-end diners, 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 incertitude and more time relaxing and appreciating the beauty around. I have also divided the blog into breakfast, lunch and dinner places for the ease of it. Season time lasts from October to April so 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 compartmentalised 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 and gives you the illusion of Santorini (Greece) with its amazing white decor and beautiful sea view. The cafe is a bit space crunched with a seating capacity of 12-15 people but if you reach early morning at 9 am, you would definitely 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 savour the beauty of an art gallery with heart melting breakfast, this is the perfect place. A very good cultural centre, in a beautiful old Goan house with an extraordinary cafe in the patio - This place is a gem. The garden is perfect for sunsets on the open air theatre. When in Panjim, a visit to this cafe is a must! 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 is located inside the Tamarind Hotel and has some beautiful lighting which makes it stand out. We went here looking for some good breakfast and we were not disappointed at all. 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 has by far 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. Also, the book corner/shelf, yoga section and child's play area makes the place unique. The mediterranean thali and the avocado salad were fantastic and their smoothies and fresh juices are a must try!
6. Infantaria
Where: Calangute, Goa
What to order: Shakes, Rolls, Croissants , Breakfast Plate
This was the first place we had tried out during our first trip to Goa with our friends. The ambience is not as great as the other cafes, but this one is one of the favourites/darlings of North Goa and pretty much still hasn't lost it's 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/extensive menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The ingredients they use are very fresh. 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 cocktails and enjoying the lazy sun!
8. Gunpowder
Where: Assagao, Goa
What to order: Egg Appam, Kerala Mutton Curry, Malabar Prawn Curry, Some amazing cocktails
You need to visit this place for lunch, just to experience the wonderful and extremely delicious food they serve! This place has been opened by an Ex-Army officer who is a Keralite and that is why you'll see a lot of Malabar delicacies. Lunch just becomes even more tasty with a simple setting under the trees. 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 (The Red Snapper), Hummus Pita
This place resembles its name, defining the peace, joy and colour 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 the greenery all around and hues of the purple in the elements around representing the colour 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 experience!
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 before you head out, just call them to figure out whats in store.
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 do not 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 full of dance 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 you have a craving for North Indian food, Calamari should be your 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, a must visit during the day in the winters as the mood is romantic and the visitors are all decked-up colourful 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 Rs. 2000-3000 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 spend some time here, you will want to come back again and again!
This restaurant is huge and has small huts for accommodation which are 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 decor and even more fancy food it serves. This is a perfect place for proposals if you are in Goa but the food is overrated! You can visit this once just to enjoy the grandeur this place exhibits.
Traditional Goa Food
Apart from the above list, below are the four restaurants where you can enjoy some local delicacies and Goan food. These places do not 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 Kanteen
Where: Panjim
Personal favourite and a must visit. The Goan thali and the fish rava fry is a must try 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 para-sailing. 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 mostly 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 it lived up to it's expectations. 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 has a very American feel to it! Recommended for people who love burgers, fries along with beer. 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.
Famous 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 where you get less expensive but delicious food and is just overlooking the Anjuna beach offering a great view!! For first timers in Goa, it is a must.. I still keep going back to the place even after visiting Goa for the 100th time.. There is no better place to chill and relax in North Goa other than Curlies! The hippy feel, the sun beds and the aunties serving hot piping maggi in the evening just next the restaurant is something which 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 amongst shacks in Baga-Calangute area till St Anthony's came into picture..At St.Anthony's bar and Restaurants, the mood is light, 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- well dressed waiters/waitresses 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 colourful decor, the artistic seatings and what not!
29. Marbela Bar and Restaurant
Where: Marbela Beach Resort, Arambol
What to order: Italian, Beer, Chicken Wings
This restaurant is situated in far North Goa, away from the hustle & bustle of busy Baga & Calangute. 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 central theme 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 quaint and serene in the mornings but turns into a happening party place at nights when it transforms into Club M.* Those who want a luxurious beach experience with good food & drinks along with some privacy; they must definitely visit this place at least once.
30. Britto's
Where: Baga, Goa
What to order: Beer, Seafood
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!
That is it from us.
For the visual version of this experience, please head over to our youtube and Instagram channel.
Youtube Channel - The Benjabi Affair
Instagram - The Benjabi Affair
Do like, share and subscribe !!