Eat & Stay Goa: ItsGoa - April 2022 Edition

STAY EAT &

5of the best goan bars

The state is home to several popular bars. Lets explore the top 5 best bars in Goa to visit in 2022.

Best seafood restaurants in goa

Great destinations not only for keen seafood lovers but also for expanding your culinary horizons

Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurants in Colva

For those of you planning a visit to Colva anytime soon, here is a list of the top restaurants in Colva.

CAFES FOR INFULENCERS

Start your Instagram journey by visiting one of these top Instagrammable cafes in the South

beach huts in Agonda

Here’s a list of the best beach hut resorts in Agonda to stay at during your next vacation in Goa.

Photo: Pylyp Sukhenko

Editorial

Hello Readers, The weather is changing from cool and breezy to hot and humid. Children are ready to go into holiday mode with their final exams almost over and schools are closing for a nice long summer break. It's time to get your light loose summery wear out and head to the beach. Goa boasts of a 103 km coastline with the most enchanting palm-fringed, white sandy beaches you'll ever find. You don't need a beach umbrella or a picnic basket. There are plenty of shacks that dot the beaches providing beach beds and umbrellas for free to customers but payable for those who prefer to just laze around. For the hungry belly, the beach shacks and restaurants around offer the most delectable cuisine with fish fare uppermost on the menu in season at reasonable rates. Celebrations never end in Goa, be it the IPL (Indian Premier League) or Easter. Goans are all geared up. The frenzy to form teams and win on Dream11 makes me wonder about the cricketers actually playing. The focus is no more on the teams that are playing but on the teams that are made by individuals for Dream11. I'm not a cricket fan but have followed the golden rule, “If you can't beat

them, join them!” So, I take my popcorn tub and sit by the side of my hubby like a pro. Our breakfast discussions these days are ‘the reason for Kumble being dropped as head coach” (a PTI article in the NT dated 8th April - 'Kumble felt he was treated unfairly’), or ‘BCCI politics’. I listen intently and enjoy adding my two-paise bits. The conversation steered to ‘Virat’ and ‘Dhoni’ and landed at ‘Vinod Kamble’ - how he was the best in his time and how he is the only cricketer to hit three consecutive test centuries in three innings, all centuries against different countries. By then Breakfast was done and I got thinking of the Captains of the IPL cricket teams. If the team loses, the Captain is held responsible. If the team wins, much is made of the captain despite his poor performance. That is the irony of the game.

Then onto more pressing things like making Easter Eggs? Despite all the weight consciousness, healthy lifestyle rants and low carb diets, Easter Eggs are made in every traditional Goan household either with milk / dark chocolate or marzipan. Shaped into bunnies or oval eggs, some hollow inside stuffed with little cotton chicks and goodies, gifted to each child or hidden around the house for an exciting treasure hunt on Easter morning.

Easter signifies Christ's Resurrection and a promise of eternal life. So here’s wishing you all a Very Happy Easter.

Get in touch:

Nordic Intent HQ, Lane 4, PDA Colony, Near Le Magnifique, Bardez Goa – 403521 +91-9765419976 mail@itsgoa.com

01 Top 5 Best Bars in Goa to visit in 2022

02 Restaurants and Cafes near Palolem Beach

03 Newly Opened Hotels in Goa To Try Out

04 New Restaurants in Goa To Try Some Platters

05 Instagrammable Cafes in South Goa

06 Locally Reviewed Seafood Restaurants in Goa

07 Best Multi-Cuisine Restaurants in Colva

Introduction

Goa, the tiniest state on the western coast of India, boasts golden pristine beaches, palmfringed avenues, flavourful food, delicious Portuguese-influenced sweets, and warm, hospitable people. Also known as the Ibiza of India for its partying. A tropical paradise of flora and fauna, from the very famous 'almi' (mushrooms) endemic to its forests, that grow only on the red mud anthills, to the solar prawns that are fished immediately after the monsoons, Goa is unique. Tourists are also attracted to Goa for its cultural heritage - from the famous old Portuguese churches like Se Cathedral in Old Goa, the 16th Century Safa Masjid in Ponda and Shree Mangesha Temple in Mardol, the legendary Arvalem or Pandava Caves where the Pandavas of the Mahabharat fame lived, to its two unique festivals - Carnival and Shigmo. Goa plays host to many festivals

- the International Film Festival of India that promotes cinema, the Serendipity Art Festival, Sunburn Music Festival, The Grape Escapade to name a few. To showcase this varied heritage of culture, art, tradition, food, and people, in 2015 ItsGoa was born. The main aim was to make it the premier portal for all things Goa. We were able to showcase Goa like never before. Soon our blog-based website transcended the virtual space, with the ItsGoa magazine a sought-after resource for visitors to Goa from countries like Norway, Germany, UK, USA, UAE, etc. The Covid Pandemic in 2020 brought everything to a standstill and printing of the magazine was put on hold. Now that life is almost back to normal in Goa, and to maintain the covid norms, we have decided to launch our very own ItsGoa magazine online.

A little about our Magazine

Think of Goa! Think ItsGoa! Our magazine is known for its business listings of basically anything and everything found in Goa. We also produce uniquely written articles in regard to Goa. Some of these folk tales you quite literally will not find anywhere else on the net. These rich in content stories are passed down from generation to generation in the villages of golden Goa. We also provide up-to-date news and information on travel, food, and events that are taking place in this beautiful State of Goa. The content on ItsGoa is written by people who are passionate about calling this tiny state their home. Our writers come from all walks of life, and through our social media handles on Facebook or Instagram, we re able to showcase Goa through many different lenses.

The ItsGoa magazine is a single point of reference for news, lifestyle, and culture in Goa.

Top 5 Best Bars in Goa to visit in 2022

The state is home to several popular bars which offer tourists as well as locals a nice place to hang out with their friends and enjoy a beautiful evening sipping on some innovative cocktail concoctions and other alcoholic beverages.

Photograph: Olena Sergienko

The beautiful state of Goa is often referred to as the land of fish, feni and football. Indeed, feni as well as other alcoholic drinks like whiskies, beers, wines, cocktails and mocktails are very much an integral part of Goa’s gastronomy scene. The state is home to several popular bars which offer tourists as well as locals a nice place to hang out with their friends and enjoy a beautiful evening sipping on some innovative cocktail concoctions and other alcoholic beverages. In this article, we explore the top 5 best bars in Goa to visit in 2022.

Tesouro by Firefly, Colva

First on our list of the top 5 best bars in Goa is Tesouro by Firefly at Colva. It was named India’s Best Bar for 2021 in the annual 30 Best Bars India ranking, which was released last week. Tesouro (Portuguese for treasure) is a rambunctious bar in the generally tranquil beach village of Colva in South Goa. It is located near the Florida Gardens on the Colva-Benaulim road. It has become one of the most talked-about drinking establishments in the country in the last two years thanks to its popular drinks, such as the legendary Midnight Brekkie (made using gin, vermouth, watermelon, peanut butter, and strawberry compote). The bar was founded by Donovan Vaz, a scion of a Goan liquor distribution family, who quit his car racing career to become a restaurateur, along with mixologist Arijit Bose. Tesouro offers a great selection of cocktails. The ambience of the place is very classy. They have an air-conditioned seating area indoors as well as an open-air seating area outdoors. The bar has got ample parking space and has a warm, welcoming feel to it. The cocktails offered here are some of the finest you can find anywhere in India. Cocktails that are a must-try at this place include their signature Midnight Brekkie cocktail, G.O.A.T and Hapusa gimlet, as well as their Feni-based concoctions like Mr Spritzer, Terra Bebida, and Cafe Dukshiri. The bartenders, servers, and other staff at the bar are very polite and helpful. The bar is a must-visit for all cocktail enthusiasts when in Goa.

Titlie, Vagator

Next on our list of the top 5 best bars in Goa is Titlie in Vagator. This is a gastronomic bar and restaurant located on a cliff near Vagator beach. Visitors can enjoy a spectacular view of the

gorgeous sea and the beautiful sunset during the evenings from this restaurant. The stunning location of the restaurant, coupled with the delicious food it offers, as well as its lively and electrifying atmosphere, makes it an ideal spot for a fun night out with friends. Visitors must try their butter-poached prawns, curry leaf chicken, rock shrimp, and the clay oven tapas with broccoli, feta, walnuts, chilli, and watermelon. All of these are delicious and simply too hard to resist.

Purple Martini @ Sunset Point, Anjuna

Next on our list of the top 5 best bars in Goa to visit is the famous Purple Martini @ Sunset Point. This bar is situated on a cliff near Anjuna beach. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the Arabian Sea from this place. The bar is one of the best spots in Goa to enjoy a view of the beautiful sunset while sipping on some exotic cocktails. The ambience over here is mindblowing, with fantastic music playing in the background. When it comes to drinks, they offer a wide variety of cocktails, mocktails, liqueurs, and gins. Their signature Purple Martini shots and flaming Lamborghini fire cocktails are good and are must-tries. The food offered here is also very good. One must try their delicious Greek Veggie Delight Pizza, composed of feta cheese, fresh mushrooms, green peppers, black olives, onion, tomatoes and a special homemade pizza sauce. Their ultimate tuna burger is also worth a try.

Mosaic Bar, Anjuna

This is a tapas bar in Anjuna that has flooring that is fitted with mosaic tiles. The interiors of the place are filled with hues of mustard and blue. The comfortable seating arrangement, as well as the lightning-fast WiFi, makes this place an ideal spot for people on a workcation in Goa. The bar was founded by cousins Ashley Lobo and Marcelo Lobo. Their passion for good food, good drinks and good conversations led to them joining hands together, to start a place where people could hang out together and enjoy a nice chat while munching on some Goan-inspired late-night bites and beverages. The bar menu features a wide range of cocktails, mocktails, gins, tequila shots and lots more. Must-try cocktails that are highly recommended at this place include the exotic pina colada composed of Bacardi, coconut rum,

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Jack Rabbits Bar And Restaurant, Benaulim

And last on our list of the top 5 best bars in Goa is Jack Rabbits Bar and Restaurant. This place is situated opposite Taj Exotica at Benaulim. It is a quaint hangout spot by the fields. If you are looking to spend some quality time with friends, this place is perfect for you.

The pizzas served here are totally out of this world. They are cooked in a wood-fired clay oven with cheese imported from Italy.

So, on your next visit to Goa, head down with your closest buddies to one of these amazing bars and enjoy a beautiful evening while sipping on some incredible cocktails, tequilas and vodkas. Cheers!

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Restaurants and nearCafes Palolem Beach For Tourists

There are many exquisite restaurants and cafes close to the beach which offer a variety of mouth-watering dishes and refreshing drinks. In this article, we explore the best restaurants and cafes near Palolem beach.

Photograph: Tom Chapman

The beautiful village of Palolem is known for its peace and tranquillity. It is home to the famous Palolem beach, which draws thousands of visitors every year to its graceful shores. Thousands of tourists are seen having a good time on the beach, swimming, sunbathing and indulging in a variety of water sports activities. After exhausting themselves, many of them look for nice restaurants to enjoy a nice and tasty meal and some innovative cocktails to recharge themselves. Thankfully, there are many exquisite restaurants and cafes close to the beach which offer a variety of mouth-watering dishes and refreshing drinks. In this article, we explore the best restaurants and cafes near Palolem beach.

Cafe Inn

First on our list of the best restaurants and cafes near Palolem beach is Café Inn, the in-house restaurant at Crystal Goa Hotel, Palolem. The café serves sandwiches, burgers, salads and a range of Mediterranean cuisine. The place has got a very relaxing atmosphere. Their feta cheese sandwich and their eggs on toast are something you really can’t afford to miss. Their delicious smoothies and freshly prepared juices are also very good.

Cafe Del Mar

Next on our list of the best restaurants and cafes near Palolem beach is Cafe Del Mar. This white tented bar and restaurant on Palolem Beach features wooden tables and lounge chairs, which are ideal for putting your feet up and relaxing with a glass of beer. Choose from their cocktail menu or have a shot of your favourite whiskey mixed with one of their freshly pressed juices. The food on their menu is delicious and mouth-watering. Their beef steak sizzler, their marinara Pizza, and their Napolitano pasta are the most popular dishes.

Royal Touch Beach Shack

This shack-cum-restaurant is a nice place where one can just sit and enjoy the serenity of the beach with good food and booze. The food served here is simply too good. They serve a nice complimentary Indian breakfast here every morning. There are sun loungers and parasols near the shack where one can relax and bask in the beautiful sun while sipping a nice fresh

cocktail. In the evenings, tables are laid out for a BBQ party featuring a live seafood counter. On Fridays, they have live music at the property. The staff at the restaurant are very professional and friendly and go out of their way to assist you with anything you need.

Jaali Café

Jaali Café was set up in 2015. It is located around 2 kilometres from Palolem beach. Six years down the line, this place has become a favourite on the southern coastal belt. They specialize in Mediterranean and Middle-eastern cuisine. For seafood lovers, their Pesce platter, comprising mackerel pate’, salt and pepper calamari prawn, coconut cauliflower tahini, served with pickle and chips is highly recommended. Their Cafe Americano and Espresso Macchiato are the best coffee drinks one can ever find in South Goa.

Karma Cafe and Bakery

And last on our list of exquisite restaurants and cafes near Palolem beach is the Karma Cafe and Bakery. This is a small and quiet cafe located just a short 20-minute walk from Palolem beach. The ambiance of the place is very peaceful. The cafe offers a variety of vegetarian/vegan snacks and meals, homemade gluten-free bread, cakes and cookies. They also serve delicious smoothies and cold drinks, as well as tea and coffee. The staff of the cafe is very friendly and courteous.

The prices are what is expected for western-style food (they also have Nepali), but if you’re looking for vegan lunch or a lovely cake/pie, maybe an iced tea or smoothie in a cute cafe then this is the place to go to. Everything is made fresh, so expect to wait for a little while for some of the items.

With this, we conclude our list of the best restaurants and cafes near Palolem beach. So, if you are feeling a little lonely and tired during the weekend, head down with your family and friends to one of these amazing restaurants in Palolem and enjoy a beautiful evening, while munching on some delicious food and beverages. Hurry! Make your reservations now!

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Newly Opened Hotels in Goa To Try Out in 2022 And Beyond

Many new four-star and five-star hotel properties started operations in Goa to provide tourists with more choices and to offer even better services and comforts.

Photograph: The Westin Goa

The Covid-19 pandemic brought the entire world to a standstill when it first broke out in March 2020. It jeopardised the economies of many countries around the world. The tiny state of Goa, whose economy is highly reliant on tourism, too was badly affected by the pandemic. The state’s tourism industry took a massive beating due to the closure of interstate borders, suspension of international flights, and various other Covid-19 protocols that did not permit large gatherings in public places. Due to very few tourist footfalls, many hotels in Goa had to shut down their operations. However, as the economy started to reopen in September 2020, Goa started to see a steady rise in tourist footfalls. As the state started to receive a decent amount of tourists, many hotels which had shut down operations earlier reopened for business. Apart from this, many new four-star and five-star hotel properties started operations in Goa to provide tourists with more choices and to offer even better services and comforts. In this article, we take a look at the top 5 newly opened hotels in Goa.

Vivanta Goa, Miramar

First on our list of the top 5 newly opened hotels in Goa is the Vivanta Goa at Miramar in Panjim. This hotel opened to the public in September 2021. This 77-room property is located in a colonial neighbourhood with coastline views, easy access to the Miramar beach, the best hotspots for art, culture and nightlife, and is just minutes away from the city centre of Panjim. It is ideally suited for both leisure and business travellers. The design of the hotel is modern and has a young and energetic vibe. Mynt, the all-day diner, offers a global menu, while the Rooftop Poolside Bar is an ideal location for sundowners. The hotel offers a meeting room, and the rooftop terrace is a perfect venue for meetings and social gatherings with scenic views.

Fairfield by Marriott, Benaulim

Next on our list of the top 5 newly opened hotels in Goa is Fairfield by Marriott, Benaulim. This hotel, which is the second Fairfield by Marriott property in Goa, started operations in September 2021. Located within walking distance from the immaculate sands of Benaulim Beach, the hotel allows guests to enjoy the local charms of the

beautiful village of Benaulim and its picturesque beaches. It offers 144 spacious, modern and wellequipped rooms, with separate work and rest areas. Each guestroom features garden or pool views, with its own balcony and patio seating for guests to relax and unwind. Fairfield by Marriott Goa Benaulim features two signature restaurants and a pool bar. Kava, the all-day dining restaurant, serves authentic Indian and Western cuisine from the restaurant’s well-curated menu. Kava Lounge, another all-day-dining outlet, is a place where guests can enjoy light bites, coffee and cocktails. Those looking to relax after a long and tiring day can enjoy sunset cocktails with live music by the poolside at Azul. The hotel offers a versatile meeting space with over 10,000 sq. ft., featuring an outdoor lawn area that can accommodate over 300 guests, making it the perfect venue for weddings, special occasions, or business events. Guests staying at Fairfield by Marriott Goa Benaulim will have access to an array of amenities, including a 6,500 sq. ft outdoor swimming pool, an open-air pool bar and a 24/7 fitness centre. Families and young guests can keep themselves entertained with an array of fun activities at the hotel’s kids club

The Westin Goa

This hotel, which marks the entry of the Westin brand in Goa, commenced operations in April 2021. Located just 3 kilometres away from the famous Anjuna beach, this hotel provides a healthy dose of pampering, matched with holistic well-being offerings and access to a fun-filled nightlife. It boasts 171 spacious guestrooms and suites, as well as deluxe patio rooms, where guests can relax over a dip in the outdoor pool accessible directly from the rooms. All the rooms are equipped with the brand’s iconic Heavenly Bed, which is uniquely designed to revitalise the body and mind with a night of restorative sleep. The sleek bathroom featuring the Heavenly Bath redefines the shower experience with a revitalising rain shower and features luxuriant White Tea Aloe bath amenities, extra-large bath sheets and plush bathrobes to help guests start the day feeling pampered and invigorated. The hotel offers four food and beverage outlets on-site, where guests can enjoy delicious fare and drinks. The Market, the property’s all-day dining restaurant, offers

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guests a variety of health-conscious culinary adventures with live stations serving nourishing local and global favourites and healthy small bites. Guests can relax and unwind over cocktails and live music at Drift, the poolside bar and restaurant featuring a mesmerising sunset deck and an unmatched dining experience. The lobby bar named Haven is a calm rejuvenating realm that blends the goodness of nature with the comfort and simplicity of design. Guests at Haven can enjoy signature cocktails inspired by the spirit of Goa. Anjuna Coffee and Co. a deli and patisserie welcomes every guest to the atrium lobby with a whiff of freshly brewed coffee, paired with wholesome delights like sandwiches, pastries and revitalising drinks, including the Westin Fresh by the Juicery program. Guests looking to stay fit can make use of the 24-hour Westin Workout Fitness Studio that is replete with state-of-the-art fitness amenities. The outdoor pool offers the perfect complement to any workout and there is also a kids’ pool for families to enjoy. Guests can pamper themselves at the Westin Heavenly Spa where each treatment room comes with a changing and steam area. They can enjoy a choice of healing massages, invigorating bath rituals, body wraps, facials and exfoliation treatments, covering all the five human senses. The Westin Goa has over 14,000 sq. ft. of event spaces and features a Grand Ballroom with separate breakout spaces. The Grand Ballroom along with two modern and flexible function rooms are also available to host weddings, social events, conferences, or corporate meetings.

Hilton Goa Resort, Candolim

This Hilton property opened its doors to the public in November 2020. Located atop the scenic, terraced slopes of Saipem Hills, overlooking the Nerul River, the Hilton Goa Resort at Candolim extends Hilton’s signature hospitality and tranquil retreat to leisure and business travellers. The chic full-service resort is 34 kilometres from the Goa International Airport and is ideally located 10 minutes away from the popular Candolim and Calangute beaches. The resort with 104-guest rooms offers guests unparalleled views, 4 swimming pools, suites with private plunge pools and signature curated experiences. The resort also offers three unique food and beverage

options. Guests can relax at @Saipe, the all-day dining restaurant offering a unique menu with a modern twist and unobstructed views of the pools and river; or treat themselves to assorted artisanal coffees, sweet treats, bakes and brews at Doce, the charming coffee lounge. Alternatively, they can choose to unwind and lounge at Coco, the transformative high-octane bar and restaurant featuring a Mediterranean- inspired menu.

Taj Resort And Convention Centre, Dona Paula And last on our list of the top 5 newly opened hotels in Goa is the Taj Resort and Convention Centre at Dona Paula. This latest addition to the roster of Taj properties in Goa started operations in February 2020. Located just 10 minutes from Panjim and adjoining Cidade de Goa, Taj Resort and Convention Centre, Goa offers stunning hillside and sea views. Being centrally located, it is ideally suited for both – large scale business and leisure events. The 299-room hotel is designed in a contemporary style, evoking the spirit of Goa. The hotel offers multiple dining options such as BLD, the all-day diner open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; The Banyan, an ‘Eat-Bar’; and C2C, the coastal cuisine speciality restaurant. The rooftop sports a large infinity pool along the sea-facing edge as well as a bar. The hotel’s 24×7 Club Lounge, Jiva Spa and 40-seater cinema round off its extensive offerings. The pièce de résistance of the hotel is the convention centre, which comprises an approximately 13,000 sq. ft pillarless hall in addition to six breakaway spaces, an openair terrace and lawn – all totalling to 60,000 sq. ft. With an exclusive entrance and ample recreational options, Taj Hotel and Convention Centre, Goa is an ideal venue for large conferences and destination weddings. With this, we conclude our list of the top 5 newly opened hotels in Goa. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up that phone and make your bookings at one of these amazing hotel properties in Goa, which are the perfect venue to host anything that you want –be it a grand wedding, a mega business conference, or simply a once-in-a-lifetime leisure vacation in Goa.

Photograph: Ardian Lumi

New Restaurants in Goa To Try Some Platters This Weekend

These restaurants have introduced new types of cuisines to Goa, leaving food lovers all the more spoilt for choices.

Photograph: Jonas Allert

The beautiful state of Goa is popularly known as the land of fish, feni and football. Apart from the various popular beaches, forts and other tourist attractions, Goa is also known for its famous restaurants and beach shacks that offer lipsmacking dishes and drinks, much to the delight of the thousands of tourists that dine at these places during their holiday in Goa. Unfortunately, due to the coronavirus pandemic, many of the famous restaurants in Goa had to shut shop. However, as things started to return to normalcy after the second and third waves of the pandemic, many of them have restarted their operations. During this time, many new restaurants have also come up in Goa. These restaurants have introduced new types of cuisines to Goa, leaving food lovers all the more spoilt for choices.

In this article, we take a look at 5 newly opened restaurants in Goa that you must check out.

Roboto, Calangute

First on our list of new restaurants in Goa is Roboto at Calangute. This is a Japanese and Korean contemporary street style and izakayastyle restaurant. It is located near the Dolphin Circle in the heart of Calangute. The restaurant completed one year of operations in 2022. The place is beautiful, not very crowded and the service is excellent. The staff are very attentive, but non-intrusive. They have a limited menu. However, every dish on their menu is top class and delicious. You must try the pork gyoza, kobujime, crusted fish, jjamppong ramen and teriyaki fish don buri. They serve very nice cocktails as well. Highly recommended place for those who are keen on trying some Japanese cuisine.

Ida’s Boutique Bar and Restaurant, Vagator

This is a garden-style bar and restaurant located just a stone’s throw away from Ozran beach in Vagator. It commenced operations in November 2020, just a few months after the economy started to reopen. The restaurant is a family-run enterprise that has a theme centred around sustainability. The restaurant features several items that have been refurbished into new items and put into service again in a new way. For example, an old fishing boat has been transformed into a beautiful bar, fallen tree trunks

have been upcycled into stylish lamps and discarded Old Monk bottles have been given a new life as ingenious serveware. The day-to-day operations of this unique boutique bar and restaurant is handled by four members of the Thapa family—mother Anushree is in charge of the well-crafted menu, which features delicious goodies and refreshing drinks. Her daughter, Aneesha, who designed the restaurant, handles the bar, where cocktails come infused with homemade bitters and shrubs, while the father and son take care of logistics and reservations, respectively.

Dakte, Siolim

This charming little cafe, located at Siolim, has plenty of vibe and character. It is located around 7 km from the shores of the famous Chapora beach. Although it is ‘dakte’ (small) in name and size, it is ‘hodle’ (large) in spirit. The menu is comprehensive for a cafe – plenty of breakfast, salad and sandwich options and of course, coffee. A must try at this place is the meaty brekkie, which consists of a mini fruit bowl, boiled eggs, baked beans, hash browns, sausage, bacon, ham and toast with coffee. The ham and cheese omelette, as well as the pancakes served here, are also great. There are mini board games at each table, as well as power points on the walls. Service is very friendly and prompt, and prices are quite reasonable .

Suzie’s, Assagao

Lastly, on the list of new restaurants in Goa is Suzie’s. It is a whimsical garden restaurant, nestled in the jungle by-lanes of Assagao. Chef Suzie’s food is playful. Fusion fare – merging local produce with a variety of cooking styles and techniques. The menu changes four to five times a year, based on the changing moods and ingredients of the Goan seasons. To match the playfulness of Suzie’s food, each specially crafted cocktail on the menu is a labour of love. The restaurant is a reservations-only space. Reservations must be made at least 24 hours in advance. With this, we conclude our list of the 5 new restaurants in Goa that you must try out. So if you are feeling lonely during the weekend, head down to one of these newly opened restaurants with your friends and enjoy feasting on all the unique culinary delights that they have to offer. Make your reservations now!

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Instagrammable Cafes in South Goa To Post Like Top Influencers

If you are interested in becoming an influencer, you can start your Instagram journey by visiting one of these top Instagrammable cafes in South Goa, which are ideal spots for taking beautiful pics to post on Instagram.

Photograph: Clifford

Ever since it was launched in 2010, Instagram has become a very popular social media platform. Its popularity has risen over the last couple of years, especially among the youth, and has given rise to a new phenomenon called Instagram Influencers. Thousands of Instagram influencers all across the world visit different cafes, restaurants, beaches, and other prominent places, and post pictures of themselves with interesting captions on Instagram every day. These pictures are viewed by thousands of people all over the world and receive several likes and comments. If you are interested in becoming an influencer, you can start your Instagram journey by visiting one of these top Instagrammable cafes in South Goa, which are ideal spots for taking beautiful pics to post on Instagram.

Billy’s Cafe Bar, Colva

Next on our list of the top Instagrammable cafes in South Goa to hang out at is Billy’s Café Bar at Colva. This is one of the most popular hangout spots for youngsters wanting to chill and have a good time. The café has got a very calm and relaxing atmosphere. It has got a ground floor as well as an air-conditioned section on the first floor. It also has an outdoor open-air seating area, which provides a nice backdrop to take some amazing pics with your closest buddies. The food offered here is top-notch. One should try their popcornflavoured mojitos. Their waffles as well as their well-blended smoothies are also very good. Their liver pate, recheado wings, and chocolate pancakes are something you can’t afford to miss. Their steak with spaghetti is also highly recommended. For those who are vegan, items like paneer steak and veg cheese cigars are good options to try out.

Nireas Healthy Haven, Palolem

This is a beautiful café located at Palolem, where you can relax, work, read a book, socialize, and of course, eat. The place has a very nice ambiance and is surrounded by lovely green plants which enhance the vibe of the place. The café specializes in Indian and Italian cuisine. Vegan and gluten-free choices are also available at this cafe. Although the food offered here caters mainly to vegans, there are a few items on the menu for non-vegetarians as well. Homemade gluten-free

bread and buns, vegan desserts, raw vegan cheesecake, and dressings feature on the menu. They also offer delicious veg burgers, mouthwatering wraps, nutritious bowls, canapés, salads, sizzlers, and desserts over here. The drinks available on the menu include coffee made from fresh beans, fresh juices, and milkshakes. Alcoholic drinks like cocktails and wine are also served at this cafe.

German Bakery, Palolem

This is a nice place surrounded by a lush green garden, which makes it an ideal spot to take some amazing pics with your close friends. The café offers a variety of cuisines including Italian, Tibetan, and of course, German cuisine as well. The place is frequented by many people who drop in for a quick breakfast or brunch. Their French and American breakfasts are very delicious. Also, their Spanish omelette and their Nutella pancakes are a must-try.

Kopi Desa, Agonda

And concluding our list of the top Instagrammable cafes in South Goa is Kopi Desa Bar and Restaurant. This place is located just 3 kilometres away from the shores of the pristine Agonda beach. The restaurant has a lovely laid-back ambiance that provides the perfect setting to have some cocktails and click a few selfies. The restaurant’s menu features a variety of cuisines ranging from traditional Indian recipes to delectable fusion and western fare. The place serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Dishes which are very popular with patrons at this place include the chicken xacuti, pork vindaloo, BBQ pork ribs, beef steak, and margherita pizza are among the most popular delicacies at this place. The wellstocked bar offers a wide range of beers, whiskies, rum, cocktails, mocktails and shots. The Tequila Sunrise, as well as the refreshing pina colada cocktail are highly recommended drinks to try out.

So, all you guys and gals out there! What are you waiting for? Head down this weekend to one of the amazing Instagram-worthy cafes in South Goa and enjoy an amazing night out feasting on some delicious snacks and drinks and taking a couple of selfies at the same time. Hurry! Make your reservations now!

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Photograph: Pim Myten

Goa, being a state located on the western coast of India, is well known for its seafood. Fish is a staple component of every Goan’s diet. Also, being a tourist hotspot, the state has several shacks and restaurants that offer a variety of delicious seafood dishes. Almost every person in Goa has their own favourite restaurant where they go to satiate their seafood cravings. These places could range from simple family eateries to lavish fine dining restaurants and shacks. Kingfish, red and black snapper, squid, tuna, oysters, shellfish, crab, lobster, sea bass, tiger prawns, black and white pomfret and mackerel are just some of the fish and seafood that you can enjoy when in Goa, making it a great destination not only for keen seafood lovers but also for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons and try something new. In this article, we explore the top seafood restaurants in Goa where you can enjoy some amazing seafood dishes.

Kinara Bar and Restaurant, Chimbel

First on our list of the top seafood restaurants in Goa is the Kinara Bar and Restaurant at Chimbel. Every Panjimite at some point of time in their lives have gone to this restaurant located near Chimbel market, to treat their taste buds to some delicious seafood dishes. The owner of the place used to source fresh fish from the sea using his own trawlers many years back. However, the seafood offered at this place is still very good even today. When at this place, you must order something from the day’s fresh catch, which is then cooked according to your preferred taste and liking. The fried chonak served here is simply amazing, as are the xinaneo, squid, and lepo. The place is a little difficult to find, but its huge popularity proves that its hidden location is no deterrent for people in search of fresh and delicious seafood dishes.

Gigi Park, Benaulim

Next on our list of top seafood restaurants in Goa is Gigi Park. This restaurant is located just 200 metres away from the Taj Exotica Resort at Benaulim. Although the restaurant specialises mainly in seafood, it also offers many excellent vegetarian dishes as well. One must try the masala coated Pomfret Fish with mashed potatoes and the spicy Garlic & Red Sauce coated Prawns. Both these dishes are very delicious and

have an extravagant flavour. The Goan fish curry available here is very authentic and delectable. The waiting staff at the restaurant are very friendly and go out of their way to fulfil all your needs.

Vinayak Family Restaurant, Assagao

This family-run restaurant is very basic in terms of décor, but offers amazing and delicious food and drinks. The dishes offered here are very authentic in taste and very well priced. Their Red Snapper Thali – served with a mackerel gravy, crab curry, potato bhaji, tisreo (shellfish), a huge heap of rice and some sol kadi- is simply awesome. Apart from the thali, you must also try the Rava fried prawns and crab Xacuti with delicious gravy. Both dishes are very tasty and will leave you craving for more.

Anand Bar Seafood Restaurant, Anjuna

This restaurant is situated just a few kilometres away from the shores of the beautiful Anjuna beach. It is a quaint little place that is filled with tourists as well as locals at all times. Guests should try their seafood thali, with chonak masala Rawa fry as a side dish. The seafood thali comprises white rice, cabbage fry, clams masala, kingfish Tawa fry and Goan prawn curry. The kingfish Tawa fry is very succulent and ravishing, while the prawn curry is hauntingly delicious and will have your taste buds craving for more! Their chonak masala Rawa fry is equally appetizing.

Star Bar and Restaurant, Ribandar

And concluding our list of the top seafood restaurants in Goa is the Star Bar Restaurant. This is a small place tucked away in the by lanes of Ribandar. The place is renowned for its fresh seafood offerings, which are always served in large quantities. The restaurant has a local bar atmosphere and a very restricted fish fry menu with a few other dishes. It serves one of the best Rava fry preparations of seafood like mussels and chonak fish. Since it is a very basic bar and restaurant, indoor seating is not suitable for families. They do have a few tables outdoors when it is not raining.

So guys, what are you waiting for? Head down to one of these amazing restaurants in Goa and treat yourself to an amazing variety of mouth-watering seafood delicacies. Make your reservations now!

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Best MultiCuisine Restaurants in Colva For Travellers

Due to its popularity as a tourist hotspot, Colva has seen several restaurants sprout up over the last couple of years to cater to the hunger cravings of the thousands of tourists who flock to the village every year.

Photograph: Pablo Merchán Montes

Colva is a coastal village situated in Salcete taluka of South Goa. It is home to the famous Colva beach, which is the largest beach in South Goa. The beach has white sands and is lined with groves of swaying coconut palm trees. It is popular with both Indian and foreign tourists. The area around the beach circle can get crowded, but if you walk a few minutes to the north or the south of the beach, you will find a few secluded areas where you can relax in tranquillity and solitude. Many water sports activities like parasailing, snorkelling, jet skiing etc. take place at Colva beach. Due to its popularity as a tourist hotspot, Colva has seen several restaurants sprout up over the last couple of years to cater to the hunger cravings of the thousands of tourists who flock to the village every year. For those of you planning a visit to Colva anytime soon, here is a list of the top restaurants in Colva.

The Red Ginger

Starting the list of top restaurants in Colva is The Red Ginger restaurant. Located just around 2 kilometres from Colva beach, this restaurant is probably the best place in Goa for those who crave authentic Asian cuisine. The restaurant is quite spacious and has a very beautiful ambience. For starters, one could try their prawn tempura served with wasabi mayo or their Shanghai spinach spring roll flavoured with soya sauce. For meat lovers, the irresistible Thai Chilli Lamb with kaffir lime and the Basil Thai Chicken are good options. For the main course, one can opt for the appetizing Szechwan fried rice and chill chicken for gravy. One can also try their signature Red Ginger bowl, which consists of Bangkok style chicken or tenderloin served with jasmine rice.

Mickey’s Restaurant

Next on our list of the top restaurants in Colva is Mickey’s Restaurant. This popular restaurant is located just a few metres away from the Beleza by the Beach resort at Colva. The place is huge and has a great location sitting on the water’s edge. It is decorated nicely with flowers and has a fishing boat near the entrance. It has both, outdoor as well as indoor seating. Wonderful retro music playing in the background adds to the ambience of the place. The food offered here is very delicious. A must try at this place is the Chilli garlic

calamari in white gravy, which is the restaurant’s signature dish. It is simply outstanding and will leave you craving for more. Other dishes worth trying at this place include Bombay Duck Rava fry, prawn biryani, chicken xacuti and Goan sausage fry.

Little Banana Goan Fast Food

This is a small restaurant, tucked away near a tiny junction on the Colva beach road. It is a simple, no-frills restaurant that serves popular Goan homemade dishes. They have a small menu with very good options. When you are here, you must try their Little Banana Special Thali, which comes with perfectly cooked prawns, succulent modso fish in Tawa masala, fish curry and clams served in a mild coconut gravy. The dudhee (pumpkin) and sukkah fish pickle is very crisp and nicely complements the exotic flavours of the thali. The place is one of the best places in Colva to enjoy authentic Goan food.

The Garden at La Ben Resort

The Garden Restaurant, which is the in-house restaurant of the La Ben Resort, is situated on the main Colva beach road. It is just a short 10 minutes walk away from the shores of the pristine Colva beach. It is a beautiful fine-dining option for those who crave spicy food. The restaurant has a widespread menu featuring a variety of spicy Indian dishes. The place is ideal for breakfast, as well as lunch and dinner. They have an open kitchen where you can see the chefs preparing delicious food. Their prawn malvani, as well as their mixed vegetable sizzlers, are simply outstanding. They are prepared with a careful selection of exotic spices and are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Their mutton kolhapuri and chicken Hyderabadi are also very tempting and irresistible. They also have a rooftop bar where one can drop in to have a few cocktails before their dinner. The bar is well-stocked with a large collection of wines, spirits, cocktails and much more.

Kentuckee Seafood Restaurant

And concluding our list of the top restaurants in Colva is the Kentuckee Seafood Restaurant. This is a nice place to hang out with family and friends. The restaurant is located just outside Colva beach.

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It is usually very crowded as it is situated at a very prime spot. The restaurant has a very pleasing ambience and the live music during the weekends adds to the vibe of the place. The restaurant serves tasty vegetarian, non-vegetarian and seafood dishes. All the food offered here is very delicious and is served in good portion sizes. Items that are a must-try at this place include the chicken steak and the Goan prawn curry. The steak is very succulent and appetising. The Goan prawn curry is very delicious and will leave you craving for more. They also serve excellent beef steaks, fish and chips, butter garlic calamari and a variety of pasta. You can end your meal on a sweet note with a few slices of some bebinca (a Goan dessert) served with ice cream.

With this, we conclude our list of the top restaurants in Colva. So if you happen to visit Colva anytime soon, drop in at one of these amazing restaurants and enjoy a beautiful evening, feasting on some mouth-watering food and drinks. Bon Appetit!

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