A Unique Food Experience.

10 Epic Goan Restaurants To Experience Something Unique

With its sun-downers and seafood (read ravafried prawns and butter-garlic squids), Goa has witnessed quite a change in its culinary landscape over the last few years.

Restaurants have realised that if they need to survkive, they can’t simply rest on the laurels of the stunning views of the sea and beaches, the food needs to be equally delicious.

Since reputations hang by souvlaki skewers, every restaurant operating in Goa, needs to ‘cook apart’ from the the long line of restaurants in Goa.

The team of ItsGoa did some quick finger dipping in sauces to find the ten unique restaurants in Goa. These are a thoughtful mix of quaint and quiet, as well as the popular and the ever-busy.

1. Gunpowder

The first one on the list has put Assagao on the tourist map, Gunpowder’s Toddy Shop Meen Curry and Soondal have really stood the test of time. Gunpowder is loved by artists, writers and every variant of hipster for its epic Andhra Prawn Curry and Pandhi Curry that go well with parottas, or their fluffy, cloud-like appams. We also recommend keeping their artisanal cocktails coming through the meal. Before you commit yourself to the food, though, walk through the People Tree store that shares space inside this old Goan home and adds to Gunpowder’s charm.

2. Vinayak Family Restaurant

Another classic restaurant from Assagao, Vinayak Family Restaurant is quite popular with both tourists and locals, who swear by its legendary fish thali.

Lunch time is frenzied, and expecting servers to take notice of you (and your never-ending orders of beer and Batter Fried Calamari or Bombil Rava Fry), is a game of perseverance, but everything that makes it to your table is worth the wait.

It’s a great way to see an unusually hectic side of Goa with a well-stocked bar and a view of the nearby fields in tow.

Cost: ₹800 onwards for two people (approx.) Address: 278, Sacol Waddo, Assagao, Goa

3. Suzie’s

Suzie’s is a recent addition to Assagao’s alreadyexploding food scene that dares to do things differently. A whimsical take on fine-dining, the chef lovingly curates a different menu every six weeks, working with seasonal ingredients. If you have your heart set on a romantic dinner for two, this place will fit the bill–think dreamy, garden cafe vibe that brings the phrase ‘rustic chic’ to mind. At Suzie’s, there’s very little to distract you from the five-course meal (apart from your partner, of course) because they only entertain guests by reservation–and only for dinner, at that.

Cost: ₹3000 onwards for two people (approx.) Address: House no. 531, Suzie's Lane, Bouta Waddo, Assagao, Near Chari Garage, Assagao

4. Pousada By The Beach

Even if you didn’t know that Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas were often spotted here, you should still add this one to your list of best restaurants in Goa for Chai and Biscuit – the restaurant’s cuddly resident Labradors.

Pousada comes with the promise of stunning beach views, a relaxed vibe and spot-on seafood fare to compensate for the journey and time it takes to reach here. Their Fish in Banana Leaf is the star, but you'll also end up loving their Crusty Prawns, Konkan-flavoured rice and Prawn Balchao as well.

Cost: ₹3000 onwards for two people (approx.)

Address: Holiday Street, Gaura Vaddo, Calangute

5. Fisherman’s Wharf

It will be a shame if you make a list of best Goa restaurants and don’t include this one in it. Especially the one located in Cavelossim, South Goa. Perched by the riverside, with sea breeze and live music filling the air, this spot is always abuzz.

Their kitchen modifies Goan dishes for the tourist palate, so if it’s your maiden tryst with Goan flavours, you’ll love their masala fried calamari, fish curry with rice and potato recheado. If you still have some room left, then you must try their rava fried prawns.

Cost: ₹1500 onwards for two people (approx.)

Address: Sal Riverside, Mobor Beach, Cavelossim, Salcette, South Goa

6. The Black Sheep Bistro

This modern, boutique restaurant located in Panaji, prides itself on using locally-sourced seasonal produce and that is exactly what makes all the difference.

With an eclectic menu that doesn’t play by the rules, there’s one thing that’s constant: the impressive selection of wine and craft beers.

Given all the innovative twists on their farm-to-fork menu, it’s hard to pick our favourites, but if we had gun aimed at our head, we’d go for their Ghee Roast Pork Ribs and Goan Pesto Crusted Fish (vegetarians can get this with paneer) and Chakri Churros.

Cost: ₹2000 onwards for two people (approx.)

Address: Swami Vivekanand Road, Next to ICICI Bank, Panjim, Goa, India

7. Olive Bar & Kitchen

How do you handle the expectations that come with being as iconic as Olive?

Well, you take what they’re best known for and drop it on the beach. What makes this Vagator restaurant timeless is how it keeps the OG’s love for all things pretty and pizza alive, while still going big on their Goa menu, particularly seafood dishes, while indulging in an evening of Jazz by the beach. This restaurant has introduced the Goa family brunches to a whole lot of sangria and sardines on toasted ciabatta. You can also try their Quattro-fungi Pizza, Mezze Board and cocktails by the gallon.

Cost: ₹3000 onwards for two people (approx.) Address: Unit 1, Vagator Helipad Big Vagator, Anjuna, Goa

8. Thalassa

Hands down one of the most famous restaurants in Goa, this Greek restaurant grew from being a modest beachside cafe to a full-fledged taverna, and it’s now enjoying sunsets at its new location in Siolim. Who would have thought that they’d seamlessly make the move from their legendary Vagator spot without making a dent in their loyal fanbase, but here we are! Thalassa continues to remain synonymous with sundowners and a hit among tourists for providing the best photo-ops. If you’re there for an easy evening with friends, go straight for the wine and souvlakis (both beef and veg make for a compelling case), along with ordering a side of their Lamb Meatballs in Red Sauce and Veg Moussaka.

Cost: ₹3000 onwards for two people (approx.)

Address: Plot No. 301/1, Near Teso Waterfront, Vaddy Siolim, Goa

9. Burger Factory

One of the best places to eat in Goa, Burger Factory in Anjuna is known for its giant, cheesy burgers and stunning views. If you’re staying in North Goa, bookmark this for an evening of guzzling beer and doubling down on their Double Cheddar, Bacon and BBQ sauce pork burger as the sun goes down. Vegetarians, get their thick shakes and the Spinach, Cheddar, Mushroom & Blue Cheese Burger and you’ll walk out truly sated. They also have an outlet in Morjim.

Cost: ₹1000 onwards for two people (approx.)

Address: Anjuna Main Road, Opposite Paradise Guest House, Anjuna, Goa

10. Baba Au Rhum

One of Anjuna’s best-kept secrets, Baba Au Rhum is a French bakery that runs like a fine-dining restaurant, where people keep coming back every morning for coffee and fresh-from-the-oven croissants.

If you’re an early riser (read: early drinker), Baba Au Rhum has beer on tap to complement their Spicy Goan Sausage Pizza and Chicken Cheese Grilled Burger.

The breads made in-house are equally popular, but the Garlic Cheese Baguette is something special. Cost: ₹1000 onwards for two people (approx.)

Address: House Nr. 1054, Sim Vaddo | On The Sun Village Hotel Road, Arpora, Anjuna