Travel, Stay and Also Food: Plan Your Meals for Goa

Known for their generational authenticity and nostalgic ambiance, Kokni Kanteen brings you home style Goan dishes like kismoor, prawns dangar and the perfect sour sol kadi, dishes you may hardly find outside of private Goan homes. Built in 1972 inside a Portuguese bungalow, this family-run restaurant has very limited seating and is bursting at the seams during lunch hours due to their legendary fish thali. You just can't miss it.What Makes It Special: Homemade Ancestral Goan Recipes, Limited Seating inside a 1970s old Portuguese BungalowVibe Check: 1970s Goan Interiors, Family Run RestaurantWhat To Order: Bappali Kadi, Sungta Dangar, Kismoor, Fish Thali

Located away from the crowded commercial strips of North Goa, Cavatina is the ultimate hotspot for tourists and food critics from around the world. Chef Martins' seven course tasting menu, called "Postcards from Goa" celebrates Goa's seasons and regional and indigenous memories. The kitchen menu relies on the seasons and the produce harvested from Martins' own family farm.What Makes It Special: Regional and Indigenous Recipes, Season Wise Changing Menu, Intimate and Small Space, Limited SeatingVibe Check: Seven Course Tasting Menu, Outdoor Seating, Vintage LambrettaWhat To Order: Poder Poder Ponk Ponk, Soul Prawns, Squids Caldeirada, Patra de Goa, Baked Jaggery Cheesecake

Spread over a massive 10,000-square-foot space in Assagao, Chef Amninder Sandhu's Bawri is a sight to behold. With rustic bamboo accents, floating cabanas and a gasless, open flame kitchen, Chef Sandhu is reimagining and breaking away from the strict rules of fine-dining. The menu draws on locally sourced produce such as khapli atta and local wild mangoes, while spices and ingredients from Coorg and the Northeast add another layer to the cooking. The space is huge, but tables fill up fast, so it’s worth booking ahead.What Makes It Special: Open-Flame Kitchen, Founded by Chef Amninder Sandhu, Massive Celebrity and Social Appeal, Limited Seating, No Walk-InsVibe Check: 18 Foot Canopy with Wood Fired Tandoors, Open Fire Hearths, Sigris, Koi Fish Pond, Floating Cabanas, Bohemian InteriorsWhat To Order: Uncommon Colada, Potato Basket Chaat, Naga Prawn Kofte, Bawri Cocktail Biryani, Bawri Jamun

Located on the first floor of the historic Villa Braganca in Campal, The Black Sheep Bistro was founded by internationally trained hospitality duo Sabreen and Prahlad Sukhtankar. Sabreen brings the food to life while Prahlad, a certified sommelier, presents "Wine Flights," the largest selection of boutique wines by the glass in the city, and handcrafted, storytelling cocktails. The lively and social atmosphere draws a reliable mix of local regulars, culinary tourists and corporate crowds.What Makes It Special: Innovative Global-Goan Fusion, Locally Sourced Produce, Pioneer in SustainabilityVibe Check: Farm to Table Sustainable Dining, Changing Menu According to Season, Exotic Beverage Program, Rustic Wooden InteriorsWhat To Order: Amante Picante, Goan Chorizo Waffles, Crispy Fish Tacos, Goat Royale Coastal Spiced, Burnt Basque Cheesecake

Izumi Assagao pairs a tropical, bohemian luxury setting with a poolside garden seating, and a lively indoor central sushi counter. Settle into a slow, susegad paced Japanese feast under the stars. Reservations open on a strict rolling schedule and weekend spots vanish rapidly. Walk-in waits can go up to 60 to 90 minutes.What Makes It Special: Sushi And Robata Counters, Chef-Facing Seats, Japanese Dining, High-Demand Counter ReservationsVibe Check: Japanese Folklore Inspired Cocktail Menu, Poolside Garden, Live Sunday Jazz BrunchesWhat To Order: Tori Nanban, Miso Oat Milk Ramen, Kombujime Salmon, Warabi Mochi, Hana Akita

The packed and loud atmosphere is what makes The Goan Room lively and fun. Away from the high end and fine dining places, this place is extra casual and chaotic. The restaurant is highly rated for its massive portions and affordable pricing. The vibrant murals of Goan cartoon characters, fisherwomen and village life painted onto the walls add to the beautiful chaos of this place.What Makes It Special: Massive Portions, Dona Paula Viewpoint HotspotVibe Check: High Energy Goan Family Fiesta, Playful Murals, Loud, Buzzing, Konkani Pop MusicWhat To Order: Traditional Cashew Urak, Peri Peri Prawns, Squid Chilly Fry, The 14-Item Patrao Thali, Serradura

Operating out of a beautifully restored Portuguese home, The Assa House moves away from the typical Goan beach-shack vibes, offering a charming French bistro experience with some unique coastal twists. Their curated lunch program, called the Coromandel Thali, blended French inspired execution with bold coastal flavours, creating an interesting fusion experience. At night, you can make your way to the hidden speakeasy in the attic. This space serves some unconventional cocktails sourced from local ingredients. The space caps out at 45 seats, so book your tables fast.What Makes It Special: French Bistro style, Curated Lunch Program, Speakeasy Night Bar, Limited SeatingVibe Check: Restored Portuguese Villa Setting, Candlelit Garden Jazz, Parisian Bistro Charm, Intimate Wine-Focused EveningsWhat To Order: The Clarified Milk Punch, Blue and Goat Cheese Eclair, Prawn Bisque, Seven Hour Lamb Confit, Paris-Brest

Comida at the DoubleTree by Hilton, masterfully delivers an all day dining experience where you can sit and enjoy a delicious meal with the sweeping views of the Mandovi River. Their airy architecture with massive floor to ceiling glass windows allow you to wander off into nature as you keep chewing. Settle in as some soft instrumental or lo-fi beats play in the background and enjoy. But before that book a table.What Makes It Special: Buffet Options, Riverside View, Local Goan GrillsVibe Check: Outdoor Riverside Seating, Special Dietary Accommodations, A La Carte Style Buffet, Global RecipesWhat To Order: The Mandovi Sunset Sour, Honey Chilli Lotus Stem, Achari Murgh Tikka, Goan Fish Curry, Saffron Rasmalai

Founded by Kartik Vasudeva and Agrini Satyarthi, Grumps stands as one of the few Goan joints that primarily attracts a fiercely local market. It has become a casual hangout spot for folks who want to relax and debrief after a long work day or for people staying in Goa for a longer vacation. Paying an ode to the culture of Goan taverns, Grumps offers fun and unique cocktails with extraordinary ingredients.What Makes It Special: Popular Neighbourhood Joint for Local Residents and Long-Stay Expats, Tavern Style Cocktails, Small Space Seating, Low Table CountVibe Check: Goan Villa with Backyard Seating, Funky, Innovative Cocktail Program, Asian Street Style Food, Casual After Work Hangout SpotWhat To Order: Salty Dog, Avo Wonton Tostada, Lamb Krapow Kebabs, Steamed Lime and Chilli Chonak, Hand Made Creme Brulee

Nestled under a lush canopy of old mango trees in Anjuna, Artjuna Cafe is more than just an eating joint. This multi-space destination blends a Mediterranean garden restaurant with an artisanal bakery, a curated fashion boutique and an open-air yoga shala. They have lively weekly vinyl nights, and many more cultural events throughout the week that attract a large crowd of travellers and tourists.What Makes It Special: Full Day Destination, Multidisciplinary Commune, Daily Cultural Events, Early Morning 7am Breakfast RushVibe Check: Bohemian Interiors, Wellness Focused Mediterranean Cuisine, Garden Setting, Live MusicWhat To Order: Tango Basil, Humshuka, Sabih in Pita, Mediterranean Thali, Malabi