Urbanaut

by urbanaut How incredible is the revitalised Aguada Port and Jail complex - or simply, The Aguad. An erstwhile Portuguese jail situated right on the rocks at Sinquierim (lucky inmates!) is now a museum and public space. Their programming is on point, there are restaurants and pop-ups, and their concerts under the stars shouldn’t be missed. We love cultural spaces that add so much to a place like Goa - rich in history, but lacking enough storytellers.

Avo's Kitchen

by urbanaut Craving authentic Goan food and thalis but looking for a slightly elevated experience? Avo’s Kitchen is a must-try in that case. This place gets their food right and even have a sweet bar and cocktail program to accompany your local, seasonal and very delicious food. Their fish thali is a favourite but they even have a good vegetarian offering.

Goenchin

by India With Insia Old school Chinese restaurant. Crispy honey chilli duck and clay pot rice for the win.

Mangaal Farmstay Goa

by urbanaut Eco friendly home stay with a farm to table concept. You can visit for a day trip or stay for longer depending on your schedule but expect nature walks, peace and quiet in the midst of the Western Ghats.

Horse Shoe Bar & Restaurant

by urbanaut This might just be the best restaurant in Goa - namely because the chef - Vasco Silveira - is an exacting master who handpicks ingredients and makes each dish for his guests. He is one of the finest chefs in the country, if not the world, and his Goan Portuguese food is one of a kind.

Dudhsagar Falls

by urbanaut This four-tiered waterfall one of Mollem National Park’s most-frequented natural attractions. The milky white waters, coloured so because of the speed and altitude, tame into a deep green pool near the base. It’s the reward after a long hike, so we dare say you’ll want to take a dip in the inviting natural pool. Dudhsagar is also accessible from Karnataka.

Vinayak

by urbanaut If Vinayak had a slogan, it would be this: “no frills, just good food.” The Goan favourite is where to go when you’re craving authentic seafood dishes and local fare. Vinayak’s doesn’t scrimp on flavours or spices. Their seafood is freshly bought every morning – and what a variety they bring to your table!

Olaulim Backyards

by urbanaut The tagline of this rustic getaway is ‘the other side of Goa’, and it’s not hard to see why. Here you won’t find bars and beaches teeming with people, but you will find quiet waters, rustic cottages, sprawling lawns and an azure pool that beckons on summer days. The homestay is helmed by Savio and Pirkko, whose slice of heaven by the Olaulim River is an intentional departure from the images of Goa as we know it. The family and their pets live on the property so we’d recommend striking up a hearty conversation with them. And for the nature-inclined, a dip in the river or a kayaking trip at your own pace should not be missed.

Padaria Prazeres

by urbanaut Authentic patisserie, bakery and cafe in Panjim serving up the best breads and amazing desserts. Their Pastel de Nata is delicious and it’s one of the few places in Goa that get it right. Visit to stock up on your bakery supplies and for a coffee break with a sweet touch.

Savoi Plantation

by urbanaut A stunning drive on great roads take you to this self-contained ecosystem. The Savoi Plantation is 10 hectares of pepper, turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, star fruit and a host of other spices and produce. Their local lunch buffet uses all their own produce as seasonal ingredients. While the lunch itself is simple, it’s a beautiful, peaceful experience - and the plantation is truly something else. A refuge and haven that showcases the real side of Goa.

Schandis Restaurant

by urbanaut On a quiet stretch on Caranzalem beach is a ridiculously authentic Persian restaurant run by an Iranian couple. Meat lovers will rejoice at the selection of kebabs, herb and lamb stew and other delicacies - but there’s plenty in it for vegetarians too. Additionally, you’ve got the sea and river breeze fighting for your attention at this charming spot - so it’s got all that we’re looking for, to be honest.

Mr. Baker 1922

by urbanaut Definitely one of the most legendary bakeries in Goa. It’s a quaint family-run enterprise that’s been putting in the work since 1922. You’ll want to head there for the Bebinca and the Batica, two Goan exclusives that your experience here would be incomplete without.

Rare Republic

by urbanaut If you know, you know. These guys use the best ingredients ( a French chef is at the helm here, so we aren’t surprised) to bake the freshest breads and croissants. Pair with a coffee and you have your morning sorted in Goa.

Florentine Bar & Restaurant.

by urbanaut Centrally located in Saligao, Florentine is simple, practical and serves possibly the best chicken cafreal. Easy on the pocket, super popular, and with a focus on the food - this is a great place to stop before or after a long beach session.

BOMBIL RESTAURANT

by urbanaut A little hole-in-the-wall in Panjim, Bombil - run by Joseph has five tables, a blackboard with the day’s specials and delicious food. The rechado thali, Goan pulao and practically anything you try is 👌👌

Mona's Pantry

by urbanaut Mona’s Pantry leaves other artisan pastry ventures in the dust when it comes to both delicious bakes and undeniable popularity. A little birdie has it that the fresh cream profiteroles and chocolate ganache cake are to die for. Mona’s Pantry is always busy — they supply pastries to other eateries as well — but whatever you order, you’ll find it’s worth the wait.

On The Go

by urbanaut On the Go whips up authentic Peruvian snacks in a distinctly Goan setting, for a combination you wouldn’t have thought worked. The atmosphere is cosy and friendly, while the food is, simply put, great. The Peruvian Causa and meat and egg sandwiches are a crowd favourite.

Flourpower Bakeria Goa

by urbanaut Fresh artisanal bread made with loads of love: that’s Flourpower Bakeria in a nutshell. They’ll tease your taste buds with natural sourdough, desserts and — the showstopper — healthy, mouthwatering woodfire pizzas with seasonal toppings. Between serving up the (non-alcoholic) drinks and checking on the bakes, the couple who run this micro-bakery are more than happy to strike up conversations with diners. And as for recommendations, we’ve seen quite a bit of fanfare about the sourdough pizzas, so that’s a great place to start.

Mon Petit Frère

by urbanaut At this café-slash-bakery, two brothers work all the magic. It’s an underrated gem of a place that whips up incredible bakes and pastries from scratch. It’s quite small and cosy — but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in quality of food and warm hospitality. Goans who frequent this place swear by the breakfast menu, including the omelettes and the pancakes.

Butterfly Beach

by urbanaut A little-known gem of a spot with a little beach locked in by stunning turquoise waters and lush green forests. It’s offbeat, but worth straying off the beaten path for. You might encounter dolphins, and you definitely will experience gorgeous sunset views. There’s plenty else to do nearby, like making a trip to Conco Island and Leopard Valley.

Noronha's Corner

by urbanaut The brothers behind Noronha’s Corner — Charles, Lazarus and Joseph — know all too well that the way to one’s heart is through the stomach. The corner where they park their food truck is always buzzing, with people anticipating their order and those who’ve got it, blissfully enjoying it. The food truck whips up amazing Goan street food, from sausages and chicken cafreal to burgers and served-three-ways beef cutlets. If there ever was a local haunt that Goans would all agree on, it’s Noronha’s Corner — and despite all that hype and lip-smacking food, the prices are so reasonable, they’re unreasonable.

Literati Bookshop and Cafe

by urbanaut This Goan favourite is a bookstore and a cafe all rolled into one. Their warm and welcoming atmosphere is made more interesting by the shelves of books on display. Literati also has a collection of precious antiquarian books for purchase. They have a running list of books on their website– we spotted a 1931 edition of Dante’s The Divine Comedy.

Tambdi Surla Waterfalls

by urbanaut The stunning Tambdi Surla waterfall is a welcome sight to behold when you’re all out of breath after a trying hike. During the monsoon, the near-white waters stand out against the elude green backdrop and almost opaque mist. You can’t get too close to the waterfall but the distance vantage point only adds to the impact, we think.

Mahadeva Temple, Tambdi Surla

by urbanaut A breathtaking 12th-century temple in the heart of Mollem National Park. It’s is beautifully wrought in stone, retaining intricate carvings of elephants, chains and lotuses that date back to the Kadamban period. It’s said to be the last of its kind standing in Goa, the rest having been destroyed.

Don Rob's Bar

by urbanaut At Don Rob’s, it’s always good vibes only. It’s a relaxed bar and eatery slap-bang in the middle of Vagator’s circle of hostels, so one can imagine the diverse crowd that stops by. Don Rob’s is ideal for late-night hangs, whether you’re looking for a last pint to end the night or a plate of delicious food. It’s a hole in the wall watering hole that you won’t find on regular tourist itineraries, but take it from the locals — stop by for ‘one for the road’ and you’re in for a grand time.

For The Record - Vinyl Bar

by urbanaut A cozy bar in Panjim dedicated to music on vinyl records. Drop by for some jazz and brews.

Kokni Kanteen

by urbanaut A hidden gem in the heart of Panjim that has the best local Goan fare in the state. Amazing fish, calamari, prawns - cooked whichever way of your choice.

Pine Tree Beach Shack

by urbanaut Yes there are 100s of shacks dotted along Goa’s coastline. This one scores for being conveniently located but just outside the tourist fringes. They also serve great (albeit the service is slow) food.

Big Fish

by urbanaut Bang on the main Badem-Siolim road, Big Fish is the best thali this side of town. Best to check out for lunch and do the King fish or Chaunak Thali – comes with prawn curry, rawa fish, shark, mussels, veggies, and always has the freshest catch of the day. At about Rs.200, it’s the best value for money meal!

Bookworm Trust & Library

by urbanaut Goa’s Bookworm library is a prominent feature in many book-loving Goans’ childhood memories. It houses more than 25,000 books, nearly all of which have been carefully curated by co-founder Sujata Noronha. Bookworm also doubles up as a space for creative learning and hosts workshops for a host of arts and crafts.

Joseph Bar

by urbanaut A quaint little Feni bar located in St. Tome, Panjim which is the lesser known of the two colonial quarters of Panjim. A great bar to start off a night out, especially if you’re visiting the city for the first time. Frequented by many friendly faces, Joseph Bar is a great place to meet new people as well as some of the old timers who love regaling stories of Panjim from a different time.

Ritz Classic Panjim

by urbanaut Dating way back to 1978, this super local eatery has racked up what we can only call a cult following. Regulars swear that they serve the best Goan, Indian and Oriental food — and the seafood and Goan fish thalis sweep up all the bouquets. The service is swift and efficient, which makes up for the lack of fuss in decor. But who needs that when you get delicious food, right?

Sheela Bar & Restaurant

by urbanaut This rooftop restaurant is a favourite stop along the route into Goa from the airport. It’s cosy and has great views of the Zuari river and the San Jacinto island. But what brings travellers a-knocking is the menu which packs fantastic Goan fare that go hard on the seafood. Their best dishes — those that regulars always frequent the eatery for — are the butter garlic prawns, chicken luimui and sanna.

Thai n Wok

by urbanaut Locals will tell you not to even bother with another Thai restaurant when in Goa. Founded by a Thai national, Thai n Wok serves ridiculously authentic and delicious Thai fare in a simple and unpretentious setting. You’re getting that authentic meal you want.

Cafe Orange Boom

by urbanaut If you are a morning person who enjoys good breakfast Orange Boom is the place for you! Specialising in morning goodies, this unassuming place in Anjuna has a variety of dishes that will make your mouth water!

Kopi Desa Agonda

by urbanaut A cute little neighbourhood bar that spills on to the street. Easy vibe.

Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro

by urbanaut One of the oldest bakeries in Goa featuring an adorable, atmospheric outdoor area (small, but very worthy of the ‘gram). Pick up traditional Goan sweets as well as cakes, breads and other bakes.

Spice Goa

by urbanaut For authentic Goan seafood that’s just how they like it in traditional homes, look no further than Spice. At the helm of the eatery is Aparna Shah and Atul Shah, who’s apparently fondly known as Dr Fish because he picks the catch of the day each morning. From their elaborate menu that is a hat tip to Goan Saraswat cuisine, the mackerel tikla, ambotik curry and Sungta Tonak comes highly recommended.

Geeta Bakery

by urbanaut An old, nondescript bakery that is very popular with the locals. Right in the centre of Panjim - stocking cakes, biscuits etc.

Bhatti Village Family Bar & Restaurant

by urbanaut Incredible local family-owned restaurant in Nerul. They’ve been around for more than a decade - starting as a small family kitchen and have slowly expanded to allow for more tables and guests. Unbeatable local spot.

Cavatina Cuchina Grill And Bar

by urbanaut Helmed by foodie couple Avinash and Tiz Martins, this unassuming eatery packs quite a punch in the flavour department. The menu dabbles wonderfully in a whole host of cuisine styles, from Indian and Goa-specific to Mediterranean and even Belgian. There is an attention to detail that sets it apart from the crowd of shacks and restaurants in Goa, and the food is so well recommended we’d say you should go in with an appetite.

Uncle Tim's Soul Food

by urbanaut Soul food for the soul. Uncle Tim’s is where the locals go - period. After shutting his classic space in Porvorim down, Tim thrilled his regulars by opening in Pilerne. You’ll get possibly the best steak at Tim’s and his prawns are legendary as well. But really what you’ll love is the community vibe and the feeling of literally sitting in someone’s living room and being served delicious soul food (after all, it’s in the name)! Head to Tim’s if you’re craving the most authentic food experience.

Miski (Community Bar & Dining Room)

by urbanaut Set in the heart of Tobacco Square in Panjim, Miski is that quintessential neighbourhood bar serving nostalgia, friendly bar service and good times always. A true ‘local’, it’s bound to become a place that Goans and visitors flock to for comfort drinks and food after a long day. Definitely worth a visit.