Debating whether or not to plan a trip to Goa in the monsoon season? First timers often shy away from going to this tourist-heavy spot during peak season, but it isn’t as if the supposed ‘off season’ in Goa is any less happening.
From mid-April to mid-October, Goa has fewer tourists (and perhaps fewer open restaurants) which means you’ll at least be able to enjoy the beaches in peace. While places like La Plage, Thalassa and Sublime do not operate during the monsoon season, there are some other alternatives which do offer delectable food.
Here is a list of 10 restaurants in Goa offering tempting food, warm service and a spectacular view all year round.
1. Wok and Roll
One of our favourites, this South East-Asian restaurant welcomes you with their in-house hot herbal tea and amuse-bouche (complimentary platter) containing tamarind, peanuts, spinach, onions and grated coconut. We had an amazing miso soup and Vietnamese-style chicken here. Visit this place for some authentic Thai and Vietnamese food.
Where: Aguada Siolim Road, Goa
Price for two: Rs. 1200
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2. Infantaria
Located right at Calangute-Baga junction, Infantaria offers gooey cheesecakes, meaty chicken puffs and fluffy pancakes. One of the oldest bakeries in Goa, visit it for a hearty breakfast before you head to the beach. It also has a live music performance every evening.
Where: Calangute Baga Junction, Goa
Price for two: Rs. 800
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3. Gunpowder
You probably have heard about this already. That is because it is that good. Located in the quaint village of Assagao, this peninsular restaurant serves the best delicacies from the southern states. This is a must-visit eatery in Goa for its charming decor and good food. A favorite among both the Indian and foreign tourists, it offers unmissable prawn masala, appams and mutton curry. There is also a design studio called People Tree on the same property which sells cotton garments and handmade artifacts. What can be better than shopping after you are sated.
Tip: Ensure you make reservations before you go, as it is pre-booked during the monsoon season.
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4. Cafe Sussegado Souza
Located right in the middle of the Calangute square is this Portuguese villa turned cafe. Functioning all year round, Sussegado serves as a good option to try some authentic Goan Cuisine. It has the charm of an old Goan house with a relaxed vibe. Easy on the pocket, this eatery is a decent place to try dishes like Chicken Vindaloo or Fish Curry.
Where: Calangute Square
Price for two: Rs. 800
Credit: Facebook
5. Curlies
This is one place to visit more for the view, than the food. Though the approach to the restaurant is an adventure of five minutes in itself, you don’t really mind the hard work once you look at the spectacular view of the roaring sea. The waves literally touch the feet of the shack during rainy season. Though the food quality is not the best, it can be a go-to place for all those missing out on the non-functional beach shacks during off-season.
Where: South Anjuna Beach, Goa
Price for two: Rs. 1000
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6. Pousada by the Beach
For some people, a trip to Goa is incomplete without visiting Pousada by the Beach. Open from 11 am to 7 pm all year round, this quiet place overlooking the beach offers authentic Goan-Portuguese food. From Balchao to Goan Pork Chourico Pulao, it offers tasty local cuisine. Serradurra, a traditional Goan Dessert similar to pannacotta with a roasted cashew and biscuit crumb is one of our favorites.
Where: Calangute Beach, Goa
Price for two: Rs. 2500
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7. Mustard
We came across this one on our way to Panjim. An understated restaurant offering French and Bengali cuisine, Mustard in Sangolda is housed in a Portuguese Villa. Offering Chingri Machher Malaikari and Chicken Scaloppini on the same table, it is a place to visit for some relaxed experience.
Where: Sangolda, Goa
Price for two: Rs. 1200
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8. Zeebop by the Sea
This restaurant on Utorda Beach offers Punjabi and Goan food. Easy on the pocket, this no-frills restaurant in South Goa serves everything from Crab Platter to Pomfret. Visit this if you wish to explore less crowded pockets of Goa.
Credit: Facebook
Where: Utorda Beach, Salcete, Goa
Price for two: Rs. 800
9. Martin’s corner
Located in Betalbatim, Martin’s corner serves Chinese, Goan and Punjabi food. With mural decked walls, this hidden gem in South Goa offers a variety of food items from Shark Ambotik to Prawn Masala. The restaurant is much loved for its live music as well. New York Cheesecakes are worth trying here.
Credit: Facebook
Where: Betalbatim, Goa
Price for two: Rs. 1600
10. Nostalgia
Nostalgia caters to a variety of Goan specialties like Cafreal, Sukem and Xacuti. Located in Margao, it provides a perfect setting for some good food. Goan desserts with Portuguese roots like Dedos de Dama and Sans Rival are an in-house specialty.
Where: Margao, Goa
Price for two: Rs. 1200
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Written by–
Rukmani Bakshi
