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21 not to miss restaurants in Goa!
Do click on this link before you head out for your next meal in Goa.
La plage
At the south end of Aswem, where the French residents and the Bombay stars hang out, La Plage cannot be called a beach shack because of its ambience and superb quality of food. La Plage continues to be the fore runner in more ways than one. Tel. +91 9822121712
Thalassa
Perched on the top of a cliff in Little Vagator is Mari Ketty’s place, serving authentic and appetizing Greek food. Tel: +91 9850033537
Basilico
If it is Italian your craving, Basilico in Anjuna not only makes delicious wood fired pizzas, but serves you some appetizing pastas, salads and desserts. Tel: 0832 2273721
Laguna Anjuna
Just a stone throws away from the bustle of Anjuna, with a free form pool and lush gardens. The food be it Goan, other Indian etc. complements the beautiful surroundings. Tel: 0832 2274131, +919822162111
Om made café
Run by the prolific and talented Gregory Bazire, this is one of the few places with quality and ambience on Anjuna beach.
Sublime
For fabulous steaks, fish and desserts, have a truly delicious meal at Sublime in its new location at Nagoa adjacent to Arpora. Tel: 9822484051
J & A’s
Other chefs have been known to recommend this Italian restaurant on the Baga River, for their superb food. Pastas, Pizzas and more interesting meats and fish, make J & A’s a necessary part of the culinary map.
Lila Café
The original all day breakfast-brunch café, Lila Café which is on Baga river ,has its regulars who come for the fresh juices, slushes, salads, breads and its buffalo ham croissants. Consistently scrumptious. Tel: 0832 2279843
Le Poisson Rouge
Further down the Baga river road, in a beautiful white mediterranean setting French chef Gregory’s creative cuisine makes dining here a pleasurable experience. Tel: 0832 3245800
Fiesta
Bang opposite Titos night club Fiesta is undoubtedly one of Goa’s most elegant restaurants, where the food is great and the chic visitors dine. Tel: 0832 2279894
A Reverie
With its fabulously luxe décor, this is the place to go to for a special occasion. The cuisine which includes exotic imported foods, complemented by world class wines, has made this place in Calangute a landmark in the area. Tel: 9823174927
Lloyds
On the main road, with basic benches and tables, Lloyds is known for good Goan food cooked by his mother and for his barbeques. Tel: 9823032273
Bomras
For a unique and special experience, if you are a foodie head to Bomras in Candolim. Eclectic cuisine with unforgettable flavours. The cocktails, salads and desserts are all as good if not better than the mussel curry, snapper, pork and beef main courses which will take you back there time and again. Tel: +91 9822106236
Chocolatti
The best brownies, carrot cake and chocolate truffles amongst other desserts can be found here. The poi sandwiches are also worth making a trip this café in Candolim a part of your day. Tel: 0832 2479340
Casa Goa:
A lifestyle store with antique Goan furniture, local artists paintings, some designer apparel and more Casa Goa is the original Goan lifestyle store. Located on the Baga road in an old Goan house it’s the place to go to for gifts that are worth it. Tel: 09822381336
Rangeela:
For clothes that are different but wearable, in cotton and silk Rangeela is the answer, and is easily accessible at Candolim. Scarves, stoles, footwear and a bit of jewelry. Tel:
Literati:
New and second hand books spill out of the rooms of this old house in Candolim, which is a haven for readers. There are also book launches, readings etc. in the season. Tel: 0832 2277740
Sotohaus:
Creative lamps, mirrors, tables etc. with the use of natural materials like leaves, driftwood etc. under a layer of lacquer. A must add piece of art furniture to any house. Well located opposite the Cafe Coffee Day in Candolim. Tel: 0832 2489983
Wendell Rodricks Design Space:
The designer who shot Goa to fame has his space in Campal, Panjim. Here you can pick up lovely linen and natural fabric designer wear. Check out his latest creations for men and women. Tel: 0832 2420604
Sacha’s Shop:
Funky designer clothes and accessories make this store fun to visit during your day out in Panjim. Tel:0832 2222035
To get the real local flavour of Goa, visit the weekly haat in your neighbourhood and pick up dried red chillies, kokum and other produce directly from the farmers. Each place has its haat on a different day of the week, so enquire for the one closest to you.
Saturday - Night Market:
One of the most unusual and successful ventures is the saturday night market at Arpora, where vendors from all over India including Goa and from different parts of the world gather in a festive atmosphere and sell their wares. Live music and food stalls completes the scene.
Scaramanga boats:
Located at Coco beach, Nerul, the Scaramanga fleet consists of different boats including speed boats and catamarans which you can rent for a sunset, full moon cruise or whatever your heart desires. Tel: +91 9560740404
Fontainhas:
The Latin Quarter of Panjim is quaint, pretty and has an European feel to it. Walk around and see the lovely houses. Stop for a bite at Venite or to buy an azujelo from the Goa Velha shop.
Heritage Houses:
If you would like to see what an old Portuguese mansion that is still lived in looks like, you can visit Solar Dos Colaco at Ribander (Tel: +91 9822129133) or the Figueiredo Mansion in Loutolim (0832 2777028). The grand living and dining rooms will transport you to another era, as will the food.
Goa Chitra:
For a deeper understanding of the ethnography of Goa visit the newly established museum in Benaulim and see how your ancestors lived and the tools and equipment they used in their daily lives. Tel: 0832 6570877
Cabo de Rama Fort:
The ruins of a fort with spectacular views in the far south would be an ideal picnic spot if not for the monkeys. It is said that Rama stopped here after he was exiled from Ayodhya.
For something closer , with a beautiful view, climb up a slope for about fifteen minutes to reach the ruins of the Chapora fort.
To Eat
Shore Bar - Anjuna
Mezcal – Little Vagator
Cavala – Baga
Casa Portuguesa - Baga
Mum’s Kitchen - Panjim
Ernesto’s – Panjim
To Party
Shanti – for electronic music - Mandrem
Mambos - Baga
Cape Town - Baga
Cavala - in the monsoon - Baga
To Shop
Raven and Rose - Calangute
Turquoise and Gold - Calangute
Newtons Supermarket - Candolim
Earthworm - Porvorim