From ubiquitous shacks lining its famous beaches to high end restaurants, from traditional Goan 'family' restaurants to chic organic places, from funky restaurants run by expatriates to restaurants inside art galleries, a holiday in Goa is about living the good life.
North Goa
The road to Baga beach is lined with restaurants and bars, each effervescent. One of trademark Goa activities is dining at the numerous beach shacks. Although the cuisine is nothing to write home about, the ambience is pleasant, the alcohol is cheap, the fruit juices fresh, and the sight of the sea roaring away lifts your spirits.
Souza Lobo at Calangute is an institution in Goa, serving great Goan food. Their Vindaloo is fiery, the prawn curry comes in a great, smooth sauce and the tiger prawns and grilled lobster are succulent. Britto's at Baga serves a great seafood platter, but it's the ambience here which wins you over. Situated right at the spur of the beach, it overlooks the sea, and the floor is sandy! This is one of the best open air dining options in Goa. Bob's Inn at Candolim is the oldest bar in the area and is very flower-power with its terracotta boots, roosters made of clay and dried palm fronds that adorn the sea-shell lamps. The ambience is completed by the retro music Bob's Inn plays. The menu is extensive, offering Goan, North Indian and Continental cuisine.
Panjim
Mom's Kitchen (Martin's building, D.B. Marg) opposite Miramar beach offers Mediterranean ambience, personalised service and scrumptious Goan delights. Highly recommended.
In Panjim, a must visit is the Ritz Classic, the 'family' restaurant which has local families enjoying the great Goan fare. Order a simple fish curry with rice here and what you will get is Shell Fish, Amvati, Taamso (Red Snapper), Tisri (Rock Fish), Fried Mudso, Ambolic and Prawn Curry, all for Rs. 80!
South Goa
Try Bean Me Up, the organic restaurant, set in a beautiful, leafy complex. This is a vegetarian's delight, offering organic, healthy meals with a twist. Another must visit is Martin's serving delectable seafood. All the beaches are lined with shacks with a decent fare and great ambience.
