Hidden gems in Goa: When in Goa, don’t miss these restaurants and cafes that offer a local experience

Many people go to party their hearts out. You all know the popular clubs and cafes, where there are lines of well-dressed people waiting to have fun. Then there are the hidden gems of Goa, which are hidden places that not many tourists know about, and frequented by locals living in Goa for their authentic vibes. Are you looking for such places too? Then look no further! Check out some of the most authentic and beautiful places in Goa that probably none of your friends have been to.

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Here’s your guide to hidden gems with authentic vibes in Goa:

North Goa

Location of Fatima

Fatima’s Place is a small and sweet place to go out with your family or friends. The ambiance is simple and homely. They serve super fresh and delicious food. Some of the delicious dishes on their menu include Goan dishes like pasta and chicken salad, chicken xacuti, prawn curry, chicken cafreal and Goan fish curry. If you are looking for a homely and authentic Goan ambiance, this place is a must try.

• Location: Ozran Beach Road, Vagator, Goa
• When: 9am to 10pm

Ankita Classic

Ankita Classic is packed with locals and serves authentic Goan cuisine, delicious seafood, mouth-watering fish thali and Indo-Chinese dishes. They also serve a delicious vegetarian thali that includes Goan-style vegetables, curry, rice and kokum. The dishes are also available at reasonable prices.

• Location: Railway Over Bridge, Warkhand Road Junction, Tambaram, Near Arambol, Goa
• When: 11am to 11pm

Cantare

Cantare is a local village tavern in Saligao, Goa, where you will enjoy listening to melodious, live jazz music. The restaurant serves a wide range of mouth-watering Thai, Goan, and Continental cuisine. The bar serves a wide range of chilled beverages. The bistro has Portuguese-style architecture, with wide verandas and comfortable seating areas. Do try their seafood glass noodles!

• Location: 7/73, B Cruz Vaddo, Saligao, Goa
• When: 5:30 pm to 1 am

Sakana

If you want to experience authentic and delicious Japanese food in Goa, visit Sakana. They serve delicious and delicately wrapped salmon rolls, grilled beef, different types of sushi, chicken teriyaki and udon noodles. The place has intricate Japanese decor with small cherry blossom plants and small bamboo trees. The staff is customer friendly.

• Where: House No. 187, Mapusa – Anjuna – Chapora Road, Vagator, Goa
• When: 12pm-3pm, 6pm-11:30pm

The Messer Bar & Restaurant

Mesar is located just a 15-minute drive from the new MOPA Goa airport. The place serves authentic Goan food and authentic Goan seafood. Their Goan fish thali is a must-try. Other delicious food items on their menu include Bang Bang Chicken, Kingfish Thali, Chonak Thali, Prawns Thali, Mutton Sukha, Prawns Crumb Fry and Squid Butter Garlic.

• Location: St. Anthony Vaddo, Near Car Washing Centre, Colval, Bardez, Goa 403513
• When: 12pm to 4pm, 5:30pm to 11:30pm (closed on Mondays)

bean me up

If you follow a vegan diet, Bean Me Up is for you. The cafe has extensive outdoor seating, serves vegan cuisine, and has live music and an open bar. The place serves delicious tofu, tempeh, and seitan (wheat meat) dishes that are inspired by Mediterranean, American, and European cuisines. Some of the amazing items on their menu include citrus soba noodle salad, homemade ravioli, and chocolate-flavored almond milk.

• Location: 1639/2, Deulvaddo, Near Anjuna Petrol Pump, Vagator, Goa
• When: 9am to 11pm

Also read: Bar crawl in Goa: From beachside beats to party scenes and everything in between

South Goa

Anoshka Family Restaurant

Need a good place to enjoy authentic Goan food in South Goa? Head to Anushka Family Restaurant. This place is away from the hustle and bustle of the city, located on the Madgaon-Ponda highway and offers a relaxed Goan ambiance. The food prices are reasonable and the service is quick. Some of the must-try dishes on their menu include the Rava Fried Prawns and Fish Curry and Rice. An ideal place for a Goan lunch, they also serve North Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine.

• Location: Survey 32/5, Sonafator, Camurlim, Ponda, Goa
• When: 11am to 3:30pm, 7pm to 11:30pm

Mill

The Mill is a cozy cafe that serves New Zealand-inspired wholesome food, coffee, tea and freshly baked desserts. This lovely hidden gem is the perfect place to start your day with breakfast or brunch in South Goa. The ambiance and deliciousness of the food is just perfect. Some of the delicious food items include the chia seed smoothie, Vietnamese iced coffee, Zanzibar burger and carrot cake.

• Where: Dr. Pundalik Gaitonde Road, Palolem, Canacona, Goa
• When: 9am to 6pm (closed Wednesday)

Goodfellas Italian Restaurant

Goodfellas is a unique eatery located in a quiet corner. If you are looking for authentic Italian food, then Goodfellas is the perfect place for you. The place has a cozy ambiance with live music, which is perfect to relax and enjoy a wonderful evening with delicious pizza. There are plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizza options to choose from. The food is fresh and the service is quick.

• Location: Near Kader Supermarket, Benaulim Beach Road, Vasavaddo, Benaulim, Goa
• When: 1-3:30pm, 7-11pm (Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun)
• 7 pm to 11 pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)

Sunny Bar & Restaurant

If you are looking for a hassle-free place where you can enjoy fresh, delicious and authentic Goan food, Sunny Bar and Restaurant is a great place for lunch. The food prices are reasonable and you can enjoy a hearty and delicious meal at this simple restaurant. Check out their range of thali like the Goan Fish Thali, Kingfish Thali and Chonak Thali. Other must-try items include the Crumb Fried Chicken, Chicken Leg Piece and Goan Crab Sukka.

• Where: Near Government High School, Talewada, Bethoda, Ponda, Goa
• When: 11:30 am to 3:15 pm, 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm (closed Monday)

Also read: 15 Best Goan Dishes | Popular Goan Dishes

Panaji/Panaji

Viva Panjim

Viva Panjim is a Goan Portuguese family heritage house turned restaurant. This cute little restaurant is hidden in the backstreets of Fontainhas located in the Latin Quarter. This family-run restaurant serves mouth-watering traditional Goan dishes and Portuguese inspired cuisine. Their menu also includes Continental and Chinese food. Some of the popular dishes on their menu include Pork Roast, Caramel Custard, Caramel Pudding and Dragon Chicken.

• Location: H, 178, Rua 31 de Janeiro, Behind Mary Immaculate High School, Near St. Sebastian Chapel, Fontainhas (Quarters), Altinho, Panaji, Goa
• When: 12pm-4:30pm, 7pm-11pm

MO’s Cafe

MO’s Cafe is a cozy neighbourhood cafe inspired by Goan produce and Japanese flavours. The place has a great ambiance and serves delicious coffee, sandwiches, salads and desserts, perfect for a hearty breakfast.

• Location: No. G3, Souza Towers, Dr RS Road, Near Municipal Garden, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001
• Opening hours: 9am-5pm

Hospederia Venite Restaurant and Bar

This Goan restaurant has been in operation since 1955. Located in an old Portuguese house, Venite has a charming decor, with small balconies that are dimly lit. Delicious food on their menu includes mushroom pepper fry, finely chopped French fries, and a delicious spicy veggie vindaloo curry. For drinks, make sure to try their coconut coffee liqueur with cinnamon. For dessert, enjoy their sinful banana-caramel-ice cream combination.

• Where: Rua 31 de Janeiro, Near Head Post Office, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
• When: 9am to 10:30pm (closed Tuesday)

Mom’s Kitchen

Mom’s Kitchen is a bright, homely restaurant with an emphasis on traditional, homemade Goan cuisine. They serve delicious Goan seafood and their menu is compiled using traditional recipes from mothers around Goa. Popular dishes include Prawn Peri Peri, Pork Sorpotel, Prawn Balchao and Goan Prawn Curry. The ambiance and decor is quaint with dim lanterns, perfect for the evenings. They also serve a variety of refreshing cocktails with unique flavors.

• Where: 854, Martins Building, Dayanand Bandodkar Street, Near Panaji, Goa
• When: 12 noon to 10 pm

Next time you visit Goa, don’t miss out on these amazing hidden gems!