Thalassa is one of the best in Goa and we can easily see why it’s a favourite, but there are plenty of other options you can rely on. Goa is packed with restaurants that dish out everything from modern Australian to Keralan cuisine and Bengali food to French dishes.
However, do note that many of these are open only during certain months of the year so do give them a ring before you turn up.
Gunpowder moved from Delhi to Goa in 2012 and since then, there’s been no looking back. Climbing up the popularity charts in the sunshine state is this lovely restaurant housed in an old Goan bungalow.
Gunpowder likes to do a mish mash of classics from South Indian states. Their Andhra Prawn Masala, Syrian Beef Fry, and Kozhi Fry {chicken fry} are all spectacular. South Indian staples like the fluffy appams and the fish curry infused with coconut milk are also house favourites.
Just the place for a romance-filled date or a long lunch with your friends, Antares’ open-air setting overlooking the sea makes it a favourite. Started by former Masterchef Australia contestant — Sarah Todd — Antares is as popular with Bollywood stars as it is with us regular folk.
You can savour modern Australian cuisine with hints of Goan here with specials such as the Chilli Barbeque Prawns, Cauliflower Sausages, Pork Belly with Kokum, and Pumpkin Tortellini. Their selection of cocktails too is a hit with patrons, especially their Captain Espresso Martini and Raw Mango and Green Chilli cocktails.
Known for their innovative flavours, A Reverie might be heavy on your pocket but patrons insist that you won’t mind once you’ve gorged on your meal. The Truffle Bomb {black and white truffles enclosed in chocolate}, the Reverie Fried Chicken, and the Left Hung & Fry {bourbon-cured beef fillet} are excellent picks.
For mains, you can choose between Double Smoked Duck Breast, Confit Chicken, Pork Belly, and Lamb Shanks that are decadently prepared.
What you get here are global flavours recreated using local produce at this farm to fork concept restaurant. The Fish Cakes, Lamb Osobucco, Chicken Hainanese Rice, Liver Pate, and Goan Chorizo Bruschetta {with chocolate shavings} are favourites here.
This place is also loved by vegetarians who come by for the Paneer Hainanese Rice, Mushroom Stroganoff, and the Veg Arancini.
What do the French and Bengalis have in common? Their love for mustard, of course! And that’s why Mustard, in Sangolda, celebrates these two cuisines with a curated menu.
The Bengali part of the menu has been curated by food historian Pritha Sen and the French touches are done by chef Gregory Bazire. If you are focussing on the French offerings, you can try the Beef Bourguignon {where the meat is marinated overnight in red wine before being cooked in a rich stew} or the Roast Chicken. On the Bengali end, there are classics like Doi Maach {fish cooked in yoghurt} and the Kosha Mangsho {a spice-packed mutton curry}.
Housed in a vintage Portuguese bungalow, House of Lloyds is one of the best-known restaurants in Candolim. They serve up a mix of Goan and Continental treats and they have plenty of options for you to choose from.
However, you cannot leave without trying their signature Pork Chops, any of their steaks, and their prawn dishes that are simply spectacular.
The seasonal appearance of this restaurant every year makes sure that theme always remains fresh and up to the mark. Run by Christopher Saleem Agha Bee, Sublime pushes boundaries with new additions every year along with signature dishes such as Blue Cheese stuffed Beef, Clams served with Goan Chorizo, Yellow Fin Tuna, and Puffed Rice Bhel and Tuna Carpaccio.
Located at Anahata Retreat, Ashwem, L’Atelier is perfect for when you want to watch the sun go down with a beer in hand. You can lounge under the coconut trees and sample their Indo-French menu.
The highlights include the Grilled Kingfish, the Marinated Fish Ceviche, and the Chicken Chakli. Their fresh fruit cocktails too are a must try. And did we mention their Breakfast Pizza complete with bacon and a fried egg?