A holiday had long been overdue after I had been slogging for about two months. Now when you just have to sit and chill, the auto select mode picks Goa as your holiday destination. My plan was simple – “Eat, drink, chill, Repeat.” Yes, the priorities were set well in advance and top of the list was ‘Eat’. My gang and I had picked a favorite spot to eat for each day in Goa. So now for those of you asked “where to eat in Goa” you got your answers in this post + a wonderful foodacation as well!
Warning – This is not a top 5 but 5 spots I would definitely recommend all of you readers to try and visit while you visit Goa!
Thalassa
Thalaassa is a place like no other and falls under the must visit places to eat in Goa. Situated on the top of a hill, it offers one of the best sunset views in Goa!! Thalassa had become a part of every conversation when we were planning for Goa and we could not have left it! Thalassa is an experience!!
This place is run by the lovely Mariketty from Greece who was kind enough to give us company through most part of the meals. She had us glued to both the food her staff prepared as well as her jokes. We ordered many things but my personal favorite was Fried Feta Pastry which turned out to be a surprise. If you are going to Thalasssa visit in the evening just before the sunset. Order the Thalassa Sunset (a refreshing and strong cocktail) and some starters and enjoy the sunset. We ordered the Lamb Kebabs, Roast Lamb and a big Mezze Platter. I would suggest you to end the meal with Chocolate Baklava or their very popular Chocolate Mousse Cake.
P.S. Visit on a Friday evening for Live Music don’t forget to reserve your table in advance.
Small Vagator, Ozran, Near Nine Bar, Vagator, Goa
Morgan’s Place
A hidden find!! Goa is all about it’s quirkiness with its wall arts, colorful Royal Enfields on the road, cool shacks…..Morgan’s Place takes it on the level. This café is based on the theme of Alice in Wonderland and is a delight for all book lovers. The walls, tables, menu and even the bill boxes are all based on the theme of Alice in Wonderland. The creativity gone in the cafe is amazing. I could sit for hours here and play the many games left for the visitors.
Morgan’s Place has a beautiful sitting area. We enjoyed American and Continental breakfasts with our share of Iced and hot coffee. To have a bit of healthy food we also went for their fresh fruit bowl. Deepak, one of the kind ownerss, told us about their wood fired pizza! I had heard really wow reviews about their pizzas but sadly, we were a little early to have pizza as we went around the time for breakfast. But it is surely on my list for next visit. Morgan’s Place has a great bookshelf too with everything beyond Alice in Wonderland.
If this name rings a bell in your head, yes there is a Morgan’s Café in Dharamkot, Mcleodganj as well.
No.66, Chogm Road, Sangolda, Penha de França, Goa
House of Lloyds
First things first! The drive to House of Lloyds might seem to be right out of a Hollywood horror movie but do not worry because this one will definitely have a happy ending with some delicious food waiting for you! House of Lloyds is located in an old Portuguese Villa which also has a chapel in the premises. Very close to Baga and Calangute, this place is a secret…shhhhh…. It is set up with a collection of bikes that belong to Mr. Lloyd himself. If you are a Martini lover and you like experimenting with your cocktails, order their Tamarind Martini. Simply made with a strong taste and good composition. We tried their stuffed crabs and mango avacado salad. The former was a stylish appetizer while the latter was refreshingly light and thoroughly enjoyable.
I would like to dedicate this small paragraph specially to the Fish Curry with Rice. Probably one of the best from my experiences!! A true Goan experience, deliciously flavorful and mildly spicy just to my liking. If you are in House of Llyods, do try it and I would even suggest you to get some packed for the road.
House of Llyods has excellent service and amazing DJ!! Our night would have been incomplete had DJ Sahil not been there. He was belting some lovely numbers throughout, reminding all of us of our college days.
Near candolim church, Pilerne Industrial Estates, Goa
Fisherman’s Wharf
The best meal in South Goa that I had was at Fisherman’s Wharf! A meal comprised of all the special dishes that we associate with Goan Food. We ate Masala Fried Calamari, Sea Devil, Pork Vindaloo, Crab Curry, Prawn Curry and of course the Bebinca (a Goan cake). Fisherman’s Wharf is located on the river Sal on opposite a fisherman’s wharf. It has top notch ambience, location, service and food! It is a very calming experience to just be there and sit alongside still waters and watch the boats bob. This is definitely one of the best places to eat in Goa.
The staff was very kind to recommend us their best preparations and also guide me with my crab curry. My favorite pick was Masala Calamari which does total justice to the word ‘Masala’ prefixed to it. The flavours were a delight! I also loved the crab curry. Fisherman’s Wharf is open around the year and they have two restaurants in Goa, one in Panjim and second in Cavelossim. We visited the latter.
Mobor Beach, Cavelossim, Goa
Magic Italy
While walking around at Palolem Beach, you will see many restaurants / cafes boasting to serve authentic Italian food. Well, I got you covered on this. Thank me later for making it easier for you because there is only one place which serves the best Italian meal – Magic Italy!! Run by an Italian lady who has been living in India since 20 years, Magic Italy is super authentic Italian pizzeria!! The owner and her daughter actually take care of the kitchen and makes fresh hand rolled pasta and pizza.
We ordered a pizza (with ingredients coming from Italy), ravioli with pesto and a plate of bruschetta! The ravioli was so fresh and authentic! The owner’s daughter, Suriya, understands Hindi and speaks very well herself. She chatted with us a little about the place. She told us that they visit Italy every year and remain closed from about April to September. So please plan accordingly. Also, they only take cash and do not accept cards.
260 Main Road, Palolem Beach Street, Palolem, Canacona, Goa
Hope you enjoyed this post on where to eat in Goa. Remember that not ‘everything that happens in Goa stays in Goa’!!