8 Best Restaurants in Panaji, Goa

Smack-dab in the middle of Panjim, this Goan institution is indisputably the best place in town for homestyle Goan food—and as most of the regulars are locals, the kitchen doesn't hold back on the spice. The menu is vast and enticing, so either visit as part of a large group, or when absolutely ravenous (but yet able to wait for a table; the service is brisk so the wait shouldn't be too long).

You can feel Goa's energy in full swing at this three-story gastropub, where patrons jam to live music, belt out their favorite songs at karaoke, or enjoy the occasional screen games. The creative menu features both small and large plates inspired by Goan classics, while the bar does a good line in cocktails---a feni (traditional Indian liquor) Manhattan and grapefruit G&T are house specials.

The Goa Marriott's café and lounge, pronounced "As You Are," may be worth a visit for the bay views alone—fortunately, the quality of its limited yet choice menu won't disappoint, either. After dark, the coffee shop morphs into a relaxed evening lounge bar.

This no-frills café is a local legend that has been dishing out hearty vegetarian food for more than 100 years. Early mornings see office-goers stopping by for a breakfast of tea and bhajis (flavorful vegetable curry eaten with bread or hot puris), while later, families attending services at the nearby Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church fill the seats. It's busy all day, so you might end up sharing a table with others. However, the atmosphere is all about enjoying the meal and moving on, so you won't feel out of place. 

Popular with locals and foreigners alike, this casual spot serves butter-laden dishes inspired by the cuisine of North India's Punjab region. It is a great place to take an air-conditioned break from the intense shopping of 18th June Road. Plus, it has a garden terrace out back—a cozy spot to hang out.

Located up a flight of stairs at the historic Panjim Inn, with indoor and outdoor seating, Verandah has an atmospheric location for those seeking a casual spot to sample tasty, fairly priced Goan cuisine or continental food. Check the daily specials, particularly for seasonal seafood items.

A walk down a narrow alley in the Fontainhas district brings you to one of the city's best-value restaurants, where reliable Goan classics, conviviality, and bargain prices are the rule. Featuring the award-winning cuisine of chef Linda De Souza, this cheery hideaway is crowded with locals and tourists---indoor seating can get cramped, but tables are also available outside.