5 Best Restaurants in South Goa, Goa

In the tranquil, slow-paced old village of Raia is one of the best restaurants in the state, set in the late chef Fernando's country house. Now run by his wife, the restaurant serves classic Goan and Portugese-Goan dishes, and there's live music Thursday through Sunday.

This restaurant excels in serving inventive Goan fare crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Each plate is beautifully presented in the inviting, rustic ambience. The cocktail menu showcases local ingredients in a creative way. It's a popular choice in the area, so be sure to book in advance to snag a table.

Located right on Palolem Beach, this widely popular shack serves ridiculously good seafood---alongside a good range of meaty and vegetarian options---in an airy yet sheltered dining area. The bar does a good lineup of cocktails, making it a great location to relax with a drink while soaking in the sunset over the Arabian Sea.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tapas, along with excellent cakes, coffee, and cocktails, are served here under a tall, breezy bamboo roof, with the sea's soothing sound just below and lush greenery all around. This café is part of the Casa Jaali resort, which sits on a rocky peninsula that juts out into Patnem Beach. During the busy months of December and January, be sure to book a sea-view table in advance.

For more than two decades, this celebrated family-run restaurant has been serving meticulously prepared Goan specialties to residents and visitors in the Majorda area. What started as a humble diner with just a few tables and chairs is now among the most popular places to eat in town, featuring a cavernous seating area and regular live music. The restaurant also offers a variety of continental and Indian-Chinese dishes.