Some popular, some hidden, some Goan, some global — these top restaurants in Panjim, the charming capital of Goa are so good and authentic, you’ll visit them every time you travel here!
Sauntering the unhurried streets of Panjim, the capital city of Goa, a paradoxical sense of calm and adrenaline rush grips you at first before you begin imbibing the many, singular facets of this centrally positioned city.
Of the many sentiments, a traveller generally feels when getting around places — curious, dazed, surprised and sometimes, confused — striding through lengths and breadths of Panjim by the river Mandovi, feels like returning home, a familiar city with unfamiliar sides to it. Only, there’s always something new (and old) to discover, especially the restaurants in Panjim where culture and urbanism collide with hitting flavours of its colonial history.
Whether you’re travelling to Panjim for the first time or visiting again, dive into our definitive guide to the top restaurants in Panjim to savour the best food experiences in Goa.
Cafe Bodega, Panjim
One of the most bright and idyllic restaurants in Panjim, Café Bodega is a chef-owned outlet by Vandana Naik that has fast become one of the best breakfast restaurants in Panjim that wraps up its final tables at 6:30 in the evening. With a gorgeous al-fresco setting, Café Bodega sits in the company of Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts, an art studio and exhibition venue in Panjim and cooks up a fresh menu every day featuring fantastic Benedict’s, omelettes, sandwiches, salads, artisanal bakes, desserts and reviving cups of coffee!
Address: Cafe Bodega, 63/C-8, Sunaparanta Centre For The Arts, near Lar De Estudantes, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Kokni Kanteen Goa, Panjim
Get teleported to vintage Goa as soon as you step inside Kokni Kanteen Goa in Panjim, one of the finest, authentic Goan restaurants in Panjim with a home-like setting that has been feeding epicureans since 1972. Before you jump onto anything else on its menu, go for the popular selections of thalis at Kokni Kanteen that spell a feast on the palate as well as in visuals.
Address: Kokni Kanteen Goa, Dr Dada Vaidya Rd, Near Mahalaxmi Temple, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Caravela Café & Bistro, Panjim
Before you take your work and laptop out for a stroll to Caravela Café & Bistro to sip on some coffee while breathing in the local city café vibes, remember Caravela is a laptop-free zone. They want you to breathe in Panjim with nothing but food and leisure on your mind. With a total of three outposts, two in Panjim and another in Candolim, Caravela Café stands as a quaint, little café with limited indoor seating. Their generous, all-day breakfast menu alongside a variety of Goan snacks and fresh bakes lets you enjoy the best of local food from morning to night.
Address: Caravela Café & Bistro, 31st January Road, Rua São Tomé, Panaji, Goa / Shop 3, Vagle Vision, Pandurang Pissulekar Road, Panaji, Goa
The Black Sheep Bistro, Panjim
Conscious, local and conceptually farm-to-table, The Black Sheep Bistro in Panjim, the older sister restaurant of Black Market in the same neighbourhood of the capital, sketches a modern but retro mood indoors tucked inside a yellow and white Villa Braganca on the first floor. Their menu is global, made with locally procured ingredients, plating up dishes like jackfruit tostada, mushroom panisse, 5-spiced lotus stem, honey sesame pork, choga prawn, signature fish cakes and more. The Black Sheep Bistro is also known for their handcrafted cocktails, so make sure to sip on your share of crafty concoctions!
Address: The Black Sheep Bistro, 1st Floor, Villa Braganca, Dr Braganza Pereira Rd, Panaji, Goa
Black Market, Panjim
Sometimes, a few restaurants linger in your memory long after you’ve visited them. Black Market is one of such gripping restaurants in Panjim and it reimagines the idea of serving a menu that’s organic and local to its core sourced from Goan farmers and the fishing community. The sister restaurant to The Black Sheep Bistro in Panjim but with a rather different demeanour, Black Market is perched on the first level of Braganza Bungalow, an art deco building in Campal, and the recipes here are made to be savoured slowly, attentively.
Address: Black Market, Villa, Dr Braganza Pereira Rd, Above Fab India, Campal, Panaji, Goa
Padaria Prazeres, Panjim
A scrumptious slice of Europe served in the neighbourhood of breezy Goa, doesn’t that dreamy? Padaria Prazeres is a café and bakery in Panjim along the beachy strip of Miramar that has been churning out some lip-smacking handcrafted bakes since 2021. Run by husband-wife duo chef Ralph Prazeres and Stacy Gracias, with Ralph who brings his Cordon Bleu training and experiences of working at top-notch international outlets like Rosewood London and Noma in Copenhagen, Padaria Prazeres is an exemplary, chic café to spend some time by yourself or with friends. Nosh on sea salt pretzels, cheese scones, Pastel de nata, chocolate Hazelnut Mille-Feuille, milk chocolate brioche, baguettes and bagels along with weekend breakfast specials.
Address: Padaria Prazeres, Celeste Plaza, Ground floor, opposite Models Celebrity, Caranzalem, Panaji, Goa
Frida Cantina, Panjim
Take a culinary trip to Mexico in the heart of Panjim at Frida Cantina, a restaurant that visually and conceptually essays itself as a Mexican ‘cantina’, a word that translates to a ‘bar’ in Latin and Spanish-speaking countries. From authentic, sizzling Mexican-inspired platters to a dedicated bar with some bold cocktails, such as their signature blends, Jalapeño Margarita and Tamarind Margarita, the menu at Frida Cantina in Panjim tingles up the senses with just a sip.
Address: Frida Cantina, New Horizon Building, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, next to Fastrack – Time Factory, Miramar, Panaji, Goa
Down the Road, Panjim
The only thing about Down the Road you need to remember is that with a majority of neighbourhood restaurants in Panjim closing by 10 to 11 pm, this one gem keeps running its pantry until 4 am. Spanning two floors as a pub and eatery, Down the Road is one those restaurants in Panjim with live music gigs paired with its elaborate menu loaded with multi-cuisine dishes from Goan, Chinese and continental to North Indian and fast food, alongside a fun lineup of cocktails and spirits.
Address: Down the Road, MG Road, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa
Tataki, Panjim
Tataki in Panjim is for the ones who love their Asian platter as much as they like exploring the ABCs of Goan cuisine. A one-of-its-kind immersive Asian restaurant, Tataki is located in the accessible vicinity of the city centre and presents a palate-stirring selection of Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese and other modern Asian options. Their Sushi Sashimi platter, a variety of dim sums, Pad Thai and some really mean desserts must not be missed!
Address: Tataki, MG Road, Patto Colony, Panaji, Goa
Petisco Kitchen & Bar, Panjim
On the outside, Petisco standing on a street just two-minutes from Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception Church, emanates a rather mysterious mood, compelling you to step inside and investigate further. Your only weapon? Your taste buds. Known for their regular bar takeovers and live gigs, Pestico in Panjim is a gastrobar with a vibrant menu from pulled pork sandwich, coconut crusted calamari and Pan Fried Mackerel to mozzarella and tomato salad, homemade pasta and more. Of course, the Petisco experience isn’t complete without the Susegado beer and crafty cocktails including Peti Mezcal Margarita, Old Tom G&T, Ginger Cosmo and Fanhattan.
Address: Petisco Kitchen & Bar, Souza Towers, Dr RS Rd, Opposite Municipal Garden, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Bombil, Panjim
Looking for a simple, unpretentious and homely Goan meal in Panjim? Then your map should lead you straight to Bombil, which retains an old-Goa vibe and a truly tempting fare. While the curries here keep rotating and changing routinely, other options on the menu like sausage pulav, sausage chilli fry, chicken cafreal, chicken xacuti, prawns galmo are constant along with the variety of prawn thali, chonak thali and chicken thali.
Address: Bombil, Opp Military Hospital, Campal Brg, Panaji, Goa
Makutsu, Panjim
In the colourful, charming locale of Fontainhas is this Japanese-at-heart restaurant Makutsu, established by chef Pablo Luis de Miranda of his other highly popular haunt called António at 31 in Panjim. Makutsu, which translates to den of thieves is a beguiling spot to clean up the palate with a focussed menu that offers about 28 types of Yakitori across vegetarian and non-vegetarian, from chicken, prawns, sardines and beef to octopus, mushroom, sweet potato, broccoli and tofu. In Japan, Yakitori means grilled chicken skewers, and chef Pablo desired to bring this to Goa set with the concept of Izakaya, which means informal, tavern-style seating, making Makutsu one of the most innovative restaurants in Panjim.
Address: Makutsu, Sao Tome, Rua 31 de Janeiro, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Café Tato, Panjim
Café Tato is one of the oldest restaurants in Panjim with a popular repute that sees the outlet always thronged with visitors, and rightly so. The café started all the way back in 1913 by Keshav Dhuri, grandfather of the current owner Pradip Govind Dhuri and has witnessed the food culture evolve yet stay steady through history. Hitting Café Tato for breakfast or early lunch is usually a good idea to savour their local vegetarian menu that features Suki Bhaji and Puri, Patal bhaji, paneer bhurji, samosa, Goan buns, sweet banana buns, shira and more.
Address: Cafe Tato, Souza Towers, No. G3, Dr RS Rd, Near Municipal Garden, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
Clube Nacional, Panjim
Another one of the oldest and most-visited restaurants in Panjim, Clube Nacional has been synonymous to a delectable fare of Goan and Portuguese recipes that the locals love to binge on. Revamped a few years ago, this decades-old heritage eatery continues to serve a home-style menu with dishes like Sorpotel, Vidalho, Feijoada, mutton xacuti, beef croquet and a host of stuffed bread with beef tongue, pork roast, chicken and cheese garlic.
Address: Clube Nacional, Vaglo Building, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Panaji, Goa
Thalassa, Panjim
Little Greece in Goa, Thalassa is always on the bucket list of travellers as one of the most happening yet laidback restaurants in the coastal state. Originally opened in the buzzing hub of Vagator, Thalassa has now moved to Siolim with a bonus outlet in Panjim, which has a rustic and breezy mood, posing like a quaint, whitewashed Greek getaway. A few factors that add to its popularity are its specialty cocktails and obviously, a beautiful menu of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
Address: Thalassa, FRR8+8C7, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Panaji, Goa
Mum’s kitchen, Panjim
As the name itself suggests, Mum’s Kitchen in Panjim takes you on a nostalgic food journey, introducing on the table a spread of traditional, unassuming Goan cuisine with flavours that stay on the palate. The menu is wholesome, hearty and filling, with some of its highlight dishes being the Goan prawn curry, sorpotel, Prawns balchao, bharleli kelli, beef croquettes, chourico pao and other extensive vegetarian, chicken, pork and seafood recipes.
Address: Mum’s Kitchen, 854, Martins Building, D. B. Street, Road, Miramar, Panaji, Goa
Café Rasa, Panjim
If you’re looking for quenching cup(s) of coffee and coworking, community space to work from, then let Café Rasa be your next remote-working venue! With its cosy interiors and wooden flooring, Café Rasa is an elegant, laidback spot in Panjim, where you can also find some local fashion collections and artworks on display. Café Rasa’s menu serves an assortment of cold and hot brews like caffeine-free barley coffee, herbal chukku kappi, espresso, cortado, teas and more alongside all-day breakfast options like ragi dosa, eggs benedict, smoothie bowls, chorizo poi and sandwiches.
Address: Cafe Rasa, Post Office, Predio Abilio Coelho Pereira, 2nd Floor, Dayanand Bandodkar Marg, Panaji, Goa
Ritz Classic, Panjim
Ritz Classic is an experience to dive into when in Panjim. In close proximity to the Panjim bus stand, the restaurant alongside its Goan dishes also has multi-cuisine offerings on its menu such as Chinese, Thai, Japanese and North Indian. Of its most-ordered dishes are the Ritz Classic thalis such as Sea Food Thali and Fish Thali. Being one of the most visited restaurants in Panjim, make sure to align your schedule and arrive here in time by or before lunch.
Address: Ritz Classic, 1st Floor, Wagle Vision, 18th June Rd, Ozari, Panaji, Goa
Raki Modern Mezze and More, Panjim
Touted as Goa’s first such Mediterranean rooftop restobar, Raki Modern Mezze and More is one of the buzzing and highest restaurants in Panjim. The inventive kitchen is helmed by the famous Goan chef Rahul Gomes Pereira (also called chef Picu). Put Raki in your bucket list to dine on some ambrosial Lebanese dishes like kashkash lamb skewers, hot and cold mezze platters, charcoal smoked mushroom kebabs and eclectic cocktails, with stunning views of the Miramar beachfront, dreamy sunset and the endless skyline.
Address: Raki Modern Mezze and More, Crescent Hotel, near Goa Science Center, Tonca, Kamat Kinara, Miramar, Panaji, Goa
White House Bar & Restaurant, Dona Paula
There’s something absolutely refreshing about White House, one of the most distinct restaurants in Goa, untouched by a majority of travellers. Located in Dona Paula just a few kilometres from Panjim, the eatery is perched on the roof of a white house, and is known for whipping up tantalising rava fry pork chops, fish cutlet, pork chilly, pork sorpotel, chicken fried rice and more.
Address: White House Bar & Restaurant, White House, H.No C21/25,, Near N.I.O. Post Office, Dona Paula, Goa
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