Goa has emerged as a culinary hotspot with a variety of new openings offering global cuisines, experimental dishes, and highlighting the region’s seafood. Despite this influx of contemporary dining spots, long-standing Goan institutions continue to attract dedicated patrons.

Best Cafes of South Goa has been curated by experienced food critics and editors familiar with the area. This selection includes both fine dining and iconic, affordable restaurants that offer exceptional food, excellent service, and memorable dining experiences. The list is updated regularly to include new openings and evolving menus.

Beno, Benaulim

Beno offers a delightful dining experience from breakfast to late evening. Start your day with eggs made to order, pancakes, croissants, and breakfast platters on recycled wood furniture under the gentle sun. As twilight approaches, the bar serves cocktails with unique ingredients like truffle, coconut, jamun, and muskmelon, accompanied by a selection of 70 gins. The menu transitions through the day, featuring salads, burgers, bar bites, and chef’s specials. Beno is lively with events such as live music, jazz nights, quiz nights, game nights, and karaoke. The venue is pet-friendly, with a special menu for dogs.

Price: Rs 100 – Rs 600
Must try: Lamb Burger
Address: 1239, Mazilwaddo, Benaulim
Instagram

Cantine Indienne, Palolem

Cantine Indienne is a cozy spot with turquoise walls and wooden seating, serving an inventive menu that includes vegan and gluten-free options. Their fried chicken, made from organic oyster mushrooms, is a must-try. Other highlights include ragi pancakes, pumpkin masala dosai, and exotic mushroom specials. Open mic/jam sessions and pop-ups with home chefs add to the vibrant atmosphere.

Price: Rs 120 – Rs 300
Must try: Cantine fried chick’un
Address: Palolem Patnem Road, Canacona
Instagram

Cavatina by Avinash Martins, Benaulim

Chef Avinash Martins presents Goan cuisine with a modern twist at Cavatina. The menu features forgotten recipes and unique ingredients, artistically presented. Dishes like tambdi bhaji phyllo and crab xec xec bisque highlight local flavors. The restaurant also offers a special chef’s table experience at Avinash’s family farm, C’est L’Avi.

Price: Rs 350 – Rs 1,750
Must try: Hay-smoked mackerel
Address: Taj Hotel Road, near Joecons Beach Resort, Benaulim
Instagram

Fisherman’s Wharf, Mobor

A legendary spot for local cuisine, Fisherman’s Wharf focuses on seafood with an extensive menu. From lobster thermidor to prawn balchao, the dishes are rich in flavor and variety. Set by the river Sal in an old Goan home, the restaurant provides a charming dining experience.

Price: Rs 250 – Rs 2,000
Must try: Any seafood dish
Address: At the Riverside, next to Holiday Inn Resort, Mobor, Cavelossim-Salcete
Website

Goodfellas, Benaulim

Goodfellas, an Italian restaurant opened by three Italians in 2016, offers traditional wood-fired pizzas, handmade pasta, and a selection of imported meats and cheeses. The authentic Italian cuisine, paired with locally sourced ingredients, makes it a popular dining spot.

Price: Rs 280 – Rs 750
Must try: Any of the pizzas
Address: Vasvaddo Beach Road, Benaulim
Instagram

Joets, Bogmalo

Located on Bogmalo beach, Joets started as a fishing shed and evolved into a beloved restaurant known for its seafood. With multi-cuisine offerings, the highlight remains their seafood dishes like pomfret, prawns, and lobster, cooked in various styles.

Price: Rs 1500 per person
Must try: Any of the seafood
Address: Joet’s Guest House, Baillichall Ward, Vasco da Gama
Website

Juju, Colva

Opened in 2022, Juju is a contemporary Indian restaurant with bold flavors and a creative menu. Dishes like duck kurchan bondas and haleem tostadas stand out. The bar offers unique cocktails with ingredients like jamun and paan, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Price: Rs 450 – Rs 795
Must try: Truffle mushroom galauti
Address: Survey number 8/6 Gandaulim, Colva
Instagram

La Dolce Vita, Agonda

La Dolce Vita brings a taste of Italy to Agonda beach with homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal dishes like minestrone. The desserts, crafted by co-owner Dipo, are a must-try, offering indulgent treats like tiramisu and lemon tarts.

Price: Rs 120 – Rs 600
Must try: Spaghetti allo scoglio
Address: Tambdem, Agonda

Read More: Top 17 Best Cafes in Hyderabad

Mon Petit Frère, Colva

Mon Petit Frère offers a unique breakfast experience with dishes like roast beef sandwich topped with eggs Benedict. The small, outdoor café serves breakfast all day, surrounded by trees and plants, making it an ideal spot for a lazy afternoon.

Price: Rs 150 – Rs 330
Must try: Eggs Benedict with roast beef
Address: H 10/1, 1st Ward, Near Colva Church, Colva
Instagram

Unndo, Benaulim

Unndo, a family-run Goan restaurant, offers dishes made with traditional recipes and home-ground masalas. The menu features Goan favorites like xacuti and sorpotel, and unique dishes like bombil choris. The warm, inviting atmosphere makes for a delightful dining experience.

Price: Rs 40 – Rs 300
Must try: Bombil choris
Address: Vasvaddo Beach Road, Benaulim
Instagram

The Southern Deck, Benaulim

The Southern Deck, a beachside bistro and bar on Benaulim beach, offers a mix of Goan, Indian, and global cuisine. With a lively evening atmosphere and string lights, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a sunset and dishes like stuffed crab and tikkas.

Price: Rs 150 – Rs 800
Must try: Stuffed Crab – Recheado É Queijo
Address: 69/1-C, Benaulim Beach, Vasvaddo, Salcete, Benaulim
Website

The Mill, Palolem

The Mill, part of Palm Forest boutique homestay, is a charming café set in a restored rice mill. Offering healthy, vegetarian and vegan options, the café is ideal for breakfast with dishes like smoothie bowls, scones, and great coffee.

Price: Rs 120 – Rs 350
Must try: Scones
Address: Dr Pundlik Gaitonde Road, Palolem, Canacona
Website

Zest, Agonda

Zest is a vegan café on Talpona beach, serving organic and wholesome food. The menu includes smoothies, raw lasagna, and gluten-free pizzas, all prepared fresh in a beautiful garden setting with a beach view. It’s a serene spot for a healthy meal.

Price: Rs 1000 per person
Must try: Any of the pizzas
Address: Agonda Beach Rd, Agonda
Website