Many people go to Goa to party their hearts out. You would know all the popular clubs and cafes, with queues of dressed-up people waiting to have a good time. Then there are the hidden gems of Goa, tucked away in spots not many tourists know of, and frequently visited by locals living in Goa for their authentic vibes. Are you also in search of such spots? Then look no further! Check out some of the most authentic and gorgeous spots in Goa that none of your friends might have been to.
Here Is Your Guide To Hidden Gems With Authentic Vibes In Goa:
North Goa
Fatima’s Place
Fatima’s Place is a small and lovely place to go out with your family or friends. The ambience is simple and homely. They serve super fresh and delicious food. Some yummy delights on their menu include pasta and chicken salad, Goan dishes like chicken xacuti, prawns curry, chicken cafreal and Goan fish curry. If you are looking for a homely and authentic Goan vibe, this place is a must-try.
- Where: Ozran Beach Road, Vagator, Goa
- When: 9 am-10 pm
Ankita’s Classic
Ankita’s Classic is packed with locals and offers authentic Goan cuisine, delicious seafood dishes, mouth-watering fish thali, and Indo-Chinese dishes. The place also offers a hearty veg thali which comes with a spread of Goan-style veggies, curries, rice, and kokum. The dishes are also reasonably priced.
- Where: Railway Over Bridge, Warkhand Road Junction, Tambaram, Near Arambol, Goa
- When: 11 am-11 pm
Cantare
A local village tavern with a twist, Cantare is a hidden gem in Saligao, Goa where you will be treated to soft, live jazz music. The restaurant serves a wide variety of mouth-watering Thai, Goan, and Continental dishes. The bar serves a wide assortment of cool beverages. The bistro boasts Portuguese-style architecture with broad verandas and comfortable seating. Their Seafood Glass Noodles are a must-try!
- Where: 7/73, B Cruz Waddo, Saligao, Goa
- When: 5:30 pm-1 am
Sakana
If you’re seeking an authentic and delectable Japanese food experience in Goa, check out Sakana. They serve delicious and delicately wrapped salmon rolls, grilled beef, different kinds of sushi, chicken teriyaki, and udon noodles. The place has intricate Japanese decor with small cherry blossom plants and tiny bamboo trees. The staff is customer-friendly.
- Where: House No. 187, Mapusa – Anjuna – Chapora Rd, Vagator, Goa
- When: 12-3 pm, 6-11:30 pm
The Mesar Bar & Restaurant
The Mesar is located just a short 15-minute drive away from the new MOPA Goa Airport. The place serves real Goan food and authentic Goan seafood. Their Goan fish thali is a must-try. Other delicious foods on their menu include bang bang chicken, kingfish thali, chonak thali, prawns thali, mutton sukha, prawns crumb fry, and squids butter garlic.
- Where: St Anthony Waddo, near Car Washing Centre, Kolval, Bardez, Goa 403513
- When: 12-4 pm, 5:30-11:30 pm (closed on Mondays)
Bean Me Up
If you follow a vegan diet, Bean Me Up is for you. The cafe has wide outdoor seating, serves vegan dishes, and has live music and an open bar. The place serves delicious tofu, tempeh, and seitan (wheat meat) dishes that take inspiration from Mediterranean, American, and European cuisines. Some wonderful items on their menu include Citrus Soba Noodle Salad, homemade-style ravioli, and chocolate-flavoured almond milk.
- Where: 1639/2, Deulvaddo, Near Anjuna Petrol Pump, Vagator, Goa
- When: 9 am-11 pm
Also Read: Bar Crawls In Goa: From Beachside Beats To Party Scenes And Everything In Between
South Goa
Anoshka Family Restaurant
Need a good place to enjoy authentic Goan food in South Goa? Head to Anoshka Family Restaurant. This place is tucked away from the urban rush, offering a relaxing Goan vibe, located by the Margao-Ponda highway. Food items are reasonably priced and service is quick. Some must-try treats on their menu include Rawa fried prawns and Fish curry and rice. A perfect place for a Goan lunch, they also serve North Indian and Indo-Chinese cuisine dishes.
- Where: Survey 32/5, Sonafator, Camurlim, Ponda, Goa
- When: 11am-3:30pm, 7-11:30pm
The Mill
The Mill is a cosy cafe serving wholesome New Zealand-inspired food, coffee, tea and freshly baked treats. This cute hidden gem is the perfect place to start your day with breakfast or brunch when in South Goa. The vibe and deliciousness of the food is on point. Some yummy food items include Chia seed smoothie, Vietnamese Iced Coffee, Zanzibar burger and Carrot Cake.
- Where: Dr Pundlik Gaitonde Rd, Palolem, Canacona, Goa
- When: 9am-6pm (Wednesday closed)
Goodfellas Italian Restaurant
Goodfellas is a quaint eatery, tucked away in a quiet corner. If you are looking for authentic Italian food, Goodfellas is your place. The place has a relaxing vibe with live music, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a great evening with yummy pizzas. There are plenty of vegetarian and non-vegetarian pizza options to choose from. Food is fresh and service is quick.
- Where: Near Kadar Supermarket, Benaulim Beach Road, Vasvaddo, Benaulim, Goa
- When: 1-3:30pm, 7-11pm (Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun)
- 7-11pm (Tue, Wed, Thu)
Sunny Bar and Restaurant
If you are looking for a fuss-free place where you can feast on fresh, delicious and authentic Goan food, then Sunny Bar and Restaurant is a great place for lunch. Food is reasonably priced and you can have a hearty and delicious meal at this humble restaurant. Explore their range of thalis such as the Goan Fish Thali, Kingfish Thali and Chonak Thali. Other must-try items include Crumb Fried Chicken, Chicken leg pieces, and Goan Crab Sukka.
- Where: Near Govt. High School, Talewada, Bethoda, Ponda, Goa
- When: 11:30am-3:15pm, 6:30-10:30pm (Monday closed)
Also Read: 15 Best Goan Recipes | Popular Goan Recipes
Panjim/Panaji
Viva Panjim
Viva Panjim is a Goan Portuguese family heritage home turned restaurant. This lovely small restaurant is hidden in the back streets of Fontainhas, situated in the Latin quarter. This family-run restaurant offers mouthwatering traditional Goan specialities and Portuguese-inspired dishes. They also have continental and Chinese food on their menu. Some popular dishes on their menu include Pork Roast, Caramel Custard, Caramel Pudding, and Dragon Chicken.
- Where: H, 178, Rua 31 de Janeiro, behind Mary Immaculate High School, near St Sebastian chapel, Fontainhas (quarter), Altinho, Panaji, Goa
- When: 12-4:30pm, 7-11pm
MO’s Cafe
MO’s Cafe is a cosy neighbourhood cafe inspired by Goan produce and Japanese flavours. The place has a delightful ambience and delicious coffee, sandwiches, salads, and desserts, perfect for a hearty breakfast.
- Where: No. G3, Souza Towers, Dr RS Rd, Near Municipal Garden, Altinho, Panaji, Goa 403001
- Opening Time: 9am
Hospedaria Venite Restaurant & Bar
This Goan joint has been around since 1955. Nestled in an old Portuguese house, Venite has a charming decor with little balconies lit up with dim lights. Delicious food on their menu includes mushroom pepper fry, finely cut french fries, and delicately spiced veggie vindaloo curry. A must-try in drinks is their coconut coffee liqueur with a kick of cinnamon. For dessert, enjoy their sinful banana-caramel-ice cream combination.
- Where: Rua 31 de Janeiro, Near Head Post Office, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
- When: 9 am-10:30 pm (Tuesday closed)
Mum’s Kitchen
Mum’s Kitchen is a bright, homey restaurant with an emphasis on traditional, down-home Goan offerings. They serve delicious Goan seafood and their menu is compiled using traditional recipes from mothers around Goa. Popular dishes include prawn peri peri, pork sorpotel, prawn balchao, and Goan prawn curry. The ambience and decor are quirky with dim lanterns, perfect for evenings. They also serve a variety of fresh cocktails with unique flavours.
- Where: 854, Martins Building, Dayanand Bandodkar Street, Near Panaji, Goa
- When: 12 pm-10 pm
Bhatti Village Family Bar & Restaurant
A Goan family-run restaurant, this gem is a cosy place hidden away in the narrow by-lanes of Nerul village, near Panjim. The seafood here is delicious and the place also serves delicious vegetarian food as well — mixed veg xacuti, tender coconut chilly fry, mushroom rawa fry, kidney beans curry, and baby corn curry.
- Where: Bhatti Waddo, Nerul, Goa
- When: 12-3 pm, 7-11 pm
Next time you go to Goa, do not forget to explore these fantastic hidden gems!
