Where to Eat Local Food in Goa | 10 Best Restaurants

Are you fond of local food? Then on your solo trip to Goa, dig into the local cuisine without fail! One of the key reasons Goa thrives among people is its local food. Many restaurants serve authentic local food of Goa, similar to the taste you will find in any local’s household. 

Whether it’s your first time or nth time in Goa, the food will never disappoint you. Goa’s local food is a foodie’s paradise. From pork to fish curries, each dish is famous in Goa for its splendid flavours. You can also take a look at my ultimate Goa food guide.

I have hand-picked the ten best restaurants serving local food in Goa. You can stop over at these restaurants to experience the taste of Goa’s local food.

1. Fernando’s Nostalgia

This place serves unique Portuguese and Goan dishes you won’t find anywhere else. The nostalgia hits hard at this family-run restaurant. You should try everything from this place if your tummy permits. Their beef xacuti is delicious, i.e., beef cooked in a coconut-based curry. The restaurant even serves ox tongue and shark. So if you like to taste unique things, order a plate. 

I suggest you try it with a glass of brewed Feni, the local drink of Goa. It is a match made in heaven. And do not forget to thank me later for this.

Location: Raia, South Goa

Cost for two: Rs. 1200

Opening hours: 11 am-3 pm and 7 pm-11 pm except for Mondays

2. Martin’s Corner

Do you want to taste the best-served seafood in Goa? Martin’s Corner is the place for you. This place is crowded with locals and tourists for its authentic Goan preparations. 

The interior of this place transports you to a Goan household. Their homemade masalas are, to date, a secret. In my opinion, they serve the best butter garlic calamari in Goa. And without question, try their King Crab dish. But remember, it might get a bit messy as you dig in.  

Location: Betalbatim

Cost for two: Rs. 1500

Opening hours: 11:30 am – 4 pm and 6:30 pm – 11:30 pm

3. Bhatti Village

What’s better than tasting local food at a local’s place? The residence turned restaurant is special among people for its in-house system. You get to experience both in one go. 

This place serves only freshly prepared food throughout the day. If I were to suggest to you some dishes to try, it would be the beef fry, whitebait fry, and the homemade Feni. Try their clam masala if you want to treat your taste buds to something spicy.

Location: Nerul, Candolim

Cost for two: Rs. 500

Opening Hours: 6:30 pm to 11:30 pm

4. Anand’s Sea Food Restaurant

The best way to go to this restaurant is with an empty stomach. They are known for their fish fries—one of the favourite local dishes of Goa. Their wide menu makes it difficult to decide and order for tourists. You will leave this place licking your fingers for their Kingfish curry or chicken cafreal. The place also serves the best vegetarian dish, i.e., veg xacuti. 

Location: Anjuna, North Goa

Cost for two: Rs. 800

Opening hours: 12 pm – 3:45 pm and 7 pm – 11 pm except on Mondays

5. Mum’s Kitchen

The idea behind this restaurant makes me visit this place every time in Goa. The Mum’s kitchen runs with a motto of bringing the extinct Goan dishes back. They have worked hard towards producing the long-lost local dishes of Goa. 

Chorizo chilli fry, Pamplet Kodi with poi, and sannas are some of my favourite dishes to try here. You should try sannas, a Goan version of idli. It is one of the few places which serve it.

If you’re in Panjim, try out their food at the outlet. Or, if you’re looking for a fine-dine experience, you can visit Mum’s Kitchen in Assagao. 

Location: Panjim

Cost for two: Rs. 1700

Opening hours: 12 pm – 10 pm

6. Konki Kanteen

Staying in the capital and looking for a budget restaurant to experience the Goan cuisine? Ladies, then a visit to this place is a must. It is one of the best restaurants in Goa that serves local food. The cosy homely interior and its hospitability are another reason behind this place’s attention.

As soon as you get a table at this place, order the fish thali straightaway. You should try their prawn fry. If you have a sweet –tooth, order Serradura, i.e., pudding. This place serves the best Serradura.

Location: Altinho

Cost for two: Rs. 700

Opening hours: 12 pm – 3 pm and 7 pm – 11:30 pm

7. Ritz Classic

The typical dishes you will find in the households of the locals are what you get here at Ritz Classic. Nothing fancy, just a hearty, homely meal. 

You can try out their specialty, i.e., the Signature Ritz Classic thali. It includes different fish dishes along with the patent fish curry and rice. The classic combination of white rice with fish curry in coconut sauce is nothing but delicious. Their crab masala is also worth the try.

Location: Panaji

Cost for two: Rs. 800

Opening Hours: 11 am- 4 pm and 7 pm- 11 pm

8. The Beach House

This place is a bit on the expensive side. However, the taste justifies the amount spent. The Beach House brings in the traditional local dishes of Goa and Portuguese. The recipes are hand-picked from families living in Goa for ages.

You can taste the Goan thali, as it is one of the highly recommended dishes of this place. 

Location: Sinquerim beach

Cost for two: Rs 2500

Opening hours: 7:30 pm – 11:30 pm

9. White House

This is a roof-top restaurant serving the finest Goan dishes. It is a hidden gem tucked away brilliantly from the crowd in the streets of Dona Paula. The setting of this restaurant gives you a sea view, which only elevates the essence of tasting local food.

The chicken dishes they serve are smashing in taste! Pork Vindaloo is worth mentioning, and you should try it. This place is also ideal if you are travelling to Goa on a budget.

Location: Bicholim

Cost for two: Rs. 750

Opening hours: 11 am – 11 pm

10. Vinayak

One of the highly recommended restaurants by many locals in Goa, so you already know how the food over here will be. 

They have a chef’s special every day, so check that out. I am in love with their golden fried prawn. I can’t have enough of it. It’s a must-try if you are visiting Vinayak.

Location: Assagao

Cost for two: Rs. 600

Opening hours: 12-3:30 pm and 7-10:30 pm except for Thursdays

So which of these famous restaurants are you heading to on your next solo trip to Goa?

All the restaurants mentioned above are unique in their own. Choosing between them is always going to be a hard task. As you plan your days in Goa, keep these restaurants in mind. Squeeze them here and there as often as possible. Do you know any other place that serves Goa’s best local dishes? If yes, let me know in the comments below. 

Till then, happy travelling ladies!