Eat, Sip, Repeat at Goa’s Hottest Dining Scenes

Goa is tasting better than ever. Across the hotspots of Vagator, Assagao, Saligao and Anjuna, a new wave of restaurants and bars is blending design drama with ingredient-driven menus and exciting cocktails. You’ll find handwoven architecture rising above the sea, Thai grills perfuming the night air, Portuguese villas glowing with candlelight and intimate speakeasies humming with jazz. These are not just places to eat; they’re experiential evenings waiting to unfold. Arrive curious, order generously and let the days ahead stretch deliciously ahead.

Como Agua
At Como Agua, brunch begins with a view and lingers as an experience. Overlooking Vagator’s picturesque coastline, this striking pizzeria and Negroni bar is wrapped in a sculptural lattice of handwoven lantana. By day, sea breezes sweep across the open deck; by night, the structure glows softly against the forested backdrop. The 72-hour proofed Neapolitan pizzas emerge blistered and airy from the wood-fired oven. Don’t skip favourites like the Burrata Garlic Bread and the Hot Honey & Double Pepperoni pizza. Pair it with a perfectly chilled Aperol Spritz — or take your pick from their equally well-crafted cocktails, just like we did. End indulgently with honey toast crowned in melting ice cream.

The Assa House
The Assa House feels less like a restaurant and more like stepping into Goa’s beautifully kept secret. Housed in a restored Portuguese villa in Assagao, it’s layered with romance: original patterned tiles cool underfoot, chandeliers casting a golden hush, chequered floors leading you deeper into candlelit corners. A European menu unfolds thoughtfully, each dish plated with intention and flavours, encouraging you to slow down and savour the moment. You cannot leave without trying their Blue & Goat Cheese Éclair, Potato Gratin or the 7-hour Lamb Confit. As the evening deepens, the experience shifts. Behind a secret doorway lies LouLou, an intimate cocktail bar that feels deliciously clandestine, a rather new addition to Goa’s night scene.

Fireback
Fireback brings the vibrant spirit of Thailand to Goa with theatrical flair. Inspired by the Siamese Fireback bird, the restaurant’s energy centres around its Josper grill, where turmeric prawns sizzle and smoky eggplant gorlae takes on irresistible depth. Expect fluffy Thai omelettes, bright pomelo salads layered with toasted coconut and ginger, and skewers kissed by flame. The cocktails are authentic and expressive: lemongrass, kaffir lime, tamarind and chilli woven into bold yet balanced concoctions. Surrounded by lush tropical greens, the space feels transportive, delivering the heat, fragrance and soul of Thailand in every bite.

After Dinner at Pisco by the Beach
Tucked inside Anjuna’s beloved sundowner spot, Pisco by the Beach, After Dinner is where the real revelry begins. This intimate 35-seater bar comprises polished wooden floors, low-slung sofas, rattan chairs and long chintz curtains swaying gently as jazz hums in the background and definitely deserves a spot on your Goa list. Dramatic views of the sea can be taken in on the sturdy hammock-style seating while you take in their cocktail menu, which is nothing short of a work of art, inspired by different rooms of a house, each drink layered with unexpected flavour pairings and thoughtful technique. We had multiple rounds of their Lollipops and Rainbows, a Gin-based cocktail with Cherry & Berry Reduction, House Lemon Oleo-Liquer and Grapefruit Zest Cordial that is inspired by the children’s room hence served on a cutesy Teddy. It’s playful yet polished, and the kind of place where one perfectly made cocktail turns into an unhurried night. But whatever you do, don’t dare to leave without indulging in their Chocolate Profiteroles.

Elephant & Co.
With a loyal following in Pune, Elephant & Co. makes a confident Goan debut in an entirely outdoor setting in Anjuna, embracing sea air and golden-hour light. Known for its community spirit and progressive bar programme, the space buzzes from leisurely brunches to lively sundowners. The menu is fresh and experimental, spotlighting local seafood and global comfort dishes, alongside thoughtful vegan and gluten-free options.

The Avocado Tostada, bright with salsa macha, sliced cherry tomatoes and cloud-like whipped feta, was an easy favourite. Standouts also included the Lamb Birria Tacos served alongside a rich, lingering consommé, and a Pepperoni Pizza finished with spicy honey and sesame — bold, balanced, and utterly moreish.

Boilermaker
If you’re in search of a laid-back, high-spirited vibe, Boilermaker is the right choice. Make your way here after hours — this open-air neighbourhood bar hums with easy laughter, draft beers, effortless banter with locals, and cocktails that lean delightfully unexpected. There’s an unpretentious warmth to the place that draws you in — think groovy tunes and you’ll also be greeted by their resident dogs, who roam about like unofficial hosts, adding to the bar’s lived-in charm.

Riverside, St Regis 
Set against the picturesque backdrop of the River Sal, Riverside at the St Regis, Goa offers a Pan-Asian dining experience that feels both transportive and refined. Now helmed by Chef Biswajit Patra, who has recently taken the reins, the menu leans confidently into South Asian favourites and deeply layered umami flavours, executed with precision.

We began with a fiery Tom Yum Soup and Spicy Garlic Edamame, followed by delicately pleated Chicken Gyozas, Prawn Dumplings, absolutely unmissable Lotus Stem (the best we have ever tried), vibrant Stir-Fried Vegetables and a selection of other comforting classics — each dish balanced, bold and thoughtfully plated.