The best restaurants in Panjim, Goa

Since 1972, Kokni Kanteen has been dishing out Goan food in the form of their legendary fish thali (they also do a special Shravan thali), and fresh fish that is rava fried, sauteed in butter garlic, recheado, salt pepper, cafreal or in a green masala. Five years after it opened, Bombil still sees queues at lunch time for its wholesome thali, featuring curries and fish, of course, but also accompaniments like fresh pickles, balchao, crispy fried fish, dry anchovies or bombil. The restaurants on this list have been chosen independently by the writer and the editors at CNT, who know the area and have eaten at the restaurants. Located in the shopping streets of Panjim, they serve a variety of seafood to spoil you with choice. The Crossroads is a small quaint restaurant cum pub in the heart of Panjim city. Their Thali consists of perfectly cooked fish fry, squid chilly, mackerel curry, kokum kadi and prawns curry with rice that’s finger licking good.

The Tiffin Factory Panjim

There were bunch of guys wanted to have sea food and some vegetarians. We gobbled up 3 each along with the Chicken Xacuti gravy and rava fried prawns.Definitely a must visit if you are in the area.We will definitely visit again Cafe Ritz is a tiny restaurant in Panjim. Quick service (though our first server seemed to be having a bad day. Once we moved, our second server Satya was just a delight). “Your confidence is your power — invest in yourself, and let your best self shine.”

Whether it's the thrill of travel or the quiet joy of discovery, her experiences fuel the stories she tells. Her writing blends insight with authenticity, offering practical tips and relatable experiences. Panjim’s food scene is a vibrant blend of flavours, traditions, and cultural influences, perfectly showcasing the Best Foods in Panjim. The chicken is typically grilled or fried, and it’s often served with Goan bread (poee) or rice, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy bold and savoury flavours. This flavorful dish is typically enjoyed with steamed rice or Goan bread (poee), making it a must-try for those looking to experience the depth and richness of Goan cuisine. Their bold, savoury taste makes them a must-try for anyone exploring the vibrant flavours of Goan food.

• And thanks to our love for food, we well exceeded our budget for the trip!
• They do gigs and bar takeovers pretty regularly and the atmosphere in the basement bar on those nights is lively and full of pomp.
• The dishes we ordered at Petisco were pan-fried mackerel, beurre blanc, breadfruit fritters with their signature tomato kasundi, and flame-grilled chicken.
• And we don’t regret that the beach fun and food tour were the priorities in our things to do in Goa list.

he Verandah Restaurant

The restaurant’s menu has lesser-known Goan delicacies like kuvoll (potato mash), foddni faw (sweet or savoury poha) and kelleacho haalwo (banana halwa). Known for its quirky graffiti-covered walls and cosy atmosphere, it serves some of the best seafood in Panjim. You can pair your meal with some local feni or a cold beer for a hearty experience. With its vintage mirrors, hand-painted tiles and heirloom furniture, the restaurant brings old-world charm. This family-run eatery is located in the Fontainhas neighborhood offers a quintessential Goan dining experience. The cocktails at FTR highlight local spirits like feni and mahua and is a must-visit with your friends.

The gastro-bar has a menu that rarely changes (it’s that good!), does live gigs and karaoke, and occasionally screens games. Spread across three floors (downstairs is for live gigs), Petisco is a pandemic baby, birthed in 2020. They are definitely addictive, and people (including me) will travel great lengths to pick them up.

The Fish Market is a popular restaurant in Panjim that serves up fresh seafood at affordable prices. Street food is a big part of Panjim’s culinary scene, with a range of vendors serving up everything from fish fry to pao to vada pav. While Goan cuisine is a staple of Panjim, the city also has a range of international restaurants serving up everything from Italian to Chinese to Indian cuisine. From the famous fish curry and rice to the sweet and spicy pork vindaloo, Goan cuisine is a true reflection of the city’s cultural heritage.

Another Panjim institution, this eatery has been serving people homely vegetarian fare for 111 years. The vegetarian food is a mix of Chinese and Indian, but it’s best to do as the Goans do, and stop here for breakfast or a teatime snack. For over 100 years, the Bhonsle family have been feeding hungry Goans bhaji puri, kapa, buns and chau for breakfast.

Indoors, Buland displays his music collection, and a gramophone plays jazz and blues. A bimbli tree and neighbourhood dogs welcome you to this per-friendly restaurant/bar/music room. An architect by profession, he plays the gypsy jazz guitar, bakes sourdough, dabbles with fermented food, creates new cocktails, and makes his own sound equipment.

Picture yourself savoring authentic Goan prawn curry at a family-run restaurant or enjoying a refreshing cocktail at a trendy bistro adorned with retro decor. As the sun sets over the Mandovi River, Panjim transforms into a culinary haven Panjim Restaurants that beckons food lovers from all walks of life. However, the cost of the food you have in Goa depends on the restaurants you choose. Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the best restaurants in Panjim. We visited Kokni Canteen to have some good fish thali, and Kokni Kanteen did not disappoint.

Best dinner in Panjim in other languages

Many of the street food stalls have been around for years and have a good reputation for serving up delicious and safe food. You can also find a range of vegetarian dishes at the food courts and street food stalls. There are a few restaurants in Panjim that are worth mentioning, even if they don’t fit into the above categories. Some popular food courts include the Goa Food Court, the Panjim Food Court, and the Dempo Mall Food Court.