Up For The Goa Trip in 2019? These New Bar & Cafes Must Be On Your Radar Then

2018 saw some cool eateries make their way to The Sunshine State and we couldn't be happier. Whether you want to have a lazy brunch by the river or be a part of a rollicking party where the next morning is a haze or just want to keep it low-key at a local bar, this list is what you need. Conquer them all, one Feni and one lobster at a time.

 

1. Royal Enfield Garage Cafe

Where do we even start about this hotspot in North Goa!? This one’s massive and has been pretty big in its own right. Pick up some cool biking gear, browse through RE memorabilia, listen to some of the finest live bands, down some chilled craft beer… This garage cafe is a biker’s paradise. They’ve got both: an al-fresco seating and an air-conditioned indoor space for when it pours (or gets unbearably hot) but you want a relaxing cuppa and a pizza.

Must-Haves: Beer, Pasta, Chocolate Souffle
Cost For Two: Rs. 1,600
Cuisine: Salad, Cafe, Continental, Goan, Italian, Seafood
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 9am to 12midnight
Contact Number: +919823139488
Address: Villa Rodrigues, 560, Arpora Baga Creek Road, Bardez, Goa (Get Directions)

 

 

2. Morgan's Place

This Alice In Wonderland themed restaurant is an utter Instagram delight. It’s a must-do if you’re tired of being around crowds and don’t mind being in an un-touristy Sangolda. Yes, the service is slow but let’s be fair, you can’t come to Goa and be in a hurry. So, grab a beer and take your time with that rather extensive menu. They’ve got a diverse mish-mash of stuff between schnitzel, gnocchi, smoothies, fresh juices, a spattering of Italian and breakfast options.

Must-Haves: Pasta, Salads, Spaghetti, Crispy Fried Chicken, Gnocchi, Waffles, Pepperoni Pizza
Cost For Two: Rs. 900
Cuisine: Italian, Pizza
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 9:30am to 11:30pm
Contact Number: +919886666750
Address: 66, Chogm Road, Sangolda, Penha De Franca, Goa (Get Directions)

 

3. Mojigao

Nestled in complete wilderness in Assagao, Mojigao is our favourite cafe when we want something super quiet and peaceful. Because it has the Artjuna folks behind it, the coffee is out of the world and the salads, smoothies and breakfasts and healthy and yum. They’re also building some huts to stay at and their yogashala is already operational. The only tip we have: Make it before 5:30pm because they shut post that.

Must-Haves: Jamuna Smoothie, Mango Blitz Smoothie, Iced Teas, Kombucha, Quinoa Salad, Humshuka
Cost For Two: Rs. 700
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Israeli
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 9am to 5:30pm
Contact Number: +917722081090
Address: Near Swan Yoga, Off Assagao Road, Assagao (Get Directions)

 

4. Thalassa

Yes yes, we know it didn’t open last year but for us, this legendary restaurant moving to a new location is big news, a fresh start, if we may. This is why, you need to visit Thalassa again in 2019 because at their new Siolim spot (at Teso Waterfront), the sunsets are breathtaking but the food and music events remain the same.

Must-Haves: Meat Platter, Mocktails, Cocktails, Vegetable Moussaka, Baklava, Chocolate Cake, Hot Chocolate
Cost For Two: Rs. 1,500
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 8:30am to 1am
Contact Number: +919850033537
Address: Plot 301/1, Siolim, Goa (Get Directions)

 

5. Toro Toro

This beauty opened in September and has managed to pull us away from the beaches by offering a lovely view of the Baga creek. Their bar looks like a caravan and their multi-level seating is pretty interesting. The river views aside, the real hero is the food here. Try their tapas or sushi or stick to fried Calamari. They even have a big pizza menu that won’t disappoint. Our faves: Mud Crabs and Green Melon LIIT.

Must-Haves: Cocktails, Sushi, Pizza, Chicken Wings, Mocktails, Fish, Calamari
Cost For Two: Rs. 1,500
Cuisine: Goan, Seafood, Continental, Sushi, Pizza, Asian
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 12noon to 1am
Contact Number: +918805808843
Address: Baga Arpora Creek Road, Near Baga Bridge, Baga (Get Directions)

 

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6. EscoBar

This good-looking baby in Assagao has been calling us for a while for a drink but we’ve come back because the last time we went, we got there too early (don’t bother going before 7:30pm). Would we give it another shot? Oh yes, because we’re suckers for small, cool bars in villages. The graffiti on the wall, their new skate park, the no-fuss finger food and all that chilled beer (looking at you, Eight Finger Eddie) are pretty compelling reasons in our opinion.

Must-Haves: Cocktails, Falafel, Lasagne, Long Island Iced Tea, Wine, Tiramisu, Sush
Cost For Two: Rs. 2,500
Cuisine: Italian, Mexican, Spanish
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 4pm to 11pm
Contact Number: +919890345291
Address: Badem Junction, Off Assagaon Badem Road, Assagao (Get Directions)

 

7. Soho Fontainhas

This pub in Panjim is spread across two levels and their small outdoor space overlooks the street. We’ve heard rave reviews from party makers (both locally and from tourists) who’ve crawled out of here after a late night of grooving to DJ tunes. This pub was once a lodge but little of that remains now thanks to a huge makeover by one of Goa’s finest architects, Raya Shankhwalker. We’d suggest a day of walking around Fontainhas on a weekend and ending it at Soho. Their kheema pao, rawa-fried veggies and cocktails are ace!

Must-Haves: SeraDoura, Fish & Chips, Pork Pepperoni, Vegetable Supreme, South Indian Style Fry
Cost For Two: Rs. 1,500
Cuisine: Italian, Continental, Chinese, Goan
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 7am to 1:30am
Contact Number: +918805002432
Address: Opp. Down The Road, Old Patto Bridge, Patto Colony, Panjim (Get Directions)

 

8. Diva - Andores Resort & Spa

Ritu Dalmia’s Diva probably has the best Italian on the Goan shores and the fact that it’s inside a beautiful resort (hey, Andores), makes the experience that much better. The care gone into handpicking every ingredient and often getting it shipped from Italy is the reason the pizza and ravioli are so authentic. Of course, there’s also the wood-fired oven to thank for and the sunny poolside that’s perfect for sipping wine and devouring Marinara pizza and pork chops. BRB. Salivating now.

Must-Haves: Rosted Carrot & citrus Arancini, Melanzane Parmigiana, Paccheri with roasted Zucchini
Cost For Two: Rs. 2,000
Cuisine: Italian
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 12noon to 4pm and 7pm to 11:30pm
Contact Number: +918326654444
Address: Andores Resort & Spa, Tivai Vaddo, Calangute (Get Directions)

 

9. Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters

When this ever-so-popular coffee shop came to Goa, we were so happy. No, not like there aren’t nice, local coffee shops in Goa but nothing beats that familiar aroma of a Blue Tokai cold brew. The minimal aesthetic and courtyard seating is wonderful as well. We, of course play it safe with their espresso or cappuccino but if you’re feeling experimental, go for a coffee tonic. Grab their oatmeal cookie, browse through the OMO store (yes, they’re right next door) and wind up the trip by taking home a pack of their coffee.

Must-Haves: Cheese Sandwich, Scrambled Eggs, Waffles, Cappuccino, Hot Chocolate
Cost For Two: Rs. 300
Cuisine: Cafe
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 9am to 7pm
Contact Number: +919325729735
Address: House 1/58/1, On My Own, Behind Main Post Office, Panjim (Get Directions)

 

10. Base - Cafe & Lounge

This spanking new lounge in Morjim is the peppy, chilled out party pad we’ve been loving. They’ve got all-day breakfast (you know, eggs after an evening swim can be such a saviour), a funky cocktail menu and live music on certain days. Go here for seafood or for a night of drinking and kicking back… The vibe here looks lovely.

 

P.S. They have a tie-up with Woke Morjim who they share the same space with. So, staying at the hostel also gives you access to happy hours from 5–6pm every day at Base and breakfast at INR 95.

Must-Haves: Pizza, Cocktails
Cost For Two: Rs. 
Cuisine: North Indian, Chinese, Continental
Timings: Monday to Sunday - 7am to 1:30am
Contact Number: 
Address: 191/2, Morjim Ashvem Road, New Wada, Morjim (Get Directions)

 

And the list doesn't ends here. There are alot more to come-up in this 2019 and we'll keep you posted for all the latest adition in the party capital of India. Keep partying and grooving!