Where to Eat in Panjim, Goa | A Foodie’s Paradise
Panjim is a fantastic place to visit if you love food. This city has a mix of traditional Goan dishes, Portuguese-inspired flavors, and modern twists that make dining here a real treat.
On my recent trip, I made it my mission to try out some of the best restaurants and cafes in town. I wasn’t just looking for good food — I wanted the full goan experience. And I found plenty to write home about. So, if you’re planning a visit, here are my top picks for where to eat and some dish recommendations.
🍛Recommendation: I always love to do walking tours when arriving in a new city and it’s even better when they include food. We did the Panjim Food and Drink Walking Tour and it was one of the best i’ve done (You can book it through Viator here) and they’ll take you to a few of the spots mentioned below.
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1. Bombil (The best thali i’ve ever eaten)
When I first walked into Bombil, I felt like I’d stumbled upon a hidden gem. The restaurant’s interior, with its rustic decor, gave off an intimate and unpretentious vibe.
The food here reflects that ethos. The menu reimagines Goan classics, giving them a contemporary twist. Their bombil thali was the highlight of my meal. It was delicately prepared and came with generous servings of rice and curry. The flavors were bold yet balanced.
I ordered their kokum mojitos and a server told me how kokum adds acidity and is believed to aid digestion. A reminder of how deeply rooted Goan cuisine is in its environment. We also tried their feni, a drink made with a fermented cashew spirit, salt, lime and chilli.
Their lunch thali (pictured above) was the best thali i’ve ever eaten. It has so many carefully constructed components that took inspiration from the traditional goan fish curry and elevated it to the next level.
Oh, and you get free refils!
2. Khana Khazana Family Restaurant
From the outside, Khana Khazana might not look like much. But the moment you step in, you know it’s going to be all about hearty and satisfying meals. The setup is simple, nothing fancy, but it’s the kind of restaurant where locals flock.
The spot is all about authenticity and affordability. Their murg lababddar and paneer pasandak were excellent. For ₹250, the portions were generous, and every element of the curry was flavorful.
It’s your run-of-the-mill punjabi style menu (cooked by a very kind nepalese man) but it was just done really well.
Tip: If you’re visiting around lunchtime, expect a bit of a wait — it’s popular for good reason.
3. MO’s Cafe (For the best coffee in town)
Mornings in Panjim can be blissfully quiet, and MO’s Cafe fits perfectly into that serene atmosphere. The cafe exudes a casual, relaxed vibe with Japanese-inspired decor. There’s also a beautiful courtyard to enjoy a more peaceful meal.
The food here matches the vibe—laid-back but undeniably thoughtful. We ordered the citrus fish salad and a eggs benidict. Good food, and good value too.
What stood out to me, though, was the coffee. Mo’s take their coffee seriously and had a variety of coffee brewing contraptions above and beyond their espresso workhorse. They even do flat whites – not the most fancey coffee I know, but as a kiwi we judge a barista by the calibre of their flat whites.
Tip: They stocked a bunch of local artists’ prints. We got one of all the Goan foods that is my favourite keep-sake of the trip.
4. Confeitaria 31 de Janeiro
This bakery has a Victorian charm with a floral entrance. As I walked in, I couldn’t help but admire the deco and a counter filled with pastries. The self-service setup keeps things casual, and there’s plenty of seating indoors and outdoors.
I started with the rum balls, and they did not disappoint. Soft, slightly chewy, and with just the right hint of boozy richness. They’re the kind of treat you can’t stop at just one. The Portuguese tart was another highlight. Its flaky, buttery crust paired perfectly with the creamy custard filling that wasn’t overly sweet.
5. Miski Bar
Miski Bar is a rustic and cozy spot with a feel of a traditional tavern culture. Though the menu is limited, it effortlessly blends Goan and global flavors.
The chorizo pao is delicious. It’s a local favorite made with pork sausages that are smoky, spicy, and perfectly balanced, stuffed into a soft, slightly sweet pao. Another standout was the salt tongue bread, which combines the tender richness of the cured tongue with bread that melts in your mouth.
But what made the evening truly memorable was their Feni Sour. It was tangy, slightly sweet, and surprisingly smooth.
6. The Fisherman’s Wharf
The Fisherman’s Wharf in Panjim strikes a perfect balance between vibrant energy and laid-back charm. The ambiance is dynamic, with an option to dine indoors in a comfortable air-conditioned setting or outdoors, where live music fills the air most evenings.
The seafood soup is a standout. It’s a hearty and comforting dish that makes the most of Goa’s coastal bounty. Another must-try is the calamari tempura. Light, crispy, and perfectly seasoned. And if you’ve got room for dessert, the creamy, indulgent serradura is the perfect way to end your meal.
7. Cafe Tato
As someone who occasionally struggles to find vegetarian food that doesn’t feel like an afterthought, Cafe Tato was a revelation. This no-frills eatery with satisfying meals. The potato bhaji, served with fluffy puris, is a classic choice, with a burst of comforting spices in every bite.
For something lighter, the mirchi pakoras, crispy and perfectly seasoned, pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of chai. With quick service, reasonable prices, and a cozy atmosphere, Cafe Tato is a must-visit for breakfast, snacks, or light meals.
India Travel Planning Cheatsheet
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for India?
100% YES! — India has free healthcare and it works, but it’s something you don’t want to experience (Trust me – I did!). For the private hospitals you’ll need travel insurance in case anything happens on your visit. Also be aware many policies won’t cover high altitude hiking as it’s a high risk activities like motorcyle riding!
(that’s right, check the t&c’s on your complimentary credit card insurance)
I highly recommend World Nomads as you can get specific add-ons for high altitude hiking UP TO 6000m (Which most travel insurance companies don’t offer!) and other activiites.
🎫 Do I need a visa for India?
Yes, probably — India require a tourist visa for visitors from most western countires which allows you stay for up to 90 days.
This Lonely Planet aritcle summarises the visa requirements nicely.
💉Do I need any vaccinations for India?
YES! Make sure you are up-to-date with all your vaccines. Common travel vaccines include Hep A/B + Typhoid, and Diphtheria + Tetanus.
Rabies is also an issue in India but the vaccine is expensive and ineffective as a preventative measure (it only lasts a few years and you’ll need to get them again if you require treatment). If bitten by a stray dog (like I was!) seek immediate medical attention!
As always, talk to your GP or specialised travel doctor a few weeks BEFORE you leave.
💸How do you pay for things in India?
Cash is king in Indiaa, so you’ll want to get some folding tender out from an ATM when you land. Larger businesses and hotels will take Debit / Credit Card but most resturants, and street vendors want cash.
I personally use a Wise debit card for all my international money needs as they only convert the funds when you make payment, plus they offer a much better spread (margin on the true exhange rate) than the banks do. They work in all the Tanzanian ATMs I tried. .
📲 How do I get internet/data/wifi in India?
This one needs a whole nother article, but the short version is prepaid SIM cards are cheap and availible to tourists and locals alike (You don’t need a pricey tourst SIM!)
Your cheapest option is buying a physical sim card on the street corner once landed and getting the shop assistant to help you set it up. I went with Vodafone and had generally good coverage.
Now when I travel I use is the Saily eSIM. This is a little more expensive but works from the moment you land is is SOOOOO much easier than the in person verification process required for a local sim. I used to use Airalo but now find Saily a much better product – you can get 5% off with code SPECIAL5
NB: The catch was travelling into Kashmir where out of state sims dont work, and you can’t get a local sim without a phone contract and local ID!
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to India?
For finding cheap flights, I recommend Skyscanner. Once you find the flight you’re looking for, I’d then suggest booking directly with the carrier (even if it costs a few $$ more than with one of the agreggators/agencies).
💧Can you drink the water in India?
Safest not to — tap water in India in some areas (larger cities) may be OK (the locals drink it) but is generally untreated and not reccommended for tourists. Purchase bottled water for drinking and teeth brushing.
