When you think about Goa, your thoughts usually divert towards its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cheap booze. But, not many know about the cafés of Goa that help take life down a notch. If you’re coming down to Goa just to spend some time with yourself, there’s no better place than a café, far away from the bustle of everyday life, embedded deep within Goa’s natural beauty.
Numerous cafés are spread across this state, but we’ve narrowed down a few which will help you make your pursuit easier. We’ve selected these cafés based on their ambiance, food quality, and the overall vibe they emit. Here are some of the best cafés in Goa to unwind.
Top 10 Best Cafés In Goa
- Baba Au Rhum, Bardez
- Artjuna, Anjuna
- Café Chocolatti, Candolim
- Cantina Bodega, Panjim
- Eva Café, Anjuna
- Prana Café, Anjuna
- Royal Enfield Garage Café, Arpora
- Black Vanilla, Panjim
- Waterfalls Cafe, Benaulim
- Carpe Diem, Majorda
1. Baba Au Rhum, Bardez
Tucked deep in the gorgeous coastal village of Anjuna lives a café known for its vibrant social atmosphere and a splendid variety of exotic dishes. The café rests under the shade of wild trees and woven coconut sheets to shelter you from the tropical heat.
When it comes to food, you’re going to be spoiled with choices. Indian and Mediterranean are Baba Au Rhum’s strongest suits. But, you must try the Hercules Burger! It has a rich filling of chicken or beef, cheese, bacon, fried eggs, and sauteed onions. Tempting, right? If a heavy brunch is your preference, they have an English platter with plenty of meat and egg options. The list doesn’t end there, there’s also pizzas, bread, sandwiches, quiches, crostinis, pasta, and desserts.
Whether you’re a chai or coffee person, Baba Au Rhum has you covered for both. Order an Earl Grey Tea or get a Vietnamese coffee, the flavors won’t disappoint. The beverage list also has homemade coolers, shakes, smoothies, slushes, lassis, and fresh juices.
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 1,000
Location: House No. 1054, Sim Vaddo On the Sun Village Hotel Road, Anjuna, Bardez 403509
Timings: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Tuesdays closed
2. Artjuna, Anjuna
This garden café-cum-lifestyle shop in Anjuna is an embodiment of relaxation and peace. Pass the main entrance and you’ll overlook an old Portuguese house revamped with ethnic works of art, jewelry, and leather bags adorning its bright blue colored walls. Walk a few steps into Artjuna and you’ll see kids playing in the children’s area, yoga sessions taking place at the workspace, and happy customers chatting the Monday blues away in the café.
Here, Arabica coffee is brought from Chikmagalur or Karnataka’s Coffee Land! As a result, you’re surely going to get a whiff of strong coffee as you enter Artjuna. And when it comes to food, Artjuna’s forte is Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.
Artjuna serves a variety of crunchy salads, fruit and vegetable juices, and seafood specialties. Hummus, Tahini, Falafel, and Turkish Lentil Soup are some of the top-requested dishes from the menu. In the evenings, they have a special vegetarian menu, best for those who prefer a few extra greens in their diet. Don’t forget to order some delicious apple cakes or almond eclairs to end your meal!
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 950
Location: 972 Monteiro Vaddo Monteiro Vaddo, Anjuna, Bardez 403509 India
Timings: 7:30 am – 10:00 pm,
3. Café Chocolatti, Candolim
Candolim is one of Goa’s most happening destinations in Goa thanks to its crazy nightlife and stunning beaches. But, who knew among all that chaos resides a café so calm that you could perhaps finish reading a novel in one sitting?
Once you enter Café Chocolatti and sit on any of their tables canopied under umbrella tents, it’ll feel as if you’re in an English garden waiting to be served. If you prefer to go indoors, you’ll be sheltered under a tiled roof while you experience their traditional Goan hospitality spread in all its glory.
Now we come to the main bit, the food. Although Chocolatti serves a range of Paninis, their breakfast menu takes the home run. Waffles, French Toast, American Breakfast, and English Breakfasts have been this café’s best-sellers. They even have a healthy menu of desserts featuring ginger cakes, carrot cakes, ginger cookies, and eggless chocolate brownies.
What we’re trying to say is that calorie counting should be the least of your worries when visiting Café Chocolatti!
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 1,200
Location: 409/A Fort Aguada Road, Candolim, Bardez 403515
Timings: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm, Tuesdays closed
4. Cantina Bodega, Panjim
If you ever want to be more acquainted with the bygone Portuguese era, then visit the quadrants of Cantina Bodega in Goa. It’s one big Portuguese house with galleries connecting each other to form a square. The chic wooden furniture decking the halls and courtyard contributes to the place being more homely and historical.
While you take in the serenity of the ambiance, order a Vietnamese Iced Latte along with Eggs Benedict with Ham on a Waffle. If you want to be a bit more adventurous in your gastronomical endeavors, then you can relish some Spicy Shrimp Crepe, Chicken Mole, or Creamy Garlic Mushroom Pasta. For a hot beverage, you can try their Tulsi Masala Chai if you prefer something more herbal and relaxing.
To end your day, you can pop into their in-house bakery and savor some Red Velvet Cupcakes, NYC-Style Cheesecakes, or Chocolate Caramel Tarts, or you can always ask them to surprise you with their Dessert Of The Week.
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 950
Location: 63/C-8 Sunaparanta Goa Centre For The Arts, Near Army House Altinho, Panjim 403001
Timings: 10:00 am – 6:30 pm, Sundays closed
5. Eva Café, Anjuna
Eva Café borders Anjuna Beach which makes the vibe relaxing and serene. You get to hear the gushing waves as you munch on your grub – it doesn’t get more ideal than that! But, it does! The café has a Bohemian vibe with blue doors and white walls and it’s an absolute charmer.
They serve finger-licking food to accompany the surreal vibe of the place. Even though they don’t serve full-course meals, they do offer a decent number of sandwiches, pasta, fresh juices, crepes, eggs, and salads to keep your appetite satisfied. One thing we can say is that the presentation of these dishes is exquisite. It’ll make you feel like you’re seated in one of Gordan Ramsey’s Michelin Star restaurants, we promise!
So, if you need a place to unwind and enjoy some comfort food in Goa, know that Eva Café has its doors open for you.
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 950
Location: North Anjuna Prais de San Anton Dmello Vaddo, Anjuna, Bardez
Timings: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm, Sunday – Friday | 9:00 am – 8:30 pm, Saturdays
6. Prana Café, Anjuna
If you’ve been on the lookout for warm sands and blue seas to brighten things up, then visit Prana Café; Goa’s haven. Located deep within Vaayu Waterman’s Village in Ashwem, this café invites tourists and locals alike to kick back and relax.
While you get soothing views of the beach, you can feast on some of their delicacies. Try their Quinoa Avocado Salad or their Couscous Hummus Salad, as they’re the real hits! Also, the place consists of an in-house art gallery where the local art is showcased. The Prana Café provides board games as well. This makes it perfect if you want to spend a fun afternoon with friends.
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 1,200
Location: Near Riverside Hotel, Anjuna, Bardez, Goa
Timings: 9:00 am – 11:00 pm
7. Royal Enfield Garage Café, Arpora
If bikes and traveling excite you, then you need to visit this cafe that overlooks Arpora Creek. And trust us when we say that this place is special! It’s a dream come true for all of the bikers. They have a lot of essentials and a tool kit for all of those who like to customize their bikes.
Crafted beer is a speciality here, which is perfect as it’s important you know how Goa loves its alcohol! The place has two types of seating arrangements; you can use the indoor seating that’s covered with transparent glass panes, or the outdoors to feel the breeze brushing against your cheeks.
Wherever you choose to sit, you have to order the Goan chicken, sizzlers, pizzas, or pastas. The taste is unforgettable and it’ll leave you wanting more. You can even check out some of the live bands that perform. Because a little music with good food is never a bad combination.
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 1,400
Location: Arpora- Baga Creek Road House #560, Villa Rodrigues, Arpora 403516 India
Timings: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm, Thursdays closed
8. Black Vanilla, Panjim
Home to one of the meanest sandwiches you’ll ever get your hands on. Roasted eggplant with cottage cheese, Pesto Chicken, Arugula and Garlic are some of the names to tempt you. If you explore the menu further, you’ll lose yourself in the countless options. It’s a prime spot for friends looking for a leisure hangout and a good conversation over a steaming cup of coffee and food.
The interiors of Black Vanilla will give you cozy vibes with a hint of sophistication. And the food? Very Instagrammable. Their presentation is so impressive, you’ll sneak a photo for yourself to drool over later. They also have a bookshelf for all of those who love a little reading with their meal.
It’s a given that the coffee here is rejuvenating, but the shakes! Oh, you must try them. They’re to die for.
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 500
Location: D. B. Road Near Crossword, S-4, Ground Floor, Landscape Excelsior Building, Panjim 403001
Timings: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Sundays closed
9. Waterfalls Cafe, Benaulim
This is a waterfront cafe in Goa where you can find a little bit of rest and a lot of solace. Mellow lights and good food are what you should prepare yourself for when visiting the cafe. They have an entire breakfast buffet presented, so you can eat whatever looks enticing. And the taste will match the looks of the food. It won’t disappoint!
The indoor seating makes the cafe look luxurious which is at the same time quite affordable! If you’re looking for dining under the open sky, they even have a rooftop. Imagine having lip-smacking food under a wonderful sunset sky. Heavenly, no? Waterfalls Cafe is best known for its seafood. A must-try? Pomfret Papico and Prawn Balchao. There’s even a vast Chinese menu!
It’s the perfect romantic getaway if you’ve been looking for one.
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 1,000
Location: The Zuri White Sands Resort & Casino, Lobby Level, Pedda, Varca India
Timings: 7:30 am – 12:00 am
10. Carpe Diem, Majorda
Seize the day! When visiting this café, you’ll be carpeing your diem. Within the walls of the cafe, you’ll find some really good art to look at. Along with the place being a sight for sore eyes, it’s also a treat for your tastebuds.
Sandwiches may be simplistic, but they’re a classic and you can never go wrong with them. Carpe Diem has some of the best sandwich combinations there is to relish with very quirky names like Cock-a-Doodle-Doo, Eggstremely Basic, and The Saucy Chicks. Not only that, they even have an all-day breakfast plate! So, if you want a little breakfast food at 3 pm, you know where to go! They even have filling meals like Pork Roast, The Peppered Moo, and Meat Lover’s Stew.
They even serve a really good espresso! Give your day a little boost with their beverages as you marvel at some art pieces.
Prices For Two: Approximately INR 600
Location: 81/2, Godinho (Jaques Godinho) House Gomes Waddo, Costa Vaddo Road, Majorda, Goa 403713
Timings: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Mondays closed
Summing Up
Now you know some of the best cafes in Goa to unwind. Be it travel cafés for the wanderer in you or stylish-looking places that are Instagram-friendly, Goa has something for everyone. When you’re in any of them, remember to put your phone aside for some time, and just remain calm in Goa’s serene landscape. Also, it’s even more fun when you’re doing it with family or friends. So, happy unwinding!
FAQs
Which Are The Best Cafés In Goa To Unwind?
Here are our top five picks, summarized:
Baba Au Rhum: Wide range of dishes; soothing atmosphere; great social buzz.
Artjuna: Excellent Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines; place decorated with splendid handiworks; children’s area available.
Café Chocolatti: Serene atmosphere that is away from Candolim’s usual bustle; a good Panini, and breakfast menu.
Cantina Bodega: Portuguese vibe in its galleries; excellent Vietnamese Iced Latte; a good breakfast menu.
Eva Café: Offers excellent views of the Anjuna Beach; limited menu, but excellent dish presentation; the traditional furniture and ambiance give it a Bohemian air.
Where Are Most Cafés In Goa Located?
Many cafés are located across Goa, but a large number of them are situated in Anjuna and Candolim. You’ll find new cafés mushrooming in Panjim as well.
What Is Goan Culture?
The Portuguese influence mainly dominates Goan culture. This is why you see a lot of Portuguese-style houses on the way, especially if you’re traveling to villages like Vagator or Anjuna. Cafés such as Cantina Bodega, and Artjuna have very similar Portuguese-influenced abodes, so you can certainly check them out to experience Goa’s blended culture.
Is Ola Available In Goa To Travel To Cafés?
Unfortunately, Goa doesn’t have Ola or Uber. You’ll either have to rent a bike, hire a taxi, or use the public bus system to get around. We’d recommend renting a bike since the buses don’t stop on many of the interior roads and the taxis are notorious for being overpriced.
How Far Is Goa From Pune?
Goa is around 445 km from Pune by road.
Does Goa Belong To India?
Yes, Goa does very much belong to India. On 30th May 1987, the Union Territory was split and Goa was made the 25th state of India.
Where Is Baga Beach Located?
Baga Beach is located in North Goa.
