“And the idea of just wandering off to a cafe with a notebook and writing and seeing where that takes me for awhile is just bliss.” – J. K. Rowling

While planning the Goa trip, the gourmet offerings of this beach city were top of our list to explore. Needless to say, we researched some food and travel blogs, got tips from friends and family and made a sumptuous list of cafes which looked too big for our four days there. Undaunted, we went at with a true blue spirit of a dedicated gourmand and oh my god, our taste buds were not disappointed! The cafes which really delighted our foodie hearts and tummies have been joyfully represented here. Read and bookmark for your next beach holiday to Goa!

BTW if you are looking for a comprehensive guide on Goa travel, then this post by fellow travel blogger Katie O’Donoghue is perfect one to flip through.

German Bakery | Anjuna | Free WiFi |

A charming and rustic getaway in Anjuna, a little hippie- esque in its interiors with sequined fabrics, gorgeous canopy crafted out of  bamboo, sturdy furniture, lots of low seating with mats and cushions, hanging fabric lights, eye-popping graffiti on walls and loads of greenery! The hippie look is further accentuated with an idol of Lord Shiva, that has been set up with a lot of reverence and care and its deep blue is contrasted beautifully with the lovely orange marigolds adorned around its neck! The vibrantly colored Tibetan prayer flags added to the overall theme.

Food was average – we ordered a salad which was bright and crunchy but a bit too simple in flavours. The juices were fresh though! Pasta Arrabiata was just about average but the portion was quite big for one. We ordered a cappuccino each and a chocolate croissant to round off our meal. Hmmm!!! Croissant was disappointing as it wasnt flaky and soft; chocolate was wanting in quantity!

Service was excellent with very attentive servers. We loved the fact that there were lots of extra plug points around for all the gadgets. Perfect spot to laze away over some food and surf the net or simply chitchat with friends and strangers alike! We loved it for the greenery, simplicity and the staff quality.

Overall Rating 31/2 stars

https://www.zomato.com/goa/german-bakery-anjuna

Cafe Lilliput | Anjuna | Beachfront Shack|

Beach bumming began at this cheerful place on Anjuna beach. Paan flavoured Hookah gave us some kick (enough for us to have a reeling head for a little while). Simply loved sitting at the beach, watching the waves crash, got our hair braided, clicked some interesting pics of the vendors hawking laser light knick knacks and generally sipping on breezers! But it’s as much of a shack as any other! They are dime a dozen – so take your pick at any if this is all that you wanna do! Didnt try the food, so wont rate that!

Overall Rating 3 stars

 Lila Cafe | Anjuna | Free WiFi |

We had heard a tonne of reviews for Cafe Lila before heading to Goa and so this was on top of our list of places to eat at. We weren’t disappointed!

Set in a large airy space with a huge white canopy atop bamboo poles, it’s a very soothing restaurant. The cane chairs with colourful and comfy cushions and table tops to match were the perfect accompaniment to the serene whites of the interiors and invited one to lounge till eternity. A border of green turf, replete with towering shady trees and potted fronds completed the natural atmosphere!

We ordered cold coffees (dark and cold) with a potato cheese rosti and a salad – boy were we in a gastronomical wonderland! Free Wi-Fi for 45 minutes but yeah the speed was blah! Never mind, we weren’t here for the internet.

A must hangout place to loll and muse all day long! Dont forget to savour the desserts too! Do check out the other activities offered at this complex – from yoga, beauty salon to dancing!

Overall Rating 4 stars

Villa Blanche Bistro | Vagator |

Rustic. Charming. Inviting.

What a delectable cafe with an unmistakable friendly charm and verve. This is a place run by two German ladies who have not only made Goa their home but made a very homey cafe in the midst of a very much Goan villa. We reached dot at 8 am for our brekkie and were simply bowled over ( so much so that we landed  up the next day too). Our hostess conversed with us and shared with us interesting tidbits – not only in conversation but in food too! On hearing that my cousin was not feeling well, she served us a Pretzel (after regaling us with its goodness) and boy was it yummy! Plus there was no charge for it as it was offered to us for its medicinal properties!!!!!!!! (She did feel better after eating it)

In two days, we tried as much as possible!

Buffallo mozarella cheese Open sandwich – mmmmm!

Fluffy omlette – superb!

Spirulina juice – refreshing and very different from my expectations! (our first time)

Strawberry panacotta – found it a little yoghurt-y in taste and a bit bland but the texture was awesome! (our first time)

Fruit pancakes the mother load of savoury sensation on the taste buds (had it twice)

Pretzel- Awesome combination of salt in bread; just too yummy with butter (our first time)

The servings were quite generous and had fresh flavors.

Next time shall try out their lunch and dinner too! Not to be missed is their zeal for wholesome organic products – honeycomb, Spirulina, honey, grains, etc.

We recommend this place for its heartiness in meals; sumptuous flavors; excellent hospitality and a gorgeous, peaceful ambience!

Overall Rating 5 stars

Thalassa | Vagator | Vegas kinda entertainment |

We saved the best for last – Thalassa is one of the most reviewed and well rated restaurants in Goa (according to the reviews we checked around) and we will not disagree one bit from this statement. Our night out there was simply spectacular and one that we will cherish for a long time to come.

The place is in a narrow lane in Vagator and we recommend using Google map for directions, if driving oneself. We found the place simply pulsing with music, crowd and energy. There was some sort of a bazaar setup too but we simply sailed inside to savour the delectable atmosphere. The music was retro – oh how soothing it was to my 90s ears! We were seated at the bar with a drink each till a table opened up and we found the servers engaging and very friendly who ensured we were comfortable and having a good time.

Some grooving on the dance floor later, the space was cleared up for a Las vegas like performance. A girl with a hoop on fire twirled gaily while two dancers, resplendent in feathers hopped out a routine much to the amusement of the crowd who went wild with appreciation.

Dont ask me what we ate- some pasta, some bread…………But we know it was sumptuous! And yes the energy and music is what we remember the most from our evening here.

A word to the wise: weekends are very busy and a reservation wont go amiss!

Overall rating: 41/2 stars (1/2 stars deducted for the loooong queues for the loo)

This cafe is a top choice for a night out in Goa while Villa Blanche Bistro is the best bet for a delectable breakfast.

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