The tiny state of Goa is often referred to as the land of the sun, sand and sea. Situated on the western coast of India, it is bordered by the vast Arabian Sea. Due to this, fishing is a very popular occupation among the people of Goa. Also, Goans are crazy about fish and are die-hard seafood lovers. Many restaurants in Goa offer a huge variety of mouth-watering seafood delicacies. Many of these restaurants recover huge footfalls during the tourist season every year. Scores of tourists from all across the world flock to one of these many restaurants in the state to satiate their cravings for delicious seafood. For all you seafood lovers out there, here’s a list of the best seafood restaurants in Goa where you can dine during your next trip to India’s sunshine state.
Souza Lobo, Calangute
Starting the list of best seafood restaurants in Goa is Souza Lobo. One of the oldest and longest-running restaurants in Goa, Souza Lobo sits at the Calangute beachfront serving delicious seafood. This restaurant serves good food in a nice ambient setting, with a beautiful view of the beach. Outdoor seating is available. Visitors can soak up some Goan culture while enjoying dishes like the Goan sausage fried rice and chicken Xacuti, the tandoori Red snapper, prawn curry, tiger prawn Balchao, potato skin fry, pork sausages stuffed in squid and garlic butter squid! For dessert, you must try their delicious Caramel custard with bebinca.
Martin’s Corner, Betalbatim
This is a very famous restaurant situated in the beautiful village of Betalbatim in South Goa. It is a nice open-air place where one can have a nice meal with family and friends. The restaurant has been patronized by many celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt and Ranbir Kapoor to name a few. The master blaster Sachin Tendulkar has a crab dish named after him at this restaurant. The seafood display at the entrance is very enticing, as is the dessert cabinet. Their extensive menu caters to all tastes, with Goan food being their speciality. For starters, you can try the Goan sausages served with Goan bread. For the main course, you can try their delicious chicken Xacuti and chicken Cafreal. Also, their shark Ambot-tik is very delicious and will leave you licking your fingers. The place is overcrowded because of its ambience, tasty food and wide range of drinks. The staff is well trained and courteous. The quality of the food offered here is very good and the rates are quite reasonable. They have live music on Sundays from 12.30 pm onwards. The place is a must-visit when in Betalbatim.
Bay Corner, Agonda
Next on the list of best seafood restaurants in Goa is Bay Corner. Bay Corner Agonda is a beautiful beach view restaurant with great food and service. The restaurant is part of The Bay Agonda Sea View Cottages. It is located right on the shores of Agonda beach. The place is good for couples as well as families. The staff is very friendly, polite and helpful. They have a great variety of cuisines and a good collection of drinks. The seafood offered here is totally out of this world. One must try their prawn calamari, their Pomfret grill, their fish fingers and their shark ambot-tik curry. In case you want anything special, it will be made available on request. A must visit restaurant when visiting Agonda beach.
The Fisherman’s Wharf, Cavelossim
This restaurant is located next to a river opposite a fishing jetty at Mobor beach in South Goa. The place has got a wonderful ambience with an amazing band playing live music. One must try their lobster in Truffle Butter Garlic, Kingfish in Recheado masala, Pork ribs Bao and some Veg Green Thai Curry with Jasmine rice. Every item at this restaurant is cooked and served perfectly. If you are in Goa and you wish to visit a place that serves some amazing Goan food, beautiful views and great vibes, you must visit The Fisherman’s Wharf at Mobor.
Pousada By The Beach, Calangute
If you need to experience a beachside restaurant that is cultured and classy, Pousada by the Beach is your pick. The ambience of being on the beach with the natural breeze yet protected from the harsh sun or rain is divine. The menu has a good mix of Goan and Italian dishes and some innovative cocktails that tickle your taste buds. They have a wide variety of seafood delicacies on their menu. These include their king crab curry, tiger prawns, shark ambot-tik curry, prawn biryani and salmon grill to name a few. The owner and his family are on their toes to take orders and provide quick service while still maintaining the susegad atmosphere at the restaurant. Most recommended for a tranquil lunch with music, drinks and peaceful conversations.
Anand Seafood Restaurant and Bar, Anjuna
Anand Seafood Restaurant and Bar is situated in the countryside near Anjuna beach. This quaint little place is filled with tourists and locals alike all the time. They have a beautiful open-air seating section. Guests should try the seafood thali and veg thali with chonak masala Rawa fry as an appetizer.
The seafood thali comprises white rice, cabbage fry, clams masala, kingfish Tawa fry and Goan prawn curry. Their Kingfish Tawa fry is very succulent and ravishing. Their prawn’s curry is hauntingly delicious and will have your taste buds craving for more! Their chonak masala Rawa fry is equally appetizing.
Joecons Beach Shack, Benaulim
Joecons Beach Shack is a nice restaurant located right on the shores of the beautiful Benaulim beach. It is a great place to spend time with family and friends. It has a very nice ambience with some relaxing live music playing in the background. The proximity to the shore only adds to the overall dining experience of the restaurant. Being a restaurant located right on the beach, it specialises in seafood and is regarded as one of the best restaurants in South Goa for seafood.
The cocktails at the bar are fantastic. One must try the Camino Silver tequila or the grey goose vodka. The food over here is exceptional. The loose calamari appetizer is spicy and delicious. The Fish Rava fry is also tasty, and the beef steak with pepper sauce is simply outstanding. The crab soup, fish fingers, and fish curry rice are also very delicious and beautifully prepared.
Cavatina, Benaulim
Cavatina is a nice restaurant located just a few metres away from the Benaulim beach in South Goa. The restaurant is run by Chef Avinash Martins, an accredited Michelin-starred chef and his wife Tiz. The ambience of the place is lovely and matches the vibe of the location. The service is splendid, and the food is even better. Celebrities who have been spotted dining at this restaurant include Yuvraj Singh and Sachin Tendulkar.
The restaurant has a carefully curated menu that can be customized according to your likes and dislikes. The menu features several Goan, Indian, Italian, Mediterranean and seafood dishes. The drinks menu is comprehensive and the waiters are kind enough to assist you in selecting a nice drink. They have a small dessert menu of five items. You could try a few scoops of their organic jaggery cheesecake or their homemade ice cream. The prices at this restaurant are quite reasonable. There are very few seats available at this restaurant, so if you’re going, book your table in advance and be on time.
Simrose Bar and Restaurant, Agonda
This restaurant, located on the beach at Agonda, offers delicious food, a stunning sea view, and a lovely ambience. The place is an ideal spot to relax, with a refreshing drink in one of the secluded cabanas located outside the restaurant, or have a romantic candlelight dinner on a comfortable couch inside the restaurant. The place comes alive during the evenings, with fantastic lighting and soothing lounge music.
The restaurant has a very large and diverse menu. The food served here is freshly prepared and served in huge portions. The items offered on the menu that are must-tries include, the calamari butter masala, and the kingfish fillet served with French fries and salad. Their veg curry and their chicken Xacuti are highly recommended for those who wish to get a taste of some local Goan flavours. They also have a well-stocked bar that serves a variety of local and imported spirits, wines, and cocktails. Their Simrose special cocktail made of vodka, cranberry juice, lime juice and fresh mint is outstanding and is a must-try.
Gigi Park, Benaulim
Lastly, on the list of best seafood restaurants in Goa is Gigi Park. This restaurant is just 200 metres away from Taj Exotica Benaulim. Although the restaurant specialises mainly in seafood, it offers many excellent vegetarian dishes as well. One must try the masala coated Pomfret Fish with Mashed Potatoes as well as the spicy Garlic & Red Sauce coated Prawns. Both dishes are delicious and have an extravagant flavour. The Goan Fish Curry available over here is very authentic and delicious. The staff is very friendly and goes out of their way to tend to all your needs.
So, what are you waiting for? Head to one of these amazing restaurants in Goa and treat yourself to a variety of mouthwatering seafood delicacies. Make your reservations now!
