Goa, being a state located on the western coast of India, is well known for its seafood. Fish is a staple component of every Goan’s diet. Also, being a tourist hotspot, the state has several shacks and restaurants that offer a variety of delicious seafood dishes. Almost every person in Goa has their own favourite restaurant where they go to satiate their seafood cravings. These places could range from simple family eateries to lavish fine dining restaurants and shacks.
Kingfish, red and black snapper, squid, tuna, oysters, shellfish, crab, lobster, sea bass, tiger prawns, black and white pomfret and mackerel are just some of the fish and seafood that you can enjoy when in Goa, making it a great destination not only for keen seafood lovers but also for anyone looking to expand their culinary horizons and try something new.
In this article, we explore the top seafood restaurants in Goa where you can enjoy some amazing seafood dishes.
Kinara Bar and Restaurant, Chimbel
First on our list of the top seafood restaurants in Goa is the Kinara Bar and Restaurant at Chimbel. Every Panjimite at some point of time in their lives have gone to this restaurant located near Chimbel market, to treat their taste buds to some delicious seafood dishes. The owner of the place used to source fresh fish from the sea using his own trawlers many years back. However, the seafood offered at this place is still very good even today. When at this place, you must order something from the day’s fresh catch, which is then cooked according to your preferred taste and liking. The fried chonak served here is simply amazing, as are the xinaneo, squid, and lepo. The place is a little difficult to find, but its huge popularity proves that its hidden location is no deterrent for people in search of fresh and delicious seafood dishes.
Gigi Park, Benaulim
Next on our list of top seafood restaurants in Goa is Gigi Park. This restaurant is located just 200 metres away from the Taj Exotica Resort at Benaulim. Although the restaurant specialises mainly in seafood, it also offers many excellent vegetarian dishes as well. One must try the masala coated Pomfret Fish with mashed potatoes and the spicy Garlic & Red Sauce coated Prawns. Both these dishes are very delicious and have an extravagant flavour. The Goan fish curry available here is very authentic and delectable. The waiting staff at the restaurant are very friendly and go out of their way to fulfil all your needs.
Vinayak Family Restaurant, Assagao
This family-run restaurant is very basic in terms of décor, but offers amazing and delicious food and drinks. The dishes offered here are very authentic in taste and very well priced. Their Red Snapper Thali – served with a mackerel gravy, crab curry, potato bhaji, tisreo (shellfish), a huge heap of rice and some sol kadi- is simply awesome. Apart from the thali, you must also try the Rava fried prawns and crab Xacuti with delicious gravy. Both dishes are very tasty and will leave you craving for more.
Anand Bar Seafood Restaurant, Anjuna
This restaurant is situated just a few kilometres away from the shores of the beautiful Anjuna beach. It is a quaint little place that is filled with tourists as well as locals at all times. Guests should try their seafood thali, with chonak masala Rawa fry as a side dish. The seafood thali comprises white rice, cabbage fry, clams masala, kingfish Tawa fry and Goan prawn curry. The kingfish Tawa fry is very succulent and ravishing, while the prawn curry is hauntingly delicious and will have your taste buds craving for more! Their chonak masala Rawa fry is equally appetizing.
Star Bar and Restaurant, Ribandar
And concluding our list of the top seafood restaurants in Goa is the Star Bar Restaurant. This is a small place tucked away in the by lanes of Ribandar. The place is renowned for its fresh seafood offerings, which are always served in large quantities. The restaurant has a local bar atmosphere and a very restricted fish fry menu with a few other dishes. It serves one of the best Rava fry preparations of seafood like mussels and chonak fish. Since it is a very basic bar and restaurant, indoor seating is not suitable for families. They do have a few tables outdoors when it is not raining.
So guys, what are you waiting for? Head down to one of these amazing restaurants in Goa and treat yourself to an amazing variety of mouth-watering seafood delicacies. Make your reservations now!
