Ultimate Fish & Seafood Trail In North Goa

By Shireen Jamooji
When you think of Goan food, seafood is surely the first thing that comes to mind. But in a state where fish is available in almost every restaurant, it's important to pay attention to know where the best meals are hidden. North Goa is the hub of the state's tourism and as such is home to hundreds of restaurants. And while a good meal is never far away in Goa, there are some seafood joints that absoutely deserve to be on your list.
  • Vinayak’s Family Restaurant

    If there’s one name that is on everyone’s list for the best fish thalis, it’s Vinayak. Vinayak Family Restaurant, renowned for its delectable Goan cuisine, stands out as a popular seafood dining destination and is a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. The culinary offerings are of exceptional quality and they always have the freshest catch as well as local specialities which are hard to find elsewhere. Due to its consistent popularity, it is advisable to arrive early and stick with their timings if you want a table. The Fish Thali is a must-try, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.
  • Casa Bhonsle

    Situated in Panjim, on the first floor above the well-known Goan breakfast establishment Cafe Bhonsle, this restaurant is renowned for its superb fish thali served during lunch. The thali boasts an impressive spread, featuring a variety of fish every day. Included in the thali are delectable offerings such as fish fry, squid chilly, mackerel curry, kokum, and prawns curry, all served with truly satisfying steamed rice.
  • Fisherman’s Wharf

    Originally established in South Goa, this seafood restaurant has expanded its presence to Panjim and Calangute. The Panjim location, situated in a charming old Portuguese house, offers an atmospheric setting with live music and delectable food. It combines the essence of Goan delicacies and fine dining into a delightful experience. Indulge in treats such as Grilled Tiger Prawns, Crab Curry, Prawn Balchao, and other delightful seafood options. Day or night, the establishment provides a delightful ambience for beer enthusiasts. With three branches across Goa, it has garnered popularity among both locals and tourists alike.
  • Kokni Kanteen

    Established in 1972, Kokni Kanteen, located in the heart of Panjim, has been serving a delightful array of traditional and contemporary Goan snacks. Its rustic wooden interior, adorned with Goan kitchen utensils, creates a homely feel, contributing to the restaurant's unique charm. Locals and tourists alike gather to relish their lunch thali, not featured on the menu but available upon request. The reasonably priced fish thali is a veritable feast, offering a variety of seafood dishes alongside the main course. Kokni Kanteen is renowned in North Goa for providing the best and most authentic fish thali experience. The restaurant presents a rustic yet modern setting, and seafood enthusiasts can indulge in Bappa’s Special Thali, featuring crabs, prawns, kingfish, and shells – a seafood lover’s delight with 12 different items on a single thali.


  • Anand Bar Seafood Restaurant

    Anand is a humble, no-frills local establishment renowned for serving authentic Goan home-style fish curries. Once a modest hole-in-the-wall, Anand Seafood Bar & Restaurant has now become a favoured spot for both tourists and locals. The menu offers a wide selection of local catches, including the best fish fries in town. Noteworthy dishes include the delicious fish thali, leppo fish, mackerel recheado, and for non-fish eaters, options like veg xacuti and chicken cafreal. Prawns rava fry, butter garlic squid, and kingfish curry are also recommended, with most dishes being spicy and served in generous portions. The perfect place for a hearty lunch or dinner after a day at the beach.
  • Ritz Classic

    Hailed as 'the best seafood in all of Goa' by locals and online reviews, Ritz Classic is a renowned establishment. Situated on the first floor of a building, the restaurant exudes the ambience of a bustling eatery catering to its customers' primary desire: fish. Frequented by locals, sometimes twice a day, the restaurant offers a vast array of high-quality catches. A haven for seafood enthusiasts, the signature dish at Ritz Classic is their thali, featuring four different seafood preparations. The restaurant boasts an assortment of impeccably fresh seafood crafted into a variety of curries and flavourful dishes. Located in the heart of Panaji, it remains a popular choice for both locals and visitors. Must-try dishes include rice and fish curry, crab masala, fish thali, and butter-garlic calamari. Opting for the thali proves to be an exceptional value-for-money deal.

  • Peep Kitchen

    Peep Kitchen, renowned for its authentic Goan flavours reminiscent of home-cooked meals, has transformed from a modest local eatery into an upscale and modern seafood speciality restaurant. Despite the change in the interior, the restaurant has retained its reputation for offering amazing and mouth-watering Goan seafood dishes. Treat yourself to the delights of Lobster Recheado, grilled fish, and spicy crabs. A must-visit in Panjim, this seafood establishment promises a perfect blend of cold beer and fresh fish on the table. It skillfully combines the freshness of seafood with authentic flavours derived from local masalas.
  • Bhatti Village

    Walking through the lanes of Nerul, one will come across the family restaurant, relishing the homemade cook foods. The food is rustic, simply presented, and high in flavours and quality. It is an affordable place serving freshly cooked food on plates. Some of its popular dishes include Pork Amsol, Prawns Curry with rice, Pan-fried Kingfish. The restaurant has a cozy and inviting ambiance with comfortable seating arrangements.
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