Goa’s foodscape was once entwined, inextricably so, with seedy beach shacks blasting psytrance, serving Kings Beer (now, replaced by the much more sleek People's Lager) and kingfish, which together formed the cornerstones of the quintessential Goa experience. But over the last half-decade or so the sunshine state has changed — the action has shifted from Anjuna/Baga/Vagator to the idyllic lanes of Assagao, or the lesser known beach fronts of the south coast. Most of all, a change has become imminent with the mushrooming of new restaurants and bars in Goa that are challenging the imagination of culinarians across the country.
The state is now home to some of the most imaginative, bold, curiosity-and wonder-inducing F&B offerings and every few months, there’s a panoply of new restaurants and bars in Goa we find ourselves bookmarking for the next visit — whenever it materialises, as Goa plans go. So here’s a fistful of recommendations for you to consider from among a pool of sexy, dim-lit bars to quaint restaurants and more.
Boilermaker
Dotted with churches and Portuguese heritage homes, Siolim imbues Goa’s spirit of susegad splendidly. This new bar in Goa derives its name from the part-whisky, part-beer shot, but its dictionary definition describes ‘boilermaker’ as a person who works with metal. The 600-square-foot dive bar relies on the later meaning for its design theory. Brought to life by Rochelle Santimano and Nikhil Doshi of Studio Praia, this watering hole makes ample use of metal be it in the aluminum hanging lights, cabinetry at the back bar, or its corrugated steel bar front. Unfinished plastered walls, micro-concrete flooring, metal trusses, and a high pitched roof help create the feeling of guzzling world-class tipples, but paradoxically inside an abandoned warehouse, and it’s the kind of experience we see ourselves signing up for.
The Amaraanth Kitchen
Set inside the eponymous twelve-suite, sea-side boutique property, The Amaraanth Kitchen is a quaint, 30-seater that draws from its coastal surroundings. The space opens up into lush lawns, making it seem roomier than it perhaps is. Designed by George Seemon, the 850-square-foot restaurant in Fartade, South Goa makes ample use of natural elements and light, including classic Kota stone flooring that helps lend a rustic charm, alongside the showstopper: a striking mural by renowned local artist Thomas Louis titled Under The Sea. Stop by for a taste of their world-class menu curated by veteran chef Ritu Dalmia.
After Dinner
Located in Anjuna, After Dinner is a beach-house cocktail bar designed by Sheldon Pereira and Rahul Thakkar of Right Brain Design for the sole purpose of lounging with a quirky drink in hand. At the outset, the 750-square-foot space comes across as a chic living room in a tasteful friend’s home, but dig deeper and you’ll see the finer details. Think natural linen and cotton fabrics, locally-made ceramics, and swathes of intricate woodwork interspersed with vintage accents that brings out its conscious design story, co-written by local craftspeople and artisans.
The Martini Bar at Ahilya by the Sea
It could be to complete the picture of your Girl Dinner — with a side of fries, of course — or the potion recharging you after a long day at work; but there’s something about martinis and something more about an entire bar dedicated to the gin-and-vermouth drink! The folks at Ahilya by the Sea, a stupendous property overlooking Dolphin Bay waterfront in Nerul, Goa have just converted their sea-facing lounge into a martini bar concocted with flavours from far and wide corners. With repurposed, heritage furniture, arched windows, collectibles dotting the entire space and a custom bar designed by the property’s architect, Rohan Bhargade of Mudra Design Studio by Rohan, this little nook successfully recreates the feeling of sipping on a tipple in a library bar at a palatial home.
Loulou
Located inside The ASSA House, Loulou is an 18-seater, lounge-y bar that’s equal parts mysterious and sexy. Interestingly, the 700-square-foot bar is designed by its co-founder, Nitin Wagh, where he makes generous use of velvet and brocade to inject the space with vintage charm. While its offerings include dishes made with hyperlocal ingredients and uplifted with global techniques, alongside delicious cocktails, the mainstay is a 110-year-old John Broadwood piano that quite literally steals the show.
Ourém
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Fontainhas, with its Latin-Quarter charm, provides the perfect backdrop for Ourém, a new bar in Goa housed within a grand Indo-Portuguese bungalow. Step into a time portal, where heritage patterned cement tiles, exquisite chandeliers, and carved mirrors evoke old-world luxury. Retained and restored original doors and windows, complete with traditional coloured glass, inform the design of the space, also imagined by Studio Praia. The bar’s ground floor can seat 72 patrons and extends into a serene courtyard, featuring local laterite stone and a traditional sopo (traditional Goan in-built seating). While upstairs, a rustic bar caters to feni and agave aficionados. Elements like Pierre Jeanneret chairs and classic balcaos help inculcate Goan heritage, blending history and elegance in a heady mix.
Also read: 7 nostalgic restaurants in Goa that were Portuguese bungalows in their past lives
Also read: 5 iconic restaurants in Goa that will call to mind a bygone era
Also read: 5 wholesome, healthy restaurants in Mumbai for the new you in the new year
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