Skipping the seafood in Goa is a sin too grave to have a metaphorical comparison, unless of course, it falls outside of your dietary needs or preference. But if that’s not the case, then your Goa trip will remain incomplete unless you sample the state’s authentic seafood. From fish curries to fritters, stir-fries, thalis and more, Goan seafood is varied, wonderful, and affordable – provided you know the right places to visit.
There’s never been a time when Goa hasn’t been popular, be it for its “party scene”, relaxed shacks, offbeat beaches, or, of course, its seafood. The coastal state enjoys the benefits that come from catching the freshest catch from the sea. This is cooked in a wide variety of ways — some are techniques preserved over the years, others are clever adaptations of international favourites. In all cases, seafood in Goa results in a scrumptious feast. However, since Goa’s always been on everyone’s radar, it also suffers the price of fame, i.e., places shoot to popularity faster than they can cash in on the fame and keep the quality intact. Virality also means places get crowded too soon, especially during the busy season. Does that mean skipping the seafood? No. It simply means heading to lesser-known but just as wonderful restaurants.
Here are underrated restaurants across North and South Goa, serving authentic seafood.
For over four decades, an unkempt, garage-style restaurant has kept locals satisfied with its soulful fare and rustic vibes. If you’re travelling, don’t be surprised to be the only tourist on the premises, or grow wary at the appearance. Just trust the menu, order the food–especially the prawn curry and chonak masala–and enjoy authentic seafood in Goa.
Key points to remember:
Full address: Sharada (Gopal) Bar & Restaurant, Behind Holy Cross Church, Bambolim Tiswadi
Cost for two: ₹1,000
Timings: 9 am to 3:30 pm, 7 pm to 10:30 pm
Days open: Monday to Sunday
Known for its fresh seafood, especially the fish curry rice and Goan fish thali, Lazy Fish is a 15-year-old family-run spot in North Goa. The restaurant has a homely vibe, devoid of frills and loaded with warmth. However, if you think scoring a spot here would be like coming back home, think again. The place tends to fill up as soon as it opens — and it only opens for lunch!
Key points to remember:
Full address: Lazy Fish Restaurant, Sankwadi, Arpora, Bardez
Cost for two: ₹600-₹1000
Timings: 12 pm to 4:30 pm (only open for lunch service)
Days open: Monday to Sunday
Dive into the unmistakable charm of Siolim and Goan simplicity at Susegad, a restaurant known for its hearty flavours (think authentic Portuguese, like sorpotel) and fresh seafood. The focus is on preparing food, like the rawa fried prawn, the samarachi kodi (dry prawn curry), and more, with care, and keeping it simple, relaxed, and welcoming for one and all. Come here to try seafood in Goa, stay for the vibe!
Key points to remember:
Full address: St. Anthony's Church Bazaar, next to the church grounds, Siolim
Cost for two: ₹300-₹500
Timings: 8 am to 12:30 am
Days open: Tuesday to Sunday
From xacuti to fish thalis and biryanis, you’ll find it all at this tiny restaurant that’s known for its extensive menu and dishes that promise value for money. It may not make it to a lot of the stories on the gram, thanks to a warm but simple look, but it’s certainly made its place in the hearts of locals and tourists alike. It has two outlets, one in Nachinola and the other in Sanquelim, both in North Goa.
Key points to remember:
Full address:
Nachinola Church Rd, Nachinola, Goa
Rudreshwar Colony, Harvalem, Sanquelim, Goa
Cost for two: ₹200-₹250
Timings: 7 am to 9 pm
Days open: Monday to Sunday
With “fisherman” in the name, the seafood has to be on point, right? It certainly is at this seafood restaurant. From the Lepo rawa fry and Xinano rawa fry to the Kingfish thali, the flavours are impeccable across every dish. The prawn thali offers a “true taste of the coast”, while the chonak thali is tailor-made for those who love their seafood in Goa with a side of indulgence.
Key points to remember:
Full address: Goenkar Waddo, Anjuna
Cost for two: ₹1,500
Timings: 12:30 pm to 11:45 pm
Days open: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday
Only three years old, Ami Nustekar is one of the more budget-friendly, beachside restaurants serving seafood in Goa. Located near Palolem, the restaurant serves seafood thalis that are a hit with locals and tourists. Apart from the thalis, Goan fish cutlets and crabs sukhe, find regular mentions for highlighting simple, authentic flavours of coastal food.
Key points to remember:
Full address: Ami Nustekar, Colomb Beach, Palolem, Canacona
Cost for two: ₹250
Timings: 11 am to 3 pm, 6 pm to 11 pm
Days open: Monday to Sunday
Benauli beach has a fair share of popular joints, but The Southern Deck certainly deserves more love. Not only for serving one of the best seafood in Goa, but also for the aesthetic views and exotic cocktails. Known for fresh, locally sourced seafood, it offers dishes like rawa fry, recheado, and burnt butter garlic preparations.
Key points to remember:
Full address: THE SOUTHERN DECK, Near Benaulim Beach
Cost for two: ₹1,200
Timings: 12 pm to 1 am
Days open: Monday to Sunday
Fresh seafood, immaculate vibes, and original cocktails greet you when you step into this restaurant with a sea view. From stuffed crab to peri peri prawns, the menu marries local spices with international tastes, ensuring everyone goes back satisfied.
Key points to remember:
Full address: Opp. Royal Orchid Hotel, Utorda Beach, South Goa
Cost for two: ₹750
Timings: 10 am to 11 pm
Days open: Monday to Sunday
A two-decade-old riverside family restaurant, Starlight overlooks the placid Sal River and offers simple, hearty seafood in Goa. It marries it with local feni, urrak, or beer. The food it serves may not always fit the neat social media aesthetic, but more often than not, it takes up a permanent spot in your memory bank. No wonder it counts Sachin Tendulkar among its guests.
Key points to remember:
Full address: Passagem Tarivaddo, Near Ferry Point, Assolna - Cuncolim Road, Assolna
Cost for two: ₹700
Timings: 10 am to 12 am
Days open: Monday to Sunday
Surya Beach Café, Galgibaga
Most restaurants serving seafood in Goa lean towards the curries, rava fry, and thalis. Not Surya. A quiet shack (sounds like an oxymoron, but it's true) known for its oysters, Surya Beach Cafe is the picture of slow Goan living. Here, you enjoy cosy sunsets, slow mornings, and soulful food.
Key points to remember:
Full address: Galgibaga Beach, Canacona, Poingunin
Cost for two: ₹850
Timings: 8 am to 11 pm
Days open: Monday to Sunday
The social media hype means many places become popular and overrated. But not these restaurants. Here are places worth the hype that you can flock to – but be prepared for the wait and the crowd.
Bomras, Anjuna: Goa’s beloved eatery, that even scored a spot in the World’s 50 Best restaurants, Bomras in Anjuna does South East Asian cuisine, primarily Burmese. And does it really well, indeed.
Pousada By The Beach, Calangute: The restaurant would have remained tucked in a sandy corner, overlooking the sea, but a visit by actor Priyanka Chopra put it on the map for tourists, foodies, influencers, and everyone else in Goa. Despite the surge in popularity, the restaurant continues to balance an easy vibe with exceptional food.
Joecons Beach Shack: What was once a humble beachside eatery has today grown into one of South Goa’s most iconic coastal destinations. A vibrant experience that expertly marries food, music, and, of course, the soothing sea breeze, Joecons is worth a visit.
Martin’s Corner: A cosy place with four tables turned into a full-service restaurant, thanks to the booming love it received for its seafood. It may have been flung out of obscurity, but it still retains the flavours that first made it a favourite.
It’s not difficult to find seafood in Goa. The challenge lies in discovering places that prioritise genuine offerings over “vibes” and never compromise on taste. Of course, there’s the odd day or the random mistake, but the overall flavour remains one of authenticity and comfort. So, bookmark this list for the next time the trip makes it out of the chat!