Assagao, the once-charming village in Goa, has blossomed into the ‘Beverly Hills’ of Goa, boasting high-end villas, trendy cafes, and a vibrant dining scene. Though it has seen many, many restaurants come and go, Assagao retains its unique character with a mix of old Goan houses, natural beauty, and village charm. In this listicle, I’ll take you through all of the top restaurants in Assagao that I’ve personally tried. These spots offer a blend of contemporary flavors, international cuisines, and even authentic Goan delights.
Best Restaurants in Assagao
Maai: Igniting Nostalgia with Portuguese-Goan Cuisine
Maai is a restaurant that magically transports you to the Portuguese-era Assagao with its blend of Portuguese and modern Goan cuisine. As I stepped into this century-old Goan house, memories flooded my mind. Along with my mother, or ‘Maai’ as we say in Konkani, I indulged in a culinary adventure that blended Portuguese and modern Goan cuisine. You’ll be captivated by the art installations, vintage photographs, and beautiful tiled floors that all evoke a sense of nostalgia.
You can choose to dine inside or in the garden area adorned with cabanas and a stylish bar. From their unique Edamame and Choris Hummus to the indulgent Dark Chocolate and Cherry Souffle, Maai offers a range of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. My personal favourite is the Vegan Pineapple and Cashew Nut Curry and the Choris Lasagna. The prawn rissois are also amazing!
El’s Kitchen: Pocket-friendly Comfort Food
Imagine my excitement when I stumbled upon El’s Kitchen, a place in Assagao that is run by Goans themselves! In a village where gentrification has taken over, this cozy eatery restores my faith in the neighborhood’s authenticity. I couldn’t resist trying their sliders, chicken wings, and wholesome salads, not to mention the soul-satisfying mac and cheese. The relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff made it the perfect spot for laughter-filled evenings with friends.
Mademoiselle: Mezzé and Frozé at Rosé
Rosé is the name of the restaurant at Mademoissele – a French-inspired hotel in Assagao. While Rosé is open all through the week, I visited during the Mezzé and Frozé brunch on Sunday. Picture indulging in unlimited Mezze platters and frozen rosé (aka frozé) cocktails while enjoying smooth tunes. To add to the experience, there was a boutique for some retail therapy and a charming carousel for a whimsical ride.
For an intimate afternoon filled with good food, good vibes, and a touch of elegance, head to Mademoiselle at Rose Assagao. I also popped in a couple of times for some late-night indulgences and coffee – they have some of the best desserts in Goa, in my opinion.
Qlay: A Hidden Gem Under the Magnificent Banyan Tree
Qlay is a contemporary Mediterranean grill and bar – calm, elegant, and literally shielded from the outside world…tucked away under a magnificent Banyan tree. It has a refreshing take on Mediterranean food, and every plate served is thoughtfully executed. Take a seat in their expansive courtyard and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and their many delectable delights and superb drinks. The dishes I tried were all memorable but the Camembert Envoltini and Gambas al ajilo were fantastic! I can’t go without tipping my hat to the fabulous team behind Qlay, and their warm hospitality.
Village 36: A Fresh Take on Asian Street Food
Village 36 stands out in Assagao’s culinary landscape by offering a fresh take on street food from across Asia. With eclectic interiors and cozy seating, this restaurant provides a lovely ambiance to savor the spectacular dishes on offer. The Charred Prawns, Roast Pork with Crackling, Nam Tok, and Pho showcase the culinary creativity of the chefs. The handcrafted cocktails at the bar are equally impressive. While the restaurant serves street food, the experience and quality of food offered are refined and high-end, with prices to match.
Bawri: A Bohemian Escape for Indian Food Lovers
Immerse yourself in an enchanting dining experience at Bawri, where you can savor slow-cooked Indian food prepared on an open fire. Located in a picturesque setting with a soothing pool of water beside you and options of low table seating, Bawri has a menu that traverses the length and breadth of India – if you haven’t been there already, you must. The biryani, butter chicken, barwi naan, desserts – they’re all top notch. I visited to sample their recently launched Bawri Nashta Menu or breakfast menu and had my fill of parathas, chole kulche, ghee podi idlis and of course, filter coffee and chai.
Sukkha: Punjabi-Dilli Flavors in a Beautiful Garden Setting
Sukkha delights with its rich and buttery Punjabi-Dilli cuisine served in the stunning garden surroundings. My picks would be the Kurkure Bhindi, Dahi Kebab, Mutton Rogan Josh, and the Indian breads – Mirchi Paratha and Lachha Paratha glistening with ghee. The crunchy Pork Ribs and Seekh Kebabs were great too! The restaurant also has a dish called Butter Chicken Khichdi which is exactly what the name suggests. If it were me, I’d prefer eating Butter Chicken the traditional way, but if you like experimenting, check it out.
The desserts were alright, I felt the Aate Ka Halwa could have been sweeter and Phirni didn’t aim high enough. Overall a nice place that I’d visit again! Read about some of the best North Indian restaurants in Goa.
Cuebebar: Meat Lover’s Paradise
In Assagao, Cuebebar promises a meat lover’s haven, offering an array of delectable meat dishes. Whether you’re craving succulent steaks, juicy burgers, or tender barbecued delights, Cuebebar is sure to satisfy your carnivorous cravings. With its industrial interiors and garage-like feel thanks to several vintage bikes, this grungy space is quite cool and very spacious! Between the 5 of us, we ordered smoked pork belly chips (yum!), sweet potato fries, pork carnitas tacos and grilled shrimp tacos, 4 burgers, and a steak. When it comes to tacos, I’d suggest the Carnitas over the Shrimp.
Mine was the smallest burger of them all but the tastiest if I do say so myself. Cubebano (citrus-marinated smoked pork and homemade ham with grain mustard and cheese)!. The meat – from the burgers to the sofffft steak was impeccable. The meat here is smoked for hours and everything is made from scratch which is why the food is worth trying out. If you’re up for it, try the Megamind – pulled pork, beef brisket, beef patty, cheese, and onions. I could go on about how the burgers tasted, but I’ll leave you to try them out All I can say is we had zero space for dessert!
Casa Colina: Evening Snacks with a View
For those seeking a serene spot with a stunning view, Casa Colina in Assagao-Badem is a hidden gem. Enjoy a delightful evening snack with dishes like chicken and cheese momos while taking in the beautiful surroundings. This offbeat restaurant provides a peaceful ambiance away from the usual crowd.
Gunpowder: A South Indian Delight
Adding to the culinary delights of Assagao is Gunpowder, a restaurant that has gained popularity for its stellar South Indian flavors. This homely yet vibrant restaurant attracts customers throughout the day, regardless of the season. One standout dish that you must try is their Kerala mutton curry, which is often hailed as one of the best mutton dishes in town.
Additionally, their Andhra Spicy Prawns not only taste delicious but also make for an enticing picture that will surely make your mouth water. Remember to make reservations, for the staff will turn their nose up at you if you don’t.
Kefi: A Mediterranean Feast in Assagao
For those who crave Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine, Kefi in Assagao is the place to be. While the restaurant’s interiors may appear simple, it provides a great setting for a casual hangout, which, by the way, is open 24×7. With its rising popularity for dishes like hummus, shakshuka, and mezze, many are unaware that Kefi also offers a fabulous breakfast menu. So, if you’re looking for a spot to enjoy some eggs and coffee this weekend, Kefi is the perfect choice under the sun!
When visiting Kefi, I recommend allowing the manager to guide you in choosing your dishes. I strayed from my usual preferences and was enthralled by the exceptional recommendations provided. The Kibbeh is delicious, and the Lebanese Platter offers a fantastic way to sample a variety of Lebanese favorites. I cannot praise the Arabic Pilaf enough – it’s simply divine! I’m already looking forward to ordering it again for a special celebration.
With its rich flavors, abundance of nuts, tender marinated chicken, and fragrant rice, it truly is a dish worth savoring. Save room for desserts at Kefi, as both the Baklava and Bread Pudding are loaded with delectable dry fruits. And if you’re a fan of brownies, I’ve heard they’re equally delightful!
Vegetarian or vegan? Kefi should be on your radar. And the best part? Kefi is pet-friendly as well, so you can enjoy a delicious meal while keeping your furry friend by your side.
Fortune’s Pizzeria & Gelataria: A Taste of Italy
If you’re craving some authentic pizzas and Italian delights, look no further than Fortune’s Pizzeria & Gelataria in Assagao. Chef Roberta brings her skill, passion, and love for Italian cuisine from Naples, the birthplace of pizza, to this cozy pizzeria. Fortune’s Pizzeria may appear simple, but don’t be fooled by its unassuming exterior. Inside, you’ll find a technically advanced wood-fired oven that produces mouthwatering pizzas with a perfect crust.
The menu is concise but covers all the essentials: pizzas, bruschetta, calzones, panuozzi, desserts, and gelato. Everything is made from scratch using top-quality ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste experience.
During my visit, I tried the Panuozzi for the first time and instantly fell in love. This delightful creation is like the little brother of pizza, with the same dough but stuffed like a sandwich. It’s a unique and delicious treat that I highly recommend exploring. While the pizza menu may be limited, it offers enough options for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian diners. I opted for the Four Cheese Pizza but missed the distinct flavor of blue cheese. I later discovered that the brand discontinued using blue cheese on pizzas due to the Indian palate not being accustomed to its taste.
Where have you dined in Assagao?
Assagao’s dining scene continues to evolve, with hot new restaurants opening every season and offering something for every palate. Head over and explore the top restaurants in Assagao for a culinary journey that combines tradition, innovation, and the unique charm of this Goan village.
