Every time I land in Goa, the culinary landscape seems to have shifted slightly. The unofficial gastronomic capital of India has seen an explosion of talent with new food and drinking places opening at a fast clip that service tourists and locals alike. On my most recent visit in August, I decided to check out some of the best openings of the year so you have a ready reckoner to choose from when it’s your turn to land in Goa. Here are 2023’s best new dining spots (so far) to check out.   

1 – Bawri  

Bawri is one of the hottest new openings in Goa for 2023. Chef Amninder Sandhu brings her signature charcoal cooked dishes to Assagao in North Goa such as Jackfruit Haleem with seeded Amaranth roti and interesting new additions such as Wild Mango Curry paired with the Tamil Nadu and Kerala-special Noolputtu or idiyappam. Along with Sandhu’s other specials such as Raan Biryani, cocktails inspired by the country’s coastal regions, and the welcoming ambience of a raw rustic cottage designed by Vivek Guha of Orphic Design Studio, Bawri definitely deserves a visit on your next Goa trip.  

Bawri, House No. 3, Survey no. 161/11, Saunto Vaddo, Assagao, Bardez, Goa 403507 

2 – Barfly  

Started by the same group as Titlie in Ozran Beach, Barfly is the brainchild of Karrtik Dhingra, Shyaam Khurana, Bipin Sibal and Tarun Sibal, and holds the title of being Goa’s first agave bar. But that’s not all. Barfly is designed to be welcoming to a host of patrons, and the 150-year-old restored villa in which it sits does exactly that. A secondary bar called ‘Tales from the Villa: Elevated Classics’ features cocktails that showcase the history and culture of the villa and its surroundings. The villa’s rooms have been tastefully converted into sections such as a grazing room, a bar with a verandah overlooking the alfresco living rooms, a candle room, a wine and cigar room, and a dining area that converts into the party zone; all available to guests in the main bungalow.  

Barfly, Anjuna Mapusa road, Saunto Vaddo, Assagao, Goa 403507 

3 – Heliconia  

The newly opened JW Marriott in Vagator has the distinction of being the first-ever to serve Nikkei cuisine (a blend of Japanese and Peruvian food) in Goa at their restaurant, Heliconia. The dining venue is helmed by Peruvian chef, Arturo Castro Salazar, a culinary expert of Asian, Modern Asian, Nikkei and Japanese fare. From familiar dishes such as Ceviche to little known Tiraditos and flavourful seafood and duck dishes, Heliconia is a place that deserves a spot on your itinerary. Don’t forget to try their signature drinks such as The Roots, The Drop of Life, and their take on a Pisco Sour, all of which were refreshing and tasted delicious. Soak in the greenery and the distant Chapora Fort from your seat at this great new addition to Goa’s culinary space.  

Heliconia, JW Marriott, Vagator Beach Rd, Coutinho Vaddo, Bardez, Vagator, Goa 403509 

4 – Kaia  

For a truly relaxed, slow vibe, you need to head further north and hit the brakes once you reach Ashwem Beach. Kaia is a beachfront property and food bar that recently saw actor Bhumi Pednekar join the team at Chrome Hospitality which is behind the venture. Kaia’s relaxed vibe allows you to listen to the sea waves on a quiet afternoon while you sit with your cup of espresso. Don’t forget to order some banging food such as Kale and Spinach Patta Chaat, Kaia’s Ros Omelette, Kerala Kozhi Curry and other hits whilst enjoying their signature cocktails. Choose from Basil Smashed, Man Gone Going or my favourite Jack and Rice.  

Kaia, Ashwem Beach Road, opposite Holy Cross Chapel, Ashwem Beach, Ashwem, Morjim, Goa 403512  

5 – Miss Margarita  

Just as I was mourning the closure of Spanish restaurant Uno Mas in Vagator, I found Miss Margarita bang opposite the road. The Mexican restaurant by Agave Hospitality helmed by Chef Noah Louis Barnes has an outpost in Delhi as well. Entering Miss Margarita is like falling back into the colourful and rustic vibes of Mexico with Dia De La Muertos (Day of the Dead) graffiti and sombrero hats at each table. The food and drinks were equally good. I loved the Classic Guac and Chips, Cheesy Jalapeno Chipotle Chicken Quesadilla, as well as the Yam and Black Bean Rice Bowl with spicy avocado. While the Tres Leches simply melted in my mouth. All of these were complemented with variations on different kinds of margaritas. Favourites include Spiced Cucumber Agave, Barrel Aged Tequila Manhattan, and the Pineapple Ginger Jalapeno Margarita.  

Miss Margarita, Survey No. 301, 1655/5A, 1-0, Deulwaddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509 

6 – Slow Tide  

If there’s one place you cannot miss going to on your next Goa trip, it has to be Slow Tide. This modern interpretation of a beach shack is one of the best places for a sundowner at Anjuna Beach. The cocktail programme, designed by Sujan Shetty, has cocktails named after some famous hippies and other interesting characters from the 60s. The accompanying bar food is good value as well. I would recommend trying out Acid Erick and Starco Junction cocktails. The latter is a vodka cocktail made with chorizo, pickle and fizz while Acid Erick is a clarified drink with tequila, watermelon, yuzu, basil, almond milk and acid mix. Berlin Peter, Serge and Mushroom Jack are some other cocktails to try as you watch the sun set in front of you.  

Slow Tide, H No.724/5, St Anthoney Prias Waddo, Anjuna, Goa 403509  

7 – The Second House 

Located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Saligao in North Goa, The Second House is an impressive new spot to have a leisurely dining experience. Helmed by the team behind The Daily All Day in Mumbai and Pune, and Asian restaurant, Tsuki, in Pune, The Second House is housed in a bungalow that was purportedly the second house to be built in Saligao. Spread across two levels and an outdoor seating area, the place is welcoming without being overwhelming.  

The food section is headed by Jyoti Singh, Mumbai-based O Pedro’s ex-chef de cuisine and features dishes with a strong focus on local Goan ingredients such as the Chorizo Nara Pasta for example. The bar area also focuses on local Goan produce and has an impressive roster of signature cocktails. I tried the Banana Leaf Coco Negroni that was served in a coconut shell and enjoyed the slight sweetness that gently cut down on the classic Negroni’s bitterness. Other cocktails that I enjoyed include Clarified Bees Knees and the Tajin Watermelon Sour, both of which were refreshing new takes on the classic versions.   

The Second House, Muddavadi, Saligao 

There you have it – a curated list of the best new food and drink places that you definitely mustn’t miss out on during your next Goa visit. Most of these places are in a closed loop between Anjuna, Assagao and Vagator with only Kaia and The Second House requiring you to move further out.  

Cheers!