6 new restaurants in Goa you must visit this holiday season

The food scene in Goa is abuzz with a string of openings right now—with new restaurants on the block refusing to stick to the age-old formula of pub grub and traditional Goan food in favour of bringing flavours from all around the world, be it Italy, Spain, or Burma. The state, with its pleasant weather and festive vibe, sees an uptick in visitors, come December, and if you’re one of those who has a Goa trip on the horizon, this list of six hot restaurants will sort you out. 

Fig & Maple, Assagao

Greater Kailash-II’s Fig & Maple has a new outpost in Goa, and while the ethos of the restaurant remain the same—of championing locally-sourced, seasonal and sustainable ingredients—the menu and interiors are all about imbibing that Goan spirit. Located in an expansive old Goan bungalow, the eatery has both indoor and outdoor spaces. Bask in the friendly and warm atmosphere as you gorge on dishes like mushroom cakes, salads that Fig & Maple is famous for, and a selection of cool cocktails. 

Juju, Salcete

Juju, one of Goa’s newest restaurants, is redefining and reimagining regional Indian food and giving it a contemporary makeover. With the kitchen helmed by award-winning chef and restaurateur Avinash Martins of Cavatina, expect timeless Indian dishes in a whole new avatar, like the Kasundi snapper fillet served with wilted greens bhaji and crispy herb potato croquette, or the stuffed crab that is spiced with Kerala peppers and comes with mini appams on the side. The drinks have been curated by Russian mixologist Evgenya Prazdnik, who’s behind the bar menu at Gunpowder and Tamil Table too—expect concoctions like Maharashtra - Strawberry that has banana whiskey, dry vermouth, aperitif, amaro and strawberry foam, and Tamil Nadu - Jasmine, which is a gin-based drink with jasmine cordial, sparkling wine, and more. 

 Sopo, Assagao

While pan-Asian restaurants are plenty in Goa, you’ll not find many catering to a specific Asian cuisine. Sopo is trying to break that mould by serving soul-satisfying Burmese food paired with fun cocktails. It is located in Assagao, the village that is increasingly becoming the favourite for new restaurants in the sunshine state. While there, dig into authentic Burmese dishes like thoke (the region’s version of salads), hearty curries, and the must-have khow suey. 

Paper Moon, Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Candolim

Milan’s popular restaurant Paper Moon, which opened in 1977 and since then has made its way to other countries, marks its debut in India with its new address in Taj Fort Aguada Resort and Spa, Goa. Sample authentic Italian fare in a chic setting that comes with a view of the 16th-century coastal fort and the Arabian Sea. The menu shines a spotlight on fresh produce, with only a few imported ingredients, and changes with the season. From dishes like carpaccio di pomodori con caprino, olive taggiasce e capperi (carpaccio of tomatoes with goat cheese, taggiasca olives and capers), risotto alla milanese (saffron risotto with aged parmesan cheese), to the classic tiramisu in the signature Paper Moon-style, take your pick.

Mystras, Assagao

There’s something about Goa—with its beaches and laid-back vibe—which instantly transports you to balmy European countries like Portugal and Spain. Mystras, the new modern European restaurant in Assagao, is bringing Spain to you. It is the brainchild of restaurateur Richa Malhan, who is also behind Miss Nora in Delhi. While the menu is a mix of Asian classics and the regular salads and pastas, it’s the Spanish tapas and wood-fired pizzas that one shouldn’t give a miss. 

Kasa X Koox, Vagator

Three different dining spaces all done up in Bali-inspired décor make up Kasa X Koox, which recently opened its doors to diners in Vagator. While Koox is the main restaurant with Japanese fare like avocado beetroot tartare and negima chicken skewers, robatayaki or Japanese grilled lamb chops on the menu, Kasa takes from Ishigaki, a Japanese island, for its spread that features dishes like calamari salt ‘n’ pepper, and spicy asparagus and cheese-stuffed tempura jalapeno. The third section is a casual speakeasy bar—The Other Side by Koox, which consists of an exclusive members-only space and requires a special access code to enter. 

Lead image: Mystras/Instagram