10 restaurants in Goa where you can experience monsoon at its best

Long gone are the days when the four-month monsoon period was considered off-season for Goa. Travellers are increasingly opening up to the charms of the region during the rains, even without the balmy weather, golden beaches, or ample sunshine. Breezy bike rides, the sight of flourishing greenery freshly washed by rains, and the romance of a stormy beach are drawing them. If you’re planning a Goa vacation this season and are on the lookout for dining spots that are not all open-air party spots, this curated list of monsoon-friendly restaurants and bars is for you. 
 

Casanoni Trattoria 

As soon as the monsoon drizzles start and the temperature drops, there’s an innate hankering for indulgent, hearty food. And what's better on a rainy day than a meal involving never-ending plates of pasta, creamy risotto, loaded wood-fired pizzas brought piping hot from the oven to your table, and zingy cocktails to wash it all down? Casanoni Trattoria in Panjim’s eclectic Fontainhas district serves all this and more in a rustic, terracotta-hued setting that oozes old-world charm. When in the neighbourhood this season, grab your umbrella, brave the rain, and make your way to the Italian restaurant for a memorable meal. Don’t skip the tiramisu, which is as authentic (and delicious) as it gets. 

Room One 

If the weather is raining on your parade (read: drinking-by-the-beach plans), then head to Room One in Assagao to enjoy a tipple, or two, with your friends into the wee hours of the night. Room One is a heady concoction of a cocktail bar and a contemporary art space—expect moody yet inviting interiors accentuated with art curated by co-owner and artist Siddarth Kerkar. Apart from the ambience, the cocktails are obviously the stars of the show. Sip on naughtily named libations like the gin-based Kinky Kerkar and Invisible Paloma, a citrusy drink made with tequila, Campari, and grapefruit. Make sure to book ahead, as reservations are a must. 

Juna 

Greasy old-school burgers, all sorts of delicious fried things, loaded tacos—these alone are reason enough to add Juna to your must-visit list during the monsoon. Add an equally indulgent breakfast menu, performances by local artists in the nights, a location flanked by lush greenery to the mix, and you’ve got yourself a winner. Housed in a traditional Goan house in Anjuna, Juna has both an indoor and outdoor dining space. Make the most of the charming courtyard to enjoy a drink in the breeze or shift to a seat by the bar to be nearer to all the action. 

Analogue Bar and Kitchen

Imagine grooving to vinyl melodies as you savour European and Mediterranean classics by the pool side. Sounds like the perfect recipe for a joyful monsoon meal to us! Analogue Bar & Kitchen is a cocktail and vinyl bar in Anjuna that is all about the vibes. The half-indoor, half-outdoor space is ideal for enjoying the weather while keeping yourself dry—order your favourite drink from the bar, sit back, and relax as you snack on dishes like creamy pastas, toasted bruschetta, and more. 

Amour Bistro

Romance and monsoon go hand in hand, and if you’re on the hunt for the perfect date night spot while in Goa, then head to Amour Bistro (it’s all in the name!). The Goan outpost of the popular Delhi restaurant is located in a quaint 119-year-old villa in one of Assagao’s bustling bylanes, and serves up a mix of European and Indian fare. Think beef carpaccio, stuffed shrimp, grazing boards, and more. Classic desserts on the menu, an extensive wine list, and craft cocktails are the cherry on top. The interiors are just as delectable, complete with grand chandeliers, vintage furniture, and lime-washed walls. 

Fireback

Fiery food is a must during monsoon, and Fireback dishes up authentic Thai fare in a stunning riverside setting that is guaranteed to clear up all your sinuses. Explore their expansive menu that features an interesting mix of piquant curries, crispy and flavourful small bites, refreshing salads and spiced craft cocktails. They even have a special monsoon drinks menu made with Feni. Drink up!

Slow Tide 

You can’t go to Goa and not dine at one of its famous beach shacks, the weather notwithstanding. So, if you’re looking for a traditional experience by the beach, the Slow Tide should be on your list. Located smack dab on Anjuna beach, it marries the fun, no-frills vibe of a local shack with an impeccable drinks programme and a contemporary ambience. The result? An award-winning spot with much-loved dishes that get an inventive twist. Savour bites like Sri Lankan fish-fritters, pulimunchi (black pomfret) rava fry, and Ceylon pork samosas. Their thalis are also a must-try. 

Issa

While Goa might be known for its beach-facing shacks and restaurants with their sights of sunsets and the sea, riverfront spots are on the rise. And monsoon might be the perfect time to experience them, with rain-swelled rivers and verdant surroundings as your view. Issa, a two-storey space on the banks of the Chapora River in Siolim is peppered with ashwood furniture, cane lamps, and azulejo tiles all in a mood board of soothing beige. It is at once homely and chic, serving as the ideal spot to just sit back and relax with the pleasant weather for company. The menu is just as comforting, be it traditional Goan dishes, European mains, or refreshing cocktails. 

The Sanctuary Bar and Kitchen 

The Sanctuary Bar & Kitchen of Hyderabad fame has a new Vagator outpost. It is helmed by celebrity chef Sarah Todd, so expect delicious fusion food that merges traditional and continental favourites. Sample crowd-pleasing dishes like paneer cafreal poi, balchão with tagliatelle, or the classic brownie. The atmosphere is just as interesting—the restaurant is set inside the ruins of a 200-year-old Goan villa with abundant foliage that comes alive during the monsoon. 

Feri Bar

An ode to the iconic Goan ferry, the lifeline of the sunshine state, Feri Bar is a new opening alongside the banks of the Mandovi River, and its warm, glowing interiors are like an oasis for those who want to escape the cold rain. The menu reflects its marine inspiration, with fresh catches from the sea being given a prime spot. The tropical, creative cocktails act as the ideal accompaniment to your meal and the views. 

Lead image: Feri Bar 

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