Known as the ‘Queen of Beaches’, the bustling Calangute Beach is one of the most popular beaches not just in Goa but the world over. Always thronging with locals and tourists, its 15-kilometre-long shoreline stretches from Candolim to Baga and is peppered with many hole-in-the-wall cafes and plush restaurants that serve interesting cuisines and cocktails. Whether you want to relax here after indulging in some water sports or simply laze around as the sun goes down, these are some of the restaurants in Calangute that you must head to when you are in Goa.
Souza Lobo, Calangute Beach
One of the oldest restaurants with an enviable view of Calangute Beach, Souza Lobo has been serving Indian, Continental, and Chinese delicacies to its patrons since 1932. The starters, soups, and seafood items here are the top picks. In addition, Souza Lobo is known for its authentic Goan dishes like Pork Vindaloo and Kingfish Curry.
Address: Calangute Beach, Goa
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Timings: 9 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Pousada By The Beach, Holiday Street
A beachfront bar and restaurant, Pousada By The Beach serves lip-smacking seafood like stuffed crab cooked in Goan spices, crispy batter-fried calamari, and traditional Goan curries with rice. Vegetarians too have interesting options here like Fried Okra, Canja de Verdure (a Portuguese soup) and Vindaloo. It’s also pet-friendly and a visit here would be incomplete without saying hello to the in-house furry friends - Biscuit, Chai, Biscuit Jr, and Zeus.
Address: Holiday Street, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fat Fish, Arpora
A relaxed and sunny spot by the sea, Fat Fish seamlessly blends the two main yet completely distinct cuisines of Goa – Goan Portuguese and Hindu Saraswat. Dig into the Special Goan Fish Thali and Prawns in Recheado Masala and you will be left licking your fingers! It also offers Indian and Continental specials including some interesting vegan items like a hummus bowl and grilled tofu.
Address: Calangute-Arpora Road, Agar Vaddo, Khobra Waddo, Arpora, Goa
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Timings: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Chef Soumyen’s Kitchen, Gauravaddo
A charming boutique space, Chef Soumyen’s Kitchen serves the best Indian and European cuisine along with some of the finest wines. The food is prepared by a team of experienced chefs with the freshest ingredients and can be customized to suit one’s dietary requirements. From Fish and Chips to Prawn Koliwada, the food here is gourmet and comforting at the same time.
Address: 1/285A, Louis Marino Gomes Road, Gauravaddo, opposite Jambleshwar Temple, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 12.30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
Café Sussegado, Naika Vaddo
As you enter Café Sussegado, you get a feel of the old Goan-Portuguese culture and why not! After all, the quaint café is set inside a majestic old Goan-Portuguese house. More than just a café, Café Sussegado serves a wide range of cuisines like Goan, Oriental, and Indian tandoor in addition to sandwiches, quick bites, and seafood in a choice of marinades.
Address: 2/202, Calangute-Anjuna Road, Near Hotel Neelam Grand, opposite Village Panchayat, Naika Vaddo, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Amavi by Sumera, Gauravaddo
An upscale boutique restaurant that combines incredible architecture with gourmet cuisine crafted by world-class chefs, Amavi by Sumera promises the best dining experience to guests. Fresh seafood, tenderloin medallions, beef wellington, and a vegan menu that has pan-crisp potatoes, assorted mini bruschettas, sweet potato chips, and stir-fried velvet tofu to name a few dishes, Amavi by Sumera is the place for food lovers.
Address: Cottage 88, Gauravaddo, Behind the art chamber, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 12:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., 6:30 p.m. 11 p.m.
A Reverie, Gauravaddo
Clear blue skies and lush green gardens greet you at A Reverie, a fine dining space in the heart of Calangute. A plush, partly open-air setting with chic interiors, A Reverie’s food is as colourful as its ambience. Cured Fish Ceviche, Spice Basted Pork Belly and distinctive teas like Truffle tea and Chicken Concoction tea stand out on the menu. Vegetarians can enjoy the flavourful Tofu Steak among other options.
Address: Holiday Street, Gauravaddo, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 1 p.m. to 3.30 p.m., 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Spicy Bella, Gauravaddo
With fine interiors and warm hospitality, Spicy Bella not only serves irresistible street food options like pani puri and biryani but also hosts cooking classes. Breakfast fans can check out their extensive breakfast menu that includes Mexican breakfast burritos, Canadian breakfast, and Thai breakfast along with Indian options like puri-bhaji, Goan bhaji-pav and parathas.
Address: At ABC Farms, 200 metres from Le Meridien, 1/281, opposite Tarkar Ice Factory, Gauravaddo, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 12 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
The Fisherman’s Wharf, Naika Waddo
The Fisherman’s Wharf is a bar and restaurant that pays tribute to the ‘jewels of the sea’ with a gamut of Asian, Indian, and Mediterranean options. Whether it is King Prawn Recheado, Goan Prawn Curry with Rice or Pomfret in Butter Garlic Sauce, having a meal here is like taking a gastronomical tour of the coastal state. A must-try here is the freshly made Bebinca, the famed Goan dessert.
Address: 2/35B & 2/35C, Naika Waddo, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Infantaria, Calangute-Baga Road
A cosy yellow café perfectly complementing the sunny weather of Goa, Infantaria started as a bakery known for its pastries, sandwiches, and confectionaries. Now, it also offers scrumptious starters, main courses, and hearty breakfast options like Continental, Mini Breakfast, cereals and eggs.
Address: 5/181, Opp Ticlo Resort, Calangute-Baga Road, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Go With The Flow, Calangute-Baga Road
This fine dine restaurant gives one a picturesque view of the ocean. Go With The Flow serves fusion fare like Smoked Dal Makhni with Arancini Balls and Rajasthani Red Meat on Buttered Garlic Basil Rice. Also enjoy traditional Goan dishes like cafreal, balchao and sorpotel with a choice of meat and wash them down with a gamut of refreshing drinks.
Address: No. 614, Calangute-Baga Road, Baga, Goa
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Timings: 12:30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., Closed on Tuesdays
Relish, Khobra Waddo
A chic restaurant with a rustic charm, Relish is a must-visit for the variety of cuisines it offers. Pick from starters like Fish Kohliwada (a Mumbai delicacy) or Kufal Gare Kebabs (minced beef) and a spectrum of main courses from all parts of India like Chettinad-style Koli Kari, Luckhnowi Chicken Korma, and Kashmiri Rogan Josh.
Address: 6/117 B, House, Khobra Waddo, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Aggie’s Café, Gauravaddo
Enjoy the never-ending view of the sandy shores of Calangute at Aggie’s Café, which opens early and offers numerous breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Relax on the beach and relish a full English breakfast or a variety of eggs and toasts watching the sparkling blue ocean. The main course here includes fresh seafood, Goan curries, and other Indian dishes.
Address: Beach, Arpora, Holiday St, Near Gaon Heritage Hotel, Gauravaddo, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Redonda, Umtavaddo
This happening restaurant strikes the right balance between a bar and casual dining space and has something for all. Redonda offers interesting cuisine with the choicest of breakfasts and beverages. Their main course offerings like Bacon Wrapped Chicken, Lobster Tandoori and Shark Fillet Steak are unique.
Address: Calangute Beach Road, Umtavaddo, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Harry’s Bar, Khobra Waddo
This small and homely shack is known for serving delicious food at a reasonable price. Harry’s Bar in Khobra Waddo is a must-visit if you like Indian food. Other than the fiery ‘desi’ prawns, fish curry and chicken tikka which are finger-licking good, guests here are often blown away by the warmth and hospitality of the owner Harry, who also dons the hats of a comedian and magician to entertain everyone.
Address: 259/A, near Charleston Resort, Khobra Waddo, Calangute, Goa
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Timings: 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Deepa Natarajan Lobo
An independent journalist and content writer with 15 years of experience, I am also a full-time mommy to two little princesses. I love music, reading, yoga and travel in addition to writing. My articles have been published in publications like Times of India, Deccan Herald, Bangalore Mirror, The Week and The National News.
