5 must-visit off-road restaurants in Goa

Known for its scenic beaches and vast lush landscape, Goa is one of India’s leading vacation destinations. As we all know it, Goa is best known for its beaches, but the tantalising food serves to impress too! Travelling off-road in Goa is a must-experience for every traveller, however, the off-road food hits the right spot too. Avril Das lists 5 off-road delicious restaurants that are a must-visit for your next visit.

The Black Sheep Bistro:

Along the banks of the waterside in Panjim, The Black Sheep Bistro is a must-visit casual fine dining restaurant for all multicuisine lovers. The owners Sabreen and Prahlad Sukhtankar’s farm-to-table policy just “makes sense” to them as the restaurant serves a unique amalgamation of global cuisine with fresh local Goan ingredients. Being a bistro too, it boasts of a “place where people, especially women can have a positive, unique and comfortable bar experience,” says Prahlad, a sommelier, whose experience and passion for wines greatly shaped his thought process about food and art. The restaurant lives up to its eye-catching name by being rebellious and striving to break the moulds of restauranteering. Prahlad mentions he was often called the black sheep for being a “young rebel” and so founded the bistro of the same name. Apart from the unique multicuisine menu, they also regularly showcase artwork from the gallery Sala de Arte, Goa, showcasing local talent as part of a collaboration between the restaurant and the gallery- for all the art lovers. This is a must-try affordable restaurant for all food-loving families and friends.Address: The Black Sheep Bistro, 1st Floor, Villa Braganca, Dr Braganza Pereira Rd, above Fab India Store, Panaji, Goa 403001

Tel: 093250 23565

Timing: 12:00 PM to 12:00 AM, happy hours on cocktails every day with a limited snacks menu (5:00 PM to 7:00 PM)

Meal for two: Rs.1,800 approx.

Must try: Garlic bread, Mushroom Panisse, 5 spice lotus stem, Mexican chicken fried rice, hummus.

Aunty Maria, Fidalgo:

Located in Hotel Fidalgo in Panjim, Aunty Maria is a 24-hour café with a multicuisine snack menu with delicious beverages. The cosy ambience and the constant, lingering coffee aroma are sure to make your visit memorable and keep you coming back for more. A small café in the hotel, it seats tables of 2 to 7. It has everything from breakfast omelettes and sandwiches to fish and chip snack cravings. It is a great place to hang out with friends and family, catch a quick bite before your next stop as well as a late-night dinner. The wide variety of food selections caters to all age groups and every item is delicious.

Address: Hotel Fidalgo, 18th June Rd, Panaji, Goa 403001

Tel: 0832 222 6291

Timing: Open 24 hours

Meal for two: Rs. 950 approx.

Must try: Fish and chips, red sauce pasta, veg and prawn biryani, cold coffee, cheese chilli toast.

Fisherman’s Wharf:

At the beautiful riverside in Cavelossim is one of The Fisherman’s Wharf outlets that serves delicious Goan food and seafood with a great waterfront view. It is a large property and has many tables right on the river overlooking the docked boats. The place has a lovely ambience with an extensive Goan as well as a multi-cuisine menu. It is a great place to sit down and relax with a small as well as a big group of friends and family and is also a perfect location to host lunch and dinner parties. The restaurant also has regular events that one can check out beforehand and enjoy. It is usually packed on weekends so ensure to make a reservation, but on weekdays it is a little more relaxed. It is also a great place to grab a late lunch after most of the restaurants are closed till dinner.

Address: At the Riverside, Cavelossim, Goa – 403731

Tel: 090110 18866

Timing: 12 Noon to 11:30 PM

Meal for two: Rs. 1.300 approx.

Must try: Butter garlic prawns, fish curry rice, prawn curry rice, honey chilly chicken, honey chilli lotus stem, white angel mocktail, veg spring roll.

O’Cuzinero:

Located in the remote Chandor, O’Cuzinero is a great Goan seafood restaurant surrounded by greenery and cosy shacks. It is right on the road and close to a lot of open green fields that are great for bird watching too. Robert the owner of the restaurant says that the concept of the restaurant is that it “connects to nature by keeping the restaurant as open air as possible with a garden as well as indoor dining.” It was a fulfilment of a dream for Robert as he created the restaurant in memory of his father, who was a great cook (cuzinero). Their shared love for cooking was the reason for his inspiration and thus he set up the restaurant as a tribute to his father. Robert adds, the restaurant aims to serve high-quality food with happy customers. The restaurant serves great Goan food that even the locals approve of. In addition to the food, the restaurant hosts New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day, Easter and Christmas parties where there is live music, games and dance.

Address: Bhindimoll, Chandor, Goa 403714

Tel: 084591 33946

Timing: Tues to Sun (11 AM to 3:30 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM), Closed on Mondays

Meal for two: Rs. 1,000 approx.

Must try: Ambotique curry, rechado fish

Sheela Restaurant and Bar:

A small restaurant located opposite the beautiful St. Jacinto Island in Chicalim, Goa, Sheela’s serves delicious plates of Goan speciality foods. Very accessible, it is situated directly on the main road, however, the parking space may be less as you must park your vehicle on the road itself. Serving authentic Goan flavours, it is approved by the locals too. It is a must-try if you want to taste the variety of Goan food as well as visit St. Jacinto Island across the bridge.

Address: Opp St Jacinto Island, Vasco – Cortalim Road H/No 39 Sancoale P.O, Chicalim, Goa 403711

Tel: 090491 58277

Timing: Tue to Sun (12 Noon to 3:45 PM and 7 PM to 11 PM), Closed on Mondays

Meal for two: Rs. 850 approx.

Must try: Prawn Caldin, fish thali, fish cutlet.

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Farzi Beach Goa: Cocktails, Sunset Vibes & Playful Plates by the Sea

If you’re looking for a beachside spot in Morjim that mixes sundowner energy with inventive cocktails, Farzi Beach Goa is worth a stop. Part of Zorawar Kalra’s ever-growing stable of Farzified concepts, this laid-back restaurant at Mayfair on the Sea brings Farzi’s trademark playfulness to a breezy coastal setting, complete with live music and a front-row view of the Arabian Sea. Sip: Creative Cocktails by the Shore The bar menu is where Farzi Beach really sparkles. The KitKat Picante featuring tequila, fresh watermelon, Tabasco, and lime is an instant mood-setter, balancing sweet heat with tropical freshness. Picante lovers can also try the Wasabi Fistron, a sharp kick of wasabi, mint, and cucumber, or the Habanero Picante for a deeper spice hit. From the Farzi style creations, the Kokum Collins (Goan kokum puree, gin, citrus) is tangy and refreshing, while the Chuski Margarita riffs on the classic with an aam panna chuski perched in the glass. With an extensive cocktail list covering everything from fruity spritzes to smoky infusions, there’s something for every palate and every Instagram story. Bite: Fusion Plates & Familiar Comforts Farzi Beach’s food menu is extensive, featuring a diverse range of Indian, Asian, European, and Middle Eastern flavours. Tapas like Dahi Puchka Shots and Hibiscus Pani Puri are playful and photogenic the latter comes with a rose-rimmed edge and the option of spiking it with vodka. The Asparagus & Edamame Dim Sum is soft and fresh, while the Dal Chawal Arancini cleverly fuses homestyle comfort with Italian crispness. For non-vegetarians, the Chicken Changrezi Quesadilla stands out with its juicy filling and a smoky red-pepper sauce. Pizzas are crowd-pleasers too: the Tropical Temptation is all about sunshine flavours, and the Jasper Chicken Pizza piles pulled chicken, red paprika, and spring onion over a thin crust. If you’re looking

The New Wave of Indian Fine Dining

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Diwali is a festival of lights, laughter, and above all flavours that bring families and friends together. From age-old mithais to inventive fusion bites, the festive table is as much a celebration as the fireworks in the sky. This year, we bring you chefs who open their recipe books and hearts, sharing dishes that add sparkle to your celebrations. Whether you’re planning an elaborate spread or looking for quick festive fixes, these recipes promise to make your Diwali truly memorable. CHEF MALVIKA HADA KUMAR About Malvika: Malvika Hada Kumar is a recipe developer and food content manager with over eight years of experience in curating engaging culinary content. What began as a passion for cooking soon turned into The Spicy Story her platform dedicated to simple, creative, and approachable recipes. In just two years, she has built a vibrant community of over 1 million followers, inspiring food lovers with flavours, traditions, and stories from her kitchen. About recipe – Mathe Wale Aloo A rustic Rajasthani-style potato curry simmered in buttermilk, infusing it with an earthy aroma and a comforting taste. What makes it truly special for Diwali is its simplicity! After all the decadent sweets and heavy festive dishes, this simple curry with garma garam pooris feels like home on a plate. Mathe Wale Aloo Recipe 👇🏻 Ingredients – 2 tbsp oil 1 tsp cumin seeds 1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/4 tsp hing 1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped 2 green chillies, finely chopped 2 tbsp besan 1 tsp red chilli powder 1/2 tsp turmeric powder 2 tsp coriander powder 1/2 cup water 2-3 boiled potatoes, slightly mashed 1-1/2 cups buttermilk Salt, to taste 1 tsp dry mint 1/2 tsp garam masala powder 1 tbsp coriander, finely chopped Instructions: Heat oil. Add cumin seeds, mustard seeds, hing, and cook for a

Celebrating Goddess Durga with South Indian

Durga Puja is one of the most vibrant and widely celebrated festivals in India, especially in West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, and Tripura. The festival, which honours Goddess Durga’s victory over Mahishasura, is marked by grand pandals, cultural programs, traditional rituals, and of course, food. While Bengali delicacies like khichuri, luchi, aloor dum, and mishti doi usually dominate the festival menu, this year, why not add a unique twist by embracing the rich flavours of South India? South Indian cuisine is known for its aromatic spices, diverse vegetarian options, and comforting flavours. Adding these dishes to your Durga Puja celebrations not only introduces variety but also showcases India’s culinary diversity. Imagine enjoying your bhog with crispy dosas or finishing a cultural evening with a steaming bowl of payasam it’s a fusion that blends tradition with innovation. One of the simplest yet most flavourful dishes to include is lemon rice. Light, tangy, and quick to prepare, lemon rice can be served as part of the bhog or as an evening snack for pandal hoppers. For a richer dish, bisi bele bath, a wholesome mix of rice, lentils, tamarind, and spices, brings comfort food vibes with a festive flair. Its hearty texture and aromatic seasoning make it a perfect counterpart to traditional khichuri. When it comes to snacks, South India offers endless options. Medu vada, the crispy lentil doughnut, pairs beautifully with coconut chutney and sambar. These golden delights can easily be served at community gatherings during Puja evenings. Another great option is masala dosa crispy crepes stuffed with spiced potatoes, served with chutneys. It’s a crowd favourite and can be adapted to large gatherings. Of course, no festival is complete without sweets, and South India has plenty to offer. Payasam, made with rice or vermicelli, simmered in milk and flavoured with cardamom

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