Planning a visit to Goa? This list is cafe cool with plenty of suggestions for your WIP itinerary

The susegad life in the sunshine state means different things to different people. But its generous repertoire of food and bonhomie is fueled by a crazy array of cafes. Whether you are unwinding with a lazy brunch and a side of mimosas, treating yourself to an all-day breakfast or, looking to enrich your palate with local delicacies, cafes in Goa seldom disappoint. Keeping up with the new normal, there are a bunch of new (and some old) places that have evolved to accommodate working professionals—meaning the cohort of Mumbaikars who fleeced the city to set up shop in the summer state—all while gorging on sunny side ups that mimic the Goan sky at sunset.

With new cafes and eateries keeping the Goan vibe buzzing, we too scoured for the ones that need your attention. Hop on to our Goan cafe trail and take notes for your next visit to the holiday destination.

Caravela cafe and bistro, Panjim

Located in the bylanes of Panjim, this cafe, helmed by a lovely couple, instantly sparks off a homely, congenial vibe. With a promise of decadent all-day breakfasts, an array of Goan snacks, sandwiches and desserts and the best coffee, it is surely making to our list of must-visits. Add to that its minimal decor, witty wall quotes, quick service and affordable prices, and what you have is a win-win situation.

Larder and folk, Panjim

After a year of working from a home kitchen, this takeaway kitchen-meets-bakery renewed itself with a team of young chefs to come up with a culturally inspired menu. Tuck into a chocolate hazelnut babka, dan dan noodles, almond frangipane buns, lemongrass chicken banh mi, tiramisu fat fingers and fried chicken burger for a gastronomic high.

Cafe Rasa, Panjim

This cafe doubles up as a co-working space that serves breakfast options like a mochaholic smoothie bowl, salads, sandwiches, wraps and desserts like, dark chocolate berry tart and drinks, such as a spiced shaken lemonade,kulukee. And yes, it overlooks the sea and a bustling road for all your Instagram-related needs.

Bombil, Panjim

If an authentic Goan meal is what you crave, then head over to Bombil — named after the native fish caught in Konkan waters. Its laid back ambience with oodles of homely comfort food cooked on firewood is a major USP, especially for seafood lovers. The menu changes every day, depending on the fresh catch available, making it a sustainable favourite.

Padaria Prazeres, Panjim

This artisanal bakery, a brainchild of husband-wife duo Ralph Prazares and Stacy Gracias, leans towards all kinds of Berliners (pina colada, raspberry Eton mess, milk choc, custard, dark chocolate, cheese and jalapeño) palmiers, doughnuts, pao de deus and pastel de nata, a Portuguese pastry. Their feted bread repertoire is much sought after and rightly so.

Felix Goa, Anjuna

An old Portuguese home lined with coconut trees, overlooking clear blue skies, Felix in Goa is a restaurant and grill, fitted with an old-school bar, an artisanal coffee shop, a co-working space, an art gallery and an event space. While the restaurant converts the local produce into an all-guns-blazing menu featuring faves like roast chicken with maple ginger spice rub and thin pastry samosas stuffed with yam, the bar is run by an all-women crew. Soak up some sun, discover art by Goan artists and sip on sol kadhi with white rum for a wonderful high.

Toro Toro, Baga-Arpora

Pretty Goan skies, a river view and lush greenery hug this quaint cafe, giving it a tropical touch. And of course, there's food, desserts and drinks to keep you glued to your chair. From a prawn balchao and poee to jalapeño salmon roll and a, lime, coconut and mint cheesecake with pina colada sauce, there's much to choose from.

Cozinha de Paprico, Majorda

This garden cafe on the busy road of Majorda pleases from the word go. Specialising in authentic Goan snacks and desserts, you've got to try their chicken donuts, chicken cafreal, freshly baked cheesecake, brownies and sip on some lemon mint drink.

Paz Goa, Vagator

If you are looking for an eclectic co-working space with good food and an ambience to boot, then this cafe is for you. Try their handcrafted cocktails, hot and chilled brews and delicacies like hummus with mushrooms, horiatiki salad, pastas, burgers and sandwiches while there.

Nata Goa, Anjuna

Located in the heart of Anjuna, Nata serves Portuguese cuisine with a side of coffees and healthy drinks. A cosy seating with unassuming decor instantly puts you at ease and oddly pairs well with their whacky menu that boasts of everything, from a camembert schnitzel and empada plate to seafood rice, prawn avocado salad and pastel de nata for sweets.

Shoonya, Anjuna

With a cheeky tagline that inquires, 'Why Be Boring', this new cafe has a serene setting, classy aesthetics and a carefully curated menu. But what grabs attention specifically, is the Neapolitan D.I.Y. pizzas, their range of indulgent pastas, American rice bowls and gourmet burgers. Also, a wholesome experience, courtesy of a good WiFi connection, stationery to work from a cafe and an attached boutique store to shop for offbeat apparel.

Elephant beach cafe, Anjuna

A creatively crafted cafe with the deep blue sea, clear skies and breeze as accompaniments, this one's a doozy of a place for dates. And of course, their awesome menu is an add on, right from the hummus mash, Californian breakfast and caprese salad to drinks.

No visit to Goa would be complete without spending a few hours in a cafe, right? Pick from our list.

Banner Image Courtesy of Cafe Rasa, Bombil and Caravela cafe and bistro