7 Of Goa’s Hottest New Dining Destinations

Rum cocktails suffused with the sea breeze, tropical shacks echoing Tulum’s allure—Goa’s culinary landscape is blossoming with imagination, redefining indulgence with every sip, bite and unparalleled view. Drawing from diverse influences—nautical nostalgia, Mediterranean elegance, industrial grit and bohemian chic—these restaurants and bars curate multi-sensorial narratives. DP picks 7 of the newest and most immersive dining experiences in North Goa this season.

1. Boilermaker, Siolim – An Industrial-Chic Scrapbook

Forged in the fires of a steampunk fever dream, Boilermaker is an industrial haven where drinks are savoured in an atmosphere that feels both subterranean and electric, soldering an unpretentious charm with a distinctly quirky personality. The brainchild of industry stalwarts Pankaj Balachandran and Nakul Bhonsle, Boilermaker is a quaint yet touching ode to the unfussy bars of Goa’s past. Designed by Rochelle Santimano and her team at Studio Praia, Boilermaker’s 600 sq ft interiors embody a grungy and visually appealing design language.

The high-pitched roof and exposed trusses lend a sense of openness while unfinished plastered walls, a charcoal-hued ceiling and micro-concrete flooring give you the sensation of being in an abandoned warehouse. The bar is a subliminal realm, full of odd knick-knacks that seem out of place at first, but still make sense together. Pre-independence maps of Goa, old windowpane tabletops, a retro PCO booth and cheeky stickers blossom in unexpected corners. 

The culinary program, helmed by Chef Gayatri Desai and Rajat Mendhi, reimagines Goan bar food like Prawn Chorizo gambas and Kokum-buttered grilled fish. From juicy IPAs to barrel-aged ales, Nakul Bhonsle’s team at Great State Aleworks brings an intriguing selection of beers on tap, such as Goa’s first-ever scotch ale brewed with smoked and whiskey malt. 

DP Loves: Peculiar elements, which add to the ambience, from selfie mirrors to romantic neon signage.

Also Read: 3 New Restaurants In Goa: Old Portuguese Houses, French Gourmet Cuisine, And Heritage Indian Recipes

2. Bar Outrigger, Panaji – A Rum-Fueled Reverie

Nothing captures the essence of susegad quite like a nautical-themed bar. Nestled in the heart of Dona Paula, Bar Outrigger stands as a rum-forward haven, adeptly whisking up maritime nostalgia with a dash of contemporary design. Co-founded by Arijit Bose and Francis Coelho, and conceptualised by Ayaz and Zameer Basrai of The Busride Design Studio, this bar transforms a former fishing boat docking area into a vibrant third place—a convivial retreat for locals and adventurous expats alike.

The interiors are awash in coastal bohemianism, with tranquil teal walls, lush planters, and expansive bay windows offering sweeping views of the Arabian Sea. A divey wooden L-shaped bar, paired with cane-woven stools, grounds the space, while nutty brown sofas serve as snug seating that catches the interplay of natural light and drifting shadows as the sun sets upon this laid-back watering hole. 

From the age-old classics to game changers like ‘Walking Dead’ and the ‘Tiki Negroni,’ every cocktail at Bar Outrigger is a testament to a deep passion for the craft. Rum-tasting sessions further enrich the experience, offering a journey through the spirit’s diverse flavours. Chef Adrial’s menu, an assortment of fresh seafood and local Goan fare, harkens back to the cocooning warmth of a cherished homestead.

DP Loves: The communal table—a nod to seafaring camaraderie—fosters interaction while calling forth the relaxed, gritty soul of the space.

3. Lou Lou, Assagao – A Study In Velvet

The scene reads like a velvet-draped speakeasy reminiscent of the French Riviera. Loulou, an intimate 18-seater cocktail bar in Assagao, channels the charm of a European tavern—where world travellers exchange inside jokes with the barkeep and savour the alchemy of an eight-course cocktail menu. The brainchild of Shubham Setia and Nitin Wagh, with interiors designed by Mr. Wagh himself, Loulou’s space speaks volumes about attention to detail. Soft, dressy lighting casts an enchanting spell, revealing a treasure trove of curated antiques—each piece telling its own story. Bespoke glassware and marble surfaces gleam with sophistication while vintage brocades lend a touch of regal charm. 

Head mixologist Priyanka, in cahoots with Vikram Achanta and his Tulleeho team, composes cocktails like the Truffle Reverie, deftly blending multicultural influences into one-of-a-kind concoctions. Chef Kalpesh’s menu accentuates this with inventive dishes like the Kozhi Kari Sandwich, which fuses coastal Indian flavours with Japanese Shokupan. Far from Goa’s bustling nightlife, Loulou draws patrons into vinyl-infused soirées where creativity and connection flow effortlessly.

DP Loves: The 110-year-old John Broadwood piano—a timeless centrepiece that resonates with subtle notes of nostalgia and intrigue.

Also Read: 7 New Restaurants In Goa: A Sussanne Khan-Designed Space, An Experimental South-Indian Outpost, And More

4. After Dinner, Anjuna — A Living Room By The Sea

Imagine a waterfront chalet where the tide rushes to greet your doorstep and the horizon stretches just within reach. After Dinner is that lucid dream brought to life by founders Twinkle Keswani, Chef Rohan D’Souza and Daniel Lobo, overhauling the late-night experience in Goa. Designed by Sheldon Pereira and Rahul Thakkar of Right Brain Design, this 35-seater bar recreates a seaside living room, infusing the nonchalance of Goa with the dulcet tones of cottage core. Reclaimed wood lends an ethereal, lived-in quality, while locally baked ceramics and natural linen instil an understated elegance. Homely prints grace the upholstery and soft furnishings, enveloping the space in a languorous, grandmotherly serenity.

Chef Rohan D’Souza’s menu ushers in a new dimension to comfort food with topsy-turvy creations from the Old School Tempura Sichuan Pepper River Prawn to the decadent Milk Chocolate Ganache & Walnut Profiteroles served with macerated berries and vanilla custard. Mixologist Harsh Pandya propels the cocktail menu to whimsical heights, stirring up creations like ‘Lollipops and Rainbows’, served on a teddy bear or the multi-layered ‘Pandan-infused Negroni’. 

DP Loves: How almost the entire space has been handcrafted by homegrown artisans, from glassware to woodwork, in an unrelenting homage to sustainability.

Also Read: Amaraanth In South Goa Embraces Slow Travel, Curated Art, Design, and Quiet Luxury

5. The ASSA House, Assagao – All The Trappings Of Opera 

Composed like a Gauguin watercolour, The ASSA House unfolds as a chivalrous Portuguese villa, gracefully retrofitted into a Parisian bistro. Owners Nitin Wagh, Riya, and Shubham Sethia envisioned The ASSA House as more than just a restaurant; it is a sensorial journey where the ephemerality of French dining meets the quintessence of Goa. Designed by Amita Kulkarni, the interiors are enriched with wooden louvred doors that evoke the quiet elegance of old-world charm, their slats allowing slivers of natural light to dance across the room. With its vivid black-and-white chequered tiles and jewel-toned walls, the space whispers tales of unabashed hedonism. Country chic chandeliers, suspended from a damask ceiling, disperse soft radiance across the room.

From the hearty French onion soup and truffle pappardelle to steak tartare and baked Alaska, each dish crafted by Chef Alexis Gielbaum (ex-Soufflé, Slink & Bardot) and sous chef Sumit Savardekar, reflects their dedication to supplementing traditional techniques with fresh, in-situ ingredients. Desserts like crème brûlée, Paris-Brest, and Baba au Rhum are indulgent showstoppers. Signature cocktails such as ‘Flat Bubbles’ and ‘Palorita’ add a heroic spin to the unforgettable dining experience.

DP Loves: The operatic Art Deco lighting that punctuates the atmosphere with a graceful allure.

6. ISSA, Siolim – A Mediterranean Throwback

Located on the banks of the Chapora River, ISSA Goa oozes a je ne sais quoi of Mediterranean extraction. Envisioned by Rishi Kajaria, Ankoor Pasari, and Ashish Wadhwani, the two-storey property unravels like a grand yet intimate escape. Its central courtyard is anchored by a majestic tree that stands as a symbol of tranquillity and connection to nature. Designed by Natasha Kochhar of Let’s Think Design First, the space is awash in a harmonious palette of warm beige tones and ash wood, adorned with profuse greenery. The ground floor invites guests into an indoor hideaway, where soundproof walls orchestrate a comforting insularity, letting in the gentle hum of the river and the cricket-infused breeze. Wicker and cane basket-like lamps hang overhead, casting supple radiance across the space. Parquet flooring introduces a neoclassical touch, while supple archways guide visitors through the fluid, peaceful interior. 

The menu delights with dishes like the tantalizing ‘Chonak Ceviche,’ the innovative ‘Chicken Shawarma Burger’ and a selection of fresh seafood, including succulent tiger prawns and lobster. The cocktail program, curated by an expert mixology team, features refreshingly tropical flavours that perfectly accentuate the laid-back atmosphere.

DP Loves: The alang-alang-inspired ceiling that crowns the space.

Also Read: Vikas Khanna’s Newest Restaurant Bungalow Is A Regal Revival Of Indian Cuisine In NYC

7. Tikitii, Morjim – The Art Of Island Living

The romanticisation of Polynesian culture and tiki bars is evolving from kitschy escapism to a more refined embrace of island living. Founded by Saeed Khan of Tikitii Hospitality and Suved Lohia of SLH Hospitality, Tikitii Beachfront gives free rein to this ethos on the idyllic shores of Morjim Beach with its Tulum-inspired shack aesthetic. Its interiors, conceptualised by independent designer Yogesh Patil, channel an authentic, laid-back vibe steeped in elegance. Driftwood accents and woven rattan furniture evoke a sense of rustic bohemianism while floating roofs of wooden beams and fabric frame the natural light and sea breeze. The design language marries geometry with fluidity, soft curves and arches juxtaposed against linear wooden screens detailed with rattan.

Crafted by celebrity chef Shantanu Gupte, the menu is a celebration of global influences rooted in Mexican flavours. Tacos, quesadillas and burrito rolls take centre stage, complemented by signature drinks like ‘Aam Cha Love,’ a mango picante delight, and ‘Love in the Coco,’ a piña colada-margarita fusion. Curated by Madhav of Gastronaut and Senior Bartender Vishwesh, the cocktail menu captures the carefree essence of la buena vida, blending bold flavours with the spirit of coastal epicureanism.

DP Loves: The unmatched synergy of Tulum-inspired design, tropical cocktails and coastal views that embody the art of island living.