Your Go-To Guide for the Best Eats, Sights, and Experiences in North Goa’s Trendy Village.
Nested in nature, Assagao is one of Goa’s prettiest neighbourhoods, a quaint village with narrow lanes lined with lush foliage, upscale restaurants, posh boutiques and idyllic Portuguese-era mansions.It is the most sought-after destination for the affluent seeking refuge from the bustle of city life. Nicknamed “The Beverly Hills of Goa”, its relative remoteness makes it a favourite among long-term tourists and a popular locale for trendy eateries, yoga retreats, healing centres, art workshops, underground music jams and the likes, around every corner.
EAT
Dine at these Legendary Spots
- Get a taste of quintessential modern South Indian food at Gunpowder. It’s best to book a table in advance.
- Mustard Café serves regional French and Bengali cuisine in the most charming ambience one could ask for.
- Set in a revamped Portuguese-era villa, Jamun serves authentic Goan delicacies alongside North Indian favourites, offering diners the best of both worlds.
- Serving unique flavours from the kitchens of Pondicherry alongside inventive cocktails, Tamil Table is a must try.
- Sublime offers an art-filled ambiance and inventive, globally-inspired cuisine with an Indian influence, crafted in a gourmet style with locally sourced ingredients.
Must Read: An Insider’s Guide To Panjim, Goa: What To Eat, See And Do
Quintessentially Goan
- Avo’s Kitchen translates to grandmother’s kitchen. It offers traditional Goan cuisine in a tropical atmosphere, embodying the love and warmth of grandma’s recipes.
- Relish the authentic taste of Goan delicacies at Vinayak, their fish thali, a favourite with tourists and locals alike.
Go Global in the Village
- Indulge in the artful and innovative flavours of the award-winning Japanese restaurant Izumi, where the food and drinks are crafted with precision and flair.
- Maai – Inspired Food offers Goan- Portuguese cuisine, sensational cocktails, and lip-smacking desserts.
- Get transported to South-East Asia through the eclectic ambience and delicious street-style cuisine at Village 36.
Experiential Dining
- Bawri, led by acclaimed Chef Amninder Sandhu celebrates the diverse flavours of regional Indian cuisine, with the menu highlighting indigenous ingredients prepared through open-fire cooking techniques. With breakfast now a part of it’s offerings, Bawri is the perfect spot to hit this side of town.
- Set in a whimsical garden, Suzie’s caters to your playful side. This reservation-only restaurant offers a 5-course seasonal menu alongside crafted cocktails.
Sip in Style
- Barfly is housed in a sprawling and beautifully restored Portuguese-style villa designed to make you lose track of time.
- A popular and friendly roadside joint, Pablo’s (earlier known as Escobar) is a favourite for inspired cocktails and conversations.
- Mystras is all about those high-energy weekend vibes, offering a mix of delicious food, fantastic cocktails, and shisha for those who fancy it.
- Bacana, the new dive bar in Assagao, has a super relaxed vibe. You’ve got to check it out!
Chill and Unwind
- Nourish your body, sip on power smoothies, and find your zen at Mojigao, where nature sets the perfect backdrop.
- Wake up and smell the coffee at Bloom & Brew – the perfect mix of breakfast, brews and a good time.
- Neighbors is like a blend of a trendy New York cafe and a charming alfresco Parisian spot. They serve top-notch coffee, delicious food, and awesome cocktails.
SHOP
- 100% organic and fair trade clothing is what you’ll find at a quaint old villa converted into the No Nasties store.
- A fashion and lifestyle boutique, Rangeels sources the finest men’s and women’s clothing, homeware and gifts from all over India.
- Goa’s only men’s store, NAD is for the bold-hearted. It offers statement resort wear and accessories, perfect for your vacation needs.
- Get lost in the world of breezy dresses, inspired resort wear, and home decor and The Flame Store. Add a dash of luxury at this curated concept store.
- Elevate your fashion game with Gulabo by renowned designers Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, showcasing a stunning array of vibrant and modern designs.
- Qiinza is a new store showcasing an eclectic collection of jewellery, fashion, home decor and collectibles.
- Unleash your inner creativity at Sacha’s Shop – where you’ll find everything from eclectic clothing to leather puppets and other delightful treasures.
- Adhvan – A contemporary clothing and lifestyle store housed in a Portuguese villa and curated by one of India’s most prolific fashion designers, Vikram Phadnis.
- Acclaimed designers Shivan & Narresh along with handcrafted luxury brand Outhouse Jewellery have made Assagao their new tropical home.
DO
Plan your time well in this neighbourhood.
- Cycle through the beautiful roads of Assagao and Parra or hop on to a kayak to paddle through the mangroves! Book with Goa Handpicked.Book now @goahandpicked
- Festivals, jams, board game nights, poetry and reading circles at Braefoot Goa are the perfect way to spend quality time with your friends.
- Parra Coconut Tree Road is known for its splendid backdrop for that perfect Instagram photo, but it is also crowded by the tourists. Pro-tip: early mornings are the best time to visit.
- Visit the St.Cajetan Church for a peaceful walk down the history lane.
- Tour the picturesque Assagao back road to get a closer peek into local architecture and stunning homes dating back to the colonial era.
- Spend the day in the lap of nature at Mojigao. Join a meditation/yoga class at the shala, book a massage at the spa, read a book in the free library, or simply take a walk.
- Take a yoga class at Shala 142 or Purple Valley Goa to disconnect from the world and connect with yourself.
Parra
Parra, a charming village amidst nature, is where life and serenity converge. Its endless, tree-lined streets and paddy fields are the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The village boasts lush greenery, towering palm trees, and picturesque Portuguese-era houses beautifully tucked away in the embrace of nature. Its proximity to all parts and hot spots in North Goa strikes a perfect balance between leisure and tranquillity.
Road To Parra-dise
EAT
- Visit Barefoot Goa, a community space with weekly events, bespoke cocktails, delicious food, an all-day garden and open seating to chill and a glasshouse to work from.
- A cosy cafe, Cocoa Moga serves delicious treats and coffee and is known for its amazing croissants.
- Goajars is a charming cafe and deli that offers Mediterranean brunch eats with delicious cuppas.
SHOP
- Get whisked away by bespoke, ethical, and handmade jewellery at the Cheshire Cat Boutique. Add a touch of sustainable luxury to your life.
- Whalesong art . design gallery is a thoughtful and experimental collection of art, furniture, clothing & home collectibles.
- A must-visit hidden gem set in a century-old house, SIROI is a lifestyle store that aims to give Indian artisans the recognition they deserve.
- Discover the beauty of multicultural designs at Saltylulla & Co The Shop. They showcase clothing, accessories, luxury scents and more from over 25 female-led brands worldwide.
- At Yellow House Parra, you’ll find a unique blend of mindfulness and creativity, combining a boutique store, studio, and event space all in one.
On a work-ation?
- Experience the rustic and laid back vibe of Barefoot Goa, where you can work and play with ease in a fully equipped co-working space.
- A refreshing break from traditional co-working spaces, Mojigao has all the comforts of a workspace with the magical backdrop of a jungle. A must try for all work-cationers.
WE RECOMMEND
No Nasties
India’s first 100% organic cotton and vegan clothing brand, No Nasties, is nestled in a heritage Portuguese home with restored stained glass windows, true to its ethical homegrown roots. Shop sustainable, good-for-the-planet kaftans, tees, shirts and dresses for men and women. Designed in Goa. Made in India. Heals the Planet.
Address: #46, Saunto Waddo, Anjuna-Mapusa Road, Opposite Gunpowder Restaurant. Contact: +91 90225 44986. www.nonasties.in
Cheshire Cat
Explore the captivating world of sustainable luxury at Cheshire Cat’s new design showroom in Parra. The skilled team of artisans, led by Kees Van Andel and Karen Peace, handcraft each piece using ethically sourced gemstones, and upcycled precious metals. With over 20 years of experience creating unique quality fine jewellery in Goa, the in-house team offers personalised assistance in selecting the perfect piece for you to take home. Discover the allure of European design and the artistry of handcrafted precious jewellery at Cheshire Cat.
Address: Shop 1, #477 Patrao Villa, Gamma Vaddo, Parra, Contact: +91 98225 80898. www.vanandelandpeace.com
Siroi
Driven by the idea of blending traditional and modern Indian art under one roof, Sapna Kabra transformed the heritage home of the Miranda family into Siroi. This artistic haven caters to art lovers, providing a space for boundless creative expression. Its rustic walls, quaint windows, and carefully arranged decor create a warm and welcoming ambiance, perfectly complementing the Kabras’ diverse collection. Explore a variety of traditional and contemporary art pieces, including Blue Pottery, Ceramics, Rugs, and other artisanal products.
Address: H. No.80, Satori Nagar Colony, Beside Ganesh temple, Parra. Contact: +91 9850 671617. www.siroigoa.com
Timings: 10 am – 8.30 pm, Mondays closed
NAD
When you’re exploring a vibrant and colourful place like Goa, it only makes sense to fully commit and dress the part. NAD tries to fill that role for your holiday clothing needs. A menswear boutique store nestled in the once-quiet village of Assagao, it specialises in eye-catching resort wear with breathable fabrics that boast relaxed fits to effortlessly hug your body. Browse from an eclectic mix of bold prints just made for the beach, or a late night going clubbing.
Address: House 4E, Next to Barfly, Sauta Vaddo, Assagao. Contact: +91 93074 66476
Bawri
Set in what feels like a rustic coastal cottage, Bawri aims to break the shackles of what is expected of Indian cuisine. At the heart of the Bawri experience is the acclaimed chef Amninder Sandhu who, through her menu, pays homage to heirloom recipes and long-lost techniques, and whips up creations that are bold and complex using locally used ingredients. Bawri is now also open for breakfast, and the menu features comforting plates inspired by the hearty mornings of every household across the country.
Address: Bawri, House No. 3, Survey no. 161/11, Saunta Vaddo, Assagao. Contact: +91 92050 56766
Mustard Cafe
Mustard Cafe has been loved for highlighting French and Bengali cuisines ever since it arrived in Goa eight years ago. This, alongside innovative cocktails and a beautiful al fresco ambience, makes it a must-visit spot. When it comes to the food, try crowd favourites like Kosha Mangsho and Grilled Fish with Mustard Hollandaise Sauce. For a wider variety, opt to ‘Make Your Own Thali’ or try the newly launched French tasting menu. Whether it’s their cultural pop-ups, live music on weekend afternoons, or post-midnight drinks and dine bar nights on Thursdays and Saturdays with special offers, a fun time is guaranteed at Mustard!
Address: Astoria Hotel, Anjuna-Mapusa Road, Assagao. Contact: +91 77700 10915| +91 83222 68034
Whalesong
Whalesong art . design gallery appeals to the slow shopper, the aesthete, the design seeker. It is a world full of surprises with a thoughtful and experimental collection of art, furniture, clothing & home collectibles.
Address: Villa Carlotina, 223, Auchitt Vaddo, Verla, Parra. Contact: +91 79720 88198
Barefoot
A community space that hosts a café with delicious all day breakfast and special dishes, a bar serving signature cocktails with fresh fruits, spices and herbs, performance space with weekly events and a dedicated workspace. To unwind at a slow pace, go here for manual brews, hearty cocktails, delicious food and making friends with the new folks and the regulars. They have a carefully curated weekly line-up that includes Yellow Couch Project, Reading Social, The Parra Festival, Poetry Circles, Music Jams, Jazz Nights, Stand-up Comedy, and more (follow on ). Tucked in a lush green spot in the countryside, this is a hub in Goa where you can truly connect with nature, folks around you and most importantly, yourself.
Address: #350, Bokeachi Arradi, Parra. Contact: +91 81041 47881. www.barefootgoa.com
Mojigao
Nestled within a lush grove of trees, Mojigao is the perfect place for those seeking serenity, well-being, and healthy food. Indulge in Mediterranean fusion delicacies with an all-day breakfast menu, French pâtisserie, and their famous Middle Eastern specialities like hummus, falafel, and shakshuka. Their weekend tapas menu is perfect for sharing with friends and family. Mojigao is a one-stop wellness destination with a luxury spa experience, a jungle gym for kids,co-working, and a yoga shala. With daily yoga and fitness classes, holistic events, and wellness workshops, Mojigao is the ultimate escape to rejuvenate your body and soul.
Address: Bairo Alto, Next To Ganga Tiles, Off Assagao Road, Assagao. Contact: +91 77220 81090. www.mojigao.com
Maai
Maai is housed inside an expansive Portuguese-era bungalow with lavish interiors that will transport you back to a Goa that once was. Their elaborate menu is a melange of Portuguese and Goan cuisine that will leave you spoilt for choice. Be it a leisurely brunch or an evening outing, Maai offers the perfect setting of a warm and comforting home any time of the day. Get your hands on their raw banana cutlets, chorizo hummus, prawns, crispy sea bass and vegan panini. If the feni cocktails, sangrias and classics are not enough, the mixologist will be happy to whip up a drink that goes with your mood. Did we mention that the desserts here are bliss on a plate?
Address: H.No 491, Bouta Vaddo, Assagao. Contact: +91 96997 72306
Village 36
A charming restaurant set amidst the lush greenery of Assagao, Village 36 aims to transport diners to the hawker-filled streets of South-East Asia through its eclectic decor and menu. Housed in a restored Goan home, it serves up authentic street food from across the region, with dishes like Pork Crackling, Beijing Duck, Hot Pot and Dan Dan Noodles. Pair the food with unpretentious yet creative cocktails like Thai Chai and Giggle Water. Sunday brunches are also accompanied by live music which makes it a perfect place for a relaxed afternoon.
Address: House no. 549, Bouta Waddo, Assagao. Contact: +91 84594 34874
For latest travel news and updates, food and drink journeys, restaurant features, and more, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram. Read more on Travel and Food Network
Trending on TFN
A Spanish Odyssey: Trafalgar’s Unparalleled Best of Spain Itinerary
Imperial Splendors: Trafalgar’s 10-Day Sojourn in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest
