The best cafes in Goa are not on the beach. They are in Panjim's Latin Quarter of Fontainhas and Altinho, where old Portuguese houses have become tea rooms and bakeries, and in Assagao in North Goa, a leafy village that has turned into the state's main cafe trail.
Here are 7 cafes in Panjim and 6 in Assagao, with the cost for two a recent guide reported, plus two old-school Goan breakfast cafes.
- Cafes listed
- 13 (7 Panjim, 6 Assagao)
- Typical cost for two
- Rs 600 to 1,900 (reported, 2024 to 2026 sources)
- Panjim cafe area
- Fontainhas and Altinho
- North Goa cafe area
- Assagao
- Best for
- Bakeries, brunch, specialty coffee
Cafes in Panjim and Fontainhas
Panjim is the easiest place in Goa to cafe-hop on foot. Fontainhas lanes are compact, and many small places close in the afternoon, roughly 3 pm to 5 pm according to one 2026 guide.
Padaria Prazeres
A Portuguese-style bakery known for pasteis de nata, brioche buns and specialty coffee. Go early, as the tarts sell out.
- Area: Celeste Plaza, Caranzalem
- Reported cost: Rs 600 to 1,000 for two (Trekgo guide, Aug 2026)
Cafe Bodega
A courtyard cafe at the Sunaparanta Centre for the Arts in a restored villa, serving European bistro food and healthy breakfasts.
- Area: Altinho
Baba's Wood Cafe
Wood-fired thin-crust pizzas, handmade ravioli and tiramisu in antique wooden interiors. Likely the priciest pick here, based on that range.
- Area: Fontainhas
- Reported cost: Rs 1,800 to 3,000 for two, given by Trekgo (Aug 2026) as a range for its riverside picks rather than for this cafe alone
White Balcao
A cafe in a restored Goan house next to the Bookworm library, with quiet corners for working.
- Area: Fontainhas
Tea Trunk Tea Room
A tea room with a long tea list and a calm space for reading or work.
- Area: St Sebastian Chapel Road, Fontainhas
Cafe Bhonsle
An old Panjim cafe for Goan breakfast and pav bhaji, a local institution.
- Area: Cunha Rivara Road, near the National Theatre
Cafe Tato
A classic Panjim eatery for puri bhaji, pav bhaji, dosa, falooda and lime soda.
- Area: Souza Towers, near the Municipal Garden
Cafes in Assagao, North Goa
Assagao sits inland between Mapusa and Anjuna. Cafes here are spread out along village roads, so a scooter helps.
Jack Fruit Tree Cafe and Tavern
Woody interiors and alfresco seating, with a mixed Indian and international menu.
- Reported cost: about Rs 800 for two (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
- Reported hours: 9 am to 8:30 pm (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
G-Shot Coffee Roastery and Cafe
House-roasted coffee and continental food in a relaxed outdoor space.
- Reported cost: about Rs 1,300 for two (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
- Reported hours: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
Mustard Cafe
A retro-chic brunch spot with an all-day breakfast menu.
- Reported cost: about Rs 1,900 for two (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
- Reported hours: 12 pm to 11 pm (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
Babka Goa
A bakery cafe for croissants, babka and coffee from Colombian and Ethiopian beans.
- Reported cost: about Rs 850 for two (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
- Reported hours: 9 am to 6:30 pm (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
Sabor Cafe
French-style food in a quiet garden, with churros and fruitcake.
- Reported cost: about Rs 950 for two (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
- Reported hours: 9:30 am to 7 pm (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
Kefi: A Lebanese Cafe and Bistro
Lantern-lit Middle Eastern cafe with mint tea and Arabic coffee; the budget pick in Assagao.
- Reported cost: about Rs 500 for two (The Hosteller blog, Jul 2024)
Getting there, best time and parking
- Panjim: park once near the Municipal Garden or Fontainhas and walk.
- Assagao: cafes are a few kilometres apart; a scooter or cab is the practical option.
- November to February is peak season, so expect queues at brunch on weekends.
- Many bakeries sell out by midday; go in the morning for fresh pastries.
How we picked these cafes
This is an independent list. No cafe paid to be included and none of the links are sponsored. We shortlisted cafes that appear in recent food and travel guides or dining app listings, opened those sources, and only kept places that were not marked closed.
Costs and hours are as reported by the sources named, change often, and should be checked with the cafe or a dining app before you go.
Questions and answers
Where are the best cafes in Goa?
Panjim's Fontainhas and Altinho areas and Assagao in North Goa have the strongest cafe clusters.
What are the best cafes in Panjim?
Padaria Prazeres, Cafe Bodega, Baba's Wood Cafe, White Balcao and Tea Trunk are often recommended, along with old favourites Cafe Bhonsle and Cafe Tato.
How much does a cafe in Goa cost?
Recent guides report about Rs 500 to 1,900 for two at most cafes here, with some upmarket places higher. Prices change through the season.
When do Fontainhas cafes close?
One 2026 guide notes that several small bakeries and taverns in Fontainhas close between about 3 pm and 5 pm.
Sources
Last checked: 14 October 2026