Goa has undoubtedly carved out a niche for itself as a hub for all kinds of food, even Italian cuisine. However, the portrayal of Italian food in Goa, often limited to pizza and pasta, seems to be selling the rich gastronomic heritage of Italy short. Imagine if the best Indian restaurants were solely judged on their ability to serve butter chicken and naan – it would be a blatant oversight of the diverse and intricate tapestry of flavors that Indian cuisine has to offer.
While I have savored delightful pizzas across Goa, the world of pasta seems to have been confined to the traditional trio of sauces – Alfredo, Arrabbiata, and Pesto. This tinkering with just a handful of pasta varieties fails to do justice to Italy’s vast pasta landscape, boasting over 800 distinct types.
So, here’s what I’m getting at – not all restaurants serving good pizzas and/or pasta can claim the title of being the best Italian restaurant. What truly sets an Italian dining establishment apart is the commitment to using high-quality ingredients, simplicity in execution, enhancing the natural essence of core ingredients, showcasing regional diversity, and a strong emphasis on creating a memorable dining experience.
With these criteria in mind, here’s my curated selection of the finest Italian dining destinations in Goa that transcend the conventional pizza and pasta fare. As you know, I only talk about places I’ve been to personally, and I keep adding to my listicles when new places impress me (as well as deleting those that I feel have dropped in quality).
Top Italian Restaurants in Goa
Casanoni Trattoria, Panjim
Every foodie I know has been raving about Casanoni Trattoria in Panjim, and I finally got a chance to experience it for myself. Let me tell you, the hype is real! I recently went there for a lovely Sunday brunch, and it was everything I hoped for – wonderful music, potent drinks, and high-quality Italian dishes made from scratch.
This charming trattoria has a bright and casual atmosphere that’s perfect for those days when you just want to take it slow and enjoy good food. The brunch menu is a delight, with highlights like the brulee fig and burrata, Carbonara ravioli (a personal favorite), pizzas with the perfect crust, and the heavenly tiramisu. Oh, and don’t miss out on their fantastic Vermouth drinks! One of the things I love about Casanoni Trattoria is that they make their pizzas and pasta on-site, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. The restaurant is always buzzing, and I noticed that every table turned twice while I was there. That’s how popular it is!
Nestled in an 80-year-old heritage building, this place has a unique charm. With its two-story layout and balcony seating, you can enjoy views of the street (though currently under construction) below. If you want a more relaxed experience, I suggest grabbing a seat on the ground floor. The top floor has an open kitchen section, which can make the space a bit noisy compared to the lower level.
Goodfellas, Benaulim
Goodfellas in Benaulim, South Goa, is an exceptional restaurant that stands out for its amazing pizzas and delectable Italian cuisine. I have already written a blog post on the best pizzas in Goa but it’s worth noting that many of the top pizza spots are not Italian restaurants. Goodfellas breaks that mold and delivers the best pizzas and the best Italian cuisine in Goa.
Beyond their outstanding pizzas, Goodfellas also offers a diverse range of high-quality vegetarian options and a wide selection of top-notch meats. Whether you’re in the mood for burrata, antipasti, insalata, or Italian desserts, you’ll find them all here, prepared with the utmost care and precision. The quality of the food is so impressive that many customers claim it rivals the authentic tastes found in Europe. Their attentive and friendly staff ensures that your dining experience is nothing short of excellent. If you find yourself in the area, I highly recommend paying a visit to Goodfellas in Benaulim.
That’s it for now! Let me know if there’s an Italian restaurant you think I should try! Ciao!
