I don’t know about you, but for me, Friday nights are when I crave some cheesy Italian goodness! Either that or a great burger! Goa loves its pizza and this Italian staple has come a long way with pizza joints taking their cheeses seriously, importing good ingredients, growing their own fresh greens and investing in wood-fired ovens. Some of the best pizzas in Goa that I’ve tried even have a little bit of that Goan influence.
Best Pizzas in Goa
Here are some of the top slices to try. Whether it comes to you delivered in a cardboard box or set in front of you in an upscale restaurant, the pizzas at these places will have you falling in love.
Ciao Bella, Anjuna
Ciao Bella truly does justice to Italian food, but what’s better is that it’s paired with a pleasant ambience, an elaborate menu, good service and quality food. It’s rare that you’d go wrong with your order here, so whether you want a seafood pizza, some ravioli or spaghetti, beef bolognese, or truffle bruschetta – there’s plenty to whet the appetite of non-vegetarians, pescatarians and vegetarians alike.
Baked in Goa, Candolim & Anjuna
Located in one of Goa’s most overhyped tourist destinations, Baked in Goa has remained a local secret for 4 years and counting. This open-air pizza joint, tucked away in the backyard of the proprietor’s house is refreshingly different from the other restaurants in its neighbourhood of Calangute. Pop in for some real good wood-fired pizzas, beautifully done pasta, and their crowd-favourite, BBQ chicken wings.
Baked in Goa is the kind of place that becomes your after-work hangout spot… an unpretentious place to while away an evening and for when you’re craving some carbs. P.S. It is owned and operated by Goans, so my #supportlocal fam, you know what to do ♥️ They also have an outlet in Anjuna, right beside Cream Choc, but the one that’s off-the-grid in Calangute is where it’s at!
Thyme & Ash, Anjuna
Located on the top floor of The Westin Hotel in Anjuna, Thyme & Ash, a fine-dine restaurant has had me floored from the first time I walked in. Only open for evening service, this restaurant has a menu that features a breathtaking assortment of artfully composed plates, and the attentive service elevates the experience even further. An excellent option for a special occasion and a must-do for food connoisseurs visiting Goa. I visited this restaurant with my brother, who is an even harsher food critic than I am and he was so delighted by the absolutely perfect pizza here – and it was indeed, masterful.
Davide’s Pizzeria, Siolim
Davide’s Pizzeria was once my go-to place for pizzas when they were based in Sinquerim, but now that they’ve moved further away to Siolim, it’s hard to get my fill of their scrumptious pizzas. The food at this couple-run establishment packs a punch and the quality of ingredients used shines through in every bite. Try the meatballs, the calzone, the pizzas and Davide’s family recipe for Tiramisu – it will spoil you for life.
Qlay, Assagao
This contemporary Mediterranean grill and bar is calm, elegant and literally shielded from the outside world…tucked away under a magnificent Banyan tree. Qlay has a refreshing take on Mediterranean food, and every plate served is thoughtfully executed. Take a seat in their expansive courtyard and enjoy the fresh air, sunshine and their many delectable delights and superb drinks. Although they only have a handful of pizza options, I bet you will enjoy the wood-fired pizza here.
Melt Pizzabar, Vagator
I’ve been to Melt Pizzabar twice with friends, and while I thought it was one of the best back then, many new and better establishments have since opened up. A hidden gem, this garden restaurant is located in the backyard of a house and lays low for the most part, without much social media presence or marketing gimmicks to tempt customers and create a buzz. Last I checked, Melt Pizzabar was keeping things fresh and organic by getting fresh cheese from a local supplier, and leafy veggies from their own garden. If you’re in the area, try their woodfired pizzas and cocktails.
Picolla Roma, Vagator
I checked out Piccola Roma in Vagator with the family after eating my way through all the pizza joints around my house, and it was sooo good to indulge in that cheesy goodness! I overdosed on cheese with a Margherita Pizza and a Quattro Formaggi (my favourite!) and guysss it was *chef kiss emoji*! They have two options of bases – the .00 and the Ragi base, with the .00 being better in my opinion. One of the owners suggested I go for the Crostini Di Mare, which is basically slices of Italian bread with various seafood toppings – Tuna Mayonnaise; Marinated anchovies, and Scoglio sauce. I actually quite liked it and ordinarily would have never ordered it on my own.
Tuscany Gardens, Candolim
If you’re looking for a quiet evening, enjoying pizza by candlelight, this restaurant in Candolim is right up your alley. Tuscany Gardens is a popular choice for an evening meal by European tourists living along the beach belt, and while the massive sizes of pizza served here are still unmatched by any other restaurant, the carbonara was noteworthy, too.
Villa Nova, Nagoa
It has been a long time since I last visited Villa Nova in Nagoa or ordered a home delivery, but the last time I went, the pizza was memorable – light, airy, and with good-quality pepperoni. If you’ve been there lately, comment below and let me know how the pizza was until I make my way there again and update this list.
Goodfellas Italian Restaurant, Benaulim
If you’re a pizza aficionado or even just a #GoanFoodie, you’ve probably heard of this restaurant and the epic pizzas they serve. Upon the server’s recommendation, I tried the ‘Goodfelllas’ Pizza (mozzarella, jalapeño, chicken, spicy salami, garlic) and ‘Italia’ (cherry tomatoes, spinach, ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella). The chef jumps into action in the open kitchen and you can watch as he deftly crafts your pizza before sliding it into the wood-fired oven. I was surprised at how fast the pizzas came to the table.
Airy, delicate crusts, deceptively fragile as you grab a slice smothered with toppings, the cheese still bubbling on top… mmmmm! I also tried the Alla Norma (bruschetta topped with smoked aubergine cream, feta, and tomato confit, topped with crispy aubergine) as well as the focaccia topped with cherry tomatoes. The dessert was a pleasant surprise and I didn’t expect it to be as good as it was. I’ve even featured it on my list of Goa’s best desserts. Goodfellas is definitely the reigning champion of ‘best pizzas in Goa’ in my books.
The Second House, Saligao
The Second House is a fairly new restaurant that exudes beauty, cheer and art. The sun-lit, glass-house-like space that’s shrouded by plants gives you a beautiful indoor-meets-outdoor feel, while the moody indoor section in this restored Goan home is warm, homely and peppered with curious pieces of art. The menu is just as whacky with interesting (and absolutely yummy) Small Plates and a small selection of main courses. While they only have 2-3 pizzas, the pepperoni pizza is bursting with umami goodness and is one I’d definitely order several times over. Pity they don’t do home deliveries.
Casanoni Trattoria, Panjim
You’ve got to try Casanoni Trattoria’s Pizza! The name translates to “grandmother’s house restaurant,” which sets the stage for an authentic and homely dining experience. The best part about Italian cuisine is that it lets the flavors of the ingredients truly shine, and Casanoni Trattoria embraces this philosophy to the T. Their pizzas are made from scratch right before your eyes in the open kitchen on the second floor, filling the air with a mouthwatering aroma.
I recently had the pleasure of trying their Pizza Bianca, topped with butternut squash and truffle. The soft and pillowy crust combined with the fresh flavors made it one of my top picks for pizza. I’m already planning my next visit to sample their parma ham pizza. Just keep in mind that, given the high-quality ingredients used, the prices may be considered slightly high by some.
Who doesn’t love pizza, amirite? Let me know your go-to spot for the best slices in town and I’ll be sure to check them out + add them to the list.
