Goa’s two prominent cities, Panjim and Margao, paint distinctly different pictures. Panjim, with its stunning river views, colorful streets, and upscale restaurants, exudes glamour and sophistication. In contrast, Margao, similar to Mapusa, hums with bustling activity – a world away from the polished exteriors of Panjim that caters to tourists. The gritty, noisy, and dusty façade might initially put you off, but dig a little deeper, and you’ll discover a unique beauty.
Margao’s charming red-roofed houses, vintage signboards, and art-deco buildings stands as a testament to the town’s rich history. Nestled within this unconventional backdrop, you’ll find some fabulous cafes that offer a refreshing escape. As someone who frequents Margao for work, I inevitably end my trips with a delicious meal or a caffeine fix at one of these cafes. Here are a few of my personal favorites.
Top Cafes in Margao
Caravela Cafe
Let’s kick things off with Caravela Cafe, a family-run establishment that has carved out a reputation for brewing the best coffee in Goa. Their signature Latin Quarter single estate coffee is a must-try for any coffee aficionado, and trust me, it’s worth every sip. I toggle between their Cold Coffee, the cappuccino, and the Vietnamese Coffee whenever I visit. Pair those with their delectable all-day breakfast options, Goan snacks like their heavenly rissois, and irresistible desserts, and you’ve got a match made in foodie heaven. Oh, they have a no-laptop policy here. It’s all about soaking in the old-school charm and relishing great food and conversations free from screens, just like their other outlets in Panjim and Candolim.
Cafe Zelo
This petite café offers a diverse menu that caters to almost every breakfast preference, whether you lean towards American classics, English comfort, or the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Start your morning at Cafe Zelo with a hearty selection of classic breakfast favorites or explore their a la carte menu for options like wraps, sandwiches, salads, flatbreads, pasta dishes, and more. Their tacos and chicken wings are delectable and pair perfectly with their charcoal honey lemonade. Their chocolate fudge cake is sinful – It was the only dessert they had left when I visited, everything else was swiped by diners! While the café may be slightly tucked away, ensure you don’t miss out on this culinary gem.
The Goan Kitchen
While not your typical café, The Goan Kitchen offers a unique experience for those craving authentic Goan flavors. Picture yourself sitting on their mezzanine floor, savoring local snacks like pasteis, egg chops, chicken samosas, rissois, pan rolls, and more, that you’ve picked from the display case. Sip on some coffee, kokum soda, or ‘orchata’ (a drink made with almonds and rosewater) as you enjoy Konkani tunes playing in the background and the friendly chatter of customers and staff. It’s an unconventional yet charming spot in Margao. Don’t forget to pick up some pickles, masalas and teatime snacks when you leave.
Fe’s Deli
I stumbled upon Fe’s Deli, a place that serves everything to satisfy your mid-morning hunger pangs to lunch to that sweet hankering in the evening. Located at the side of a building, and without any frontage, it’s easy to miss this tiny spot, but you shouldn’t because the food will surprise you!
While the seating area is cozy, and the seating space has no windows to look out of or views to enjoy, there are books and games to help you while away your time as you wait. The menu is impressive, given the size of the space, and you will find some great burgers made with in-house baked bread, pita pockets, sweet and savoury munchies, cakes, venoisserie and pastries, all-day breakfasts, salads, hot dogs, pizzas, sibs, calzones, shakes – the list goes on! The churros make Fe’s Deli a must on any churro connoisseur’s route. I highly recommend getting a portion or two of those.
More Cafes in Margao
As someone who doesn’t frequent Margao too often, whenever I have the opportunity to visit, I can’t help but head back to my tried-and-true favorites. Since my visits are infrequent, I gravitate towards the comfort and familiarity of the cafes I know and love, which unfortunately leaves little room for me to venture into uncharted culinary territory. It’s a bittersweet cycle that keeps me anchored to the joys of the past, sometimes at the expense of discovering newer cafes. So if you have a nice cafe in Margao to suggest, drop me a comment or DM me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. I’ll be sure to check it out.
If you like cafe-hopping, I’m sure you’ll love coffee and croissants, too! Here’s where you can find the best English breakfasts and some of Goa’s yummiest croissants! Also read about some of Goa’s pet friendly restaurants here.
