December in Goa is always exciting, but this year feels even more special with so many new restaurants and cafes opening their doors. Each one has its own story, its own charm, and a reason why people are already talking about it. From cosy cafes and sunset-perfect bars to soulful Northeastern kitchens and neighbourhood hangouts, here are all the new restaurants in Goa you should try this December.
New Restaurants In Goa To Check Out This December
1. Soul Chef
Soul Chef has always been that comforting spot you go to when you want food that tastes like it’s cooked with love. After spending a decade in Candolim, the beloved Northeastern restaurant has now reopened with a beautiful, bigger space in Caranzalem. What hasn’t changed is the heart of the place. You still get the same homestyle flavours of Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and beyond. The menu includes familiar favourites like Masor Tenga, Aloo Pitika, Koni Aloo Pitika, and mountain-style momos. But they’ve also added dishes that truly stand out, like the Pork Ribs in Black Sesame, the flavour-packed Naga Pork Curry, and the refreshing Singju salad from Manipur. It’s the kind of place you go once and immediately want to return to.
Where: 19/526/2 Ramnath Prasad Building, Mitra Bazar, Tiswadi, Caranzalem, Panaji, Goa
When: 12 pm – 3:30 pm; 6:30 pm – 10:45 pm
Cost: ₹600 (For two)
2. Istorea
Istorea is one of those places that immediately makes you slow down. Every corner is designed to catch the warm glow of sunset, which means no matter where you sit, golden hour finds you. In the day, it’s calm and breezy, perfect for long coffees and easy lunches. But when the sun starts to sink, the whole space transforms. The food here is elevated but comforting, with Italian, Japanese, and beautiful desserts. Even the cocktails have a way of becoming the centre of the moment. And as night arrives, Istorea turns into an experiential space with Afro, techno, and global music that keeps the energy alive without being overwhelming. With its earthy tones, natural textures, and minimal aesthetic, it feels grounded yet modern.
Where: 224/2, Vagator, Goa
When: 1 pm – 1 am
Cost: ₹1,000 (For two)
3. Solis
Solis is the kind of place you want to spend an entire day without realising how quickly time passed. With open field views, warm tones, and a laid-back vibe, it instantly puts you into susegad mode. Their menu is full of comforting food, featuring Mediterranean, Continental, salads, grills, and some really good pasta, including a signature spaghetti that people are loving already. Whether you come for breakfast, evening cocktails, or just a mood reset, Solis feels like the easiest yes.
Where: Bouta Waddo, Anjuna, Goa
When: 11 am – 11:30 pm
Cost: ₹700 (For two)
4. Freebird Community Bar
Freebird is a breath of fresh air; it’s simple, friendly, and rooted in the idea that a neighbourhood bar should feel like home. Created by the team that shaped some of Bengaluru’s best bars, Freebird brings back the old-school Goan bar culture but with a modern, thoughtful twist. You get great cocktails without complicated menus, honest pricing, and a vibe that makes everyone loosen up instantly. Their Crimson Flame Chicken has already become a favourite. Add to that the gorgeous Moira sunset, lots of seating, and a relaxed atmosphere, and you have a place that’s perfect for everyday hangs. As the name suggests, if you want a place that feels like a community, this is it.
Where: House no, 4, Novo Portugal, Vaddo, Moide, Goa
When: 4 pm – 12 am
Also Read: 13 New Restaurants In Mumbai Serving Theatrical Cocktails, Andhra Flavours, & More This December
5. Prose Patisserie & Café
Prose Patisserie has moved to Arthshila, and the cafe’s new home feels almost like a dream. It is a cosy pastry shop that opens into a lawn where you can actually lay down a blanket and have a picnic. Their menu is simple, with coffee, breakfast, sandwiches, and classic pastries, but everything is done beautifully. Their Basque burnt cheesecake (made with their own house-made cream cheese) is a must-try. The Smoked Caprese sandwich is fresh and filling, and the Salt Coffee is the little treat you didn’t know you needed. Prose is the kind of place where you can bring your laptop, read a book, or simply sit back and enjoy good food made with good ingredients.
Where: 273, Nachinola, Goa
When: 9:30 am – 6:30 pm
Cost: ₹500 (For two)
6. Moira Coffee House
Moira finally has a coffee shop that feels truly special. Moira Coffee House has spent more than ten years developing its house blend, and you can taste that dedication in every sip. Their Vietnamese coffee is excellent and pairs perfectly with their menu of hearty, flavourful dishes. The mortadella sandwich is one of the best you’ll find in Goa, loaded and satisfying. The Gochujang Chicken Sammy is crunchy and addictive, and the chicken pie feels like home. Their desserts are standouts too, especially the Burnt Basque Cheesecake, Miso Brownie, and the delicious Hokkaido Honey & Brown Butter Toast.
Where: House No 590, beside Asha Kiran Attafondem, Bardez, Moide, Goa
When: 10:30 am – 7:30 pm
7. Barzinho
Barzinho is the new neighbourhood bar in Caranzalem, and it already feels like it’s been around for years. Created by the team behind Soul Chef, it’s a relaxed spot for great cocktails, comfort food, and rock music that gives it a fun, old-school bar vibe. Their menu is full of hits: the Breakfast Martini, the crispy bait fish, the indulgent prawn toast sandwich, and the flavour-packed Nargisi Kebab, which is easily one of their signature dishes. The Barzinho Fried Chicken comes with an Assamese spice kick that makes it perfect with a drink. It’s a fuss-free, friendly gastropub where the food is bold but the vibe stays easy.
Where: La Campala Colony, Miramar, Panaji, Goa
When: 12 pm – 3:30 pm; 6 pm – 11 pm
8. SLURR
SLURR has taken over the old Casa Lusitana space in Fontainhas and turned it into a lively bar with big windows, warm lights, and a fun, laid-back atmosphere. It’s run by a brother-sister duo, and you immediately feel that personal touch in the service and menu. The drinks are classic, well-priced, and made well. The music is upbeat enough to make it feel like the night is beginning but not too loud to overpower conversations. If you’re in Fontainhas and want a charming little bar to start your evening, SLURR is exactly that.
Where: no. 1, St. Tome House, 161, Rua 31 de Janeiro, Altinho, Panaji, Goa
When: 1 pm – 11 pm
These amazing new restaurants are sure to take the dining scene in Goa up a notch this December!
Cover Image Courtesy: Soul Chef/Instagram and Freebird Community Bar/Instagram
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