The best seafood thalis in Goa

The new Sangolda outpost of the beloved Spice Goa combines polished interiors and open-air dining with the same family-style cooking that made the restaurant a Goan favourite for over 25 years, proving that the humble thali can be elegant without losing its heart. What you get on your plate is a rawa-fried chonak, prawn curry, clams, kismoor, seasonal vegetables, kokum kadhi, and dessert of the day – all delicious and perfectly executed. The Chonak Thali – the only one they serve, is best paired with cocktails made with local ingredients. 

Time Out tip: Don’t confuse Spice Goa with Goan Spice! They’re two totally separate restaurants. 

Price: ₹600-900 for two.

Timings: Daily. 12 noon- 4.45pm and 7pm-11.45pm.

Address: Mae-De-Deus, H. No 103, Waddo, Sangolda, 403511

Bombil is bold and bright and full of swagger – it brings contemporary energy to the traditional Goan thali without ever compromising on flavour. The Pischef Thali, in particular, shows you the very best of Goa’s catch, with korbot (crab) curry, bangda (mackerel) fry, tisryo (clams) sukhe, galmo (prawn) chops, dry bombil salad, house-made pickles, sol kadi, and sheera to finish. It’s indulgent, joyful, and unlimited. If you’re looking to add to the thali, the item to order, without a doubt, is the Goan choriz pulao. 

Time Out tip: The best time to catch a seat is right when they open for lunch. And something else outside the thali menu that deserves your attention is the house brinjal pickle – you can buy some to take home too. 

Price: ₹700-1,000 for two.

Timings: Daily. 12 noon-4.30pm and 7.30pm-10pm on weekdays , 12 noon-5pm on weekends.

Address: Shops 20 & 23, Gurudutta Apartments, Opp. Don Bosco School, Panjim, 403001

Sai, a tiny village eatery with a steadfastly loyal following, is the kind of place you learn about through whispered recommendations and then guard as your own secret. It may look modest from the outside, but the crowd waiting for a table tells you everything you need to know. The fragrant fish head curry, perfectly crisp rava-fried Chonak (Barramundi), and soft Goan rice bring the sort of warmth and flavour only a family kitchen could. Don’t miss the prawn rava fry either. 

Inside, the TV inside plays exclusively South Indian dubbed action films, and the energy feels delightfully communal – a fact made even more enjoyable by the fact that the clientele varies widely between fishermen and artists. 

Time Out tip: Go early. The place is small and fills up fast. 

Price: ₹500-700 for two.

Timings: Tue-Sun. Closed Monday. 11.30am-3pm and 7pm-11pm.

Address: Near Church Cuxenwaddo, Corjuem (Aldona), Bardez, 403508

A quiet neighbourhood favourite, Sanil is one of those places all Goans have known about, it seems, since they came out of the womb. The place is rustic, and the thali is straightforward and deeply comforting. It includes a well-spiced fish curry, crisp fried fish, local veggies and rice that taste like they came straight from a grandmother’s pot. One of their best dishes off the thali menu has to be the Squid Masala Fry. The entire meal is absolutely no-frills, because their loyal clientele have known for years it’s honest Goan food done right. 

Time Out tip: Order a Squid Masala Fry on the side. Parking is tight. No reservations.

Price: ₹400-600 for two.

Timings: Tue-Sun. Closed Monday. 12.30pm-3.30pm and 7pm-11pm.

Address: Behind Bakers Street, Chogm Road, Pilerne, Alto-Porvorim, Goa 403521

Tukaram is loved for one reason: it’s honest, straightforward food that never needs to prove itself. This family-run Karaswada favourite buzzes with locals at lunchtime, all here for a hearty thali at a fair price. Though it’s spread across two floors, you will most likely encounter a wait before being seated, but it’s most definitely worth every minute. The thali is especially distinctive since they also serve a fried chicken and chicken curry dish alongside the fish. But the rava-fried fish here may well be the best you’ll find anywhere in Goa.

Time Out tip: Parking is generous here, which is rare for thali joints. Also be prepared for slightly slow service during peak lunch hours. 

Price: ₹500-700 for two.

Timings: Daily. 12pm-4pm and 7.30pm-10pm.

Address: Yash Moulds, Karaswada, Tivim Industrial Estate, Mapusa, Goa 403526

Here’s another example that the traditional warmth of a seafood thali doesn’t necessarily lose its charm when presented with modern polish. Peep is a family-run favourite – busy, consistently reliable, and serving thalis that feel refined but homely. The thali features prawn hooman (a kind of curry), tisriyo (clams with coconut), kismoor (dried prawns), solkadhi, vegetables, pickle, rice, curry, and fried fish. The portions are generously doled out but still balanced and deeply satisfying. The vegetarian thali is equally elaborate. 

Time Out tip: Since their portions are sizable, you can comfortably skip on ordering additional side dishes. 

Price: ₹800-1,000 for two.

Timings: Tue-Sun. Closed Monday. 12 noon-3pm and 7pm-11pm.

Address: Risara Luxury , Ground Floor , Taliegao Market Road , Near Taliegao Near Taliegao Community Centre Taliegao, Panaji, Goa 403002

Café Ritz has set the absolute gold standard for Goan fish thalis since the 1970s – in fact, the original Panjim outpost remains a lunchtime institution, and to this date, it’s always crowded, yet utterly dependable. Their bestselling Bangda (mackerel) thali comes with rice, curry, fried fish, kismoor, crab xacuti, tisryachem sukhem (clams), vegetable gravy, and kokum kadhi. If you’re after a true local meal, this is where the conversation begins – and, where some people are concerned – where it ends. 

Time Out tip: Arrive by noon to beat both the heat and the queue, and don’t forget to ask what their catch of the day is. 

Price: ₹700-900 for two.

Timings:  Daily. 11am-11pm.

Address: Near, Duarte Pacheco Road, Garcia D, Orta Garden, Panaji, Goa 403001