Goa is one of India’s most diverse states when it comes to tourism. It’s known for its rich culture, irresistible cuisine, and good strength of sandy beaches. Added to that, Goa is known for its love for music and dance as well. Just ask any Goenkar about their favorite Konkani tune and they’ll hum it for you straight away.
That same love for music is shared between the restaurants and cafés in Goa. And if you are looking for places where you can dine while enjoying some live music in the background, then read our article on some of the best restaurants and cafés in Goa with live music.
If you are looking for a place to enjoy that cool Goan vibe that everyone talks about, then you should visit Cantare. Its rustic ambiance will certainly take you back in time to the Portuguese era, making the vibe of the place charming and adorable. Its interiors have warm shades of brown and cream, nothing too flashy on the eyes, making it ideal for you to enjoy a warm dinner with your loved one.
Cantare is a double-story wooden house that’s converted into a restaurant. It’s a family-run business in which the members have retained the vintage look of the place and didn’t add much infrastructure to make it contemporary. That’s why when you enter the restaurant, the place feels more like home than just a place where you go for dinner. Being here is an experience altogether. On the plus side, Cantare is located in the interior of Saligao, so you are far away from the chaotic traffic noise that disrupts a peaceful evening.
When it comes to its food, Cantare serves a whole list of scrumptious delicacies. While their intercontinental menu is a real treat, Cantare is proudly known for its Goan food. From the traditional Goan sausage pulao to calamari dipped in Goan masala, their range of Goan food is impeccable.
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It would be incomplete to not talk about the live music reverberating the ancient walls of Cantare. Nearly every night is live music night in this restaurant. Mondays and Fridays are most known for jazz performances, while blues and funk nights are done on Thursdays. Looking for a chill place to unwind? Then add Cantare to your list of must-visit restaurants in Goa.
Address: 7/72 B, Cruz Vaddo, Saligao, Goa 403511.
Price Approximation: INR 800 for two people.
Ideal For: Couples, singles, and families.
Must-Try: Beef roast, Goan sausage pulau, and chicken cafreal.
Timings: 6 pm - 1 am.
Also read: 7 Best Rooftop Restaurants And Cafes In Pune.
Located in the interior region of Vagator, Hideaway Café and Bar is known for its serene and aesthetic vibe that anyone can unwind. Surrounded by a gamut of palm trees and well-trimmed lawns, having breakfast in this café will help you put all your worries aside. Among the greenery, you will find yourself leaning toward the bookshelf overflowing with all kinds of literature. Pick a book, read a story, and indulge in the nature that’s around you.
Hideaway was started by 3 ambitious men who share the same love for food and music. Weekly gigs are hosted in this performance space where local and international artists come together to strum a few tunes. While the ambiance is filled with those sweet notes, don’t forget to grab a drink or two and sway to the divine rhythm.
While live gigs are Hideaway’s strong offering, its food is also equally as important to enjoy. Their menu sports a wide range of desserts, burgers, kinds of pasta, salads, and tacos. If you are looking for that Goan flare in their menu, you should unhesitantly try out their Viva Goa taco, recheado fish sticks, and chorizo nachos.
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Address: H. No. 622, Near Julie Jolie Rest, Vagator, Goa 403509.
Price Approximation: INR 900 for two people.
Ideal For: Couples and families.
Must-Try: Seared fish steak with creamy sansav, crispy chicken burger, and viva Goa taco.
Timings: Breakfast/lunch: 12–4:30 pm, Drinks: 7 pm–12:30 am, Tuesdays closed.
Also read: 7 Best Restaurants And Cafes In Srinagar With A View.
Located in the heart of Morjim, the Rice Mill is known for its bright yellow exteriors and long teal windows that make it distinguishable from the other properties in the surrounding area. The property is also surrounded by a bit of greenery, all thanks to the many potted plants covering the area, which means you have an option to enjoy the outdoors of the Rice Mill while having a cup of coffee.
The interiors of the Rice Mill give off a more grunge vibe, which compliments the hint of green this property has. The large brick walls on the side adorned with cute portraits add more to the grunginess of the café and the soothing warm lamps falling from the ceiling make the property feel warm and fuzzy. When it comes to its cuisine, Rice Mill likes to make things simple. They have good breakfast and dessert options and also a decent range of vegetarian dishes.
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But when it comes to live performances, the Rice Mill makes it a point to host a musical event at least once a week. Saturdays are jazz nights in the Rice Mill as local and international musicians come together to create musical magic. Those are the times the café is the fullest as it's bustling with visitors breaking a leg to some jazz tunes. If you are social and outgoing, jazz nights at the Rice Mill are meant for you.
Address: H. No. 384, Varchawada, near Bank of Baroda, Morjim, Goa 403512.
Price Approximation: INR 800 for two people.
Ideal For: Couples and singles.
Must-Try: Goan breakfast, local kidney bean curry, and grilled eggplant poi.
Timings: 9 am–6 pm, Tuesdays closed.
Also read: 10 Best Restaurants In Kolkata For Families.
Cohiba is one of North Goa’s most bustling places to be in and knows how to get a party started. It is also the most recognizable place when it comes to live music because of the number of bands it hosts. Some of them are A26, The Screaming Lollipops, and Black, which are bound to make your feet tap to the rhythm.
Other main music events you should watch out for are Retro Saturdays, Reggae Fridays, and Superstar Wednesday, a special event where you get an opportunity to sing with the band! So, if you have your X-Factor wishes unfulfilled, Superstar Wednesday now gives you a shot.
The property has two main parts. The first part is where the stage and bar are situated and the other is where the restaurant is. The main hall where the stage has a plethora of bar stools and bar tables is suited enough for someone to enjoy a drink while listening to the band. With the area decked with portraits of music legends, it keeps up the music spirit that Cohiba pushes for. The other part of the property is more preferred for fine dining and enjoying the ambiance of Cohiba.
Address: Aguada - Siolim Rd, Sinqurim, Aguada Fort Area, Candolim, Goa 403515.
Price Approximation: INR 1,500 for two people.
Ideal For: Couples and families.
Must-Try: Xacuti, vindaloo, and mutton sheekh kebab.
Timings: 6 pm–2 am.
Also read: Best Restaurants And Cafes In Delhi With Outdoor Seating.
With its roots digging back to 1967, Guru Bar & Restaurant is one of Goa’s oldest restaurants that has stood the test of time. Just facing the beachfront, Guru is the place for Anjuna’s live music scene. There is no limit to what is being played here in this restaurant. Blues, psychedelic rock, funk, Indian Carnatic, folk, and soul are just some of the many genres Indian and international artists from far and near play in Guru Bar. And if you like a bit of diversity in the type of music you listen to, then you should check out the live music scene at Guru.
The ambiance of this restaurant is psychedelic and gives out a hippie kind of vibe. You will find many of its walls painted with surreal imagery and high technicolor, making you feel as if you’re in Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze. The roof is made up of well-knit coconut palms which are supported by coconut trees and strong bamboo shoots, making the place feel natural. Adjacent to the restaurant, you will find rows of chairs facing the beach. So, if you ever wanted to sip a drink and enjoy the pulsating beat of the waves, come to Guru Bar & Restaurant.
When it comes to its cuisine, this restaurant has a good choice of dishes. Whether you fancy some Italian, Indian, or Chinese, Guru has the right number of cuisines to satisfy the palate of any hungry traveler. Also, their menu extends to a good variety of Goan dishes as well.
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Address: North Anjuna Beach Road, St Anthony Prais Waddo, Anjuna Bardez Goa, 403509.
Price Approximation: INR 1,000 for two people.
Ideal For: Couples and families.
Must-Try: Thai chicken shashlik, pizza paprika, and alla carbonara.
Timings: 9 am–11:45 pm.
Also read: 9 Best Restaurants And Cafes In Udaipur With Lake View.
A large green space, secluded location, and quality live music are some of the many ingredients that make a restaurant thrive. And it is safe to say that the Patio at Pizza Delizia has all these ingredients combined to make sure your experience is eventful and memorable. Tucked away from the noise on the Arpora main road, the activity at Patio at Pizza Delizia will be the only bustle you’ll come across.
If you want to learn a bit of dancing, the Patio hosts several dance workshops branded as Latin Tuesdays and Afro Latin Affair Thursdays. So grab your partner along and dance the night away! Saturdays are meant for jazz performances performed by many jazz ensembles across Goa. They are a bit mellow and are ideal to unwind after a long day of touring.
Apart from usual jazz events, Starry Saturdays is another event that happens where live bands such as Rags2Riches play more upbeat music. If you think you have what it takes to sing to an audience, Wednesdays are karaoke nights at the Patio.
Where its food is concerned, the Patio’s main strengths lie in its Mexican, Italian, and European cuisines. With a wide range of burgers, pizzas, and salads, this restaurant knows how to tantalize your taste buds.
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Address: Maina Bhatti, Arpora, Goa 403516.
Price Approximation: INR 800 for two people.
Ideal For: Couples and families.
Must-Try: Smokey chicken Mexican thali, chicken & spring onion burger, and Mexican salad bowl with aubergine.
Timings: 9:30am–12:30am, Thursdays: 9:30am–2am.
Also read:10 Iconic Restaurants In Mumbai.
Summing Up
Goa is a great destination to vacay in since it has so much to offer. From parties on sandy beaches to excursions to historic monuments, this tropical paradise has ample activities to cater to the various moods of a traveler. Don't forget its vibrant live music scene! Now you know some of the best restaurants and cafés in Goa with live music. So go ahead, select your preferred café or restaurant, and relish your meal while you listen to some peppy tunes.
What Are Some of the Best Restaurants And Cafés In Goa With Live Music?
Some best restaurants and cafés in Goa with live music are Cantare, Hideaway Café and Bar, The Rice Mill, Cohiba Bar & Kitchen, Guru Bar & Restaurant, and The Patio at Pizza Delizia.
What Food Is Famous In Goa?
Apart from its beaches and active nightlife, Goa is known for its cuisine as well. Some lip-smacking dishes you should try out are pork vindaloo, prawn balchão, Chouris pão, and chicken cafreal.
What Is The Language Of Goa?
Konkani is the state language of Goa. But many locals do converse in English, Hindi, and Marathi too. If you need help with directions, language should not be a barrier in Goa.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Goa?
The ideal time to visit Goa would be between mid-November to mid-February. During that time, the climate is pleasant, the waves are warm, and many seasonal events take place.
How Many Bars Goa Have?
There are over 6000 licensed bars that exists in Goa.
What Is The Beer Price In Goa?
The starting range is from Rs.60 and can go above Rs. 500 depending upon the brand.
What Is The Cost Of Food In Goa?
The cost of the food in Goa starts from Rs. 200 and goes above Rs. 1000 depending on the cuisine you are having.
Which Time Is Best For Goa?
The best time to visit Goa is November to February.
