8 Must-visit cafes in Assagao, Goa for food lovers

Have you ever come across a charming little cafe tucked away in the lanes of a quaint Goan village and found yourself transported to foodie heaven? If not, you are seriously missing out!

Assagao, a pristine village in North Goa, has become the hottest new hub for cafe culture with the most delightful mix of homestyle meals, artisanal coffee and baked treats. Its old Portuguese houses, tree-lined streets and laid back vibe provide the perfect escapist backdrop for indulging in incredible food and drinks.

From all-day breakfast havens to bakeries with heavenly confections, bistros dishing out global flavours, and even fine dining restaurants, Assagao spoils you for choice.

So don't wait, head to these 8 must-visit cafes in Assagao the next time you are in North Goa for some of the best meals of your life. We promise these charming cafes will delight your taste buds and leave you reminiscing about them long after you leave!

1. Jack Fruit Tree Cafe & Tavern

Located near the iconic St. Cajetan Church, Jack Fruit Tree Cafe & Tavern is a must-visit for those who love good food paired with drinks in a cosy ambiance. The cafe has an extensive menu serving toothsome Indian and international fare. Their chicken club sandwiches, fried fish, pork sorpotel and chilli beef steak are highly recommended. Satisfy your sweet tooth with their decadent pancakes, brownies and mint chocolate pastry.

To complement the food, the cafe offers a fine selection of beers, wines and inventive cocktails like cucumber cooler and orange spice. Coffee lovers can enjoy smooth lattes, cappuccinos, frappes and iced coffees. With friendly staff and reasonable prices, Jack Fruit Tree Cafe guarantees a delightful dining experience. The warm, woody interiors and alfresco seating make it a great spot for both family meals and romantic dinners.

• Cost for two: 800 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 8:30 pm
• Drive time from The Bam Hotel, Assagao: 12 minutes (3.2 km)

Jack Fruit Tree Cafe & Tavern | Credits : Jackfruittree Cafe & Tavern, Instagram

2. G-Shot Coffee Roastery & Cafe

For those who seek good coffee and continental fare, G-Shot Coffee Roastery & Cafe is a perfect stop. The German owners bring their passion for coffee to this charming cafe through an extensive coffee menu prepared with house-roasted beans. Do check out their cheese and ham sandwiches, all-day breakfasts, and smoked salmon bagels. Indulge in freshly baked goodies like blueberry cheesecake, chocolate chip cookies and cinnamon buns.

To drink, they offer exceptional espresso-based coffee like cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites; as well as French press and pour over coffee. Besides coffee, they also serve refreshing fruit smoothies, ice teas, milkshakes and chilled beer. The laidback decor with upcycled furniture, forest green walls and outdoor seating give the cafe an earthy character. Excellent service and reasonable pricing make G-Shot a key stopover in Assagao.

• Cost for two: 1300 INR
• Timings: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
• Drive time from The Bam Hotel, Assagao: 9 minutes (2.4 km)

G-Shot Coffee Roastery & Cafe | Credits : otherworlds, Instagram

3. Cafe Cotinga

For a taste of continental cuisine with global accents, head to Cafe Cotinga. Their menu brings together flavours from India, Italy and Mexico through dishes like butter chicken lasagna, prawn tempura tacos, vegetable au gratin pizza and more. Pair these fusion dishes with the cafe's decadent desserts like blueberry cheesecake, banoffee pie and chocolate lava cake. Complement your meal with a glass of Sangria, Mojito or fresh fruit juice.

The quirky decor featuring vibrant wall art and mismatched furniture exudes quaint charm. Cafe Cotinga also has a special kids' menu and play area making it family-friendly. Excellent service and reasonable prices add to the cafe's appeal.

• Cost for two: 1800 INR
• Timings: 8:00 am to 4:00 am
• Drive time from The Bam Hotel, Assagao: 8 minutes (3.1 km)

Cafe Cotinga | Credits: Cafe Cotinga Goa, Instagram

4. Mustard Cafe

One of Assagao's most popular breakfast and brunch places, Mustard Cafe charms with its retro-chic decor and scrumptious food. Their all-day breakfast menu includes options like Eggs Benedict, masala omelette, waffles and pancakes which pair perfectly with the cafe's artisanal coffee. Come lunchtime, try out Mustard's excellent prawn cutlets, roast chicken salad, and beef and ale pie served with mashed potatoes. Save room for their inventive desserts like fruitcake shots and ice cream sandwiches.

The quirky interiors featuring mustard-hued furniture, vintage posters and wall quotes give this cafe tons of character. And with its excellent service, reasonable prices and outdoor seating, Mustard Cafe undoubtedly deserves a visit.

• Cost for two: 1900 INR
• Timings: 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
• Drive time from The Bam Hotel, Assagao: 13 minutes (5.6 km)

Mustard Cafe | Credits: Mustard Cafe Goa, Instagram

5. Kefi - A Lebanese Café and Bistro

For an authentic taste of the Middle East, visit Kefi, a charming Lebanese cafe in Assagao. Start your meal with their creamy hummus, baba ganoush and falafel served with pita bread. For mains, try their juicy shawarmas loaded with meat, fries and pickles. Other highlights include pilaf, fattoush salad and carrot soup. Round off your meal on a sweet note with their kunafa and baklava.

Kefi also offers unique beverages like Moroccan mint tea, Arabic coffee and refreshing lemonade. The cosy interiors with lantern lighting and patterned cushions exude an exotic vibe. With excellent service and delicious Lebanese fare, Kefi is a must-visit in Assagao.

• Cost for two: 500 INR
• Timings: Open 24 hours
• Drive time from The Bam Hotel, Assagao: 9 minutes (3.4 km)

Kefi Cafe and Bistro | Credits: Kefi Cafe and Bistro, Instagram

6. Sabor Cafe

Just a 4 minutes short walk from St. Cajetan's Church lies Sabor Cafe - a charming French-style cafe serving wholesome food in a relaxing alfresco setting. Their menu features soups, salads, sandwiches, waffles and more. Try their specialty chicken wings marinated in peri peri sauce, prawn cutlet baguettes and beef pepper fry. For a sweet ending, order the churros with chocolate sauce or a slice of their freshly baked fruitcake. Sip on aromatic coffee or refreshing fruit juices as you take in the laid back ambiance.

With its stone and wood decor, plants and greenery, Sabor Cafe provides a peaceful spot for conversations over delightful French fare. The warm service and reasonable prices make it a great option for both solo diners and groups.

• Cost for two: 950 INR
• Timings: 9:30 am to 7:00 pm
• Drive time from The Bam Hotel, Assagao: 11 minutes (4.5 km)

Sabor Cafe | Credits: Sabor Cafe Goa, Instagram

7. Babka Goa

At Babka Goa, step into a wonderland for bread and coffee lovers. Their glass display counters are lined with freshly baked croissants, cakes, tarts, cookies and more. Savour their chocolate babka, a decadent swirl of chocolate in rich brioche-like dough. Pair the baked goodies with artisanal coffee crafted from Columbian and Ethiopian beans. Coffee purists will love their Chemex and Cold Brew coffee. For something different, try their coffee cocktails like Irish Coffee and Coffee Negroni.

The minimalist decor with exposed brick walls, wooden furniture and accent greenery give Babka a contemporary yet cosy feel. With exemplary bakery items and coffee, Babka Goa is a must-visit in Assagao.

• Cost for two: 850 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 6:30 pm
• Drive time from The Bam Hotel, Assagao: 7 minutes (2.8 km)

Babka Goa | Credits: Babka Goa, Instagram

8. Baba Au Rhum

Tucked away in Anjuna lies Baba Au Rhum, a French-inspired cafe serving delectable European fare. The laidback decor with cushions and low seating gives it a casual vibe. Start your meal with their Belgian waffles or crepes topped with fresh fruit, chocolate sauce and whipped cream. For mains, dig into their stone-baked pizzas, pastas, risottos and salads. Save room for their divine tiramisu and chocolate mousse.

Baba Au Rhum also offers a fine selection of beers, wines and sangrias like watermelon and pomegranate to perfectly complement the food. With its cosy ambiance, attentive service and delightful European fare, Baba Au Rhum makes for an unforgettable dining experience.

• Cost for two: 1200 INR
• Timings: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm & then reopens at 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm
• Drive time from The Bam Hotel, Assagao: 4 minutes (1.1 km)

Baba Au Rhum | Credits: Baba Au Rhum Cafe, Instagram

Conclusion

After a day of cafe-hopping and indulging in Assagao's delectable treats, unwind at Bam Goa, Assagao - the newest addition to Bam Stays. Located in the heart of Assagao, this hotel would offer upscale amenities including a pool table room, café, infinity pool, and bar. Just 5 minutes from Vagator Beach, it's the ideal escape for a refined yet relaxed stay. Experience smart living with Bam stays and check out the digital concierge app, Glu, which ensures a seamless and convenient stay. Unwind with a drink at the bar connected to the infinity pool, and soak up breathtaking sunsets.

Discover the unique charm of Assagao, known for its lush greenery, alternative lifestyle, flea markets, and rich cultural heritage.