Located in Panjim, the colourful Latin Quarter, also known as Fontainhas, has some of Goa&rsquos best eateries and bars. From an old-school bakery that can transport you back to the old times to local, tiny taverns where everybody who walks in gets handed a rose, there&rsquos so much to explore for foodies in this little but centuries-old locality that it&rsquos not to realise when the day passes by.
If you find yourself roaming about the history-soaked streets, where Goa&rsquos Portuguese heritage comes through the bright facade of each building, here&rsquos a guide to a full day of eating around.
Early Breakfast At Confeitaria 31 De Janeiro
Before you begin exploring the vibrant streets, start your day early with some delicious old-school cakes from this little Goan-Portuguese bakery that has been around since 1930. The bakery dishes out freshly baked quiches, loaves of bread, cookies, and dry cakes every day from its wood-fired oven. Their moist and creamy Swiss rolls have a separate fanbase altogether.
Address Corte De Oiterio, Rua 31 de Janeiro, behind Mary Immaculate Girls School, Fontainhas, Altinho, Panaji
The best way to fuel yourself for the rest of the day when you&rsquore in Goa is to grab a few drinks with delicious food. Antonio@31 is just the right place for that It&rsquos a small neighbourhood tapas bar known for serving Goan small plates with punchy cocktails, their trippy playlist and the best vibes around. You must try the feni mule and bimbli gin sour from their bar menu.
Address H 4, Elite Building, 31st January Road, Tiswadi, Panaji
For a traditional Konkani meal, make your way to Kokni Kanteen. It&rsquos a small but busy restaurant, so make sure to head there well before they bring the shutters down to close for lunch. Once you&rsquove been lucky to find a table, skip the tyranny of figuring out what to order from their lengthy menu and order the non-veg thali and sol kadi. The thali comes with all the traditional, homespun curries and gravy, fish fry and a heap of white rice. It&rsquos the kind of meal that makes you want to nap afterwards, but carry on, for there&rsquos another exciting evening ahead.
Address Dr Dada Vaidya Rd, Near Mahalaxmi Temple, Altinho, Panaji
Drinks At Joseph&rsquos Bar
A trip to Fontainhas is incomplete without ending the night at Joseph&rsquos Bar&ndashthe unassuming, hole-in-the-wall, local bar brimming with conversations, laughter and &lsquo80s beats. With just a few tables outside and several cramped inside the two-room space, it may be difficult to find a table if you reach after 7. But it&rsquos worth the wait, especially for their iconic drink made with feni, rose syrup, and lime juice&ndashTambda Rosa.
Address Gomes Pereira Road, Altinho, Panaji