![Goa offers a plethora of open-air restaurants for your winter weekends. Image Maai, Goa](http://media.assettype.com/outlooktraveller%2Fimport%2Foutlooktraveller%2Fpublic%2Fuploads%2Farticles%2Fexplore%2FMaai-1.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
An F&B capital in its own right, Goa has undoubtedly joined the list of places with stunning nightlife and figuring out where to eat in this coastal state can be a challenge for the best of us. While winter refuses to touch this sunny state, this season is the perfect time to get your favourite drink and sit at one of these stunning restaurants that offer an excellent al-fresco dining experience under the stars. With cosy outdoor spots providing stellar food and local brews, enjoy an evening at these intimate eateries in Goa
Maai
Inspired by the Portuguese time and age, Maai offers an eclectic mix of good food and a hipster crowd of youngsters willing to let their hair down. Founded by Ranbir Nagpal, Atul Chopra, Gurmeet Singh Arora and Columbus Marquis and located in Assagao, Maai's interior boasts a vernacular design style mixed with traditional architecture and has been built using sustainable materials. With wooden accents around the place, marked by vibrant yellow walls, Maai puts an authentic pub-grub experience on the platter. Even most of the furniture in the restaurant has been up-cycled from various available products instead of purchasing everything new. Their specials include avocado hummus wrap and the chef's special seafood broth.
Address H.No 491, Bouta Waddo, Assagao, Goa 403507
Olive Bar and Kitchen
"Stroll down to the beach for a quick dip while the kitchen puts together a delicious gourmet cafe meal inspired by local produce, fresh seafood, and the land. The gorgeous view of the Arabian Sea comes for free," claims Olive's website and rightly so. With a pristine view of the choppy Vagator beach, Olive Goa's al-fresco seating is plush no wonder it's a popular spot for travellers looking to unwind with good food. Living up to its reputation, this restaurant will make you want to put up your feet and sway to good ol' jazz music as the sun goes down.
Address Unit 1, Vagator Helipad Big Vagator, Anjuna, Goa
Yazu
Located right by the sea, you're in for a genuinely indulgent treat here at Yazu, where you can indulge all your senses. Take a break from Goan food and head to this pan-Asian restaurant. Enjoy a warm tipple as the sun goes down on the beach club, surrounded by a calming sea breeze and swaying postcard palm trees.
Address Marquis Beach Resort Dando, Dando, Candolim, Goa
Purple Martini
With chic Mediterranean interiors that transport you to Santorini, this seaside restaurant offers you front-row seats to gorgeous sunsets in Goa. Located atop a cliff, the 180-degree views from its al-fresco space go perfectly with the restaurant's diverse range of cuisines. Whether it's Asian, continental or even Italian, take your pick. Save some room, for Purple Martini will get you buzzing with its vast array of exotic cocktails.
Address Poonam Resort Road St. Anthony Praise Vaddo, Anjuna, Goa
Elephant & Co
The rustic beachy vibe is a staple of most Goa restaurants. ECO takes it a notch higher with its long curvy bar that reminds you of the tiki bars on the beach. Experimental and quirky in equal measure, this restaurant, with a kitchen and bakery, is designed in a classic carob brown with wooden detailing to keep the timelessness intact. The kitchen and the bakery facade sit as a fine piece of art, with the outdoor landscape offering a stunning view with beautiful wooden timeless benches. Head here for incredible live music performances in the evening.
Address House no. 1049/2, Survey no. 16/1 Grand Pedder Field, Peddem, Goa
Riverside
Set on an open-air terrace with unfettered views of the calming Sal River, the Riverside outlet at St Regis in Goa offers an interpretation of modern Italian cuisine through signature dishes that can be beautifully paired with fine wine. Riverside showcases deep nuances of the finest sourced ingredients, elevated by local seafood and handcrafted cocktails.
Address Mobor, Cavelossim, Goa