Margao is a little quieter city when compared to Panjim. Things however have been perking up in the last decade. One of the newest developments has been the rise of cafes in Margao. I still remember walking through the city as a child.
There were the old favorites. Cafes and restaurants that had stood the test of time and had their patrons who would visit them daily. Today, the cafes are a bit more sophisticated, the food is a little different but the Goan charm persists. Oh and the old school classics still exist.
This article is going to take you through my home town. I will be covering both the old and the new. Trust me. There are options for everyone here!
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Cafes In Margao – Table Of Contents
- Cremeux
- Ceskaz Deli Café
- Mog Cake Shop
- Mon Petit Frere
- Christabel’s Pastelaria
- Razzberry
- La Selle
- Cherry Tomato
- AJs
- Cinnamon
- Donut Affair
- Fes Deli
- Chocolate House
Old School Classics
Bakeries / Cafes In Margao
Top Cafes In Margao
1. Cremeux
Cremeux is one of the popular cafes in Margao.
Timings: Open everyday from 9 am – 10:30 pm
Location: Shop No 3 & 4 Gracias Plaza, Besides police station, Margao, Goa 403601
Cremeux is probably one of the easiest and most accessible cafes in Margao to head to if you are on foot. It is situated right opposite Fatima Convent High School which means everyone heads here whenever they drop or collect their kids. I’ve even seen the kids hang out here because it is a nice safe zone for everyone.
Cremeux has a lovely air conditioned space with a couple seating options. You can choose one of the pastries which is a quick order or you can place an order for a heavier meal. I usually just stop in and out. I find it very convenient since it is very close to home.
Personally, we love their chocolate mousse the best. I also love their cookies and bread. Not too fond of the doughnuts though. For those you just can’t go wrong with the Donut Affair.
2. Ceskaz Deli Café
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 10 pm. Monday closed.
Location: Garden, Roma Apartments, near Spring of Ana Fonte, Pajifond, Margao, Goa 403601
If you love baked goodies and want to head to one of the easily accessible cafes in Margao, I highly recommend Ceskaz Deli Cafe. Located close to BPS club and Anafonte, this ultra cute cafe has some really tasty delicacies. It is usually pretty easy to get parking in the area too which is a really big bonus.
Ceskaz Deli cafe has both an air conditioned indoor seating area and a lovely outdoor seating area. Depending on the time of the day, both are great choices to sit in.
The café has a great selection of sandwiches to indulge in but the best thing on the menu is their profiteroles. These literally melt in your mouth and are without one of my favorites when it comes to this café.
3. Mog Cake Shop
Timings: Open everyday from 9 am to 9 pm.
Location: Colaco Residency, Block B, Rua Custódio de Pinho, Comba, Margao, Goa 403601
My brother has introduced me to some really great places in Goa. One of the first ones that he introduced me to was Mog. It is another one of the cafes in Margao that is very accessible. Every time we visited Confidant, we made sure to stop by and catch a bite here. The kids love it!
What’s popular at Mog? Wel Mog has a variety of baked goods which taste amazing. I particularly like their sandwiches and pastries. The kids are huge fans of their iced tea. Some of the items that always make their way home are their crackers and sea salt bread sticks. The bread sticks were great when the kids were teething too!
4. Mon Petit Frere
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9am – 2:30pm, 3:30 – 7pm, Mondays closed
Location: H no 10/1, 1st Ward, Near Colva Church, Colva, Benaulim, Goa 403708
If you are looking for cafes in Margao with good food and a relatively quiet ambiance then I highly recommend checking out Mon Petit Frere. This cafe is a bit out of the main city and closer to Colva. Make sure you pin the location on Google maps because you can easily miss it.
Mon Petit Frere is a lovely little cafe that has an outdoor seating area. The canopy of trees overhead makes it a lovely place to chill. The downside is that on really hot days, you may not really enjoy sitting here in the afternoon. Late evenings are a no go because of the mosquitos.
The cafe however makes amazing sandwiches. We’ve been here time and again and never been disappointed. The bread is made inhouse and is perfect. In fact, a lot of people place their orders for freshly baked loaves and swing by just for the bread.
If you head here, make sure to try the cheesecake too! Absolutely brilliant!
5. Christabel’s Pastelaria
Christabel’s Pastelaria is one of the best cafes in Margao for comfort meals.
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 9am – 6pm, Sunday closed.
Location: Shop No. S-1, Lea Majestic Building “B Nagmodem, Navelim, Margao, Goa 403707
Another great location that was recommended by my brother. Christabel’s is in Navelim and was easily on our way whenever we headed out to visit friends. It is a small cafe with some really interesting food.
It has an indoor seating area which is air conditioned. A big relief on the hot days in summer. The seating here is limited but we have never had an issue finding ourselves a spot to sit with the kids.
If you head to Christabel’s Pastelaria make sure you try the grilled sandwiches. They are amazing. The food here reminds me of a good home cooked meal. Soul satisfying are probably the words I would use.
The sausage bread is another well loved delicacy from this café. In fact, a number of our friends would put in their requests if they knew we were headed in the general direction.
6. Razzberry
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 10am – 8:30pm, Sunday: 10am – 10pm
Location: Near Navelim church, Navelim, Goa 403707
Razzbery is one of the oldest cafes in Margao. This cafe is known for its amazing faloodas and milkshakes. We stopped by Razzberry recently to give it a try on the way to Quepem and decided to try out some of their sandwiches too.
Shawn had the chicken cafreal sandwich and I ordered the double trouble sandwich. We ordered a dark fantasy shake to wash it down. The sandwiches were delicious.
The cafreal sandwich was definitely the best but that could be a personal preference because we aren’t big fans of mayo.
The shake was great too! It was full of chocolate, loaded with sprinkles and just the way the kids liked it. Next time we head there, we definitely have to try the faloodas.
7. La Selle
Timings: Thursday to Tuesday: 9:30 am to 10:30pm (Tuesday is till 10 pm), Wednesday closed.
Location: La Selle, Saaket Nirvana, Padre Pedru Ferrao Rd, near Magsons, Fatorda, Margao, Goa 403602
La Selle was one of our favorite haunts when we were staying in Goa and it still is one of our top picks when it comes to cafes in Margao. It is a little out of the main city and is close to Fatorda stadium but it is not hard to get to. Parking can be difficult in peak hours but not impossible.
La Selle is incredibly cute. It has an upstairs and downstairs (basement) seating area. We have never had an issue catching a table even when it is busy. The vibe is very laid back.
Where La Selle truly shines is where the food is concerned. They have an amazing selection of continental food. Our top picks at this restaurant are the liver pate (I don’t normally like liver), the chicken wings, the mac and cheese (try it with prawn!) and every single thing on the breakfast menu.
8. Cherry Tomato
Timings: Open every day from 12 pm to 10:30 pm
Location: Rua De Saudades Road, Pajiifond, behind Hosoicio Govt Hospital, Margao, Goa 403601
If you are looking for great burgers in Margao then Cherry Tomato is the place you want to be. It is famous for its large variety of burgers which are HUGE! I cannot manage to eat a whole one by myself.
I remember one time when we visited, we actually deconstructed the burger because our eldest girl wanted to join in and she was barely a year old. Long story short, one burger fed three people. Well… Two and a half if you get what I mean.
This is also a great place if you want to catch a drink and spend time with friends.
9. AJs
AJs is one of the best cafes in Margao if you want a huge burger or chicken wings.
Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm (Sunday it closes at 9 pm), Monday closed.
Location: Kk white House, Near Don Bosco College, Murida Road, Murida, Fatorda, Margao, Goa 403602
If you don’t mind the drive out of the city, you will find that AJs is one of the best cafes in Margao. We’ve been heading to this cafe way back when we were dating and even though they changed its location we still head here everytime we get to.
This is largely because the food is amazing, the vibe is pretty laid back and it is a great place to chat and connect with old friends. Plus, for us there’s history and a sense of nostalgia. If you check out their instagram you will find that they even host events.
If you head here, the top things to try on the menu include the chicken wings and the burgers. They serve some of the best burgers in town. In fact, it was the burgers that hooked our entire gang to this café.
10. Cinnamon
Timings: Open everyday from 7:30 pm to 11 pm. It closes earlier on Thursday and Saturday at 10:30 pm
Location: Benaulim Beach Rd, Benaulim, Goa 403716
Cinnamon is a little away from Margao. It is Benaulim to be precise. The cafe however was one of our favorite haunts because they have a lovely outdoor seating area. This is especially great in the mornings when you want to sit out in the sun. With plenty of foliage around you, it gives you a perfect garden vibe.
This is one of the cafes in Margao that is really great for kids. There is plenty of space for children to walk around, plus our kids loved playing with the cats. Plus it opens early morning which was great for our early risers and it was strategically located that we could stop on our way back from the beach.
The food here is great too. They have two menus. One is a breakfast menu and the other one has more meals in it. The second menu is only available closer to lunch time BUT you can make a request and often they comply.
Our favorite things on the menu were definitely their omelets and pancakes. The breakfast platters were average. The coffee however was great. Plus they have a couple of milkshakes that the kids loved.
11. Donut Affair
The Donut Affair is one of the top cafes in Margao to catch a bite of something sweet.
Timings: Open everyday from 11 am – 8:30 pm, closes late on Sundays at 10:30 pm
Location: Shop no 13, Hema Apartament, near brewbakes, opposite to lifeline pharmacy, Borda, Margao, Goa 403602
The Donut Affair is a doughnut cafe that opened up recently. We’ve, however, been indulging in their delicacies for years now. Previously Donut Affair just had a delivery option. They would deliver your favorite doughnuts right to your doorstep.
They still have their delivery service and are available on Swiggy too. On popular demand they set up a store. Now you don’t have to order in advance. You can just drive up to the store and get your favorite doughnuts hot.
The downside is that they do not have much seating space so people still prefer takeaway. Their doughnuts are so good that people flock to the store. If you have a special order, make sure to call in advance and reserve it to avoid being disappointed.
12. Fes Deli
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 8 am – 9:30 pm, Sunday closed.
Location: PM Dias Residency, Borda, Margao, Goa 403601
Fes Deli was one of my favorite cafes in Margao. It wasn’t one of Shawn’s top picks. He largely attributes my love for this spot to my pregnancy cravings. I still maintain that I love this place because of its comfort food.
Don’t expect to find something ultra funky here. My favorites here are their pizzas and calzones fresh out of the oven, the grilled sandwiches and the milkshakes. The milkshakes and cold coffees are thick and generous. They are perfect for a hot day in Goa.
The seating area is upstairs. It is a small area with about 3 – 4 tables. The most frequent visitors here are the college students who are looking for a good cheap meal. There are even a couple of board games that you can pick to pass your time.
13. Chocolate House
The Chocolate room is another one of the great cafes in Margao.
Timings: Open everyday from 8 am – 12 am
Location: Colva Police Station, Road, next to Borkar Superstores, Colva, Goa 403708
The Chocolate Room was one of the most popular cafes in Margao when it started out. Their specialty was all things chocolate and whatever they made they made really well. They have multiple outlets and we would visit the one near Colva frequently. This one has been renamed Chocolate House.
In fact, the Christening cake of our eldest daughter was ordered from this very cafe and it was executed to perfection. The cafe has a very rustic decor with brick walls, eclectic decor and yellow lights. It does have limited internet accessibility. Luckily they have free wifi in case you want to sit and work.
Top things to try here are their chocolate milkshakes, the cold coffees, the cakes and the pancakes. I must say that after the rebranding their quality has depreciated. They are still good but not as good as they used to be.
Old School Classics
There are a couple of cafes in Margao that are old school classics. Most of them have been around as long as I can remember. In fact, my parents would probably say the same thing. Their quality has stood the test of time and they have their regular clientele that flows in everyday.
Most of them are people who need a quick bite on the way to the office or people who want to take some snacks back home.
14. Café Tato
Timings: Open every day from 7 am to 10 pm.
Location: Apna Bazaar Complex, G-5, V.V. Rd, Margao, Goa 403601
Margao and Cafe Tato go hand in hand. Back in the day, if you were taken out for a treat, you were usually taken to Cafe Tato. It was one of the first cafes in Margao that had air conditioning. That was another popular draw. I still remember when they would charge you more to sit in the AC. Nowadays the menu and the prices are the same irrespective where you sit.
Cafe Tato is famous among the working crowd and people who head to Margao Market for some shopping. It is a great place to stop for some south Indian staples like puri bhaji or idli vada. If you want to try something really good then you definitely should try their Goan pav bhaji.
The faloodas and lime soda are some of the popular favorites where drinks are concerned. Café Tato evokes so much nostalgia that even though there are loads of cafes in Margao today, people still make their way back here at least once when they are in town.
15. Hotel Anugraha
You really should try the Goan pav bhaji at one of the popular cafes in Margao.
Timings: Open every day from 6:30 am to 9 pm
Location: Virginkar Bhavan, opposite BSNL Telephone Exchange, Margao, Goa 403601
Hotel Anugraha is one of my personal favorites where old school cafes in Margao are concerned. Initially they were set up near Canara Bank in Margao. That was over 20 years ago though. I still remember trooping to the cafe with my dad to catch a snack. My grandmom used to send us here for take away too.
Hotel Anugraha is now near Fatima Convent and is strategically located such that it is easily accessible for all the parents who drop their kids to school. The cafe has some amazing pav bhaji. Make sure you ask for their mixed bhaji when ordering because that is where they shine.
Other things on the menu to try are their idli, dosa and puri.
Bakeries In Margao
I can’t end this list without including the bakeries in Margao. These bakeries have been around for as long as I can remember. They make some of the local Goan delicacies and are very popular. Many of them have a seating area and can be classified as cafes too.
16. Jackris
Timings: Open everyday from 8 am to 8 pm. It closes early on Sunday at 12 pm.
Location: Shop No, 71, Rua F de Loiola, New Market, Margao, Goa 403601
Jackris is one of those bustling bakeries / cafes in Margao that is constantly bustling. It is located in prime location right in Margao market which makes it very accessible. The cafe is always crowded and has very limited seating.
Popular things to eat here are the patties, rissois and croquettes. They also have a lot of Goan sweets that are available. Their food sells out fast and is always fresh. That is one of the biggest draws here.
Jackris has set up other outlets but none of them are quite as busy as the one in the market. If you want to sit in peace and quiet then you probably want to head to one of the other outlets. If you want to experience the old school charm of the popular bakery, head to the one in Margao market.
17. Snows Goodies Corner
Timings: Monday to Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm, 4 pm -7 pm, Sunday: 9am – 12:30 pm
Location: Grace Estate, Snows Goodies Corner, Shop Number: 17, Margao, Goa 403601
Another one of the popular bakeries / cafes in Margao is Snows Goodies Corner. This bakery is situated in the Grace Church building. Most of the regular patrons are people headed to their office or to church.
Snows Goodies Corner has a decent amount of seating area and you will always find a spot if you want to eat in. The popular goodies here are definitely all varieties of patties that they have in store. The patties are brought in fresh every morning.
The other Goan delicacies that you can enjoy here include rissois and croquettes. The paozinhos are also really good and are one of my favorites.
We loved Snows Goodies Corner so much that we used them as the caterer for snacks for our recent Christening party. They were prompt and good.
And there you have it. These are some of the best cafes in Margao. Despite being a small city, the place has really developed a great food scene.
Have you tried any of the places on the list? Are there any others that you would add to the list? Let us know in the comments below.
