Best Beach Shacks in Goa, India

Even though it has a 7500 km long coastline, the first place everyone recommends for a beach holiday in India is Goa. Equally popular with tourists from within the country and overseas, Goa sees a massive influx of travellers from November until May. At this time, it truly becomes the quintessential destination in the subcontinent to enjoy the sun, sand, and the sea.

The reason for Goa’s continuous fame lies in its vibrant personality that promises a gala time for all ages. Among its primary attractions are the UNESCO-listed Basilica of Bom Jesus, Aguada Fort, Dr Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, offshore casino boats, museums, nightlife, and a bohemian aura that seems to envelop this state at all times. 

The beaches of Goa are undoubtedly its beating heart. It is on these strips of sand that life unfolds most colourfully. Locals and tourists visit Goan beaches almost daily to swim, fish or for boat rides, to exercise, do yoga, sunbathe, and of course to eat. After all, it is only at the best beach shacks in Goa that one can savour the gastronomic delights of the regional cuisine, from fresh seafood to comfort snacks that go beautifully with a chilled glass of beer.       

Britto’s

Beach shacks in Goa come in all shapes and sizes. Britto’s, a local favourite, is a typical eatery at heart. Except, it’s amplified and energized to incorporate every aspect of life in Goa. 

Located on Baga Beach, it can seat over 100 hungry diners simultaneously while entertaining them through karaoke and live music nights. 

The menu at Britto’s is extensive, with a focus on Goan classics. Under the helm of chef and owner Cajetan Britto, the kitchen sends out delicious preparations like their famous seafood platter, butter garlic prawns, and pork vindaloo. 

Although open for breakfast and lunch, dinner is when Britto’s is in maximum demand. Candle-lit tables, sitting barefoot in sand, soft music in the background, and the intoxicating aromas of flavourful food, this is Goa at its romantic best.   

St Anthony’s

Situated next to Britto’s on Baga Beach, St Anthony’s is another well-known beach shack in Goa. For gourmands out on a day at the beach, St Anthony’s is a lovely spot to relish a late afternoon brunch or early dinner. 

If it’s hot or raining, customers can sit inside the shack, decorated in typical Goan rustic fashion. Else, pick a table laid out on the sand. Either way, you are privy to stunning views of the beach and the sea.

St Anthony’s is particularly popular with North Indian tourists. This reflects in their menu that features northern dishes such as biryani, naan, dal, chicken tikka, spring rolls, chicken nuggets, and parathas. 

You can nevertheless find excellent seafood here. The shack’s butter garlic fish of the day and mutton xacuti are especially worth a try. 

Souza Lobo

As far as legendary beach shacks in Goa go, Souza Lobo is a given. Operating since 1932, it borders the sandy strip of Calangute Beach in North Goa. So popular is the restaurant that you will find an equal number of locals and tourists here, especially on the weekends. 

Known for its authentic Goan recipes, it seats up to 300 people. There is indoor seating, al fresco dining on a wooden deck, and tables on the beach. However, even with a quick turnaround and ample space, expect to wait a while for a seat no matter the day you visit.

Once settled, order a drink and dive into the many culinary offerings of Souza Lobo. Try the prawn curry rice, fried fish, steaks, baked crab, or the pork sorpotel – a tangy Goan meat curry. The Souza Lobo Lobster Thermidor is an in-house speciality, its exact recipe known to very few people. 

Complimenting the food at the beach shack is groovy music and a dance floor that can help you work-up an appetite.    

Shiva Valley

Tourists looking to party by the sea post-sundown usually head to Anjuna Beach. Shiva Valley is one of the most famed beach shacks in Goa, located on this strand. 

The restaurant, though, has a rather chameleon-like personality. In the morning, it’s an easygoing quiet spot for a restful breakfast. Afternoons see groups of friends hanging out here in between sunbathing sessions. Come nightfall, and Shiva Valley lights up to emerge as a psychedelic hotspot known for its Trance and EDM music events. 

Tuesday night trance parties at Shiva Valley, with a Rs 1000 entry fee, are iconic. They start in the evening, picking up steam post-midnight, and go on till six in the morning. As a result, food does play the second fiddle to the music and party atmosphere.

Still, you can savour plentiful cuisines here, from Chinese and Israeli to North Indian and Italian. When feeling peckish, try their woodfire oven pizzas, lentils with naan, vegetarian platter, fried rice, falafel, and shakshuka.   

Rudy’s Golden Mermaid Beach Shack

Rudy’s Golden Mermaid Beach Shack is the exact opposite of Shiva Valley. It’s quiet, modest in appearance, and has an unassuming demeanour. 

Among the best family-friendly beach shacks in Goa, you’ll find Rudy’s at Calangute, also known as the “Queen of Beaches.” Discovered by hippies in the 1960s, Calangute continues to have a mellow atmosphere even today. 

A more traditional beach shack with a thatched roof, Rudy’s does have individual cabanas and tables closer to the water. They also have huts nearby where you can spend the night. 

The menu at Rudy’s has something for all tastes. Depending on your meal, try the prawn toast, omelettes, soups, chicken barbeque, jacket potatoes, kingfish curry, or the dry crab. Open from breakfast till dinner every day, the restaurant hosts barbeque nights once a week.        

Bobby’s Shack

Bobby’s Shack on Candolim Beach has an alluring old-world charm about it. Ideal for solo travellers, couples, and families, the service here is exceptionally amicable. 

Among the very few beach shacks in Goa where ingredients are of the utmost importance, Bobby’s take pride in cooking freshly caught seafood in classic Goan spices. 

Their fish and chips, golden fried prawns, and masala calamari are filling and oh-so-satisfying. At the same time, Bobby’s special ice cream is sinfully tasty. 

Bobby’s Shack typically closes by 11:00 PM. So, get there by 9:00 PM in order to enjoy a relaxed dinner. The restaurant also plans themed evenings with fire jugglers and fireworks from time to time.