Places to visit for your first date in Goa

We’ve all had our crushes but how many of those crushes have we succeeded to transform into something special? My Score is one and that one is forever. Want to know what it takes to get your special friend closer to you? Well, for starters, it takes passion, determination, patience, maybe some presents, and endless midnight conversations. And when you feel that your conversations are drifting in the right direction, ask her out for your first date and voila! However, picking Out a perfect first date venue is quite a task. You don’t want to make it too fancy making her think that you’re not trying to buy her love; nor could it be tacky which’d probably blow your chances completely. To make it easy for you, I have put together some places that’ll serve aptly for your first date given that you are either coming down to or live in Goa already.

1. Bon Appetit
   A quaint little shack by the Sinquerim Beach in Candolim, Bon Appetit is perfect for a first date. Lit up with candles and dim lighting as you dine amidst palm trees, the view and sounds from the Arabian Sea will complement every feeling you share with your soon-to-be soul mate. Don’t go by its name, it doesn’t serve French cuisine but what it does serve is a mix of Indian, Chinese, Continental, and Goan so you can’t really go wrong with her choice of food ‘cause they’ve got pretty much everything.
2. Ruta’s Roadhouse 
   With a chic coffee shop environment and honest wholesome comfort food on offer, this place is bound to impress the girl of your dreams. Run by two returnees from San Fransico, this café serves a blend of gourmet sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, coffee drinks, fresh fruit juices, and coolers; all being apt offerings for a first date. Comfy sofas, super-friendly staff, a soothing playlist buzzing in the background, the right choice of food and, of course, the right choice of words is all you need to make her feel what you feel. Located in Assagao, Ruta’s Roadhouse is the go to place for savoury dishes, desserts and loads of fun banter between friends.
3. Chronicle
   How often do you have infatuations at nightclubs or parties? Get this; once you’re in a classy lounge bar, your confidence levels have nowhere to go but up. If you’ve ever hit it off with her in a smashing nightclub or a restro-lounge, Chronicle in Vagator is the place where you both must be on your first date. Overlooking the rocky Vagator Beach, Chronicle has comfortable furniture; serves delightful finger food and don’t even get me started about their cocktails. As the scintillating Sea breeze sways her hair in front of her eyes, don’t hesitate to set them behind her ear gently to mark the moment when she knows she’s yours.
4. Fisherman’s Wharf
   South Goa is far more exotic and romantic than north in terms of the open spaces, less humans, and crystal clear water bodies. If the idea of taking your date to a seaside restaurant is just too mainstream, Fisherman’s Wharf is the place to be. Nestled by the Sal River as it almost meets the Arabian Sea, Fisherman’s Wharf has a very casual setting which is highly essential for a first date. The service is splendid, the music is live, food is delectable and the river water looks sublime especially in the evening when the fishing boats parked opposite the restaurant cast their reflections on the shimmering waters of Sal.
5. Cocktails and Dreams
   Sometimes, just a dinner date is not enough. To be honest, all the heartmelting conversations I’ve ever had with my sweetheart have all been while driving. So how about a place that calls for a long drive so you could converse while driving and unwind silently at the destination? I know just the place. Cocktails and Dreams at Palolem has an apt setting for a romantic yet casual dining experience with a view of the mystical Palolem Beach and the Monkey Island next to it. Here, you get a bunch of different cuisines but the best of all are the wood fired pizzas that they master.

Text: Shubham Gupta

Pics courtesy: Trip Advisor, Ruta’s Cafe, Chronicle, Fisherman’s Wharf, Pyuli Naithani