Viva Panjim

About Viva Panjim

About Viva Panjim

Visit Time: 11:30AM to 3:30PM, 7PM to 11PM

Some special dishes of Viva Panjim

Best time to visit Viva Panjim

Lunch (12:00–2:00 PM) or early dinner (7:00–8:00 PM). Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is small and popular.

Timings & opening hours

12:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. Some sources report lunch-only hours (12:00–4:30 PM) — call ahead for dinner availability.

Entry fee & tickets

À la carte pricing. Mid-range.

Duration needed

1 to 1.5 hours for a meal.

Location info

178, Rua 31 de Janeiro, Fontainhas, Panaji — in a 150-year-old Portuguese ancestral home.

Safety tips

Standard dining precautions. Parking is very difficult due to the narrow lanes.

Things to carry

Cash or card. A reservation confirmation.

Nearby visiting places

St. Sebastian Chapel, Fontainhas Latin Quarter, Verandah Restaurant (same street), Immaculate Conception Church (10 minutes’ walk), and the Panaji riverfront.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Panaji bus stand and taxi stand are a short walk away.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, and Vi all provide coverage across Goa. In beach areas and towns, 4G is generally reliable. Coverage may be weaker in remote interior locations or along certain coastal stretches. Most hotels and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

History of Viva Panjim

Viva Panjim is a beloved family-run restaurant housed in a converted 150-year-old Portuguese ancestral home in the Fontainhas Latin Quarter. It is owned and operated by Linda and Michael de Sousa, who transformed their family heritage home into a dining space. The rustic, cosy interiors with vintage decor make it feel like eating in a Goan home rather than a commercial restaurant. It is a Times Food Award winner.

Things to do at Viva Panjim

Savour authentic Goan-Portuguese cuisine in a heritage home. Try the legendary Stuffed Papad, Prawn Curry with Goan red rice, Pork Vindaloo, Chicken Xacuti, and Caramel Custard.

Things to visit & highlights

The 150-year-old Portuguese ancestral home, the Fontainhas Latin Quarter (Asia’s only Latin Quarter), and St. Sebastian Chapel nearby.

Climate & weather

Goa has a tropical monsoon climate with three distinct seasons. Winter (November–February) is the peak tourist season: temperatures range from 20°C to 32°C with low humidity, clear skies, and calm seas — ideal for all outdoor activities. Summer (March–May) is hot and humid with temperatures reaching 35°C; beaches are less crowded but midday heat can be intense. The monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall, rough seas, and high humidity; many beach shacks close, but the landscape is lush and green, and it is the quietest time for those seeking solitude.

Helpline & emergency contacts

Tourist Helpline: 1364. Police (Panaji): +91-832-2426146. Ambulance: 108.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are located within Panaji city, about 1–2 km from the restaurant.

Frequently asked questions

Is Viva Panjim in a heritage building? Yes — it is housed in a converted 150-year-old Portuguese ancestral home in the Fontainhas Latin Quarter.

Do I need a reservation? Yes — reservations are strongly recommended as the restaurant is small and popular.

What is the must-try dish? The Stuffed Papad (a legendary starter) and the Caramel Custard (order it immediately — it sells out fast).