The best restaurants São Miguel

This restaurant owes its name to the Azorean expression "Ala bote", which means "take the boat and go". It's an invitation to relax in a simple, no-frills space, where you can enjoy typical dishes. A magnificent terrace overlooking the western part of São Miguel is open all year round. We would recommend the black pudding with Azorean pineapple, the serran puff pastry (house specialty) or the bife micaelense. Fish and seafood are also excellent.

Carnivores, welcome to the best meat restaurant on the island! Located in the middle of the São Miguel agricultural cooperative, the place leaves no room for doubt: here at least you know where what comes from on your plate! And it's excellent. The place is renowned for its high quality meat and unique taste, combined with the art of good service. A large room with a capacity of 140 people, a bar, a terrace...

Overlooking the beach with a rather confidential access, this former windmill converted into a snack bar also serves as a restaurant. Depending on your appetite and the time of day, you can nibble or eat more copiously on the terrace overlooking the beach and the ocean. The meats are good, the hamburgers among the best in São Miguel, but it is perhaps its location that is the most appreciable. You can eat or drink while listening to the sound of the waves. The prices are really reasonable and in summer you can eat until late in the evening.

The restaurant has recently had a facelift. Already highly recommendable, the new offering is just as bold and succulent. The menu showcases Japanese gastronomy, with delicious Japanese specialties such as sushi, maki, ramen and udon, as well as surprising vegan sushi! The cuisine is fine and the combinations subtle. The dishes are beautifully presented, as is the room in which they are served, in a refined setting. An address to recommend for fish lovers and vegetarians alike.

A real favorite! Delicious food, a subdued atmosphere, superb photos of the Azores on the wall, soft music and, above all, a warm welcome and excellent service. Elidio and João, the two owners of the establishment, will not fail to make you laugh, and are very attentive to your every need. A computer with Internet access is at your disposal free of charge, and you'll leave with a DVD of magnificent photos of São Miguel (for a few euros!). As for dishes, we recommend the creamy, hearty Bife Micaelense (steak with peppers, eggs, garlic and potatoes).

The restaurant Ponta do Garajau is located in the fishing village of Ribeira Quente. The rustic style décor is reminiscent of the old regional kitchens and makes this space a place of well-being. The typical decoration, with its many flowers, oil lamps, hammocks and other ethnographic motifs evokes the world of fishing. The cuisine is creative, based on Azorean culture, local products and respect for culinary traditions. A place of excellence to taste a wide range of fresh fish and shellfish.

With a pub on the first floor and a restaurant on the first, the two brothers behind this establishment seem to have got it right. A game of pool or table soccer to whet the appetite, a few steps to climb, and you're soon at the table. On the menu, it's hard to predict, as the chef prepares a summer menu and a winter menu, while maintaining a few staples. These include bruchetta de bolo levedo as a starter, lombo de novilho as a main course and, of course, the unmissable cozido. Good address.

At the end of the road down to the old fishing port with its colorful old wooden boats, an old fisherman's house and a large terrace overlooking the ocean, shaded by ancient trees. You're in Caloura. At the entrance, a board showing the day's catch. All you have to do is choose the fish you'd like to enjoy, grilled, accompanied by baked potatoes and a salad buffet. It's simple and tasty, and the setting is truly magical. A very fine address, much appreciated by the locals, so make sure you book ahead.

This is the restaurant of the Ponta Delgada hotel. The atmosphere is confidential and the lights subdued. Wooden tables, leather chairs: the decor is chic, simple and uncluttered. The wine list is comprehensive and features some fine vintages. The cuisine, meanwhile, is delicate and sophisticated. Your taste buds will be delighted with tuna from the Azores, for example, or with a tender piece of meat cooked to your liking. Some vegetarian dishes. Excellent desserts. The service is discreet and the waiters give very good advice. Good value for money.

As part of the magnificent Octant Hotel, the À Terra restaurant welcomes you in a fresh, bright decor. Behind the large bay windows, you'll discover an atmosphere that's both warm and relaxed. And don't forget the pleasant outdoor terrace. For guilt-free enjoyment, the restaurant offers creative, revisited cuisine that's simple and tasty, with wood-fired pizzas, gratinés and local produce. A gastronomy rich in formulas and thematic variations. Vegan options. Not to be missed!

At the top of the village, opposite the church. Here you can enjoy a hearty cozido, octopus, cod or steaks à la Tony's in a popular atmosphere. The bar is very lively most of the time, with gentlemen drinking merrily; beware, as the room is large and can quickly become very noisy, like a canteen. The terrace on the second floor, overlooking the square, is a little quieter. Make sure you book in advance, as this is a popular spot! Service is efficient and friendly. A pleasant family atmosphere and generous dishes.

A little crush for this family restaurant, where Guilhaume and Filomene welcome you as if you were at home. Before you go there, you must make a reservation: it is a guarantee to eat fresh produce. If you are tempted, you can go fishing with the gentleman. And then we go to the table! The dishes are copious and well prepared and if you are not satisfied, just ask again: it will not cost you more! It should be noted that Guilhaume and Filomene also offer two houses for rent in the surroundings.

A hushed atmosphere of light wood, punctuated by colorful cushions, a simple decor for an exceptional restaurant. Otaka offers Japanese fusion cuisine, like these Azorean fish sashimi with jalapenos sauce... simply delicious. For gourmets, two menus, "Classiques" or "Expérience" - in seven or ten courses - allow you to discover the full extent of the chef's talents. You can add a wine and food pairing with a glass of wine to match each dish. An excellent and much-appreciated address, so make sure you book ahead!

Popular with locals who mingle with passing travelers in a lively atmosphere, A Tasca offers tasty typical dishes, fresh grilled fish and Portuguese tapas specialties. On the lower level, you'll find the restaurant's large dining room, often packed to the rafters, and upstairs, a bar to satisfy the thirsty. Good value for money for this simple, authentic tavern. Reservations are recommended, but it's hard to get them on the phone (the restaurant is so crowded they hardly ever answer!).

A small restaurant specializing in fish and seafood. For starters, we recommend the grilled black pudding with pineapple; for main courses, the tasty grilled calamari or the delicious fresh fish of the day. For meat lovers, there's a grilled chicken cutlet. Another popular dish is the Super Prato salad, made with São Jorge cheese, among other ingredients. Wide choice of desserts. Attentive welcome and French menu. Simple, local and reasonably priced. Note the beautiful ceramic plates.

Bar on the first floor and restaurant on the first floor, this establishment offers regional cuisine. In a large room, you can taste the speciality of the house - the octopus -, while looking at the ocean and its islets. The specialty is served in all forms: in sauce, grilled ... Other meat and fish dishes are of course on the menu. We regret the sometimes changing attitude of the manager and the wait to be served but the plates are well furnished and the whole remains a good address in Mosteiros and in this part of the island.

This little vegetarian restaurant run by Catarina is a wonderful surprise. The fantastic mix of ingredients will delight even non-vegetarians. Dishes are accompanied by salad or delicious fresh vegetables. On the menu: zucchini cannelloni stuffed with soy, mushroom ragout with polenta, lentil burger... And let's not forget the desserts (the chocolate mousse is a great success) and the wine list. We also appreciate the background music, the decor on the walls and, above all, the hospitality of the smiling staff. A choice address, book early!

Its beautiful ceramic window and its typical interior (note the volcanic stone pillars) immediately inspire the açorienne açorienne. Good draw! Opened in July 2013, this restaurant offers regional specialities well cooked for very reasonable prices: for 8 €, the menu of the day includes a dish (fish or meat), a drink and bread. In the beautiful days you can eat outside, in the alley. 

This restaurant is one of the best in the city and is very copious. train to the servings! The owner is the same person who holds the residence O Jaime on the same street.

Good buffet restaurant serving meat, fish and many local wines. Simple and honest! Every day, the restaurant offers a lunchtime buffet of traditional Portuguese or Azorean dishes, with vegetarian options. The place is ideal for a quick lunch stop, between hikes for example. The views from the terrace and garden are magnificent. So, weather permitting, don't hesitate to take your meal outside to enjoy the beautiful scenery (much nicer than the indoor dining room).