Good Food in São Miguel
Portugal is not particularly famous for gourmet cuisine. Instead, traditional food here is quite simple: boiled rice or potatoes, some vegetables, and roasted meat or fish. Nonetheless, food is an essential part of traveling—not only as a way to immerse yourself in the local culture but also to take a break from cooking and doing dishes. São Miguel is an island where eating out is still more of an everyday option for locals than a tourist attraction, making it challenging to find standout spots. To help, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to eat, covering late-night options, seafood, vegan specialties, and the best spots for drinks or indulgent desserts.
Keep in mind that some of these places operate seasonally and may be closed in the winter. Additionally, Mondays are a traditional day off for many diners, though it varies from place to place. Always check Google or call ahead to book a table.
Keep in mind that some of these places operate seasonally and may be closed in the winter. Additionally, Mondays are a traditional day off for many diners, though it varies from place to place. Always check Google or call ahead to book a table.
A great (and often the only) option for a very late dinner, especially if your flight lands after 10:00 PM. This large seaside restaurant is open seven days a week until 4:00 AM. It specializes in fish and seafood but also serves excellent local beef. We highly recommend trying Lapas for starters and the Cais 20 Roasted Octopus as a main dish — the half portion is more than enough for one person and comes cooked in plenty of olive oil. If you're not driving after dinner, consider pairing your meal with their sweet and tangy Maracujá Sangria. As for desserts, they look better than they taste, so if you have a sweet craving, opt for a mousse rather than a cake.
This is the perfect spot for a stylish and delicious breakfast, akin to something you’d find “in Bali,” if you know what that means. Think salmon slices on a bagel or towering pancakes topped with maple syrup and fresh fruit. The food looks good and tastes even better, and the best part is the location: the café is set within a beautiful botanical garden, conveniently close to one of the larger parking lots in Ponta Delgada — ideal for campervan travelers. Table reservation is not available and during the summer, there might be a waitlist, so you can add your name and spend 30-40 minutes exploring the lovely park.
A favorite among locals, expats, and young crowds for its pizzas and drinks. Bright and friendly bartenders will whip up one of their signature or classic cocktails, while the aromatic Pizza Napoli, straight from the oven, is perfect on both a rainy winter evening and a warm summer night. Nonnas is open seven days a week. Note that it’s located on a narrow street, so it’s not campervan-accessible. Find a parking spot outside of the old part of the town and enjoy a nice stroll.
Portuguese pastries like Pastéis de Nata and Queijadas can be found everywhere, but for a refreshing treat, visit La Gelateria. They offer unique flavors like spicy chocolate, honey and nut, and vibrant fruit sorbets if you are avoiding dairy. Don’t miss the local specialties like Azorean pineapple (ananás) and passion fruit (maracujá) sorbets.
For those who love to find an Indian restaurant no matter where they go, São Miguel has a gem: Jewel of India. The warm and welcoming owner ensures every guest has a memorable dining experience. All the dishes are freshly prepared with great care for taste and quality. The only downside is that the thick and spicy Masala Chai is served in rather small cups, so you’ll likely find yourself ordering at least two.
Among the sushi spots and take-aways on the island, Haibu stands out for its taste and quality. Original menu is made up by a talented chef, and the elegant atmosphere makes it perfect for a romantic dinner. Apart from sushi and ramen, their menu includes an excellent wine selection and creative Japanese-inspired desserts like matcha chocolate and yuzu lemon tart. As part of a hotel, Haibu is open seven days a week.
Vegetarian options can be hard to come by in São Miguel, where most places offer simplified versions of dishes without meat. Pés Verdes, run by two friendly ladies, is an exception. This cozy eatery serves lovingly homemade vegetarian dishes, with a daily menu and appetizers like hummus with freshly baked grissini. Unfortunately, they close for a long winter break, but during the tourist season, it’s a must-visit spot for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.
This bar-restaurant, with its classic surf vibe and interesting international menu, is located right in front of the island’s most popular surf spot. In the summer, you can enjoy a drink on the open terrace, where you not only see but also smell the ocean, feeling the excitement of pumping waves and skilled surfers catching them. TukaTula serves delicious, refreshing drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—alongside excellent burgers, risottos, and a variety of starters and desserts.
Another spot with a surf vibe is on the opposite side of Santa Barbara Beach. It’s a snack bar featuring a large open wooden deck shared with a surf school. The menu is small but fresh, locally sourced, and always delicious. Closed during winter, the bar hosts weekly events in the season, including live music, sunset DJ sets, and various local celebrations that are generally open to the public.
This family-owned restaurant truly reflects the pride and dignity of a fisherman’s life. The lady of the house brings out a large tray showcasing the catch of the day, freshly brought in by her husband and son. Here, you can be sure you’ll be served exactly the fish you choose. They excel at tuna steaks (when in season) and are experts at preparing challenging fish like butterfish and moray eel. Be sure to book in advance, and consider pairing your visit with a scenic walk to the nearby waterfall and some sunbathing at the stunning Moínhos Beach.
One local specialty you absolutely must try is *Cozidos*—meat and vegetables slow-cooked in the heat of a natural geyser. This dish features five types of meat and sausage, paired with cabbage, potatoes, carrots, and greens. Since it’s cooked using geothermal heat, you’ll only find it in Furnas! We highly recommend Banhos Ferreos for their excellent meat quality and outstanding service.
The restaurant renowned for serving the highest quality farm-fresh products is located in Santana village, near Ribeira Grande, and is part of an agricultural association on São Miguel Island. While they are particularly famous for their beef dishes, they also offer a wide selection of vegetarian options. Visiting on a Thursday for lunch is highly recommended, as it coincides with Santana's weekly farmers’ market, held from 8 AM to 12 PM. Although the market is modest in size, it offers the chance to meet local farmers, shop for the freshest produce, and explore the island's animals and artisan products.
The eastern part of São Miguel is only just beginning to develop as a tourist destination, so restaurants are still scarce. However, we highly recommend this seafood spot in the village of Ribeira Quente. It’s a great place to enjoy simple yet deliciously prepared Azorean cuisine. The restaurant is open seven days a week from April to October.
