Azorean Food and Drink in São Miguel: What to Try

Cheese, Pineapple and Tea

São Miguel produces surprisingly good cheese and wine, and the island's pineapple is grown in greenhouses that are a signature sight. Travellers report that the pineapples are unreal and recommend trying the local cheese. For tea, visit the Gorreana or Porto Formoso plantations; travellers report that a tour and tasting at Chá Gorreana is worthwhile. You can also find pineapple-based products and fresh fruit at markets in Ponta Delgada.

• Cheese: look for local Azorean varieties in restaurants and markets.
• Pineapple: try it fresh; the greenhouses are interesting to visit.
• Tea: Gorreana and Porto Formoso are the main plantations.

Limpets, Bolo Lêvedo and Seafood

Limpets are a traditional Azorean seafood, usually grilled with garlic and butter, and bolo lêvedo is a sweet, fluffy flatbread often served with butter or cheese. For seafood, Ponta Delgada has several options: Mercado do Peixe, S. Pedro, Casa Marisca, and Cais 20 are all listed as seafood or fish restaurants. Travellers report that for fish dinner, Borda d'Água or Bar a Caloura outside Ponta Delgada, or O Bom Pesqueiro in Ponta Delgada, are good choices.

Many restaurants, including small cafes, have seafood. Travellers also suggest trying Portuguese wine, including Pico wine, which is pricier.

Cozido das Furnas and Local Meats

Cozido das Furnas is a stew cooked underground in volcanic ground in Furnas. Travellers report that it has a weird, sulphury taste, so it is not for everyone, but it is a classic experience. For meat, try steak 'à regional' at Aliança in Ponta Delgada or Associação Agrícola outside Ponta Delgada, as reported by travellers. In Furnas, you can also eat at Restaurante Tony's, O Miroma, or Vale das Furnas.

If you are in Furnas, travellers recommend lunch at Queijaria Furnense, then a stroll to Terra Nostra Gardens.

Breakfast and Sweets

For breakfast, travellers report that Farm House offers a nice brunch, and that Armazéns do Congumbreiro and Confeitaria a Colmeia are nice for breakfast. At Confeitaria a Colmeia, get a nata; travellers say they are the best on the island. In Sete Cidades, Padaria Tavares sells a big piece of bread for €0.35 fresh out of the traditional oven (indicative price from notes).

• Nata: a custard tart, best tried fresh.
• Bolo lêvedo: often eaten for breakfast or as a snack.

Where to Eat and Drink

Ponta Delgada has the widest choice. A Tasca (Rua do Aljube 16) is a local favourite with no reservations and a queue that forms, so go early. Taverna Açor serves fish soup and São Miguel black pudding with pineapple. Tasquinha Vieira has a short seasonal menu of fish and seafood sharing plates. Other listed spots include Restaurante O Museu, Adega Regional, O Galego, and Rotas da ilha verde.

In Furnas, try Restaurante Tony's, O Miroma, or Vale das Furnas. For drinks, Portuguese wines are widely available, and Pico wine is a pricier option that travellers recommend.