If you’re planning a trip to Ponta Delgada, you’ll want to make sure you experience the best of the local cuisine. From traditional Azorean dishes to international flavors, there’s something for everyone in this charming city. Check out this guide to the top restaurants where to eat in Ponta Delgada, recommended by locals who know the food scene best.

Aliança

This is a great reference of the traditional cuisine of São Miguel, and a good restaurant to start our guide of where to eat in Ponta Delgada.

Located in the center of Ponta Delgada, Aliança is also very famous for its regional steak, which is unquestionably the ex-libris of the house, despite serving other types of dishes equally appreciated by many.

Despite being a relatively small space, it is, nevertheless, very welcoming and of regional/traditional design.

If you like meat, a good steak in particular, then Aliança is truly a must. Aliança is one of the best restaurants of Ponta Delgada to eat a good steak.

Tasca

The concept of this restaurant, which is very popular with all those who visit the island of São Miguel, is, in fact, very different because it combines music, live art and regional cuisine in the same space.

This unmissable icon of the islands cuisine, has an atmosphere of a real traditional tavern, with wooden tables, chairs and shelves with a generous and diverse wine cellar in plain sight, and its walls are decorated with the creativity of several artists invited to exhibit their work in the dining room.

It is often said that in Tasca all dishes are very good.

However, the Terceira style rump, the octopus à lagareiro, the tuna belly with roasted potatoes, yams and vegetables and the cheese&sausage boards are clearly the most tasty alternatives you can find on the menu.

P’alma Sushi

If you like sushi then this restaurant should be on the top of your list.

It has a menu exclusively dedicated to sushi par excellence, making of the azorean fresh fish it´s “ex libris” in a type of cuisine that has become extremely popular in the Western world and the azores are no exception.

Located very close to the center of Ponta Delgada, Palma Sushi combines the exoticism and excellence of Japanese cuisine with a fabulous and differentiating service and atmosphere. Despite being a relatively recent bet, Palma Sushi has already won the approval of the public who seek and recommend it emphatically.

Mané Cigano

Known among locals as the Tasca do “Mané Cigano”, Sardinha restaurant is a small but exquisite space where some of the best dishes of regional cuisine are made.

Particularly famous are the stewed meat, the grilled limpets and the iconic flour-fried blue mackerel accompanied by a bean stew with tomato and pork ear.

For those looking to know some of the truly typical dishes of the island’s gastronomy, then Mané Cigano is without a doubt a restaurant to look for.

Rotas

Are you fan of vegetarian food? If thats the case then Rotas is a mandatory stop.

Excellent food, service and atmosphere are the banner of this restaurant that only serves vegetarian dishes of great gastronomic quality without, however, being expensive.

Located very close to the center of Ponta Delgada, Rotas is a restaurant highly sought after by local and tourist public and therefore it is recommended to make a reservation in advance, specially during the summer time.

If you have a sweet tooth then don’t miss their famous desserts that are absolutely magnificent with a special emphasis on the chocolate cake.

Boca de Cena

Located in the heart of Ponta Delgada, this magnificent restaurant offers a contemporary cuisine, giving those who go there the very best of Portuguese and Mediterranean gastronomy.

In this restaurant less obvious products are used which makes this place very different and special.

It will be really hard to go to Boca de Cena and not enjoy the experience because the food and service are both of unquestionable quality.

À Terra Fornaria

This is clearly a restaurant inspired by the fruits of nature, a return to the origins and true flavors of the Azores, despite foreign influences, very well adapted to the Azorean reality.

There are products with a clear influence of Italian cuisine. You will find pizzas, various pastas, bruschettas and even several roasts and grills, prepared in a traditional way.

One of the ex-libris of the house is clearly the Azorean beef burger, served with fries and salad.

The island’s cheeses melted over the pasta and pizza result in an absolutely fabulous gastronomic experience.

Café Canto do Cais

Located in the village of Capelas, this traditional and picturesque restaurant guarantees an unique experience, both for the excellence of its cuisine and for the space itself that looks more like a family tavern (in the good sense of the word).

If you are a fish lover then Canto do Cais will undoubtedly be a good choice that will not frustrate your expectations. The restaurant has a wide range of fish dishes on its menu and combines products in a delightfully unusual way.

Near this restaurant you will find excellent accommodation suitable for families. Book here.

Where to Eat in Ponta Delgada

If you’re planning a trip to Ponta Delgada, you’ll want to make sure you experience the best of the local cuisine.

From traditional Azorean dishes to international flavors, there’s something for everyone in this charming city.

Check out this guide to the top restaurants where to eat in Ponta Delgada, recommended by locals who know the food scene best.