What to eat The Azores? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Restaurant opening times in the Azores coincide with our own: for lunch from 12pm to 2pm and for dinner from 7pm to 10pm. Many establishments offer non-stop service during the high season. It can sometimes be difficult to dine after 9:30pm, as many establishments close at 10pm. Some are open only for lunch and dinner; others are open all day, which is convenient when you're feeling peckish or have just returned from a long hike. Restaurants generally close on Mondays. However, you'll always be able to find a little corner where you can treat yourself to the fish of the day or a sandwich on the fly.

You can grab a bite to eat for €5 or €10, a local meal with drinks will set you back around €20, and for a more upmarket meal, expect to pay €35 (drinks and wine included).

Taxes are always included in the prices. As for tips, they are always welcome even if no one really expects them. 5% to 10% is the norm. Don't be stingy, but avoid giving bad habits.

In the Azores, the cuisine is very generous and the dishes very hearty. Many restaurants offer an all-you-can-eat buffet for lunch. You've been warned! The local specialty par excellence: cozido, prepared in Furnas (São Miguel). It's one of the most picturesque meals you'll taste in the Azores. This pot-au-feu is composed of different types of meat and vegetables, and its uniqueness lies in the way it is cooked. Placed in a casserole dish, they are boiled for several hours in the caldeiras of Furnas. Book 24 hours in advance! If you're looking for a change of scenery, you'll be delighted by typical restaurants such as casa do pasto. In a very local and country atmosphere, you'll enjoy quality products.

Children are very welcome in the Azores, and most restaurants have a "children's menu" à la carte, as well as high chairs. These are often put away, so if you're not offered one when you see your little blonde head, don't hesitate to ask!

Since 2015, the anti-smoking law has been tightened in Portugal, and therefore in the Azores: smoking is banned in public places, including electronic cigarettes. And since January¹, 2021, smoking has also been banned in spaces where food or drink is served, i.e. specifically in bars and restaurants.

Here there are no rabble-rousers, but family and friendly establishments where tourists and locals mix.

The Azores are no Ibiza, far from it, but there are some very nice places to have a drink on one of the archipelago's many terraces. A number of trendy bars have sprung up along the waterfront, harbors and marinas. They're perfect for watching the sunset over an aperitif. Most stay open until 3am-4am on weekends, for those who want to party late. Correct prices and guaranteed atmosphere in summer!

Count less than €1 for a coffee, €1 for a soda and between €0.50 and €1.50 for a beer. Please note that in many establishments, credit cards are not accepted.

It is European legislation that applies, so the consumption of alcohol is forbidden to minors.

Several typical Azorean drinks can be served for the aperitif. As for beer, try the Especial, a local drink. As for wine, it is absolutely necessary to taste those of Pico and Terceira. Finally, pineapple or maracuja liqueurs are the specialties of São Miguel. Without alcohol: taste the Kima, a local soda made from passion fruit.