Ponta Delgada Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Ponta Delgada

September 19, 2017 Roger Rusk

Ponta Delgada (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈpõtɐ ˌðɛɫˈɣaðɐ]) is the largest municipality (concelho) and administrative capital of the Autonomous Region of the Azores in Portugal. It is located on São Miguel Island, the largest and most populous in the archipelago. The population in 2011 was 68,809, in an area of 232.99 square kilometres (89.96 square miles). There are 17,629 residents in the three central civil parishes that comprise the historical city: São Pedro, São Sebastião, and São José. Ponta Delgada became the region's administrative capital under the revised constitution of 1976; the judiciary and Catholic see remained in the historical capital of Angra do Heroísmo while the Legislative Assembly of the Azores was established in Horta.
Things to do in Ponta Delgada

1. Boca de Cena

Largo de Sao Joao No 4 | Em Frente Ao Teatro Micaelense, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-106, Portugal Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night HK$8 +351 296 283 262
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 845 reviews

Boca de Cena

Reviewed By Antonio C - Lisbon, Portugal

Was really surprising. After several days having really good meals in Ponta Delgada, I was surprised by this one man show. Great tuna and octopus dishes. Pineapple pie was very good. Ricardo is a very good chef that does what he knows and cares to have his customers happy. I went in a Wednesday night, near 21:30, restaurant wasn’t full. Ricardo was very kind and helpful. After some minutes we doubt if there was any one else in the kitchen besides him. After some chat, Ricardo confirmed that he does everything. He explained that after so many disappointments with his previous employees, he implemented this one man show model. I recommend it to everyone. Must be booked, at least two days in advance. For sure I will return.

2. Rotas da Ilha Verde

Rua Pedro Homem 49, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-099, Portugal Takeout, Full Bar, Free Wifi, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night HK$55 - HK$290 +351 296 628 560
Excellent
74%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 894 reviews

Rotas da Ilha Verde

Vegetarian Restaurant, vegan friendly, gluten friendly,

Reviewed By CathyAC - Westfield, Massachusetts

I recently visited San Miguel and was impressed by the quality of the beef and restaurants in general. How ironic that my favorite restaurant by far was Rotas da Ilha Verde. What a simply charming experience. Their meals were unusual, creative and delicious. The wait staff was totally entertaining, helpful and very competent. A small specialty place, make sure to make Reservations as they fill up fast!

3. Colegio 27 Restaurant & Jazz Club

Rua Carvalho Araujo 27 | Matriz, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-040, Portugal Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar International, Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks +351 910 441 214
Excellent
62%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 574 reviews

Colegio 27 Restaurant & Jazz Club

Reviewed By Brian S - Oesterbro, Denmark

The recommendations were taken into consideration and we were not disappointed. Both the tuna steak and swordfish were done perfectly. The portions were good but it would have been nice with a few more vegetables to go along with the big steaks. The staff was friendly and it can get pretty hot inside the restaurant. The two fans weren't quite enough to circulate the air.

4. Anfiteatro Restaurant & Lounge

Pavilhao do Mar | Av. Infante D. Henrique, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500, Portugal Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, International, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Drinks HK$196 +351 296 206 150
Excellent
59%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 267 reviews

Anfiteatro Restaurant & Lounge

Reviewed By SpecialTr - Solihull, United Kingdom

Visited here following Trip Advisor reviews and were not disappointed.
Enjoyed the 5 course taster menu – a bargain at 27.50 euro each.
Really well presented and excellent tasting food...the fish course was fantastic as was dessert. We were suitably full by the end of the meal.
You need to accept this is a training school / restaurant – I thought that the students did a great job; my husband had beer rather than wine and this seemed to require a little guidance.
Great service and food within a lovely setting. Fine dining at an excellent price.
Shame we didn’t visit earlier during our holiday as we would have come back.
More advertising is needed!

5. Reserva Bar

Travessa do Aterro No 1 | We Are Situated in a Small "Dead End" Located in Ponta Delgada Center, Behind the Tourist Office and the Bank of Portugal. Access the Lane of Sta. Lucia, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-034, Portugal Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Reservations Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, Wine Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner +351 910 543 159
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 525 reviews

Reserva Bar

Space that is distinguished by an intimate and friendly atmosphere. Has the intention to encourage the consumption of traditional Portuguese products, establishing a link between personal taste for public service and the appreciation and admiration for these products so genuine. The space will combine the traditional and refined, with a family flair and professionalism, AS public target, have the client, wishing to find an alternative space where someone with the satisfaction of being able to serve and to do make come back again.

Reviewed By Luap123 - Birmingham

I dont like leaving reviews for places I havnt actually eaten at but we did walk in, sit down, look at the menu and then walk out again so its probably worth me advising others too.
As far as I can tell no hot food is served here, just cold cuts of meat and cheese. Maybe this is what this place is all about, if so maybe Trip Advisor needs some new headings/options? After a cold, miserable and dreary day sight seeing in Sao Miguel (like it is most days) I want something warm for an evening meal.
This place is also slightly difficult to find as its location on the map on TA isnt correct (its in the alleyway behind where its spot is located on the map).
Also inside its very dark (again Im sure this is their USP but just feels odd to me).

6. Casa Do Bife O Galego

Bairro Praia dos Santos 21, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-706, Portugal Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Steakhouse, Mediterranean, European, Portuguese Lunch, Dinner +351 296 700 857
Excellent
57%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 653 reviews

Casa Do Bife O Galego

Reviewed By MauraCanavan - Belfast, United Kingdom

We turned up without notice and were accommodated despite the restaurant being fully booked. Lovely helpful staff and all food locally produced. Had a delicious meal great service and lovely bottle of red wine. Recommend booking the next time!!

7. Restaurante o Museu

Rua Doutor Guilherme Pocas 67, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-057, Portugal Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Mediterranean, European, Portuguese Lunch, Dinner +351 296 285 499
Excellent
58%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
4%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 195 reviews

Restaurante o Museu

Reviewed By Paulo G - Anadia, Aveiro, Portugal

What a disappointment!!! I saw the comments and rank on TripAdvisor and thought it would be much better than what it is. The decor is strange, and, in my opinion, not very well thought out. As for the food, Lapa's where good, bread was a little stale from being sliced way to soon, the torresmo pâté starter is quite good but the arroz de marisco was a huge downer - too salty, too greasy and the seafood too little.
On the plus side, prices are great and the staff is really friendly and professional.

8. A Tasca

Rua do Aljube # 16, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-018, Portugal Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Seafood, Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +351 296 288 880
Excellent
66%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3 reviews

A Tasca

Reviewed By kapusty

Right in the heart of punts Delgado. I was told we needed Reservations but managed to get in for lunch no problem. Authentic Azorian, lots of seafood options. Full of locals, so you know it's good and authentic. Some of the menu options a little too authentic. Cows hoofs and tripe, but I ordered the octopus and it was selfish. Look for the blue door.

9. Taberna Acor

Rua dos Mercadores N 41 | N 41, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-092, Portugal Takeout, Outdoor Seating, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards Mediterranean, Portuguese, Wine Bar, Gastropub, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner, Late Night, Drinks HK$31 - HK$118 +351 296 629 084
Excellent
59%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1 reviews

Taberna Acor

Reviewed By dkbe - Walldorf, Germany

We reserved a table and were seated in the separate room on the ground floor, which was OK, yet a bit cold (atmosphere and temperature).
Service staff was partly overwhelmed, partly stressed, but it worked out somehow.
The food was good, but not as good as one would expect based on the reviews.

10. Mercearia Sao Pedro Wine & Tapas

Rua das Cabacas 19, Ponta Delgada, Sao Miguel 9500-299, Portugal Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, Wine Bar, Gastropub Lunch, Dinner, Brunch +351 964 742 713
Excellent
80%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 129 reviews

Mercearia Sao Pedro Wine & Tapas

Mercearia Sao Pedro Wine & Tapas, where you can find the best azorean produts. you can buy or taste them in our store.

Reviewed By Karel B

This restaurant is actually a shop and a small restaurant in one. A lovely atmosphere with lots of antique stuff as decoration, however, the tapas are really fantastic. We took the raclette with various local cheese variants as well as local meat. All was very...MoreI don't have words to express my gratfully everything is simple Tanks a lot karel I wish all the best Marcio silva Mercearia Sao Pedro wine and tapas

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