Taste the Azores: 10 Iconic Dishes to Try on Your Visit

When I first arrived in the Azores, I was struck by the untamed beauty of the islands. The lush green landscapes, dramatic volcanic craters, and rugged coastlines created a sense of being somewhere truly wild and untouched. The Azores are a place where nature rules—where the land meets the sea in a spectacular embrace, and the weather can change in an instant. But what captivated me even more than the breathtaking scenery was the food. The Azorean cuisine is a reflection of the islands themselves: simple, hearty, and deeply rooted in tradition.

The food in the Azores is shaped by the islands’ isolation and the abundance of natural resources, from the fertile soil that produces vibrant fruits and vegetables to the rich waters teeming with seafood. The cuisine is a blend of Portuguese flavors and local ingredients, resulting in dishes that are rustic yet flavorful, and always deeply satisfying. Exploring the food of the Azores was like taking a journey through the history and culture of the islands, each dish telling its own story.

Let me take you on a culinary adventure through the Azores, where every meal is a taste of the islands’ rich heritage. Here are ten traditional dishes you simply can’t miss when visiting this beautiful archipelago, along with the best places to savor them.

1. Cozido das Furnas: A Volcanic Feast

One of the most unique culinary experiences in the Azores is Cozido das Furnas, a traditional Portuguese stew cooked underground using the geothermal heat of the volcanic soil. The first time I tried it, I was amazed not only by the flavor but by the entire process. The stew is prepared by layering different types of meat—usually beef, pork, chicken, and chorizo—along with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and cabbage, in a large pot. The pot is then buried in the hot volcanic soil and left to cook slowly for several hours.

The result is a rich, hearty stew that’s infused with the smoky, earthy flavors of the volcanic steam. The meat becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables absorb all the delicious juices. Cozido das Furnas is a true taste of the Azores, combining the islands’ natural wonders with their culinary traditions.

Where to Eat Cozido das Furnas:

• Restaurante Tony’s, Furnas: A local favorite where you can enjoy Cozido cooked in the traditional way, right from the volcanic soil.
• Terra Nostra Garden Hotel, Furnas: Offers a luxurious dining experience with their signature Cozido, served in a beautiful garden setting.
• Caldeiras & Vulcões, Furnas: A charming spot where you can watch the cooking process before savoring the stew.

2. Alcatra: A Slow-Cooked Beef Delight

Alcatra is a traditional beef dish from the island of Terceira, and it’s a must-try for any meat lover visiting the Azores. The dish is made by slow-cooking beef in a clay pot with onions, garlic, bay leaves, and a generous amount of red wine. The beef is cooked for several hours until it’s incredibly tender, absorbing all the flavors of the wine and spices. The first time I tried Alcatra, I was blown away by how the simple ingredients came together to create such a rich and flavorful dish.

What makes Alcatra special is the way it’s cooked—low and slow, allowing the meat to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while developing a deep, complex flavor. It’s usually served with bread or potatoes, making it a hearty meal that’s perfect for a cool evening on the islands.

Where to Eat Alcatra:

• Adega do Ti Manel, Angra do Heroísmo: A rustic eatery that serves Alcatra in the traditional clay pot, just as it’s been done for generations.
• Quinta dos Açores, Angra do Heroísmo: Known for their high-quality beef, this is a great spot to try Alcatra made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Beira Mar São Mateus, Angra do Heroísmo: A cozy restaurant with a reputation for serving some of the best Alcatra on the island.

3. Lapas Grelhadas: Grilled Limpets from the Sea

If you’re a seafood lover like me, you’ll want to try Lapas Grelhadas, or grilled limpets, a popular dish across the Azores. Limpets are small, chewy shellfish that cling to the rocks along the shoreline, and they’re a true delicacy on the islands. The first time I tasted them, I was struck by their briny, slightly sweet flavor, which perfectly captured the essence of the ocean.

Lapas are typically grilled with garlic, butter, and a squeeze of lemon, allowing their natural flavor to shine through. They’re usually served as an appetizer, accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the garlicky butter. Lapas Grelhadas are a simple yet delicious way to experience the fresh, unadulterated taste of Azorean seafood.

Where to Eat Lapas Grelhadas:

• Cais 20, Ponta Delgada: A popular seafood restaurant known for its fresh, perfectly grilled Lapas.
• Restaurante da Associação Agrícola, Ribeira Grande: Offers a great selection of local dishes, including some of the best Lapas on the island.
• Bar Caloura, Lagoa: A laid-back spot right by the ocean, where you can enjoy Lapas Grelhadas with a stunning view.

4. Bolos Lêvedos: The Azorean Sweet Bread

Bolos Lêvedos, or sweet muffins, are a traditional bread from the island of São Miguel, and they’re unlike any bread I’ve ever tasted. These soft, slightly sweet buns are cooked on a griddle rather than baked, giving them a unique texture that’s both chewy and tender. The first time I bit into a warm, freshly made Bolo Lêvedo, I knew I had found a new favorite treat.

Bolos Lêvedos are incredibly versatile—they can be eaten on their own, with butter and jam, or used to make sandwiches. I loved having them for breakfast, but they’re just as good any time of day. The slight sweetness and pillowy texture make them irresistible, and they’re a perfect example of the comforting, homey flavors of Azorean cuisine.

Where to Eat Bolos Lêvedos:

• Fábrica de Chá Gorreana, Ribeira Grande: Enjoy Bolos Lêvedos fresh off the griddle with a cup of local tea.
• Queijadas da Vila, Vila Franca do Campo: Known for their delicious pastries and sweets, this bakery also makes some of the best Bolos Lêvedos on the island.
• Restaurante O Miroma, Furnas: A great spot to try traditional Azorean dishes, including Bolos Lêvedos.

5. Queijo São Jorge: The Island’s Famous Cheese

Cheese lovers, rejoice! The Azores are home to some of the best cheese in Portugal, and Queijo São Jorge is the crown jewel. Produced on the island of São Jorge, this cheese is made from unpasteurized cow’s milk and aged for several months, resulting in a firm, slightly crumbly texture and a rich, tangy flavor. The first time I tasted it, I was struck by its bold, slightly spicy flavor, which lingered on my palate long after the first bite.

Queijo São Jorge is often enjoyed on its own, paired with crusty bread and a glass of local wine, but it’s also used in various dishes across the islands. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or just enjoy a good cheese plate, Queijo São Jorge is a must-try when visiting the Azores.

Where to Eat Queijo São Jorge:

• Queijaria São Jorge, Velas: Visit the cheese factory where you can taste and buy some of the freshest Queijo São Jorge.
• Casa do Parque, São Jorge: Offers a range of traditional dishes featuring local ingredients, including this famous cheese.
• O Borges, Ponta Delgada: A cozy eatery where you can sample Queijo São Jorge along with other local specialties.

6. Chá Gorreana: The Azorean Tea Tradition

One of the most unique culinary experiences I had in the Azores was visiting the Chá Gorreana tea plantation on the island of São Miguel. This is one of the oldest tea plantations in Europe, and it’s still producing high-quality green and black teas using traditional methods. As a tea lover, I was thrilled to explore the plantation and taste the tea right where it’s grown.

Chá Gorreana has a distinctive flavor, slightly earthy and aromatic, with a smooth finish. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cool Azorean morning, and it pairs beautifully with the island’s sweet treats like Bolos Lêvedos or Queijadas. Sipping a cup of Chá Gorreana while overlooking the rolling tea fields is an experience that’s both soothing and deeply connected to the island’s history.

Where to Drink Chá Gorreana:

• Chá Gorreana Tea Plantation, Ribeira Grande: Visit the plantation for a tour and a taste of their famous tea.
• Fábrica de Chá Porto Formoso, São Miguel: Another historic tea plantation offering tours and tastings in a beautiful setting.
• O Galego, Ponta Delgada: A cozy café where you can enjoy a cup of Chá Gorreana with a view of the harbor.

7. Cracas: The Azorean Sea Barnacle

Cracas, or sea barnacles, are one of the more unusual delicacies of the Azores, but they’re a must-try for adventurous eaters. These barnacles cling to the rocks along the coastline and are harvested by hand, making them a rare and prized treat. The first time I tried Cracas, I was intrigued by their unique texture and the intense flavor of the sea.

Cracas are typically boiled in seawater and served with a drizzle of lemon juice. The taste is briny and rich, with a slightly chewy texture that’s unlike anything else I’ve ever eaten. Eating Cracas is a true Azorean experience, giving you a taste of the rugged coastlines and the bounty of the Atlantic Ocean.

Where to Eat Cracas:

• Cais 20, Ponta Delgada: A seafood lover’s paradise, this restaurant is known for its fresh Cracas and other local delicacies.
• O Luís, Angra do Heroísmo: A popular spot for traditional Azorean seafood, including Cracas.
• Beira Mar São Mateus, Terceira: Enjoy Cracas in a relaxed setting with stunning views of the ocean.

8. Queijadas da Vila: A Sweet Taste of the Azores

No trip to the Azores is complete without trying Queijadas da Vila, a traditional pastry from the town of Vila Franca do Campo on the island of São Miguel. These sweet, creamy pastries are made with fresh cheese, sugar, and eggs, creating a rich and indulgent treat that’s perfect with a cup of tea or coffee. The first time I bit into a Queijada, I was instantly smitten by its delicate flavor and smooth, custard-like texture.

Queijadas da Vila are a beloved dessert in the Azores, and they’re often enjoyed during celebrations or as a special treat. The sweetness is perfectly balanced, making them irresistible and utterly satisfying.

Where to Eat Queijadas da Vila:

• Queijadas da Vila, Vila Franca do Campo: Visit the bakery where these famous pastries are made for the freshest experience.
• Fábrica de Chá Gorreana, Ribeira Grande: Enjoy a Queijada with a cup of local tea in this historic setting.
• Restaurante O Miroma, Furnas: A great place to end your meal with a traditional Azorean dessert like Queijadas da Vila.

9. Chicharros Fritos: Fried Blue Jack Mackerel

Chicharros Fritos, or fried blue jack mackerel, is a beloved dish in the Azores that brings out the best of the island’s fresh seafood. The first time I tasted these crispy little fish, I was immediately hooked. Chicharros are small, oily fish that are seasoned, lightly floured, and then deep-fried until golden and crispy. The simplicity of the preparation allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine, and they’re often served with a side of boiled potatoes or a fresh salad.

This dish is popular across the Azores, often enjoyed in a casual setting with friends and family. The fish are typically eaten whole, and the crispy skin and tender flesh make for a satisfying bite. Chicharros Fritos are a true representation of the Azorean approach to food—simple, fresh, and delicious.

Where to Eat Chicharros Fritos:

• Restaurante A Tasca, Ponta Delgada: A local favorite where Chicharros Fritos are a standout on the menu.
• Casa do Abel, Rabo de Peixe: Known for its fresh seafood, this is a great spot to try Chicharros Fritos.
• Restaurante da Associação Agrícola, Ribeira Grande: Offers a variety of traditional Azorean dishes, including perfectly fried Chicharros.

10. Morcelas com Ananás: Blood Sausage with Pineapple

Morcelas com Ananás, or blood sausage with pineapple, is one of the more unique dishes you’ll find in the Azores, and it’s a combination that might surprise you. The rich, savory flavor of the blood sausage is perfectly balanced by the sweet, tangy pineapple, creating a dish that’s both bold and harmonious. The first time I tried this dish, I was amazed at how well the flavors complemented each other.

Morcelas, or blood sausages, are made with pork blood, rice, and spices, and they have a deep, earthy flavor. When paired with the fresh, juicy pineapple, the dish becomes something truly special. It’s often served as an appetizer, but it’s hearty enough to be enjoyed as a main course as well.

Where to Eat Morcelas com Ananás:

• Alcides Restaurante, Ponta Delgada: A classic spot where you can enjoy traditional Azorean dishes, including Morcelas com Ananás.
• Restaurante o Botequim Açoriano, Lagoa: Known for its creative takes on local cuisine, this is a great place to try this unique dish.
• Bar da Calheta, São Jorge: A cozy restaurant offering a variety of traditional Azorean dishes, including this flavorful combination.

The Azores are a true paradise for food lovers, offering a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect the islands’ history, culture, and natural beauty. From the volcanic Cozido das Furnas to the sweet indulgence of Queijadas da Vila, each dish is a journey into the heart of the Azores. As you explore these beautiful islands, be sure to savor the local cuisine and discover the stories behind each bite.

‍