Take Off Restaurant: A New Food Spot in Ponta Delgada

Opened in the spring of 2026, Take Off Restaurant & Bar is a new food spot located right next to Ponta Delgada Airport on São Miguel Island, Azores.

The restaurant brings together the flavors of Azorean and Madeiran cuisine, creating a menu that combines two unique culinary traditions from Portugal’s Atlantic islands.

The first thing that will probably catch your attention is the view. But believe us: the food and service are just as impressive.

TIP: A Convenient Restaurant Near Ponta Delgada Airport

Because Take Off is located so close to the airport and is currently open every day from 12 PM to 10 PM, it is an excellent option if you need somewhere to eat while waiting for a flight or before your hotel check-in.

Whether you are looking for a proper lunch, an early dinner, or simply somewhere to relax with a drink and a few snacks, Take Off Restaurant & Bar is a convenient stop when arriving in or departing from São Miguel.

The View

Take Off Restaurant & Bar is spread across two floors and offers beautiful views of Ponta Delgada Airport and the Atlantic Ocean.

The ground floor is an enclosed, air-conditioned dining area with large windows, making it a comfortable place for a meal while still enjoying the scenery.

Upstairs, the open-air rooftop terrace has umbrellas, background music, and plenty of space to enjoy a drink, some petiscos, and the view. It is particularly inviting in the afternoon and evening.

What to Eat at Take Off Restaurant & Bar

Everything we ordered was very well prepared, so our recommendations are based on what we actually tried and enjoyed. If you are wondering what to eat at Take Off Restaurant & Bar, these are some of the dishes we recommend.

Starters

Homemade Artisan Ham

One of the things that makes Take Off different is that the restaurant makes its own artisan ham. The ham goes through more than a month of preparation and several stages before it reaches your table. The result is a flavorful and delicious starter. Our tip? Enjoy it with plenty of lemon.

Shrimp

We were told that the shrimp is one of the restaurant’s most popular starters — so popular, in fact, that some customers have reportedly returned specifically to order this dish before catching their flight. The shrimp was tender, flavorful, and very well seasoned. If you love seafood, this is definitely a starter worth trying.

Main Dishes

Espetada

Espetada is a traditional Madeiran way of preparing and serving beef on a skewer, and it is one of the dishes that highlights the restaurant’s Madeiran influence.

The meat is priced by weight, with approximately 300 grams per person suggested as a serving.

One detail we particularly appreciated is that you can see the cuts of meat before ordering. The portions are vacuum-sealed and labeled with information about the type of meat and its weight, making it easier to choose your portion and understand exactly what you are ordering.

Takeoff Steak

Bife à Regional, or regional-style steak, is one of the most iconic meat dishes you can try on São Miguel.
While the famous Cozido das Furnas may be the island’s best-known traditional dish, regional steak is another must-try for meat lovers. At Take Off, you can enjoy this local classic prepared with care and attention to detail.

Desserts

We had heard from friends that the chocolate mousse at Take Off was excellent. Unfortunately, it had already sold out on the day of our visit — which is probably a good sign!

Following our server’s recommendation, we ordered the traditional banana cake with ice cream instead. And what a delicious surprise it was!

The passion fruit crème brûlée was also beautifully prepared and made for another excellent way to finish the meal.

Check the Take Off Menu

You can check the complete Take Off Restaurant & Bar menu on Tripadvisor.

What to Drink

Here is another tip: Take Off serves two drinks traditionally associated with Madeira — Nikita and Poncha. If you drink alcohol, don’t miss the opportunity to try them.

Nikita is a traditional Madeiran drink made with beer and ice cream. Don’t try to guess what this combination tastes like. Just order one and try it! Nikita is sweet, refreshing, and surprisingly delicious. It is also a fun drink to try if you are discovering Madeiran food and drinks for the first time.

Where Is Take Off Restaurant?

Take Off Restaurant & Bar is located right next to Ponta Delgada Airport, on São Miguel Island in the Azores.

Its location makes it particularly convenient for travelers arriving on or departing from the island.

There is also free street parking available right next to the restaurant.
Address: Google Maps

Take Off Restaurant Opening Hours

Take Off Restaurant & Bar is currently open every day.

Sunday to Thursday: 12 PM–10 PM
Friday and Saturday: 12 PM–11 PM

Opening hours may change, so we recommend checking the latest information before visiting.

Restaurant Reservations

Reservations at Take Off Restaurant & Bar can be made by phone: +351963866990

If you need help making a reservation, you can also send us a message on WhatsApp and we can help you with the booking.

Take Off on Social Media

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/take.off.restaurant/
Facebook:

Is Take Off Restaurant Worth Visiting?

Definitely!

Whether you are looking for a full meal or simply a pleasant place to relax in the afternoon or evening, Take Off Restaurant & Bar is worth considering.

The rooftop terrace is a particularly enjoyable spot to unwind with a cocktail, enjoy a few petiscos, and take in the views of the airport and the Atlantic Ocean.

With a menu that combines Azorean and Madeiran flavors, good service, an attractive setting, and a convenient location, Take Off is an interesting new addition to the São Miguel food scene.