Food Guide: 10 Must-Try Dishes in São Miguel, Azores

São Miguel, the largest island in the Azores archipelago, offers unique beauty and a rich gastronomy full of authentic flavors that are sure to please food lovers. In this article, you’ll find 10 dishes you absolutely must try during your visit to São Miguel Island.

But first, you should know that there are 3 ways to enjoy the local cuisine:

Do your own research and find the best restaurants to try each dish, with fair prices and good service.
Join a food tour in Ponta Delgada and taste some of the delicious dishes mentioned in this article, guided by a local expert. More info here.
Hire a local consultant who will recommend restaurants that specialize in what you want to try and that match your expectations. More infor here.

1. Azorean Pineapple

Azorean pineapples, grown exclusively on São Miguel Island, are unique in the world because they are cultivated in greenhouses. This traditional and time-consuming method, which takes about 24 months, results in a pineapple with a sweet and distinct flavor — the result of the care taken by local farmers.

The pineapple greenhouses in Ponta Delgada are a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the island. Tourists have the chance to taste the fruit and learn about its cultivation process. Make sure to visit at least one!

2. Furnas Stew

Furnas Stew (Cozido das Furnas) is a traditional São Miguel dish cooked underground in the volcanic soil of Furnas, where geothermal heat slowly cooks a mix of meats, sausages, and vegetables. This unique method gives the dish an unmistakable flavor — truly an experience not to be missed. Vegetarian and vegan versions are also available.

Click here to learn more about where to try this iconic Azorean dish.

3. Cheese

The milk used in Azorean cheese comes from cows that graze freely all year round on natural pastures, giving the cheese its rich, authentic flavor.

At restaurants across São Miguel, it’s common to start a meal with a platter of local cheeses and cured meats, paired with a glass of regional wine — a simple yet flavorful experience.

4. Limpets

Limpets (Lapas), a typical Azorean starter, are served in their shell, seasoned with garlic and lime juice. These conical-shelled mollusks, similar to mussels, cling tightly to the rocks along the Azorean coast, giving them a distinctly local and authentic flavor.

Where to try: Check out this restaurant tip in Ponta Delgada to enjoy delicious limpets. We also recommend trying their octopus (main photo of this article) and codfish.

5. Azorean-Style Steak (Bife à Regional)

Bife à Regional is one of the most traditional meat dishes in the Azores and is easily found at many restaurants across the island. This beloved steak, seasoned with traditional Azorean chili pepper (pimenta da terra), is a must for meat lovers. The meat is fresh and local, sourced from cattle that graze freely on the island’s green pastures. It’s pan-fried and typically served with a fried egg and French fries — a reliable and flavorful choice for anyone who enjoys a good steak.

6. Queijada da Vila

Queijada da Vila is a traditional sweet with strong historical and cultural ties to São Miguel Island. It’s considered a must-try delicacy for anyone visiting the region. You’ll find it in nearly every café, bakery, and market across the island. The pastry gets its name from its place of origin, Vila Franca do Campo, and is a treasured example of Azorean convent-style sweets.

7. Bolo Lêvedo

Bolo Lêvedo is a “bread that’s also a cake” — it might sound unusual, but it’s hard to describe until you taste it. Found on nearly every Azorean table, this soft, slightly sweet flatbread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed at breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Originally from the village of Furnas on São Miguel Island, Bolo Lêvedo owes its fluffy texture and unique flavor to its slow leavening process.

How to enjoy Bolo Lêvedo:

Plain: Simply on its own or with a bit of butter.
With fillings: Often served with fresh cheese, jams, or even used as a burger bun.

Where to find it: In São Miguel, you can find Bolo Lêvedo in local restaurants and markets throughout the island.

8. Fresh Fish from the Azores

For seafood lovers, Azorean cuisine is pure happiness. Many local restaurants offer a Mixed Grill — a platter with 2 or 3 types of freshly grilled fish.

Check out our restaurant suggestion to enjoy grilled fish for lunch with an ocean view:

Azorean Tuna: Be sure, while in São Miguel, to try the tuna steak. Tuna caught in the Azores is of exceptional quality and is even exported to international markets. In spring and summer, you can also join a tuna fishing tour. More info here.

9. Blood Sausage with Pineapple

Morcela com Ananás is a beloved combination in Azorean cuisine, especially on São Miguel Island. This dish stands out for its sweet and savory contrast — the rich, spicy pork blood sausage (morcela) is paired with fresh Azorean pineapple, one of the region’s most iconic fruits.

You’ll find this dish in many restaurants across the island, particularly those specializing in traditional cuisine. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone wanting to taste authentic Azorean flavors.

10. Azorean Tea

The humid, rainy climate, mild temperatures, and acidic volcanic soil make São Miguel ideal for producing high-quality green and black tea. Today, Gorreana’s tea plantations cover about 32 hectares and produce roughly 40 tons of tea annually.

By exploring these local specialties, you won’t just be tasting delicious food — you’ll also immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the islands, making your visit a truly memorable experience.

Want more tips? We’ve got them! There are even more local treats to discover — and some can easily be packed in your suitcase, so you can bring a taste of the Azores home for your friends and family. Check out our travel consulting service.