Terceira has always been one of our favourite Azorean islands, and her capital Angra de Heroismo has some of the Azores’ most historic architecture and accommodation.
Here’s our handy guide on where to eat in Angra…
#01 – For a late breakfast, light lunch or just a great coffee, head to the Verde Maca cafe on the corner of Rua Direita and the Praça Velha. It’s a beautiful building, originally constructed as a home by successful local merchant Antonio dos Santos in 1815. Angra’s naturally-sheltered harbour played a key role in the sea-trade between Portugal and her colonies in South American and East Indies. A constant stream of traders and goods saw the city blossom economically, culturally and architecturally during the 18th and 19th centuries:
#02 -Just around the corner on Rua de Sao Joao is A Barrica. It’s the perfect spot for lunch or a lazy afternoon of people-watching (although it’s worth avoiding the lunchtime rush in order to bag a table outside). Their menu has a very welcome slant towards vegetarian and vegan dishes:
#03 – Casa do Jardim on Rua do Marques is also an excellent option for vegans and veggies, and they’re proud of the organic, locally-sourced produce they use throughout their menu. The restaurant is tucked-away in the Jardim Duque da Terceira – Angra’s peaceful city garden:
#04– A short stroll from the centre of the city will bring you to O Pirata. Look beyond the english-pub styling and the tongue-in-cheek pirate theme, and you’ll find a really welcoming bar serving no-nonsense Portuguese cuisine and cold local beer. If you’re thinking of walking up Monte Brasil during your stay, it’s an ideal en-route stopping point for lunch with one the best views overlooking the harbour at Baia de Angra:
#05-Down on the harbour front itself, one of city’s most popular restaurants is Cais de Angra. It’s a light, modern building with a menu to match; pre-booking is a must, particularly for the terrace overlooking the harbour:
#06 – Ask Angra’s twenty-somethings where they spend their evenings and they’ll invariably recommend A Minha Casa. It’s one of the city’s quirkiest restaurants, serving modern European dishes in a friendly art-cafe style atmosphere, up in the eaves of a lovely old townhouse on Rua dos Canos Verdes:
#07 – We’re often asked where locals eat. In Angra’s case, A Canadinha has one of the best menus when it comes to traditional Azorean cuisine. Portions are generous, the staff are friendly and prices are very reasonable – it can be busy at lunchtimes so you might have a short wait for a table:
#10 – Tasca das Tias on Rua de Sao Joao is also extremely popular with the local residents of Angra. Historically, tascas were family-run taverns serving wine and liquors. As the demand from customers for snacks to accompany their drinks increased, the tascas evolved into a style of restaurant in their own right. Nowadays, they tend to serve substantial and hearty dishes: lots of fish, lots of meat – my favourite tasca dish is a black bean and chorizo stew known as Feijoada:
#11 -Sticking with the traditional, the city has two Tabernas just a couple of streets apart: the Taberna do Teatro and the Taberna do Fado. The former is cosy and informal, and owner Isaac Martins is quickly building a reputation for delicious steaks at a reasonable price. As the name implies with the latter, at the Taberna do Fado dinner is accompanied by the melancholic melodies of Portugal’s most famous musical export. Purists might argue that fado is the exclusive domain of the mainland, but as a visitor I find it’s a welcome addition to Angra’s nightlife (and their Caldo Verde is superb):
Our Where to eat guides are based on our first-hand experience and our love of great Portuguese cuisine:
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Our Ponta Delgada Food Tour
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Where to eat on Sao Miguel – the south coast
Where to eat in Angra
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