Let’s talk about the Azores—an island destination known for its volcanic landscapes, hot springs, and laid-back charm. This Azores travel review covers all of that, along with one unexpected downside: the food.
I’ve had some incredible meals while travelling. The chicken wings at the W Hotel in Algarve still cross my mind from time to time. The food in Santorini? Fresh, flavourful, unforgettable. Sadly, the Azores just didn’t deliver in that department.
Food in the Azores: More Miss Than Hit
Before we arrived, we knew the Azores was celebrated for its seafood. That wasn’t ideal for us—Yomi’s never been a seafood fan and I don’t eat it for religious reasons. However, we assumed there would be a variety options.
That assumption was completely wrong.
The food disappointment began before we even landed. On our flight to São Miguel, the only meal option was octopus. No alternatives, no substitutions—just octopus. We politely passed and made do with what can only be described as cardboard bread rolls. Not the greatest start.
Once we checked in, we were ready for a proper meal. We ordered the steak. It was fine. Nothing memorable and definitely not filling.
The following night, we splurged on the T-bone. It was pricey, and while it looked promising, the taste didn’t deliver. The meat was bland and under-seasoned and again the portion sizes were an issue.
Even Room Service Couldn’t Redeem Things
During our stay, we gave room service a try. We ordered a burger and a caesar salad, hoping to keep it simple. Honestly? Still a letdown. The burger lacked flavour and the salad was limp and very underwhelming. I honestly not packing any snacks.
One Bright Spot: Tukátulá Beach Bar
On my birthday, we had lunch at Tukátulá Beach Bar. We ordered the beef ribs and while I was definitely over red meat by then, it was the most enjoyable meal of the trip. Tender, flavourful and a decent portion. Finally.
We had plans for a special dinner that evening too… but I’ll spare you the disappointment. Let’s just say it didn’t end on a high note.
The Azores Is Still Worth Seeing
To be clear, this Azores travel review isn’t just about food. The island itself is beautiful and in many ways, it really is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and breathe differently.
Some of my favourite moments:
- Dipping our feet in warm geothermal springs.
- Drinking naturally carbonated mineral water from the springs in Furnas.
- Driving through quiet, rugged landscapes with no rush, no pressure, just stillness.
The Azores is ideal if you’re craving space, nature and a slower pace.
If Food Matters to You, Plan Accordingly
If you love seafood, you’ll find plenty of it. However, if your tastes lean elsewhere, or if you’ve got dietary restrictions, it’s worth managing expectations. The food scene is still quite traditional and variety can be limited.
So while this Azores travel review comes with praise for the island’s natural beauty, I’d be lying if I said the food didn’t put a damper on things.
Have you been to the Azores? If so, I’d genuinely love to hear your thoughts. Did you have a different food experience? Any places you’d recommend to others?
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