Start our culinary journey with the best of São Miguel - fresh seafood and fish. Our first stop is the 'Gastrónomo' restaurant, a true gem among local eateries. This place is famous for its excellent quality fresh fish, which changes daily depending on the catch. Guests especially praise the tuna, swordfish and hornfish. The owner, Sonia, takes care of the warm, homely atmosphere, making every visit unforgettable.

Another spot on our map is 'Casa Marisca'. This restaurant is a paradise for seafood lovers. We especially recommend the octopus here, which many guests say is one of the best they've ever eaten. In addition, try the mussels, squid and shrimp. Casa Marisca offers authentic Azorean flavors at affordable prices.

We can't leave out '4 Plátanos Café Restaurante', a place with a beautiful view and great food. This is an ideal location to try traditional steak, but also fresh fish. The restaurant is famous for its large portions and affordable prices, making it an ideal option for families.

When comparing the three places, it's worth noting their unique features. 'Gastrónomo' stands out for its homey atmosphere and daily changing fish menu. 'Casa Marisca' is a paradise for seafood lovers, especially octopus. On the other hand, '4 Plátanos' offers not only great food, but also beautiful views. All three restaurants are moderately priced, but 'Gastrónomo' and '4 Plátanos' have slightly higher ratings (4.8 and 4.4, respectively) compared to 'Casa Marisca' (4.2).

It's worth remembering that the freshness and quality of seafood on São Miguel is unparalleled. Fish and seafood are caught daily and go straight to guests' plates, providing an unforgettable taste experience. Whichever restaurant you choose, you can be sure to sample the best gifts of the ocean the Azores has to offer.

While seafood is undoubtedly the star of Azorean cuisine, we can't forget the exceptional quality of local meat, especially beef. The Azores are famous for their cattle, which graze year-round in green, lush pastures, giving the meat a unique flavor and texture.

One of the best places to try Azorean beef is 'Casa do Abel'. This restaurant is a true paradise for steak lovers. Guests unanimously praise the quality of the meat, describing it as the best beef they have ever eaten. The steaks are perfectly prepared, juicy and full of flavor. The side dishes are worth noting - broccoli with almonds is said to be a great complement to the steak. Casa do Abel has an impressive rating of 4.7, a testament to the consistently high quality of the dishes served.

Another place worth noting is 'Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel'. This is a unique restaurant that offers the authentic flavors of local Azorean cuisine. It specializes in dishes prepared with high-quality local ingredients, including, of course, beef. Although some guests have raised some reservations about the quality of the steaks, most reviews are very positive. The restaurant has a rating of 4.6, indicating an overall high level of guest satisfaction.

For those who want to try something a little different, we recommend a visit to 'A Tasca'. This is an iconic restaurant in Ponta Delgada that offers a wide variety of traditional dishes, including, of course, steaks. The 'Bife à Regional', a local specialty, is worth trying here. A Tasca has a slightly lower rating (4.4) compared to the previous two restaurants, but is still highly regarded among guests.

When comparing the three places, several aspects are worth noting. 'Casa do Abel' stands out for the quality of its steaks and is considered one of the best restaurants on the island. 'Restaurante Associação Agrícola de São Miguel' offers an authentic Azorean culinary experience in a beautiful setting. 'A Tasca', on the other hand, is a place with character where you can sample a variety of local specialties.

As for prices, all three restaurants are in a moderate price range, although 'Casa do Abel' can be a bit more expensive due to the exceptional quality of the meat. It's worth remembering that 'A Tasca' often involves a long wait for a table.

Regardless of which restaurant you choose, you can be sure that you will taste exceptional Azorean beef. This meat, thanks to the natural way cattle are raised on the island, has a unique flavor and texture that you won't forget. This is the perfect opportunity to appreciate not only the culinary, but also the agricultural heritage of the Azores.

Our culinary tour of São Miguel would not be complete without sampling the local specialties and desserts that make the perfect finale to any meal. Azorean cuisine, rich in traditions and unique ingredients, offers an array of unique dishes that you must try during your visit.

One place where you can sample a wide range of local specialties is 'Botequim Açoriano'. This restaurant, with a rating of 4.4, is famous for its authentic Azorean cuisine. Guests especially praise the fresh fish and seafood, but traditional meat dishes are also worth trying here. Botequim Açoriano offers not only delicious food, but also a homey atmosphere that makes every meal a unique experience.

Returning to the previously mentioned restaurants, the desserts at 'Casa do Abel' are worth noting. Guests particularly recommend the chocolate mousse, which is said to be the perfect culmination of the meal. On the other hand, at 'Gastrónomo' you should try the local cheeses served with honey - a simple but extremely tasty combination that perfectly captures the character of Azorean cuisine.

Speaking of local specialties, we can't leave out traditional Azorean dishes, which can be found in many restaurants on the island. One such dish is 'Cozido das Furnas' - a dish prepared in volcanic hot springs. It's a unique dish that combines different types of meat and vegetables, cooked slowly in the natural warmth of the earth.

Another specialty worth trying is 'Lapas' - a type of mussels that are grilled and served with garlic butter and lemon. It's a simple but extremely tasty dish that is best enjoyed with an ocean view.

As for desserts, you can't leave São Miguel without trying 'Queijadas da Vila' - small cheese tarts that are a specialty of the island. Another popular dessert is 'Bolo Lêvedo' - a type of sweet roll that tastes great with local butter and passion fruit jam.

When comparing the restaurants in question in terms of local specialties and desserts, there are several aspects worth noting. 'Botequim Açoriano' offers the most authentic and varied menu of Azorean dishes. 'Casa do Abel', while specializing in steaks, also has excellent desserts. 'Gastrónomo', on the other hand, stands out for the quality of its local cheeses and appetizers.

Prices at these restaurants are comparable, falling within a moderate price range. However, it is worth remembering that prices can vary depending on the season and availability of ingredients.

In conclusion, a culinary journey in São Miguel is not only an opportunity to sample fresh seafood or excellent beef. It's also a chance to discover the unique flavors and textures that are characteristic of Azorean cuisine. From traditional dishes prepared in volcanic springs to fresh seafood to sweet desserts, every bite is a journey through the history and culture of this unique island. Whether you are a lover of meat, seafood or sweets, São Miguel has something to satisfy your culinary desires and leave you with unforgettable memories.