Historical architectural gates in public square. It's beautiful and works as a central mark for the city. You can easily get from there to the military museum, churches, chapels, botanical garden and marina. It is next to the town hall. Usually they start walking city tours from these gates.

Just a very pretty, well preserved entrance to the town centre. The paving is beautiful as are the surrounding buildings.

A square with the remains of historical buildings, including the City gates. Beautiful surroundings, worth a visit.

A picturesque spot and a popular photo opportunity, especially during peak hours when the area can get quite busy. While the gate is iconic for the city, to be honest, its historical or symbolic significance isn’t entirely clear unless you’ve read about it beforehand. Still, it's a nice landmark to pass by when exploring the city center.

18th century city gates made of dark volcanic basalt. It looks great and is undoubtedly a symbol of the capital. Day and night, always beautiful and atmospheric.

The end of April there's a chance of rain but when we went it was just overcast skies light jacket weather... The city is very clean we'll taken care of easily able to walk around the town to different tours attractions.. very affordable food and souvenirs.. the locals are very nice and friendly...

Wonderful square for people watching, observing, and spending time at a small cafe.

A small museum, part natural history and part historic religious convent. There is a LARGE amount of taxidermy and preserved animals, including some oddities with birth defects. It offered an interesting look into the life of cloistered nuns in the 17th century. The chapel is ornate and beautiful. Small 2-3€ entry fee.

Nice museum in an old monastery. The museum is slightly bigger than it seems, but is still relatively small. You could spend a couple of hours here, if you're really into it. We were a bit in a rush, so we could spend only 45 minutes, which allows for a decent visit still. They have an enormous collection of stuffed animals and skeletons of maritime life. Also some good info on the history of the Azores. Entrance fee was only 2 euro p.p.: a real bargain. They have lockers that you can use free of charge. If you enjoy an occasional museum visit, you are in the neighborhood and you have time, this is a no-brainer.

Very nice museum. They have 3 locations not far from each other. I advise to visit all three.

It's a very interesting taxidermy museum located in the historical center of PD, not to miss especially if you get some rainy hours.

The taxidermy here is atrocious. Look at these pictures. The marine animals are painted black. The manta ray’s cephalic fins are drooping like a wilted plant. They left two unidentified birds face up on top of one of the exhibits. If there is a loving god, he would not let this place exist

The museums were great to visit.Lots of wonderful history. I really liked the 4 paintings of the Holy Martyrs of Lisbon telling their story in paintings. The man who sold us our tickets in the first small two room convent museum had to be the rudest man I have ever met. I don't know how he has a job in the hospitality industry. He needs client service training. That museum could also do well to translate their information cards in English. It can't be that expensive to do that.

Awesome, unique museum with plenty to see for an hour or so. Plenty of beautiful religious architecture and history around, complimented by an unexpected although impressive taxidermy collection. Admission is free, and the tour is self-guided. High recommend

Fantastic produce. Great find for local tea and honey as well. Excited to come back and see the main market space as well!

Far from being a classic European market (and maybe my expectations were not adjusted). There is only one cheese shop here and all the others sell fruit and vegetables. The selection is not impressive and sometimes it seems better to buy at the supermarket.

One of the most delicious fruit we bought on the 10days island vacation. And also great prices, better than in the supermarkets.

The prices were reasonable, not much different from those in the shops. Only one vendor sold passion fruits. We had hoped to find cheaper Azorean pineapples, but they were actually more expensive than in larger supermarkets. However, there was a good selection of local fruit and flower seeds.

A great place to get some fresh produce (meats, vegetables, fruits) while in Ponta Delgada. The bananas were more dense than in North America (they were NOT plantains). The pears and fresh vegetables were excellent.

Such a cute market, lots of fresh fruit and veggies

I've been here twice. One time right in the morning and one time in the afternoon. Each time only some market stalls were open. Mostly they offer fruit and veggies to decent prices.

Very beautiful church / cathedral. At the time of my visit, it was not possible to enter. So I don't know, if you can enter the church.

A magnificent church. Also outstanding because of the wooden ceiling and various detailed wooden decorations. A must visit.

Beautiful architecture ... each side alter was so ornate and detailed. There was a prayer service at the time we arrived and we were asked to wait.. not a problem!

When you shout "wow" and marvel at the local architecture. Very nice. The surroundings are very clean, the views are excellent. A couple of free benches in the area offer a wonderful view of the square.

Visited the church and was blown away by the brilliant architecture inside. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting the area. Beautiful place in a lovely setting. The interior was so carefully decorated and is a treat for anyone keen about architecture or design.

Amazing sculptures and art. One of the coolest church I've seen here, on Sao Miguel Helpful staff. It's a must visit if you are in Ponta Delgada

Very interesting old church, Igreja Matriz de São Sebastião, with many elements, such as the ornate main entrance facing Portas da Cidade city landmark, built in the flowery and intricate so-called Manueline style (often observed in Lisbon). The initial construction works on the church began in the first half of the XVIth century. As various other buildings in the Azores, the church combines baroque gilded opulence and stark blackish stone materials quarried locally using basalt lava rocks.

Built in the 16th century, this fortress once protected the island from pirates and invading forces. Today, it offers beautiful panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape. You can walk around the outside for free, but to enter the fortress and museum, there’s a €3 fee for adults. The visit is definitely worth it for both the historical context and the scenic vistas.

Nice historical place in the city. It is a museum inside if you like military objects. The entrance ticket is only 1 euro, the guy at the desk was super nice. The museum is not big according to their map. We did not go inside, because it was raining and we did not want to walk around much. But we will definitely visit it next time.

A nice fortress with a free entrance on Sunday gives you great views over the harbour, the picturesque city of Ponta Delgada and you can see some old military equipment.

We wandered around the fort looking at all the exhibits they were very interesting. Many were in English, but you were able to get the gist of it if it was not in English they have inside areas and outside areas to wander and I would definitely recommend this activity, especially if it’s raining

Lots of history to read and see. Worth the 3€ fee. The grounds are nice to walk around with great views of the marina. Their collection consists of a wide variety of weapons and uniforms across the centuries to modern day. Was surprised as it isn't a popular destination on the tourism guides. A definite place to visit with military history interests.

Amazing active military fort with an extensive military museum. Many Portuguese military artifacts.

A wonderful part of history on the shores of Ponta Delgada. At only 3 Euros each, it was an inexpensive attraction with lots of WWII history to see at your own self-guided pace. My only regret was that there was not enough history on the origin of the fort.

It’s a very popular restaurant on the island. Better book a table in advance. We came after 2pm for lunch so luckily got a table after 15 minutes waiting. Very good price, it’s €56 for the 5 dishes we ordered. Decent taste for the food but don’t have to queue for 1 hour. Recommend the sausages.

This restaurant is quite popular and located in a small alley not far from the seaside. The building itself is very distinctive, with charming architecture that immediately draws your attention. Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and full of character, combining traditional touches with a relaxed local feel. We were seated at a table by the wall, which was comfortable and gave us a nice view of the lively dining area. The menu was presented in a creative way—it looked like a newspaper, which we thought was really fun and unique. We decided to try some local dishes, including the Portuguese national dish, some bread and shrimp, and a stew with octopus. Among all the dishes, my favorite was definitely the shrimp—it was fresh, juicy, and full of flavor. The dish that came with rice wasn’t really to my personal taste, as I’m not very used to that kind of texture and flavor combination. The octopus stew was okay, though it seemed to have been cooked a bit too long, which made the texture slightly chewy. We also ordered some local beer, which was excellent and paired perfectly with the meal. Overall, the experience was pleasant and the food was decent, though perhaps we had expected a bit more. When we finished and left, there was already a long line forming outside, which shows just how famous this restaurant really is.

Beautiful restaurant in Portugal style. Food was alright. I ordered octopus stew, and it was lovely, but tuna steak wasn't so good. We asked for dessert and were waiting around 30 minutes for someone to give us menu, in the end we just paid and went to another place for pudding and drinks. One more detail, you need to have reservations or to queue up for a table. We were waiting around 45 minutes for a table, some of the people after us 1,5h. I definitely wouldn't wait again so long as its not worth it. My recommendation to book table in advance and to order everything in one go, as there services not so good unfortunately.

It's a real local tasca, charming building in an alley bit far from the sea side. Menu is printed in a dance newspaper/ magazine format and includes the history of this place and it's staff. Great touch. We like the place so much that we went back again. There is a great selection of local dishes on the menu and this is what we have decided to go for, island sausage, island shrimp, pastry with local cheese and honey.. Ok, the prawn and bread dish with poached eggs was slightly odd looking but very tasty! Every other dish was tasty and looked great. We had local style cheesecake for dessert, it was very tasty and not like the cheesecake you may expect. We washed the food down with a glass of local red beer and local white wine. Both tasty and worth going for, although Tasca does have a good selection of wine on their menu. Definitely recommend to visit the restaurant, it is an ideal place to taste local produce and local dishes (tapas style or full meal), feel a vibe of a local tasca. There likely will be a queue as the place is quite popular but it is worth a wait and it won't be long! Have a read of the menu while you wait.

6 in our party for €120. 1 wine, 5 x apple cider, 1 large beer, 1 Irish coffee, 2 cokes. 2 garlic bread apps. 1 Tuna encrusted meal - very good. 1 Tuna sandwich with fries - very good. 1 duck and rice platter - very good. 1 Beefsteak Sandwich - ordered medium, came out over cooked - still OK. 1 beef cheeks platter - very good. 1 chicken breast with black-eyed peas platter - they served over cooked thighs and wings - not so OK. We were seated before the couple next to us - the couple were given menus first, took their order and were given drinks before we were given menus. Needless to say, they were way ahead of us in their process. I will say, the atmosphere is amazing, we've eaten in dozens of Sao Miguel restaurants and this has the best vibe and really good food. The price is amazing too.

Definitely worth to wait one hour for a table. Excellent food, reasonable prices, the staff were friendly and welcoming. They offer many different options including traditional Azorean dishes and many many wines. The portions are quite big, so we decided to share and try more.

We went early so we did not have to wait long for the table. Did not feel that the service is slow but somewhat the waiter got two out of 5 orders wrong. We ordered red wine but got a sangria, we asked and was told that it is a house red wine (so we somewhat also questioned and made ourselves believed that my be it’s their style of a house wine). Turned out in the bill, it was sangria and was priced differently from the house wine we ordered from the menu. We also ordered a cheese platter but got a soft cheese with pepper sauce instead. Apart from these mistakes, food was okay - average.

The signature steak was simply uneatable (tasteless, chewy, without spices, dry), the bio-wine tasted like vinegar, the arrogant waitress kept ignoring me and talked only to my husband. A lot of guests were giving the plates back with untouched dishes. I left hungry and upset.

The quality of the food does not match the standard of the restaurant. The fish was swimming in oil and the odour was quite noticeable. The steak was average. If you also consider the poor side dishes, I cannot recommend a meal here.

The food was a mixed experience. The fish had good flavor but was unfortunately overcooked, and the bread we were served was stale. Overall, the meal was acceptable, and the price felt fair for what we got. What really left a bad impression was the service. We noticed that foreign customers at nearby tables were offered a complimentary cup of liquor at the end of their meal. When we asked for the bill, the waiter asked if we were Portuguese. After we confirmed, the offer was not extended to us. This kind of difference in treatment based on nationality is disappointing and unacceptable in this day and age.

restaurant: The vibe was a bit off. We ordered only water for drinks and got a judgy “no wine?” from the waiter. The “picanha” was rubbery and lacked the fatty layer completly. When asked about it, we got the answer that it was azorean “picanha”… The salad was nice.

Tried to order extra food for the table and the waiter basically told us no? It was very strange. He said he didn’t want to waste it on us. Food was decent, the people who work there are not! I would avoid this place.

amazing meal and only restaurant in town that isn't overpricing like crazy

Excellent food and fairly cheap dinner. The waiter, Assam, was very friendly and professional.

Had the best time here - food was delicious, service was great and the inside of the restaurant was beautiful. Our server was so friendly, offered great drink suggestions and took the time to converse with us. We recommend this place if you’re ever here and to make a reservation!

The food was amazing. Dishes were clearly made with care and the flavors were well-balanced. Ingredients were locally sourced and fresh. Additionally the waiters and chefs in the open kitchen were very friendly and attentive. So far the best restraunt on the island, will be coming back!

Great food and service! The beef starter dish was impeccable! The chocolate desert was also awesome! If you're looking for an elevated dining experience, this is the place to be.

Food made with love and thought. Everything was divine, from the bread, curry mussels, to the fish special and Azorean cow (not beef). Must reserve a seat here at least once when visiting ponta.

This is a culinary experience for FOODIES! Not your average restaurant. The chefs have created complex flavors and cohesive dishes. Medium-sized portions but massive and bold flavors. Cheers

Absolutely the best restaurant on the island, during our holiday on São Miguel. We had an appetizer (tenderloin with homemade pickled cucumber), a tuna steak as the main course, and for dessert, matcha crème brûlée. Everything was incredibly delicious — the tuna was perfectly cooked, just as it should be, and the dessert was an unusual combination that turned out to be amazing. Thank you so much to the team for an unforgettable dinner. We would definitely love to come back! If you’re visiting São Miguel, this restaurant is a must-try.

Our first meal in the Azores exceeded expectations. Beautiful, elevated modern cuisine, using local ingredients.

Good and tasty food. One portion of fried mackerel was enough for two, not soo hungry people. Comes with potatoes - and we thought with some potato bean mash. It does not. It is extra and not so tasty. You can skip it. Waitress does not speak or does not want to speak English so you are going based on fingers crossed. She added a tip in our verbal only bill but is ok cz the mackerel was nice. Nothing else in the menu looked appealing to us as travelers, or value for money.

Be prepared to queue! However it’s definitely worth waiting for. Amazing food, staff is friendly. Bring cash as they dont take card. Definitely recommend this place.

Amazing food! If you're with a group, great to get a bit of everything. We had the tuna, beans, every version of potato, pickles, mackerel and cheese (with hot sauce) all amazing washed down with a beer or Kima! For those who can't have wheat/are coeliac, the staff were fantastic for knowing what was and wasn't ok and being super clear!

The food is just great! The best beef stew ever, so tasty! The service is not excellent but the family food they serve is definitely worth it. I had to way 45 minutes for a table to be free because they just have 4 and it's usually very busy. I'll suggest to go there early but don't worry if you have to wait it worth every minute. Prices are fair and the Especial beer is so refreshing! They also have delicious sweet bean pasties as dessert.

It was a super hot and muggy afternoon and it was overly uncomfortably hot in there! We couldn't wait to get up. A/C was off since the door was open. The restaurant had 4 (6 people) tables and my friend and I were seated with a family at one table. Wednesday is their busiest day because that is the day you can get octopus (stewed with potatoes). But if you don't order at least the day before your octopus you will not be able to get it on that Wednesday! So order ahead if this is what you want. They are technically not a restaurant but a beer house so they only serve food in the afternoon and not evenings. Do try their special drink of local wine with orange pop - not to be missed. Its like a strong Sangria. We had the stewed octopus. It was good but very salty like many other fish dishes I found on the island. Therefore 4 stars instead of 5. They are known for their very fresh grilled large sardines. If I go again, that's what I would try.

I'd rather keep this place a secret but a local was kind enough to recommend this tasty spot so I'll pass it on. Chicharros are the usual order here but do not sleep on the beef stew. Seriously.

Very small place and very popular with locals, so you know it's good. Very cheap (mostly 6 EUR per dish) filling, good tasting fresh food with a similar atmosphere to an english cafe/chip shop. The menu is very simple with a dish of the day, and food very filling and the staff very welcoming. A little tricky trying to find the place, but it serves food from 12:00 - 15:00. Shame I found this place so late on my holiday as I wanted to try the whole menu. The food in the picture is the fried sardines menu, and it was absolute heaven.

Hard to find the words to describe the experience but I will try. A truly unforgettable meal at Õtaka. We had the chef’s Experience menu with wine pairings—each course was stunning, and the flavors were perfectly balanced. The service was impeccable, and a special thank you to Paolo, the sommelier, whose pairings and passion elevated the entire evening. A truly elegant and memorable dining experience. We were even greeted & asked for our opinion by the owner and head chef José which shows how much love goes into each plate. You cannot leave the Azores without a dinner from Õtaka.

We enjoyed a Saturday evening at Õtaka and it was a pleasure. The food was very tasty throughout, especially I would point if the beef and the dessert. The staff has been very friendly and attentive and we really enjoyed our experience. Reservation is almost a must.

Treated myself to the Discovery 8-course menu one night during my trip to Ponta Delgada. They only have two seatings and because I was on tour during the day, I got the 930pm (should make reservations). The atmosphere was very chic and design very minimalistic with open kitchen. There was outdoor seating as well. The 1st course was pieces of cornbread and salted butter with Azorean seaweed. The butter itself could be a course. For the snacks, there was a piece of sashimi (can’t remember which fish) and a fried rice roll with spicy tuna. The 3rd dish was my fave - Azorean amberjack sashimi in a watermelon cucumber emulsion. Such a refreshing combination and I drank the watermelon juice after. The 4th was 3-pieces of cured mackerel with finger lime, which was my first time trying. A bit sour but complimented the fish well. Next was the Azorean beef tataki (which is on their á la carte menu). The meat just melts in your mouth. Then the shrimp tempura, which was probably my least fave. It tasted great but wasn’t too special compared to other courses. Too much spicy mayo/yuzu sauce and batter, and alot of slightly dress greens. This is on their á la carte menu as well. For the main, I chose Azorean beef fillet that came with a sauce that tasted like BBQ, and some pepper leaves salad (really tasty). For dessert was a beautiful cheesecake and passion fruit sorbet. Service was exceptional - all were super attentive and described each dish. I saw them going to each table (inside and out) and engaging with everyone. Recommend this place - mix of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine with Azorean ingredients.

This was such a nice experience. Otaka should put Sao Miguel on the map for Michelin. Each dish was incredible. And oh wow, the sommelier is also very talented. Each dish was perfectly matched with an unbelievable wine. Truly one of the best meals I've had.

I have been going to this place once or twice a year since it opened and my review here is from my most recent (and sadly quite disappointing) experience. My husband and I ordered a la carte and I ordered the famous Wagyu beef I'd heard so much about. Priced at 85 euros (my husband's entree was a fish dish priced at 26 euros for comparison). The beef was exceptional and perfectly cooked. However for this price the sides were non-existent, just a few wilted leaves of spinach and a BBQ sauce that lacked acidity to match the buttery quality of the beef. I hope that the incredible team at Otaka will consider this review in improving the menu and I hope to be inspired to be back. There are some things that aren't worth the hype and this is turning out to be one of them.

Food was absolutely delicious, we had an amazing wine and did the full experience menu. We had a great night! Some feedback would be that we were 5 min early with our 6.30pm reservation and instead of welcoming us we were told to wait outside for another 5, didn’t feel very welcoming. Also the timeframe with the reservation (there are two shifts) with a 8 or 10 course menu is a bit short. For the money paid and the amount of courses it feels rushed and there wasn’t even coffee offered at the end as we were not fast enough.

A great tasting menu in Ponta Delgada. My wife is vegetarian and they had a version for her which was delicious.