Located on the eastern coast of São Miguel Island in the Azores, Furnas is a charming town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. As a popular tourist destination, Furnas attracts visitors from all over the world who come to experience its stunning landscapes, hot springs, and thermal pools. But what about the food? Where can you find the best places to eat in Furnas? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the town, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries that serve up traditional Azorean cuisine, fresh seafood, and international flavors.
Fresh Seafood and Traditional Cuisine
Furnas is renowned for its fresh seafood, and you’ll find a variety of restaurants serving up the day’s catch. One of the top spots is O Paparico, a cozy seafood restaurant located in the heart of the town. Try their famous fish soup, made with a rich broth and a variety of fish and shellfish, or their grilled fish of the day, served with a side of garlic mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.
Another must-try is O Lagar da Terra, a family-run restaurant that serves up traditional Azorean cuisine. Their menu features a range of dishes, including cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew made with beef, pork, chicken, and vegetables, all cooked in a natural hot spring. Be sure to try their famous queijadas, small cheese cakes that are a specialty of the region.
Cafes and Bakeries
Furnas is also home to a number of charming cafes and bakeries that serve up delicious treats. One of the most popular is O Café Central, a cozy cafe located in the town center. They offer a range of coffee drinks, as well as delicious pastries and sandwiches. Try their famous arroz doce, a sweet rice pudding made with cinnamon and sugar.
For a taste of traditional Azorean bread, head to O Pão Quente, a bakery that’s been serving up fresh bread and pastries for generations. Try their famous broa, a hearty bread made with wheat flour and water, or their delicious pastéis de nata, small egg tarts that are a specialty of the region.
International Flavors
While Furnas is known for its traditional cuisine, you’ll also find a range of international restaurants serving up flavors from around the world. One of the top spots is O Restaurante Italiano, a family-run Italian restaurant that serves up delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and risottos. Try their famous lasagna, made with layers of pasta, meat sauce, and melted mozzarella cheese. (See Also: Where to Eat in Palma Nova? Top Local Favorites)
For a taste of Asian cuisine, head to O Sushi Bar, a modern sushi restaurant that serves up a range of sushi and sashimi dishes. Try their famous maki rolls, made with fresh fish and vegetables, or their delicious bento boxes, which feature a range of small dishes and sides.
Food Tours and Markets
One of the best ways to experience the food scene in Furnas is to take a food tour. There are a number of companies that offer guided tours, which take you to a range of local eateries and markets. You’ll get to sample a variety of dishes, including traditional Azorean cuisine, fresh seafood, and international flavors.
Another great way to experience the local food scene is to visit one of the town’s many markets. The Furnas Market is a great place to find fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as local specialties like honey and cheese. Be sure to try some of the local delicacies, such as the famous Furnas honey, which is made with the nectar of the island’s unique flora.
Recap and Recommendations
In conclusion, Furnas is a food lover’s paradise, with a range of delicious restaurants, cafes, and eateries serving up traditional Azorean cuisine, fresh seafood, and international flavors. From cozy seafood restaurants to modern sushi bars, there’s something for everyone in this charming town. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as cozido das Furnas and queijadas, and don’t forget to visit one of the town’s many markets to sample some of the fresh produce and local delicacies. (See Also: Where to Eat in Ogden Utah? Foodie Guide)
Here are some of our top recommendations for where to eat in Furnas:
- O Paparico – seafood restaurant
- O Lagar da Terra – traditional Azorean cuisine
- O Café Central – cozy cafe
- O Pão Quente – bakery
- O Restaurante Italiano – Italian restaurant
- O Sushi Bar – sushi restaurant
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to experience the food scene in Furnas?
A: The best way to experience the food scene in Furnas is to take a food tour, which will take you to a range of local eateries and markets. You’ll get to sample a variety of dishes and learn about the local cuisine and culture.
Q: What is the most popular dish in Furnas?
A: The most popular dish in Furnas is probably the cozido das Furnas, a hearty stew made with beef, pork, chicken, and vegetables, all cooked in a natural hot spring.
Q: Are there any vegetarian options in Furnas?
A: Yes, there are a number of vegetarian options in Furnas, including salads, pasta dishes, and vegetarian versions of traditional Azorean dishes. Be sure to ask your server for options.
Q: Can I find international cuisine in Furnas?
A: Yes, you can find international cuisine in Furnas, including Italian, Asian, and other flavors. There are a number of restaurants that serve up international dishes, in addition to traditional Azorean cuisine. (See Also: Where to Eat Apple Strudel in Vienna? A Sweet Vienna Guide)
Q: Are there any markets in Furnas where I can buy local specialties?
A: Yes, there are a number of markets in Furnas where you can buy local specialties, including the Furnas Market, which features fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as local delicacies like honey and cheese.
