Louvre Michaelense

When I was hungry, I stopped at Louvre Michaelense. This is a traditional bar and bistro in the historic center of Ponta Delgada on the Azorean island of São Miguel. It's considered one of the city's most charming spots, blending a rich history with modern culinary craftsmanship.

Founded in 1904, the establishment originally served as a luxury hat and fabric shop, importing goods directly from Paris. After a renovation that won an architectural award in 2021, it reopened in 2015 as a mercearia (delicacy) and evolved into a bistro and cocktail bar by 2020.

The original interior, with its high ceilings, dark wood shelves, and antique display cases, has been preserved. Today, instead of hats, the shelves hold local specialties such as tea, coffee, and preserves from the Azores.

The bistro's concept combines regional Azorean ingredients with French flair.

Highlights include the famous (gluten-free) chocolate cake, Eggs Benedict on local sweet bread (Massa Sovada), fish and rice stew (Arroz Malandrinho), and various seafood dishes. They also have a daily special; mine was chickpea soup, buttered rice with beans, and calamari. It was delicious and cost €13.

The team is international, and numerous vegetarian and vegan options are available.

If you are around, go there!Læs mere