São Jorge Island cheese, typical cuisine and restaurants
São Jorge Island combines traditional Azorean flavors with exclusive local delicacies. While typical Azorean meat and fish dishes are enjoyed here, São Jorge has its own culinary specialties that make it a must-visit destination for food lovers.
São Jorge Cheese: the pearl of the island
São Jorge is most famous for its cheese, which has earned a prestigious reputation far beyond the Azores. Produced from the milk of cows that graze on the island’s lush, green pastures, this cheese is creamy and straw-colored, and it’s crafted in large wheels weighing between 14 and 22 pounds. The cheese is cured for several months in controlled conditions, developing a honey-colored rind and acquiring a distinctive piquant flavor that intensifies with time.
This cheese is enjoyed as an appetizer or a dessert and is frequently paired with local Azorean wines. It is so highly regarded that it is exported internationally, where it continues to earn accolades for its rich flavor and creamy texture.
Fleshy cockles from Caldeira de Santo Cristo
One of São Jorge’s exclusive offerings is the fleshy cockles, which are harvested only in the lagoon at Caldeira de Santo Cristo. These cockles have a distinct flavor and are often served as a unique seafood delicacy that visitors can’t find elsewhere in the Azores.
Traditional sweets
São Jorge has a wide array of traditional sweets, each with a unique flavor and story. Some popular options include:
- Coscoroes: A crisp, fried pastry often enjoyed during festivities.
- Rosquilhas de Aguardente: Biscuits flavored with aguardente (a Portuguese spirit).
- Especies: Small, spiced cookies with a strong aroma and distinctive taste.
- Suspiros: Known as meringues, these are light, airy sweets.
- Esquecidos, Bolo de Vespera, and Doce Branco: Other delightful pastries and sweets, often made using local ingredients and traditional recipes.
Best restaurants in São Jorge, Azores
If you’re eager to experience the best of São Jorge’s gastronomy, here are some top restaurants on the island:
O Forno (Velas)
Known for its warm ambiance and authentic Azorean dishes, O Forno is a great spot to try local specialties, including fresh seafood and traditional meat dishes, complemented by views of the ocean.
Restaurante Velense (Velas)
This restaurant offers a cozy setting and a menu that celebrates São Jorge’s local ingredients. Be sure to try their dishes featuring Queijo de São Jorge, as well as seafood caught in local waters.
Sao Jorge Cheese House (Beira)
Dedicated to São Jorge’s famous cheese, this place allows visitors to sample and learn more about Queijo de São Jorge. It’s an excellent stop for cheese lovers looking to taste and purchase authentic, island-produced cheese.
Fornos de Lava (Calheta)
Located near Calheta, this restaurant specializes in traditional Azorean cuisine and offers a great selection of local dishes, from fresh fish to local sweets.
Café Nunes (Caldeira de Santo Cristo)
Perfect for a more casual experience, Café Nunes is situated near the famous Caldeira de Santo Cristo lagoon, making it ideal for those exploring the area. The café offers fresh cockles harvested from the lagoon and other local delicacies.
There’s plenty to taste, but there’s also plenty of places and activities to do on the island! Check out our Azores tour packages for a perfect trip!