Ti Chôa — Restaurant in Angra do Heroísmo

We planned a two-week Azores trip to include three days in Terceira. During my research and planning, I read this is one of the best restaurants to sample Alcatra. Moreover, I read that you can often walk in for lunch during the week, but dinner requires a reservation, and lunch on the weekend requires a reservation.

In the weeks leading up to our vacation, we tried a couple times to make reservations for dinner using the email address found on their Facebook page, as they otherwise do not have a website. I did not receive a response; however, the afternoon that we checked into our hotel, reception was kind enough to phone the restaurant to get us a same-day reservation. Through that initiative we learned that Ti Choa is currently only offering reduced hours and closes at 4:00 p.m. As it was approaching 3:00 p.m. and nearly a half hour away, we hustled, and am I everglad we did!

The restaurant is a charming Azorean house converted restaurant. The family was incredibly kind, and the food was amazing. Rather than providing a menu, the gentleman assisting us asked whether we came seeking a certain recommendation to which I said we wanted Alcatra. He offered it or an alternative: a meat sampler platter for two, €15 per person. We opted for the sampler which included several pork selections followed by alcatra. We also accepted the bread and cheese appetizer, two glasses of wine, a bottle of water, and we shared dessert recommended by who I assume was the son of the owner. Our meal totaled €43.

I have no idea what wine we drank. I asked for their recommendation and after confirming I wanted red while my husband wanted white, we were each served a glass of incredible libation. One thing is for certain: the Portuguese are not stingy with their wine.

There was limited outside seating but I assume it was full, as we were offered indoor seating after the girl seating us looked out the window then the doorway. Honestly, while it was a near perfect day outside, I enjoyed the charming and cozy atmosphere of the inside.

We already have reservations at another restaurant for tomorrow night but we may return here for dinner on our last night depending on how our day works out.

We started our vacation on São Miguel, but the welcome and hospitality we have received on Terceira has been far superior, and the folks at Ti Choa have been a huge part of that.

Obrigado for...

Not really sure I could add much more to what’s already been properly and truthfully reviewed here - if you’re visiting Terceira you need to plan on a meal here. Welcomed as if you’re a regular. Friendly and humorous staff who will guide you through the fixed menu- it’s all made on premises daily and it’s all so very good. First time? Take their recommendation of the small plates sampler and the Alcatra. 4 meats ( blood sausage, a chorizo style sausage, sweet fat- heavy pork ribs and then meltingly soft pork pieces, accompanied by potatoes and a fried corn bread. You’ll have meat sweats before too long. But wait, there’s the Alcatra stew and sweet bread ( actual bread, not brains!) yet to go - 1/2 day stewed tender beef swimming in a broth of spices and herbs. Rice and potatoes to accompany. If you’re not on the floor after this you have more fortitude than I! Homey restaurant space with a crackling fire, a quirky collage of 100s of paper currencies Over the bar, and genuinely lovely...

Our tour guide decided that this would be the place we should go to lunch as it offered some of the most traditional Portuguese food and it's being prepared in a traditional manner. As a traveler I was cautious how about some of the Food Specialties like blood sausage but overall it was a tasty experience. The owner spoke some English and so we would have been able to get by without the guide. Having worked in the restaurant industry previously I was amazed at the cleanliness of the rest. Probably one of the most clean I have ever been in. This restaurant is located just off a few incredible places to see in the area and if you would like to explore Portuguese cuisine and be willing to perhaps not absolutely love everything because some of the traditional dishes might seem quarantine concept oh, then you would be foolish to skip this place. It is as friendly and well done as any restaurant I've ever been to. It literally felt like you were invited into...