Maresia Restaurante — Restaurant in Lajes das Flores

I am really sorry to leave a bad review to this place. The idea is nice and the place has an incredible view, however there are just too many flaws and the bill was completely unreasonable for what we got. The restaurant is run by the chef, his son, a maitre, and a waitress.

First, there is no choice in the menu. One appetizer, one main, one dessert. The wine list is also very limited - on our night it was two whites (one local and one from continental Portugal) and three reds (all from the same area of continental Portugal). We asked but the waitress did not know how to explain the differences between the wines.

The appetizer was 2 types Azorean cheese and cherry tomato. However, the waitress who is not originally from the Azores was not able to explain what the cheeses were, she just said one was from San Miguel and one from Saõ Jorge but she could not tell which one. The cheese was a few slices just laid on a plate with the cherry tomatoes. This dish cost 11€ and took 40 minutes to “prepare”. Just my personal opinion: I think both cheeses were store-bought.

Then we had some bacalhau as a main - the only choice. Neither of us are fans of bacalhau but we had no other option and we trusted the chef to prepare a version we may finally appreciate. However, the table next to us asked for a vegetarian dish instead of the default main, and as a consequence we mistakenly spent the night being accused of having ordered a vegetarian dish but having eaten the bacalhau instead (we were asked a total of 4 times). The third time we were asked this started to become unacceptable, especially for 19€ each dish. The bacalhau itself was okay, I did not personally like it that much. The quantity was huge, so I sadly had to leave a lot of it aside since after a while it just started tasting too much like bacalhau, which I am not a fan of. Finally, we got the bill: 68,50€ for 2 people. We got charged two times for olives, which were ordered twice by another table next to us.

I do not recommend this experience to anyone, nor the food. I would say this place could make a great...

This place is unique and different, and a number of other reviews accurately describe the experience. It might be challenging for certain persons who maintain rigid views of what a restaurant ought to be. Our group of four had a fantastic evening embracing and taking in the unique experience. All four of us agreed it was the best dining experience of our nine day Azores trip. The menu is very limited (the most limited I've ever encountered) - there is a featured entree and an alternate entree. With only three staff, it's a sensible strategy. Our options were octopus and duck. Both were outstanding. Of the three octopus dinners I had, this was my favorite. We learned almost every meal in the Azores features potatoes as a side, usually fried. The mashed potatoes here were outstanding and memorable - we all agreed they were the best mashed potatoes we've had. I'd love to have the recipe. The owner was warm and fun, and it was interesting watching him move from the open kitchen area into the dining room where his many albums, and DJ equipment were, as he chose the next song selection. There is a medium sized, friendly and behaved dog which roams freely through the small dining room. My children enjoyed that although I imagine some patrons might be put off by this. The seating and furniture can be described as miscellaneous and random. Two of us were sitting on office task chairs with rolling wheels. A party of two was sitting on a low couch and eating on a coffee table, and might not have enjoyed their face-to-face interaction with the dog. There might be room for 14 customers inside, and if the weather allows (it didn't for us), an equal number outside. Make reservations if you can. We didn't find it overly expensive - it was right-priced for the quality of food and level of execution. It's worth going - it is one of the favorite memories...

When we first arrived at Maresia, the loud and "unique" music made us question whether we should stay. However, we’re glad we did—what a gem of a place! As some reviews have already mentioned, it is indeed pricier than other restaurants we've tried in the Azores, but that's a matter of comparing apples to oranges. Everything at this restaurant was spot on: the food was fantastic, as was the ambiance (the music actually combined perfectly, it was just as unique as the restaurant itself).

They offer a single menu and we started with delicious bread and a cheese platter. For the main course, we had duck with mashed potatoes—easily the best-prepared duck I've ever had! Dessert was a passion fruit cheesecake. The portions are generous, I was too full for dessert.

The dishes were superb, and everything was prepared with great care.

They serve each course for everyone on the same time, the appetizers were served around 8:00 PM, the main course around 9:00 PM, and dessert to follow.

If you’re visiting Flores, Maresia is a must-visit! Just be sure to bring a sweater or jacket; sitting outside with a view of the sea is wonderful, but it can get quite chilly.

It’s a shame we discovered this gem on our last evening… otherwise would definitely have...