Tasca do costa — Restaurant in Nordeste

I usually don't write a review if I don't have good things to say, but I thought there was so much potential that by fixing the negative aspects this place would be an absolute star.

I'd like to start by pointing out that the food was superb. We ordered tuna and cod and both dishes were really tasty and there was a nice twist to both dishes instead of just plain grilled fish that we ate so much in Sao Miguel. Also the break was fresh and the olive oil of high quality. Five stars for the food!

Unfortunately the service was lacking. The chef himself took our order and recommended us wine that we liked. All good here. However, then started the confusion when the younger waiters started to serve us: we were offered drinks that another table had ordered, the water we ordered never arrived, food was brought to us without a single word (if you don't speak English, you can speak in Portuguese, no problem, even that will give a us warmer impression of the service). Worst was that one of us got their meal first and the other one got their meal 15 minutes later. So we did not eat together. I also tried to ask about this, but I think there was a slight language barrier and we were not understood.

The upstairs eating area is also decorated very plainly with only very simple tables and benches that are crammed too close to each other. The lighting in the room is cold and the atmosphere is not welcoming. Better eat downstairs where they have more cozy environment.

Because of these things we did not feel like having our desserts in the place, but chose to go elsewhere for an after meal coffee.

But, as I said, the food was really tasty, so the place is worth a visit! Also, we thought that the price level was reasonable considering the quality of the food and wine. I just hope they'll be able to fix the other things and I'm sure they'll...

Although my wife and I have generally been pleased with most of the independent restaurants on Sao Miguel based on value, freshness, and flavor, this is the only restaurant so far that I’ve felt compelled to review, and that’s because I recognize the difference between respectable restaurants with good recipes prepared by staff cooks and AMAZING restaurants owned and operated by a professional chef with a vested interest in its success. This is definitely the latter. In the sleepy little town of Nordeste, Tasca do Costa (Costa’s Tavern) is not just a diamond in the rough, but a charming, well-appointed bistro that could hold its own anywhere. No surprise, really, as the proprietor, Chef Verissimo Costa, accumulated decades of experience opening and operating successful restaurants for others in much larger markets before he finally decided to go all-in on his own space.

If I sound like his professional PR guy, I assure you I’m not. I’m a tourist. I learned all this from the enjoyably conversive Costa during our first dining experience there tonight. Aside from attentive, friendly, and bi-lingual service from the Chef, himself, the simple menu offered enough variety to please just about anyone. Sauces and seasonings were homemade, not just squeezed from a bottle, and the entrees were perfectly cooked and creatively appointed. Prices were exceedingly reasonable.

This place is head and shoulders above any other options in Nordeste and probably the rest of the island, but I’ll be sure to let you know if I find a better, complete dining experience. Don’t hold...

During my one week stay in Sao Miguel I came here twice! The food was too good to miss. We happened upon this restaurant by accident but it is a gem. The ingredients are fresh, the seasoning on the octopus and seafood dishes was simple yet flavorful, and the service is one of a kind. I ordered the octopus and sword fish (fish of the day). Both are challenging meats to cook, yet it was prepared flawlessly - the meat was succulent, and juicy. For dessert I tried the panna cotta and the chocolate mousse. Of all the mousses I’ve tried in Portugal this has to be the best. It wasn’t too sweet yet it was rich, creamy, airy, and with a deep flavor of dark chocolate. Can’t wait...