Furnas Lake Restaurant — Restaurant in Povoação

This was a surreal experience. I'm sure this restaurant was once what it seems to be, but my guess is that they recently experienced some kitchen drama and the chef quit abruptly (I don't know for sure but that is the most logical explanation). We may have gotten supremely unlucky that it was the same day we went to this generally respected restaurant, because our experience was like an episode of Punk'd. Long story short, the menu is modified, not exquisite in any way as the photos online show, absolutely terrible flavours and barely any of the food was cooked. Imagine someone having to put together a fine dining menu when they haven't cooked a day in their life - everything was raw/cold: "gazpacho" that was basically a mug of balsamic vinegar, a teaspoon of tartare that was browning from sitting out, raw unseasoned barely-heated tuna etc. The "garden salad" that had a terrible leafy green in it that pricked your throat as it went down didn't even have any dressing (not even a bit of oil and salt). The only thing that was cooked were pastry-adjacent things and they were sub-par. Even the garlic head in the oil wasn't roasted enough to spread, we just had to laugh. I imagine it was the pastry/dessert chef that had to step-in last minute, the waiter may have let something slip to that end. I wish we didn't have to go through this meal and they would have just cancelled the reservation. We would have had a 1000x better meal at any hole in the wall, and far less expensive as well (though thankfully they did lower the price from the menu you can find online). Cocktails were nice though, I've had better, but the bartender did not quit when the chef did apparently. Also, the waiter was clearly told to lie to us about what was going on there, making something up about why the menu changed because he didn't have time to explain the dishes...absolutely ridiculous. They tried to compensate with an unlimited bread basket (we did not intend to be at an Olive Garden equivalent when we made the booking), and there was something not very professional about the entire service. This is a warning to those looking forward to a future booking that the restaurant is now an "emperor has new...

I had high expectations for Furnas Lake Restaurant, especially given its reputation and the anticipation built by selecting a menu in advance. Unfortunately, the dining experience fell short on several fronts. Better to go for any of the local restaurants or snack bars than here. I would assume it should be rather 'instagram' restaurant than food lovers restaurant.

1. Upon arrival, I was surprised that my wine glass hadn't been served before the first starter arrived. Then, before I could finish the first starter, the second was already on the table. This rushed pacing made me feel like I was in a factory line rather than enjoying a leisurely meal. The restaurant wasn't even at full capacity, so the haste was perplexing.

2. I selected a glass of wine at the beginning of the meal, but throughout the hour-long dining experience, no one inquired if I'd like another drink or suggested pairings for the upcoming courses. This lack of attentiveness was disappointing and detracted from the overall experience.

3. The main dish featured barracuda, which, to my dismay, was frozen. Considering the price point of €60–€90, I expected fresh, high-quality ingredients. The only standout was the fermented cheese starter, which was genuinely delightful. However, the rest of the meal didn't live up to the standards one would anticipate from such an establishment.

4. Prior to dining, I was asked to choose between two menus; '““A Walk Through the Farm” (4 moments) 65€/per person - a tribute to the ingredients we cultivate and produce in our agroforest project here at Furnas Lake. In this menu, each person may choose their main course (3rd moment) between fish, meat and vegetarian.' Given this description, I anticipated dishes sourced locally from the Furnas region. However, being served sea fish covered with algae felt misleading and not in line with the menu's portrayal.

In conclusion, while the setting and concept of Furnas Lake Restaurant are promising, the execution during my visit was lacking. For the price and the expectations set, I felt the experience did not deliver the quality and...

An unforgettable dining experience—worth a Michelin star 🌟

My partner and I visited this absolute gem in the Azores last June (2024), and we still talk about it all the time—it was that incredible. As foodies from NYC, we’ve dined at our fair share of award-winning spots, and this easily ranks among the best experiences we’ve ever had… at a fraction of the price you'd pay stateside.

Every dish was a work of art—beautifully plated, wildly creative, and unbelievably delicious. The flavors were layered and thoughtful, yet comforting. The cocktails were just as memorable—especially the Negronis, which were perfectly balanced and deeply flavorful.

Our server, Guy, made the evening even more special. He guided us through the regional port wines with warmth and expertise, and we learned so much. And then there was Chef Bárbara—what a force of talent and kindness. She came out to our table (we were already singing her praises!), and offered us a garden tour, which we sadly had to pass on due to other plans. If we could go back in time, we’d have stayed all night.

The passion for food, for hospitality, and for creating an unforgettable atmosphere shines in every detail. We felt so welcomed, cared for, and genuinely delighted from start to finish.

This place will forever hold a place in our hearts. I only wish I had written this review sooner—it deserves every...