Restaurante Banhos Ferreos — Restaurant in Povoação

This restaurant was recommended by my hotel. I'm a New Yorker and am a very picky foodie. Let me give it to you raw. The restaurant is not pretty, but imho, it's a hidden gem. You'll find it hidden down a private driveway. The owner and waitstaff were very nice. Maybe it's because we went at 3pm, an off time, but there was plenty of seating and the food came out hot and fresh. Contrary to travel blogs, we found the cozido das furnas to be very tasteful, very moist, and the meat all fell apart very nicely. The Lumpidas were cooked with garlic and butter so if cute they'd taste good. I'm not sure because i haven't eaten them before, but they seemed more chewy then mussels or clams. We also had the cod and a plate of salad. Cod was salty and dry. But tasted fine. The owner and staff were very friendly as well. I'd recommend this restaurant especially if you go at an off time. They had their gates closed at 4pm, so I believe they probably don't serve anyone from 4-6, the same as most of the...

If you are looking to try caldera baked stew, this is supposed to be the best.

... Well, if this is the best, I can't even imagine how bad is the worst one. It's just variety meat boiled, with vegetables being cooked down to grey lump. Not really spiced to taste like anything, except disappointment. 17 euros for this, just for it being boiled 5 minutes down the road in the hot spring, it's the definition of the tourist trap. The "legend" around the stew states that there is some taste from the sufuric water in the food and I looked forward to it - but the reality is, it's just meat boiled in hot water, no extra taste.

The only upside was the speed, but it is no wonder when food is preboiled.

I saw people paying with some vouchers - if you can get a great discount, it might maybe be worth. Both otherwise don't expect much except for paying exuberant amount for much less than average food with a "hot air" story of...

Unfortunately after a beautiful morning at the Parque Terra Nostra (7stars) I've chosed this place to have lunch, I did not have time for the typical cosido so I ordered something quick, a banal hamburger with chips, and received literally the sole of shoe literally at the level of a McDo, my suspect started when the waiter did not asked me how I wanted it (rare, medium, well done), the chips weren't fried but soft and humid, what a delusion! The young waiter also looked sick, coughing, blowing his nose several times while bringing me food, I'm not paranoid but he probably shouldn't work ... Hopefully the cosido is...