Black Whale Restaurant — Restaurant in Vila Franca do Campo

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Black Whale in Vila Franca do Campo, São Miguel, and it was an absolute culinary delight.

The highlights of our meal were undoubtedly the garlic bread and the octopus. The garlic bread was a flavor explosion, with just the right amount of garlic and buttery goodness. But what truly stole the show was the octopus – it surpassed even the renowned octopus dishes in Mosteiros on the island. The texture was perfect, tender yet slightly crispy on the outside, and the flavors were simply outstanding.

Aside from the octopus and garlic bread, we also indulged in the shrimp, fish, and little clams, all of which were incredibly delicious. Each dish showcased the freshness and quality of the seafood this island is famous for.

To top off our unforgettable meal, we tried the 'bolacha maria' dessert, and it was nothing short of amazing. The perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess left us craving for more.

What truly sets The Black Whale apart, apart from its incredible food, is the exceptional service and the wonderful atmosphere. The staff is friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, making us feel like valued guests throughout our visit. The restaurant's vibe is welcoming and cozy, offering a perfect setting for a memorable dining experience.

As someone who has been coming to this island since I was just 6 months old, I can honestly say that The Black Whale is the best combination of food, service, and atmosphere on the island. Whether you're a tourist or a native, I highly recommend visiting The Black Whale – it's a culinary gem that should...

I had the pleasure of dining at Black Whale in Vila Franca, and it was a fantastic experience. The restaurant offers authentic Portuguese food at a very reasonable price, and everything we tried was delicious. The flavors were spot on, and the dishes really captured the essence of traditional Portuguese cuisine.

The service was also outstanding. The staff were friendly and attentive, making our visit extra special. We were celebrating my friend's 60th birthday, and the team made sure the occasion was memorable. Their warmth and hospitality truly added to the experience.

If you're looking for a place that serves delicious, authentic Portuguese food at a great price with friendly service, I highly recommend Black Whale. We’ll...

The octopus on the tiles was very oily and overwhelmingly garlicky, but overall okay (would give it 2.5-3⭐) On the other hand the soy stew was on the verge of inedible, and the waitress offered little help in explaining it when requested information beforehand. (My vegetarian husband ordered it, and the only information she could provide was that it is served with potato and had the same sauce as one of the fish dishes — not very helpful.) The stew came with soggy french fries and rice, my husband ate only the side dishes. (For this dish one ⭐) The staff operated as if this were their very first day at the job, not just in this restaurant, but in the hospitality business in general. They weren't rude just...