I was admittedly hesitant to try this place given the mixed reviews about service and steak…read morequality, but happy we gave it a shot! Located in Ribeira Grande, the restaurant is run by a local agricultural society supporting farmers and showcasing regionally sourced Azorean beef, widely recognized as some of the most tender on the island. While it wasn't the very best steak I've ever had, it was still a pretty enjoyable meal, and I left satisfied and full.
Veal Medallions: my favorite dish of the night -- flamed in an addictive pineapple-cognac sauce and served with mixed veggies and fries. this sauce was so good i was dipping literally everything in it -- the medallions, the veggies, fries and even the tenderloin below!
Bife à Associação - Steak Lombo (Tenderloin): served in a white wine, garlic, and salted pepper sauce, topped with a fried egg. we initially debated the sizes, but 200g was plenty for us to share along with a 2nd dish. the sauce was a bit bold and peppery for my taste (I prefer sweeter sauces like the pineapple cognac), but my bf enjoyed it. for those who arent into the peppery flavor, the steaks also come with multiple other sauces -- passion fruit, island cheese, three pepper, and more.
For dessert, there were numerous tempting Portuguese classics but we were stuffed and decided to keep it light with sliced Azorean pineapple -- a refreshing way to wrap up a hearty meal and a perfect choice if, like me, trying the acclaimed local pineapple was high on your to-do list.
A surprise standout was the white sangria -- my first time trying the white version, and I loved the bright, fruity flavors. It's nice that they offer it by the glass, so you can mix and match if your party has different preferences.
The venue is open and spacious, with lots of natural light thanks to large glass-pane doors that offer a view of the quaint outdoor patio. Despite some of the service complaints I'd read, we had a smooth experience. Food came out promptly, and while the restaurant was clearly busy and staff were spread thin, we were proactive about getting waitstaff's attention so fortunately didnt encounter any issues or delays.
Overall a solid, well-priced spot with a convivial dining atmosphere and quality meat dishes. If you're someone who loves classic, no-frills salt-and-pepper steaks, the saucy Azorean spin might not be for you -- but if you're up for something bold and flavorful, it's definitely worth a visit!