Naval Restaurant - Velas

We went there for dinner with a party of 5 following our B&B host’s recommendation. Lapas (limpets) and fish pâté as a starter were lovely. 4 of us had fish as mains and they were all not really good in some way: either just pretty bland (fish of the day), while the tuna steaks were dry and overcooked even though we asked them to be grilled medium rare. Instead they were very well done. The 5th dish (vegetarian paella) was ok but came late when all other mains had long been served. Deserts were good. Service was attentive. Prices were reasonable. Nevertheless we left with not such a great experience.

How is it possible to serve awfully prepared seafood in the Azores ? This place did it with the two tuna steaks we ordered, they were more simmered then grilled and we tough and bland. The next day we were told the place is know to be bad by locals.

We had evening meals here on two nights-fish and meat entrees. They were excellent. Our server Emanuel was also excellent-advice on entrees to select, prompt service, and very personable. We had read poor reviews on TripAdvisor—wondered why. Manager of Airbnb we were staying said there was a recent change in management and chef. Anyway, we highly recommend the restaurant.

It is a restaurant at the Velas port. We sat outside as the weather was nice that evening. We had grilled Limpets (locally called as Lapas). They are not bad. Then I had grilled fish. Also not bad but I expected or hope that it will be better.

Clube Naval serves good food. Simple home cooking nothing special, but tasty and with fresh ingredients. The restaurant was very busy with 2 large groups when I had lunch. Even so service was quick and friendly.