Jaime - Vila Franca Do Campo

From the main road you’d simply drive by. We were driving on the road behind the restaurant and got a glimpse inside...it was lovely. A little oasis from the narrow streets. I attempted my First try eating octopus and it was surprising awesome!!!!! It was tender, not chewy and delightfully seasoned in a wine sauce with potatoes. The waiter was really kind and helped me when I asked to learn some words in Portuguese. I’m very grateful and recommend them if you’re visiting the area.

We ate at the waterfront location, a shaded terrace overlooking the fishing port. (Later we saw another place withe same name on the main street). As often the case in this area the service was not brisk but with such a wonderful location we didn't care. We had a simple meal of fish, salad and chips. My wife had sea bream and I had black espedata. This was the best fish we had during a 3 week trip in the Azores. Prices were very reasonable, 30 euros total for the main course, a simple starter and 2 small beers.

Great views overlooking the waterfront.... service was average...food was good not many options along the water with water views...

We are so glad that we did not read the reviews before we came, otherwise we would have chosen a different restaurant and missed out on this gem by the sea!! The service was exemplary and the food was delicious. My husband and I started out with their queijo fresca e pao (local soft cheese and bread) served with a perfectly spiced pimento sauce! The bread was just made—fresh and soft. Not sure why others thought this was expensive it was only 2.5 Euros. We ordered a large bottle of water, which came chilled. We had a bottle of their house dry red wine, which complimented the appetizer well. As unofficial wine connoisseurs in the States, we have been extremely pleased with most of the dry red wines of Portugal…and you can’t beat the cost! We both ordered one of the fresh fish of the day, which was barracuda (just caught that morning) and rockfish. They grilled it to perfection—soft and moist with just the right amount of crispness around the edges. This came with boiled potatoes and a beautiful garden salad. One of the dishes were 12.50 Euro and the other was 15 Euro. Each of these dishes in the States would have cost well over $20 each. The house wine alone in the states would have cost over $25 30/bottle. The house wine here was well under that! For dessert we had the famous Villa Franca cakes (which have an interesting story behind them—stollen recipes from the nuns) and a “despida” and espressos. This meal would have been well over $100 in the States. Our bill was less then 50 euro! So very affordable Not sure why there aren’t better reviews for this place. We really enjoyed it and would definitely come back again for it!!!!

We went there in low season and I think the fish was not really fresh, we had stomach problems the day after! The fish was completely burnt and tasted weird. The dishes are poor on general. Avoid, especially if it's not high season.