A first-hand guide from the veggie-loving co-founder of How to Porto Santo

Let’s be honest — finding amazing vegetarian or vegan food on a small island isn’t always easy. But Porto Santo? It's got some seriously delicious surprises if you know where to look. As a vegetarian and co-founder of How to Porto Santo, I’ve personally explored every corner of the island for veggie-friendly eats — and here are my absolute top picks.

Each place below is a first-hand recommendation, complete with a little story and exact location (pin link). Please note: opening hours can vary depending on the season, so always call ahead to confirm hours and reserve — especially for the off-season. For more, check out the Gastronomy Guide on our website.

🍔🌿 1. Café Helio's Bar 🌿🍔

📍 Pin location

🕒 Opening: 11:00–20:00, closed Sundays (varies depending on season)

This cozy beach bar is run by a local family, and it’s my go-to spot when I’m craving a hearty, home-style veggie burger. Everything’s made from scratch — including the vegan patties. After a swim or a long beach walk, this is exactly the kind of feel-good food you need. Pair it with their fresh juice and sit under the sun. Bliss.

🥙🎶 2. Restaurante Mesa Cultural 🎶🥙

📍 Pin location

🕒 Opening: 12:00–22:00, closed Mondays (varies depending on season)

Mesa Cultural is unlike anywhere else on the island — a cultural café where falafel meets funky playlists. Their veggie rice bowls are colorful and filling, and the falafel? Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside. It’s the only spot of its kind here, and it truly brings something special to Porto Santo's food scene.

🌯👵 3. Casa d'Avó 👵🌯

📍 Pin location

🕒 Opening: 10:00–19:00, closed Thursdays (varies depending on season)

Walking into Casa d’Avó feels like visiting your grandmother’s sunny kitchen. It’s warm, it’s friendly, and the veggie crepe is the highlight. Filled with fresh vegetables and just the right seasoning, it’s a light yet satisfying bite, perfect after morning sightseeing.

🍄🍷 4. Hotel Porto Santo Spa Restaurant & Beach Bar🍷🍄

📍 Pin website

🕒 Opening: 19:00–22:00 (dinner only) (varies depending on season)

I wasn’t expecting to love a hotel restaurant this much — but wow. The mushroom risotto is rich, comforting, and full of umami. You can also order their salmon salad as a fully veg quinoa–red beet–avocado salad (just ask them to hold the salmon). The star? An amazingly soft matcha ball dessert, part of their buffet selection. It’s light, subtly sweet, and unexpectedly perfect.

🍣🌸 5. Terra Minha Sushi Bar 🌸🍣

📍 Pin location

🕒 Opening: 18:00–23:00, closed Tuesdays (varies depending on season)

This one requires a little planning — but it’s so worth it. If you call in advance, the chef will prepare a custom vegetarian sushi menu for you. Think exotic fruits, local veggies, and creative combos that feel both refreshing and indulgent. Set in a peaceful spot with a great wine list, it’s ideal for a chilled-out evening.

🥗📚 6. Tábua Rasa 📚🥗

📍 Pin location

🕒 Opening: 11:30–22:00 daily (varies depending on season)

A bright, welcoming café in the heart of town — their couscous salad is one of my regular go-tos. It's herby, citrusy, and served with a smile. Also great for laptop time or a casual meet-up with friends.

🍍☀️ 7. Restaurante O Calhetas ☀️🍍

📍 Pin location

🕒 Opening: 12:00–21:00 (varies – ask at beachfront cafés) (varies depending on season)

You won’t find a sign for this place — just follow the pier and ask for the café with the pineapple-mozzarella-sun-dried tomato salad ("Summer Salad" on the menu). It sounds strange, I know, but it works so well. The combo is tangy, sweet, creamy, and super refreshing — ideal for a light seaside dinner.

🍞🍟 8. Apollo 14 Bar & Bistrô 🍟🍞

📍 Pin location

🕒 Opening: 09:00–00:00 (varies depending on season)

When in doubt, fries and toast. Apollo makes the best French fries in town (crispy, salty perfection) and you can customize your toast — I usually ask for tomato and flamengo cheese (Portugal’s mild, melty go-to). It's quick, easy, and totally satisfying.

🍚🍛 9. Rodrigues Bar/Restaurant(e) 🍛🍚

📍 Pin website

🕒 Opening: 12:00–15:00, 18:00–22:00 (varies depending on season)

This spot has a buffet-style vibe, but better. You can build a poke-style veggie bowl using local ingredients like roasted pumpkin, lentils, sautéed greens, and house-made sauces. It’s casual, delicious, and budget-friendly.

🍷🫒 10. Restaurante Adega das Levadas 🫒🍷

📍 Pin location

🕒 Opening: 12:00–16:00, dinner by reservation only (varies depending on season)

One of my favorite memories from Porto Santo was sitting under the vines at this family-owned winery, sipping local wine and nibbling on vegetarian tapas — roasted vegetables, island cheeses, olives, fresh bread. The owner is incredibly welcoming and even offers transfers if you book ahead. A perfect end-of-day escape.

Tips from locals

✅Call ahead: Hours vary by season!

✅Ask for customization: Most spots are happy to adapt their dishes.

✅Find more picks: Check the Gastronomy Guide on our website.

✨ Traveling plant-based on Porto Santo is totally doable — and delicious. From local family-run gems to surprise beach cafés, your next unforgettable veggie meal is waiting. If you discover a new spot, share it with us — we love featuring guest tips in our Porto Santo foodie updates! 🌿