PONTA DELGADA WALKING TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Chef Joana’s Omakase: Sustainable Sushi in a Hidden São Miguel Speakeasy
An invitation-only, omakase-style dinner at Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den on the Solar Branco Eco Estate showcasing local, sustainable fish and Azorean flavors—this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.
Chef Joana’s Omakase: Sustainable Sushi in a Hidden São Miguel Speakeasy.
Adventure brief
Chef Joana’s Omakase: Sustainable Sushi in a Hidden São Miguel Speakeasy
Set inside the Solar Branco Eco Estate in Ponta Delgada, Chef Joana’s Sustainable Sushi Dinner is an intimate, invitation-only omakase at Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den. The meal highlights sustainably sourced fish from São Miguel and a distinctive blending of Japanese technique with Azorean flavors, served in a compact chef’s-table setting for a small group of adults.
Ponta Delgada, the vibrant coastal city on São Miguel Island in the Azores archipelago, is renowned for its dramatic volcanic landscapes and rich Atlantic marine life. Amid this natural beauty, Solar Branco Eco Estate offers a rare culinary adventure with Chef Joana’s Sustainable Sushi Dinner. This intimate dining event, held at Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den, invites guests to savor an omakase-style menu crafted from locally sourced, sustainable fish that showcase the distinct flavors of the Azores. This experience stands apart from typical tourist fare by emphasizing freshness, artistry, and environmental responsibility, making it a must-try for visitors who appreciate conscientious gastronomy paired with authentic local atmosphere.
Chef Joana’s mastery melds traditional Japanese techniques with the unique ingredients harvested from Azorean waters, including species native to the surrounding cold currents. The hidden setting of Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den adds a layer of exclusivity and intrigue, offering seating for a select few adults eager for a refined, multisensory journey. This hidden spot contrasts with São Miguel’s outdoor adventure scene—volcano hikes, crater lakes, and coastal cliffs—yet it honors the region’s intrinsic connection to the ocean, delivering another avenue for deepening a sense of place.
By focusing on sustainable seafood, Solar Branco Eco Estate champions environmental mindfulness, crucial in an island ecosystem where overfishing and habitat preservation remain pressing concerns. The dinner emphasizes respect for local resources, supporting small-scale fisheries and the regional food economy.
For travelers looking to balance active daytime adventures in the Azores with enriching, low-impact evenings, this sushi dinner provides an enriching complement. It routes guests beyond the expected tourist circuit and into an authentic cultural moment where taste, tradition, and stewardship intersect. Solar Branco Eco Estate’s offering is a standout cultural experience rooted in place and purpose, perfectly suited to the discerning palate and conscious traveler.
Route Schematic
Route & Service Schematic
A simple sequence: arrive at the estate, enter the speakeasy, sit at the chef’s table for the omakase service, then finish with dessert and settle drinks.
Arrival at Solar Branco Eco Estate
Guests gather at the Solar Branco Eco Estate, the location for Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den where the dinner is hosted.
Entry to Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den
Enter the invitation-only speakeasy space and take your place—seating is intimate and guests are usually seated at the chef’s table.
Omakase Service at the Chef’s Table
Chef Joana presents a multi-course omakase built from sustainable, seasonal fish and Azorean flavors; all guests are served at the same time and share the experience.
Dessert, Drinks & Payment
The set price covers dinner, dessert and water; alcoholic and other drinks are available and billed separately at the end of the meal.
This is an intimate seated dinner; seating capacity and service times are fixed and may be adjusted by the operator—check booking details for group-size rules and timing.
What the day feels like
What the Evening Feels Like
The evening unfolds as a focused culinary performance: guests arrive at the Solar Branco Eco Estate and are seated—usually at the chef’s table—before a synchronized omakase service begins promptly at 7pm. Each course reflects the season and the local Atlantic catch, and the fixed-price dinner closes with dessert and water included while a selection of drinks is available at additional cost.
THE CHEF
Chef Joana’s Island-Born Craft
Born and raised on São Miguel and steeped in the island’s fishing culture, Chef Joana is regarded as the island’s leading sushi chef; her omakase menus draw on seasonal, locally caught fish and Azorean ingredients.
THE FOOD
Omakase Built Around Sustainable Catch
The dinner is served omakase-style: guests trust the chef to select the freshest seasonal products, producing sushi that emphasizes sustainability and local flavor profiles.
THE SETTING
A Secret Speakeasy for Up to a Dozen Diners
Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den is an intimate, invitation-only speakeasy on the estate, where diners generally share the chef’s table in a small-group setting; private groups can expand seating to a larger arrangement.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this experience suits—and who it doesn’t.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dinner service begins promptly at 7pm and all guests are served at the same time.
The price is €65 per person and includes the sushi dinner, dessert and water; alcoholic and other drinks are available at extra cost and are charged at the end of the meal. Full payment is taken at booking to avoid no-shows.
Full payment is required at booking; payments are non-refundable for cancellations made with less than 7 days’ notice.
The dinner is hosted at the Solar Branco Eco Estate; hotel guests wishing to book should contact the estate team directly via [email protected]. Seating is generally for up to a dozen diners, with private groups accommodated up to a larger limit.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
What time does the dinner start?
Dinner service starts promptly at 7pm and all guests are served at the same time.
How much does the dinner cost and what’s included?
The dinner costs €65 per person and includes the sushi dinner, dessert and water; drinks are extra and paid for at the end of the meal.
Are vegetarian or vegan options available?
Vegetarian and vegan options are available upon request at the time of booking.
How many people can be accommodated?
The speakeasy typically seats up to a dozen diners; private groups can be accommodated at a larger capacity (up to 18 for a private group).
Can children attend the dinner?
No; Senhor Raposa’s Secret Drinking Den and the Solar Branco Eco Estate are strictly for adults only—babies and children under 16 are not permitted entry.
How do I book if I’m staying at the Solar Branco Eco Estate?
Hotel guests should contact the estate team to make a booking via [email protected].
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-09-08T19:50:54.641Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.