Grilled Limpets

"The ultimate Azorean starter."

If there is one starter that defines the Azores, this is it.

Lapas are limpets, shellfish that cling to the rocks along the coast. They’re grilled with garlic, butter, a touch of pimenta da terra, and finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon right at the table.

And then… that’s it.

Sweet lord. There’s no proper English word for this. It’s ridiculously good. Salty, buttery, slightly smoky, ocean-packed flavor. Pure Atlantic.

If you like seafood and you’re in the Azores and you don’t try grilled limpets… what are you even doing here?

This is not optional. This is mandatory.

Go big or go home.

The vast majority of regional restaurants serve lapas grelhadas.

If a place focuses on traditional Azorean food, chances are they have this on the menu.