On Rua de Santa Maria, in the heart of Funchal’s Old Town, Taberna Ruel inhabits a restored 19th-century building of character, where a lively terrace meets a rustic interior with timeless appeal.

Set within one of the Old Town’s most storied streets, this restaurant has become a local reference point, equally loved by Madeirans and travellers. Outdoors, the terrace offers a front-row seat to the rhythm of Santa Maria’s cobbled lane, alive with colour and conversation. Step inside and you encounter stone walls, warm textures and a relaxed charm that echo the building’s history, awarded in 2011 for heritage restoration. The à la carte menu takes its cue from Madeira’s regional pantry, highlighting fresh fish from nearby waters, delicate seafood, hearty game dishes and the island’s celebrated espetada grilled on bay laurel skewers. To close, regional desserts and homemade pastries provide a sweet nod to tradition, best savoured unhurriedly. Through the afternoon, the terrace keeps pace with Rua de Santa Maria’s easy rhythm. As evening settles, the bar takes centre stage with classic cocktails and a strong selection of Portuguese wines; the cellar, set within a centuries-old cistern, is reason enough to linger. The mood carries on until 23:00. Open daily from 11:00 to 23:00, Taberna Ruel is where history, local flavours and conviviality meet in the heart of the Old Town.