Restaurants in Madeira: flavors you must try
In Madeira, gastronomy is a true celebration of authentic flavours, coupled with excellent service. With a rich culinary tradition, the island offers a diverse range of dining options, from Michelin-starred luxury restaurants to charming traditional and contemporary spaces. Each meal becomes a sensory experience, where local ingredients, steeped in history, reflect the island’s welcoming spirit and unique culinary heritage.
Madeira’s culinary scene is diverse, with top-notch restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred luxury spots to traditional and international cuisine, all offering impeccable service.
Madeira is a destination that captures the hearts and palates of any visitor, known for its varied and high-quality culinary offerings. The island, which attracts both tourists and international celebrities, provides a true gourmet experience, whether through regional specialities or the variety of restaurants serving diverse cuisines. Here, tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, always with a dedication to the freshness of ingredients and exceptional service.
Madeira’s cuisine is marked by simplicity, celebrating local products. Fresh fish like black scabbardfish, tuna, and octopus are staples on the island’s menus, often served with fried banana, sweet potato, and crispy cornmeal. Local seafood, such as grilled limpets, is a must-try delicacy. Meats also shine, with the traditional beef skewer cooked on laurel sticks offering a unique, bold flavour. Other traditional dishes, like picadinho or carne de vinha d’alhos (wine and garlic marinated pork) with homemade couscous, are culinary gems worth exploring.
Madeira is a destination that captures the hearts and palates of any visitor, known for its varied and high-quality culinary offerings. The island, which attracts both tourists and international celebrities, provides a true gourmet experience, whether through regional specialities or the variety of restaurants serving diverse cuisines. Here, tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously, always with a dedication to the freshness of ingredients and exceptional service.
Madeira’s cuisine is marked by simplicity, celebrating local products. Fresh fish like black scabbardfish, tuna, and octopus are staples on the island’s menus, often served with fried banana, sweet potato, and crispy cornmeal. Local seafood, such as grilled limpets, is a must-try delicacy. Meats also shine, with the traditional beef skewer cooked on laurel sticks offering a unique, bold flavour. Other traditional dishes, like picadinho or carne de vinha d’alhos (wine and garlic marinated pork) with homemade couscous, are culinary gems worth exploring.
The island is also known for its tropical fruits, such as passionfruit, mango, and banana, which are commonly used in desserts and drinks. Among the beverages, Madeira wine is the island’s true ambassador, with varieties like Sercial and Malvasia offering a distinct tasting experience. The traditional Poncha, made with sugarcane rum, honey, and lemon, is a beloved local drink—perfect for toasting at the end of a day full of discoveries.
The island is also known for its tropical fruits, such as passionfruit, mango, and banana, which are commonly used in desserts and drinks. Among the beverages, Madeira wine is the island’s true ambassador, with varieties like Sercial and Malvasia offering a distinct tasting experience. The traditional Poncha, made with sugarcane rum, honey, and lemon, is a beloved local drink—perfect for toasting at the end of a day full of discoveries.
Discover Madeira's diverse gastronomy: from traditional to Michelin-starred restaurants for all tastes.
Discover Madeira's diverse gastronomy: from traditional to Michelin-starred restaurants for all tastes.
The range of restaurants in Madeira is remarkable. From traditional spots offering regional dishes like beef skewers and bolo do caco bread to contemporary restaurants reinterpreting local cuisine, there’s something for every taste. Stunning views of the Atlantic, mountains, or the historic centre of Funchal enhance the experience, turning every meal into a celebration of all the senses.
The range of restaurants in Madeira is remarkable. From traditional spots offering regional dishes like beef skewers and bolo do caco bread to contemporary restaurants reinterpreting local cuisine, there’s something for every taste. Stunning views of the Atlantic, mountains, or the historic centre of Funchal enhance the experience, turning every meal into a celebration of all the senses.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated experience, the island boasts Michelin-starred restaurants where local chefs elevate regional ingredients to a whole new level. There’s also a strong presence of international cuisine, particularly Italian, reflecting Madeira’s historical connection to Mediterranean cooking. No matter what kind of culinary experience you’re seeking, Madeira is a place where the joy of sharing a meal and savouring delicious food meet in perfect harmony.
If you’re looking for a sophisticated experience, the island boasts Michelin-starred restaurants where local chefs elevate regional ingredients to a whole new level. There’s also a strong presence of international cuisine, particularly Italian, reflecting Madeira’s historical connection to Mediterranean cooking. No matter what kind of culinary experience you’re seeking, Madeira is a place where the joy of sharing a meal and savouring delicious food meet in perfect harmony.
Our recommendations:
Below, we’ve selected some of the best restaurants in Madeira, carefully chosen to cater to every taste and occasion. Whether you’re looking for traditional beef skewers, freshly grilled fish by the sea, sophisticated international cuisine, or a brunch in the heart of Funchal, we have suggestions for every moment. From breathtaking ocean views to cosy spots in the city centre, these are our top picks for an unforgettable dining experience on the island.
Our recommendations:
Below, we’ve selected some of the best restaurants in Madeira, carefully chosen to cater to every taste and occasion. Whether you’re looking for traditional beef skewers, freshly grilled fish by the sea, sophisticated international cuisine, or a brunch in the heart of Funchal, we have suggestions for every moment. From breathtaking ocean views to cosy spots in the city centre, these are our top picks for an unforgettable dining experience on the island.
The Dining Room
An elegant evening in Quinta da Casa Branca’s manor house, where Madeiran heritage is served with poise.
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Casa da Quinta, Bistro & Wine Bar
A 19th-century manor bistro with subtropical gardens, seasonal flavours, Madeira wines and afternoon tea.
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Quinta da Bela Vista Restaurant – Manor House
Fine dining in a 19th-century manor house in Funchal, where history, elegance, and exceptional cuisine meet.
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Tipografia
Restaurante do Forte
At the table of Forte de São Tiago, Madeiran flavours and wines meet the poetry of the sea and the historic charm of the walls.
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O Celeiro
One of the city’s oldest restaurants, with an atmosphere that reflects the soul of Madeira.
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Gavião Novo
Authentic Madeiran cuisine on a lively cobbled street in Funchal’s Old Town. A must-visit for lovers of exceptional food.
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Taberna Ruel
A historic house in Funchal’s Old Town, with a lively terrace, rustic interiors, regional flavours and a wine cellar hidden in a centuries-old cistern.
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Marisqueira Tropicana
Opposite the cable car and garden, a welcoming terrace serves fresh fish, seafood and cataplanas in the heart of Funchal.
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Leeno’s Bar & Restaurant
On Funchal’s waterfront, every meal is a ritual of authentic flavours in a relaxed atmosphere.
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Legacy Lounge Bar & Restaurant
By the Atlantic in Funchal’s Lido, a relaxed restaurant where Mediterranean and international flavours meet fresh produce, snacks and sunset cocktails.
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Madmarket Restaurant Portuguese Food & Wine Shop
Portuguese cuisine meets a modern spirit, with fresh regional produce, national wines and local products.
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Porto Santo
has excellent restaurant options, perfect for savouring local gastronomy. From beachfront venues to charming terraces in the village centre, you’ll find places that combine fresh flavours and welcoming atmospheres, ideal for any occasion.
Porto Santo
has excellent restaurant options, perfect for savouring local gastronomy. From beachfront venues to charming terraces in the village centre, you’ll find places that combine fresh flavours and welcoming atmospheres, ideal for any occasion.
Pé na Água Restaurante e Beach Bar
Located by the sea in Porto Santo, this restaurant is known for its fresh dishes and vibrant yet relaxed atmosphere.
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Baiana Restaurante
Situated in Porto Santo, Baiana is known for its traditional cuisine and welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Vila Baleira.
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Apollo 14 Bar e Bistro
This spot offers a diverse menu ranging from traditional dishes to snacks, with a terrace in a peaceful square in Vila Baleira.
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