Bom Apetite: Madeira for Foodies
A wide variety of hearty, fantastic cuisine awaits visitors to the small island in the Atlantic: from relaxed traditional dishes to award-winning restaurants, it's all here. These are the best spots in Madeira for foodies.
June 1, 2022
Portuguese cuisine is characterized by fresh ingredients and its focus on traditional dishes. Those who wish to try the authentic Portuguese delicacies can expect an explosion of flavours - but must also expect very hearty meals. Light fare is definitely a rarity in the country on the Iberian Peninsula. Madeira is no exception, but it also has a wide selection of fish and seafood straight from the Atlantic.
Lapas, also known locally as limpets, are one of the most popular delicacies in Madeira. © Shutterstock
As a small island, Madeira is very blessed with its Mediterranean climate. Here grows a variety of flavorful vegetables and tropical fruits that taste deliciously sweet and refreshing. A particular highlight with visitors is the Mercado dos Lavradores, the famous market in the capital Funchal, where you can find exotic fruits as well as fresh fish, local spices and traditional handicrafts.
The fertile island produces a variety of exotic fruits that visitors can enjoy at the weekly market. © Shutterstock
Foodie Paradise: The best restaurants in Madeira
While the rest of the island is still down-to-earth in terms of cuisine, Funchal is increasingly turning into a foodie hotspot. The award-winning restaurants in the capital shine with their modern approach and their reinterpretations of traditional Portuguese cuisine. Especially the freshly caught delicacies from the Atlantic Ocean make gourmet hearts beat faster here and also inspire locals with their finesse.
Il Gallo d'Oro
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The two-star restaurant is considered the best on the island. Already since 2004, the French chef Benoît Sinthon combines the best flavours of Iberian cuisine here.
Il Gallo d'Oro
Estrada Monumental 147, 9004-532 Funchal, Portugal
Tel.: +351 291 707 700
Web: portobay.com
Price: tasting menu from € 195,- per person
William
At William, the restaurant at the elegant Reid's Palace in Funchal, Michelin-award-winning menus are top-notch. © Belmond
The Michelin-starred restaurant at the luxurious Reid's Palace Hotel uses freshly harvested local ingredients to create culinary masterpieces. Dine on the terrace with a fantastic view of the ocean. Vegetarians don't have to miss out on any of the delights here either.
William
Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal, Portugal
Tel.: +351 291 717 171
Web: belmond.com
Price: tasting menu from € 102,- per person
Casal da Penha
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For traditional meals in a time-honoured atmosphere, guests love coming to this well-established eatery, where one can dine romantically under the stars. The extensive menu consists of Madeiran classics, which certainly include plenty of new things for foodies. Reservations are worthwhile, as Casal da Penha is very popular with locals and has many regulars.
Casal da Penha
Beco da Ataíde 1, 9000-604 Funchal, Portugal
Tel.: +351 291 227 674
Web: casaldapenha.com
Price: Main courses between € 14,50 and € 39,-.
Avista
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True to the motto "sharing is caring," you'll dine in this diverse family-style restaurant. Chef João Luz bases his menu on comfort food, which he combines with fresh ingredients from the region and a relaxed cooking style - barbecue. Asian influences can also be found in his cuisine.
Avista
Estrada Monumental 143, 9004-532 Funchal, Portugal
Tel.: +351 291 707 775
Web: portobay.com
Price: tasting menu from € 72,- per person
Continue reading: The most beautiful spots in Madeira
