Best Restaurants in Madeira (2026)

The crown jewel of Madeira's dining scene. Chef Benoît Sinthon holds two Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainability — the only restaurant on the island with this distinction. Located inside The Cliff Bay hotel, Il Gallo d'Oro offers tasting menus built around Madeira's finest seasonal produce, Atlantic fish, and local wines. The terrace views over Funchal Bay are extraordinary.

"The best meal I've had in Portugal. Faultless service, breathtaking food, and a view that makes everything taste even better."

Inside the legendary Reid's Palace, a Belmond hotel, William Restaurant has held its Michelin star for eight consecutive years. Under Chef José Diogo Costa, the menu is an elegant tour through Madeiran flavours — local tuna, black scabbard fish and Atlantic lobster are transformed into extraordinary dishes. Panoramic views over Funchal Bay from every table.

"Eight years of Michelin magic. The escabeche of local tuna is the best thing I've eaten in years."

The newest Michelin star on Madeira, awarded in 2024. Desarma is a bold, modern restaurant that takes the island's traditional flavours and rebuilds them from scratch. The tasting menu changes seasonally and makes spectacular use of Madeira's exceptional produce — from Câmara de Lobos tuna to São Vicente honey. A must for serious food lovers.

"Just got its first Michelin star and fully deserves it. Creative, local, deeply personal cooking."

Set inside a converted 19th-century salt warehouse near Funchal's old town, Armazém do Sal combines beautiful historic architecture with contemporary Madeiran cuisine. Exposed stone walls, wooden beams, and candlelight create one of the most atmospheric dining rooms on the island. In the Michelin Guide 2024. Live saxophone some evenings.

"The setting alone is worth the visit — but the food keeps you coming back. Tuna ceviche and sea bass were outstanding."

A hidden gem in the old town of Funchal, consistently rated the #1 restaurant in Funchal on TripAdvisor. Chef and owner Michael runs a small, personal operation where every table feels like a private dinner party. The menu focuses on fresh Madeiran fish, shellfish, and classic island dishes — all executed with extraordinary care. Book well in advance.

"Michael took such wonderful care of us. The food was so delicious we didn't want to try any other restaurant for the rest of the trip."

The best seafood restaurant outside Funchal. Perched above the fishing harbour of Câmara de Lobos — the village that Winston Churchill famously painted — Vila do Peixe is in the Michelin Guide for its honest, spectacular fish dishes. The black scabbard fish (espada) with banana is a signature dish you must try. Fresh catch changes daily.

"The scabbard fish with fried banana was life-changing. I've never tasted anything like it. The view over the harbour is incredible."

The most dramatic setting for a meal in Funchal — a rooftop restaurant atop The Vine Hotel with 360° views over the city and the Atlantic. UVA specialises in Mediterranean cuisine with a strong focus on Madeiran and Portuguese wines. The sunset dinner experience here is unforgettable. Popular for romantic evenings and special occasions.

"The view from the rooftop is absolutely spectacular. Watching the sun set over Funchal while sipping Madeira wine — doesn't get better."

Built directly on the volcanic lava rocks of Porto Moniz on Madeira's spectacular north coast, O Cachalote is famous for its limpets (lapas) — grilled on a hot iron skillet with butter, garlic and lemon. One of the most authentic seafood experiences on the island, in a breathtaking location next to the famous natural lava pools. The octopus here is legendary.

"The best limpets in Madeira. Sitting on the lava rocks watching the Atlantic waves crash while eating — absolutely magical."

High in the mountains above Funchal at 1,400 metres, Abrigo do Pastor ("the shepherd's shelter") is the most beloved traditional restaurant on the island. Surrounded by mountain scenery, it serves espetada — Madeira's famous bay-laurel skewered beef — along with grilled meats, homemade bolo do caco bread and poncha. Huge portions, reasonable prices, and a truly authentic atmosphere.

"The espetada melted in my mouth. After a levada walk in the mountains, this is exactly what you need — real Madeiran cooking at its best."

A beloved institution on Funchal's most colourful street — Rua de Santa Maria, famous for its doors painted by local artists. Santa Maria Restaurant surprises with a creative menu that blends Madeiran traditions with Japanese influences. The sushi here is considered the best in Funchal. Garden terrace dining and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere make this a go-to for locals and tourists alike.

"We came back three times in one week. The sushi is extraordinary, and the tuna on hot stone is exactly as good as everyone says."

One of Funchal's most talked-about newer restaurants, featured in the Michelin Guide. Akua focuses entirely on the Atlantic — every dish celebrates Madeiran fish and shellfish with a modern, clean approach. The tiger prawns and tuna dishes are outstanding. The interior is sleek and contemporary, popular with a food-savvy crowd.

"The tiger prawns were the best I've ever had. Simple, perfect, and clearly the freshest possible. A new Funchal classic."

Awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2025 — the guide's recognition for exceptional food at moderate prices, having operated in Madeira for over 30 years. Chef Jaime Cruz and partner Jorge create a sophisticated tasting experience: from fish tartare to king prawn, scallop risotto, and confit sea bass. An intimate room, exceptional wine list, and genuinely warm service.

"30 years in Madeira and still this good. The Bib Gourmand is well-earned. Fish of the day and garlic shrimps starter — perfect."

Built into the cliffs at Ponta do Sol on Madeira's sunny south-west coast, the Estalagem's restaurant offers some of the most dramatic ocean views anywhere on the island. The Mediterranean and European menu is excellent — salmon on stone, espetada, and fresh cataplana stew — but many visitors come purely for the sunset views over the Atlantic from the cliff-top terrace.

"The view makes everything taste better. Watching the sun disappear into the Atlantic from that terrace is one of the best experiences in Madeira."

Open since 1969, A Parreira is the most beloved traditional restaurant in Câmara de Lobos — the charming fishing village where Churchill painted. Famous for its extraordinary espetada (bay-laurel skewered beef hanging from iron hooks), homemade bolo do caco, and warm Madeiran hospitality that has been unchanged for over 50 years.

"Incredible espetada! The menu was not big but it was exactly what it needed to be. A total Madeira experience."

Chef Julio Pereira's creative restaurant in Funchal, featured in the Michelin Guide. Kampo celebrates Madeira's extraordinary biodiversity — wild herbs, exotic fruits, mountain vegetables — combined with the island's finest fish and meats. The tasting menu changes constantly with the seasons and is one of the most exciting culinary experiences on the island.

"Julio is a genius with local ingredients. Every dish surprised us. The use of Madeiran herbs and flowers is unlike anything else."

A refreshing addition to Funchal's dining scene. Chef Santiago Agnolles leads Horta with a focus on healthy comfort food that draws on Madeira's rich culinary heritage — local vegetables, herbs and produce prepared with flair. One of the best options for vegetarian and health-conscious diners on the island, while also satisfying meat-eaters with creative protein dishes.

"Best vegetarian options in Madeira by far. But my meat-eating partner loved his dish too. Genuinely excellent cooking."

An institution in the fishing village of Câmara de Lobos, widely considered to have the best poncha on the island. This tiny, authentic tasa is where local fishermen have gathered for generations. Simple, honest Madeiran food — limpets, tuna, bolo do caco — served with the best homemade poncha you'll find anywhere. No frills, pure atmosphere.

"Best poncha in Madeira, period. The atmosphere is pure, authentic Madeiran. A must-visit if you want to understand the soul of this island."

The finest Italian restaurant in Madeira, in the Michelin Guide, with stunning Atlantic views. Villa Cipriani brings the elegance of classic Northern Italian cuisine to the island — handmade pasta, risotto, veal dishes and an exceptional wine cellar. Set in a beautiful villa terrace overlooking the ocean, it's a favourite for special occasions and romantic dinners.

"The best authentic Italian pizza on Madeira island. Worth every penny. The pasta is exceptional and the view is extraordinary."

The best restaurant in the west of Madeira, right next to Calheta's sandy beach — one of only two natural sand beaches on the island. Restaurante Do Forte serves outstanding fresh seafood with views over the marina and Atlantic. Popular with day-trippers who combine a beach afternoon with a long seafood lunch. The octopus and tuna dishes are exceptional.

"After a morning on Calheta beach, there's no better lunch on the island. Fresh octopus, cold white wine, and that view — perfect."

The best traditional restaurant on Madeira's beautiful north coast, near the famous triangular thatched houses of Santana. Quintal da Serra serves generous portions of authentic Madeiran cuisine — espetada, roasted meats, local cheeses, and homemade desserts — in a rustic, welcoming setting surrounded by the island's lush green mountains. A perfect stop on any island road trip.

"A gem on the north coast. After visiting the thatched houses of Santana, this is the perfect traditional lunch. Huge portions and incredibly warm service."