Where to eat in Madeira
Madeira - the island best known for its green mountains and hiking trails can be quite tricky when it comes to finding a good, affordable place to eat. But do not despair! Here is our list of the best places to eat in Madeira!
Reids Palace for Tea/ Apéro in Funchal
The terrace at Reids Palace makes you feel like you are an in an old English movie. A moviee, in which imperialistic design it still on vogue and the main actors smoke cigars and the lady always wear peachy summery dresses. The hotel, which is famous for Winston Churchill staying there several times, offers drinks and snacks on their terrace, which are bit more expensive than in other places but you pay also for the service and the experience. Be assured you get so many snacks for free to your drinks that in the end its not really more expensive than elsewhere. They also offer their famous afternoon tea at 3.30 and 4 pm for 40,- with scones, sandwiches, pastries and tea- book online in advance!
A Bica
A Bica for good and cheap seafood in Funchal
Located next to the Funchal Market Hall, this hidden gem is really easy to miss if you don't know where it is. Steep stairs lead down to a traditional basement restaurant that is usually crowded and noisy. The fast and friendly service is only topped by the amazingly cheap seafood and wine. Be sure to try the garlic scampi and the mussels!
Muralhas Bar
Muralhas Bar- the Seafood Institution on Madeira
My personal favorite because it is so authentic and so, so good! It reminded me a bit of an American diner, probably because of the many tables, white paper tablecloths and busy atmosphere, except that they serve traditional Madeira cuisine, which is mostly fish. I have never had scampi this good - you have to try the Muralhas prawns (you will find them on the menu). The mussels were also amazing!
This is the perfect place if you are doing the beautiful Ponta de São Lourenço hike (2h), either before or after!
Taberna do Petisco
Taberna do Petisco in Santa Cruz
Cute little tavern with authentic, good and affordable food with outdoor tables in the small village of Santa Cruz! Worth a visit! And of course, try the local liquor (Poncha- be careful it's strong!) and the house specialty - shrimp in red sauce - while listening to the portueges on the neighboring tables!
Lounge Bar Clube Naval do Seixal
=> enjoy the panorama of the natural pools while having dinner
The most divine place to have a drink and something to eat. The terrace overlooks the natural public swimming pools of Seixal, where you can swim or just watch the play of the waves. They serve sandwiches and all kinds of classic Portuguese beach food, including really good octopus. Do not order the pizza as it is frozen.
Enjoy your cool drinks and then go to the beach of Seixal (with black sand!) right next to the lounge bar!
Restaurante Sol Poente
=> the most amazing terrace looking over the sea and the village
This place was a real highlight! First of all, the little village of Ponta do Sol with its beautiful restored houses on the beach is really worth a walk. Second, this restaurant on the cliff overlooking the village has the most amazing view over the sea, the cliffs and the village!
We went for the sandwiches (steak) and they were so big, so cheap and so good!
Definitely stop here on your tour of the ER101!
