Madeiran cuisine is inspired by the island’s rich soil and superb climate.
The seas around Madeira are abundant in marine life, so fish, in one form or another,
features large in the island’s culinary repertoire. Ironically, scabbard fish
(espada), the ugliest of fish, dredged from the depths of the sea, takes centre stage
on many menus, often served with grilled bananas. If you like you can avoid the
expensive imported items like lobster, crab and scallops.Madeira Island Restaurants:
Restaurant Casa Portuguesa:
An absolute gem, tucked away in a side street in the Old Town. Imaginative and
perfectly prepared Madeiran cuisine,including an irresistible sabayon. The chef
here ably demonstrates how well the limited range of ingredients available to
the island can be successfully prepared.
Address: Travessa das Torres
Phone: +351 291 228 446
Restaurant O Colmo:
The O Colmo is a place to enjoy lunch with the locals. Serving traditional Madeiran
cuisine, this family-run restaurant uses its own locally-grown produce. It is worth
coming to Santana for lunch just to sample the lamb stew, or the cod cooked in chef’s
own style.
Address: Santana
Phone: +351 291 570 290
Restaurant O Calhetas:
Found in Calheta, at the end of the road
that runs down to the southern tip of the
island, this inexpensive fish restaurant has
all the traditional dishes plus a few fish and
rice stews.
Address: Porto Santo
Phone: +351 291 984 380
Restaurant Gavião Novo:
A small restaurant specialising in Madeiran,
mainly fish, cuisine. Lunch at the Gavião
Novo, is a perfectly acceptable excuse for
doing very little in the afternoon. Unlike
most Funchal restaurants, this is a
family-owned business.
Address: Rua de Santa Maria, Old Town, Funchal
Phone: +351 291 229 238
