Signature cuisine, Gourmet
Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva
Contemporary Cuisine
The Madeira archipelago awakens a thousand desires. These islands offer a constant sense of discovery at every glance and new experiences at every turn. The local culture is present in all aspects of daily life and gastronomy is a perfect example of this.
Madeira's food is widely known and appreciated by all those who visit the archipelago and, if on the one hand it is the traditional flavours that make Madeira and Porto Santo stand out gastronomically, on the other, we must not ignore the growing offer in terms of contemporary gastronomy.
This type of cuisine, which can be characterised by its creative approach to food, has been gaining a growing number of dedicated spaces and, for many visitors, a holiday in the Region already entails a gastronomic soirée in the best restaurants in Madeira with this type of approach.
And Madeira products are an excellent raw material for this type of cuisine that deconstructs and reinterprets flavours and textures, bringing together elements of various culinary traditions in a single dish, using only seasonal products. The creativity of the best Chefs is then reflected in dishes that are the result of months or even years of study, and which aim to preserve and highlight flavours, producing surprises that reward but do not confuse the palate. And the fish from our coast is the icing on the cake for this signature cuisine.
In the best restaurants in Madeira, tuna, limpets, cuttlefish and scabbardfish - all well known in traditional cuisine - are reinterpreted in their preparation and presentation, and are sometimes combined with unexpected ingredients. But also, our meat is handled with refinement and sophistication, especially when combined with our local fruit and vegetable produce, as is the case of Madeira couscous, yam, sweet potato, marzipan, chestnuts and even oyster mushrooms - edible mushrooms very common in signature dishes.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Madeira
In the Madeira archipelago, the word "diversity" is key to unlocking many of the islands' secrets. When it comes to gastronomy, the region's restaurants are ambassadors both of the legacy of traditional cuisine and of the avant-garde and sophistication of fine dining, providing sublime tasting moments in both cases.
Did you know that in Madeira there are three highly prestigious restaurants that have received the highest distinction in cuisine - the Michelin Star? We are referring to William, Il Galo D'Oro and Desarma. For a night of "haute cuisine" at William, you will have the pleasure of visiting the iconic Belmond Reid's Palace Hotel, where this superb restaurant is located. However, you cannot complete your visit to Madeira without dedicating an evening to II Galo D'Oro. This restaurant, which is part of the Cliff Bay Hotel, boasts not one but two Michelin stars, awarded for the mastery and avant-gardism of Chef Benoît Sinthon. Desarma earned its Star after just one year of existence and is Chef Octávio Freitas’ invitation to a battle of the senses, staged on the top floor of The Views Baia hotel, offering an unparalleled view over the city of Funchal.
In these three restaurants, you will enjoy the best local ingredients: fresh fish, regional meat, vegetables and fruits from the region, handled with creativity and finesse. In addition to these two examples, the archipelago offers plenty of Michelin star restaurants, scattered throughout the region's municipalities. Finding them is an integral part of the experience of exploring this destination.
Discover our restaurants
Because Madeira is a foodies Adventure
CONTEMPORARY PORTUGUESE
Oxalis
Oxalis - a unique culinary experience at Palheiro Nature Estate, where seasonal dishes made with local ingredients celebrate Madeiran gastronomy and sustainability.
Brewery, Fish and Seafood
Peixaria no Mercado
An ode to the sea and its ingredients in the place closest to the source: the Funchal market auction.
PORTUGUESE CUISINE
Pau de Lume
Pau de Lume presents delicious oven dishes, prepared with ancestral techniques based on the use of fire.
Portuguese Cuisine
O Recante Restaurant
'O Recante', at Caniçal, is a restaurant that offers a modern gastronomic experience, inspired by the ocean and the coastal landscape.
International Cuisine
Restaurante do Forte
Located in the Fortress of São Tiago (historic building from the 17th century), it is distinguished by its gastronomic diversity and excellent service.
Fish and Seafood, International
Ákua
A cosy restaurant with a distinctive family atmosphere, Ákua brings us the freshness and the breeze of the sea thanks to the boldness of its dishes.
International, Fusion
Kampo
With a sharing and 'comfort food' concept, Kampo was created to pay tribute to meat in all its senses, with an emphasis on matured meat.
Progressive Madeiran cuisine
Audax
Audax offers a true high-level gastronomic experience based on traditional Madeiran flavours, with the promise of creating new and original works of art!
European, Contemporary Cuisine
Desarma
Desarma is a restaurant that stands out for the complexity and diversity of its flavours, that disarm anyone in the battle of the senses and tastes!
MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE / SIGNATURE CUISINE
The Dining Room
A sophisticated à la carte menu, based on the pillars of Mediterranean and contemporary gastronomy, is the bet of The Dinning Room, the main restaurant of Quinta da Casa Branca.
Snacks
Capoeira Lounge Bar
On the east coast of the island, the Capoeira Lounge Bar stands out for its unique features, making it the perfect evening setting.
VEGAN/ INTERNATIONAL GASTRONOMY
Terra Food Concept
A multicultural and vegan restaurant with a seasonal menu offering a taste of the world using the freshest ingredients.
FINE DINING
Galáxia Skyfood
An intergalactic experience that can be enjoyed by ordering à la carte or with sublime tasting menus.
PRIVATE CHEF & CATERING
Gazebo
A skilful chef who will welcome you at home, or come to your own event, cooking and presenting the most incredible creations.
Fresh fish and Grilled dishes
Atlantis Restaurant
With access via the Sentido Galomar Hotel, the Atlantis Restaurant is an intimate space with an unforgettable atmosphere, known for its fresh fish and grilled specialities.
Mediterranean Cuisine
Il Vivaldi
Located in the former Casa do Turista, it comprises a Mediterranean restaurant and a Terrace Bar. It stands out for its gastronomic creativity and excellent service.
MADEIRAN WITH INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION
Alambique
At Alambique, Madeiran flavours combine with international ones to bring the best of gastronomy to your plate.
MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE
Tipografia
Located in the centre of Funchal, at a place full of history, Tipografia's menu is inspired by Portuguese cuisine, with local products grown with regional tradition and care
GOURMET
William
At William, the freshness of the ingredients reveals itself in unexpected flavours. The culinary innovation resides in the most traditional and refined hotel in Madeira.
MADEIRAN WITH INTERNATIONAL INSPIRATION
Terreiro Concept
Restaurant and Gastrobar located at Rua Imperatriz D. Amélia, privileging the fresh flavours from its vegetable garden and local products. Its menu combines traditional Madeiran recipes with international trends
MEDITERRANEAN / ASIAN
Avista
With a unique view, emphasised by the cliff on which the restaurant is built, Avista dazzles both for the landscapes it underlines and for its menu, which highlights the best of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.
LIGHT MEALS & SNACKS
Casa da Quinta Restaurant & Bar
A light meal with a refined taste is the proposal of the 'Casa da Quinta' restaurant & bar. Its relaxing atmosphere is also ideal for a late-afternoon cocktail.
ASIAN / INTERNATIONAL CUISINE
Nikkei @ Jacarandá
At the Savoy Palace there is a restaurant dedicated to the fusion of Japanese techniques and flavours, fusing them with influences from different cuisines from around the world. All with the freshest ingredients.