Our top-5 restaurants in Madeira
Madeiran cuisine centers on fresh seafood, rich grilled meats, and unique regional flatbreads, highlighted by iconic specialties like espetada, bolo do caco, and lapas. Skip the overpriced tourist traps in Funchal and go where the locals eat and / or enjoy great views when dining!
5. Muralha’s Bar
Highlights: Caniçal is the place to be for local seafood. Try different small dishes to share and don’t forget the lapas!
Kids-proof factor: our kids love seafood, so it depends
Insider tip: it’s close to the Whale museum and Prainha beach so nice to combine
📍 Location Pin: 32.73667594350631, -16.738424589354302
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: P7P6+J9 Caniçal, Portugal
4. Restaurante Praia Formosa
Highlights: this restaurant is away from the touristic part of Funchal. It’s next to the beach so you might enjoy a nice sunset
Kids-proof factor: it’s right next to the beach so kids can play around!
Insider tip: you can walk the whole promenade to Câmara de Lobos from the restaurant in about 20 minutes. So nice to end with a drink there and take the taxi back to Funchal.
📍 Location Pin: 32.64254405904571, -16.955873656199028
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: J2RV+WC Funchal, Portugal
3. Cabo Aéreo Café Restaurant
Highlights: this restaurant in the North has one of the best views of the island
Kids-proof factor: they have dishes for kids but not so much entertainment
Insider tip: tourist buses arrive around lunch so better to go later in the afternoon
📍 Location Pin: 32.83053123222195, -16.90004118193097
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: R3JX+5J Santana, Portugal
2. Pizzeria il Furetto (Quinta do Furão)
Highlights: although not traditional local food, this was our favorite place to eat pizza on the island. Located in the famous Quinta do Furão in Santana, the views are incredible.
Kids-proof factor: kids and pizza, we need to give more evidence? Oh, wait, there’s also a playground 😉
Insider tip: the pizzaria is more for families, but for couples the neighbour Quinta do Furão restaurant is highly recommendable
📍 Location Pin: 32.823103073996954, -16.88523711128269
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: R4F7+6W, Santana, Portugal
1. Talho do Caniço
Highlights: because we’re not the biggest meat-eaters, it seems like a surprise this is our favorite restaurant. ‘Talho’ means butcher and that’s exactly the conept. You order your espetada (meat skewers) at the butcher, and walk via the street to the terrace behind where they will grill it for you. You will probably be the only non-local!
Kids-proof factor: the kids loved the experience!
Insider tip: they’re open from Thursday-Sunday and close between 16h00-18h30. Good to check their Facebook for accurate opening hours
📍 Location Pin: 32.652618705371, -16.839530929830875
🗺️ Google Maps: [Open in Maps (Link)]
🧩 Plus Code: M525+XW Caniço, Portugal
