A Foodie’s Guide to the Best Restaurants in Funchal, Madeira, Funchal, Portugal

Madeira. Home to Jurassic landscapes, endlessly changing weather conditions, lethally strong Poncha and ultra-fresh fish. I spent six weeks on the island this past winter, and to say I fell in love with the place would be an understatement. It’s a Portuguese paradise, and I’m already nostalgic thinking of its vivid greens, salty air and floral scents. We were staying in Funchal – the biggest city in Madeira and the ideal jumping off point for exploring the island. I loved the Old Town in the east end of the city, but many prefer the Lido area to the west. Restaurants in Funchal are generally good value (much more affordable than Amsterdam), the food is fresh and local, and the service is the friendliest I’ve ever encountered. But don’t come to Madeira expecting cutting-edge gastronomy: much of what you’ll see on restaurant menus feels like it’s been transported from the 1990s, and vegetarian visitors won’t find a whole lot of choice.

That said, Funchal is fantastic for pescatarians and those who love their steak. Plus, you can find everything from Japanese sushi to American BBQ, so you won’t get bored of the Madeiran staples either. I’ve grouped my Funchal restaurant recommendations into various categories – from brunch cafés and snackbars to traditional restaurants and international cuisine – to make it a little easier to navigate, depending on what you’re looking for. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).