Madeira Restaurants and Dining

(Madeira, Portugal)

For many a holidaymaker, the restaurants on Madeira really are something of a surprise and nothing short of a gastronomical treat. Although a large number of restaurants are based both in and around Madeira's capital of Funchal, many other dining establishments are dotted around the island, with eateries often gracing cliff tops and boasting both sumptuous food and views.

Being surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, restaurants on Madeira often specialise in freshly caught seafood and visitors to the island can expect dining menus to feature everything from tuna steaks, sardines, sea bass and scabbard, to clams, mussels, oysters, scallops and spiny lobsters.

What to Eat

Also popular in Madeira are 'bifanas' or 'pregos' (pork or beef steaks in a bread roll), 'espetada' (Portuguese-style pork kebab), and 'caldeirada' (a rich seafood stew).

Both olive oil and garlic are important ingredients of many restaurant dishes. And of course, what better way to finish your meal than to enjoy a glass of traditional Madeira wine, which is similar is taste to sherry.

If you are looking for dining with a difference on Madeira, then tourists from the UK will always appreciate taking afternoon tea at the Reid's Palace Hotel on the Estrada Monumental.

The Reid's Palace Hotel itself stands just above Funchal and the restaurant offers diners truly breathtaking ocean views and even live piano music. Sandwiches will arrive on a three-tier platter and are followed soon after by scones, with cream and jam. Although the price is high, the experience really is something to savour.