Where to Eat in Funchal: Funchal is the capital of Madeira Island, a tourist destination famous for its natural beauty, mild climate, and diverse and delicious cuisine. If you are planning to visit Funchal in 2023, you must try some of the best restaurants in the city, which offer a range of dishes from traditional Madeiran cuisine to international specialities.
In this article, we will present the top 10 restaurants in Funchal to visit in 2023, based on user reviews from Tripadvisor and TheFork. So if you’re wondering where to eat in Funchal, get ready to tantalize your taste buds and embark on this delightful gastronomic journey with us!
5 Sentidos
Photo by Thefork
5 Sentidos is a restaurant that promises to awaken your five senses with a unique gastronomic experience. The menu is based on Portuguese cuisine, with influences from other cultures and flavours. The dishes are creative, well-presented, and tasty, and the wine list is diverse and carefully curated. The ambience is modern, sophisticated, and welcoming, and the service is friendly and efficient. 5 Sentidos is a restaurant you don’t want to miss.
Café Apolo
Café Apolo is one of the oldest and most emblematic cafés in Funchal, founded in 1942. In addition to serving quality coffee, cakes, ice cream, and sandwiches, Café Apolo also offers a lunch and dinner menu with varied dishes such as grilled salmon with passion fruit sauce, vegetable lasagna, or Apolo-style steak. The ambience is historic, elegant, and comfortable, and the service is courteous and efficient. Café Apolo is a café worth visiting.
Villa Grill
Villa Grill is a restaurant specializing in grilled meats, with highlights such as roasted chicken Madeira-style, steak on a hot stone, and regional skewers. The menu also includes other options such as salads, soups, pastas, and pizzas. The ambiance is relaxed, family-friendly, and lively, and the service is quick and friendly. Villa Grill is a perfect restaurant for a casual and tasty meal.
FugaCidade
FugaCidade is a restaurant that combines Portuguese and international cuisine, featuring dishes such as cod à brás with tiger shrimp, beef burger with island cheese, or mushroom risotto with black truffle. The dishes are generous, well-prepared, and flavourful, and the wine list is diverse and carefully selected. The ambience is welcoming, decorated with urban art elements, and the service is friendly and attentive. FugaCidade is a restaurant that will help you escape from routine.
Dona Nina
Photo by DonaNina
Dona Nina is a restaurant dedicated to traditional Madeiran cuisine, with dishes like beef skewers, garlic butter bolo do caco (traditional Madeiran bread), swordfish with banana, or fried corn. Additionally, the menu also offers vegetarian and vegan options, and the homemade desserts are delicious. The ambiance is rustic, cosy, and typical, and the service is friendly and attentive. Dona Nina is a restaurant that will make you feel at home.
Avista
Photo by PortoBay
Avista is a restaurant that offers breathtaking views of the sea and Funchal Bay. Additionally, the menu draws inspiration from both Mediterranean and Asian cuisines, featuring delectable options such as sushi, ceviche, carpaccio, and shrimp risotto. Notably, the ingredients used are always fresh, of high quality, and skilfully combined to create light, healthy, and flavoursome dishes. The ambiance of the restaurant is modern, bright, and refined, while the service provided is attentive and professional. Undoubtedly, Avista is an establishment that will leave you pleasantly surprised.
The Wanderer
The Wanderer is a restaurant that takes inspiration from the travels of its owner, who has visited over 100 countries. The menu consists of dishes from different parts of the world, such as Indian curry, Thai pad thai, or Lebanese falafel. The dishes are colourful, aromatic, and flavourful, and the ingredients are fresh, high-quality, and locally sourced. The Wanderer is a restaurant that will take you on a journey around the world.
Konsai
Photo by Konsai
Konsai is a restaurant specializing in Japanese cuisine, providing an extensive selection of sushi, sashimi, temaki, gunkan, and uramaki. Moreover, the products are fresh, high-quality, and meticulously prepared by the skilled Japanese chef Konsai Nakamura. In terms of atmosphere, it exudes a simple, minimalist, and cosy vibe, while the service is prompt and amicable. Without a doubt, Konsai is an establishment that caters to the cravings of sushi enthusiasts.
Giuseppe Verdi
Giuseppe Verdi is a restaurant dedicated to Italian cuisine, offering dishes such as pizza, pasta, lasagna, or tiramisu. The dishes are authentic, well-served, and delicious, and the pasta is made fresh. The ambiance is pleasant, with Italian background music, and the service is cordial and efficient. Giuseppe Verdi is a restaurant that will make you feel like you’re in Italy.
O.Giro Churros&Paninis
Photo by O.giro
O.Giro is a restaurant that offers a unique and delicious gastronomic experience in Funchal. Here you can enjoy crunchy churros and paninis stuffed with fresh, quality ingredients. The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, with modern and colorful decor. The service is fast and friendly, always ready to respond to your requests and suggestions. O.Giro is the ideal place for a snack, lunch or dinner with friends or family. Be sure to try the vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, as well as the refreshing drinks and aromatic coffees. O.Giro is a restaurant that you will want to repeat!
Where to Eat in Funchal: Conclusion
These are the top 10 restaurants in Funchal to visit in 2023, according to user reviews on TripAdvisor and TheFork. So if you’re wondering where to eat in Funchal, make sure to indulge in an unforgettable gastronomic experience by trying out some of these establishments. From savouring traditional Madeiran cuisine to exploring international flavours, these restaurants offer a diverse range of culinary delights.
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