Where to eat in Madeira Island
Flavours of Madeira: an unmissable gastronomic road trip (10 must-visit restaurants)
1) Madeira is much more than breathtaking viewpoints and tunnel-to-tunnel scenic drives — it’s also a serious food destination. The island’s flavours come from the Atlantic (fresh fish and seafood), the mountains (rustic comfort food), and a culture that treats hospitality as a way of life.
The only challenge is distance: the best meals are spread across Funchal, Praia Formosa, Câmara de Lobos, Santana, and the mountain roads. That’s why Madeira car rental is the smartest way to explore the island’s gastronomy. With GooRentalCars, you can compare car rental prices in Madeira, choose Madeira airport car rental or city pick-up, and build your own flexible route — stopping for food when you’re hungry, not when a tour bus tells you to.
2) Abrigo do Poiso (Poiso, mountains)
If you want one place that feels like “true Madeira,” start with Abrigo do Poiso. Set on the mountain road between Funchal and Pico do Areeiro, it’s the perfect stop for a sunrise drive, a levada day, or any trip into the highlands.
The atmosphere is cosy and rustic, and the food is traditional, generous, and deeply local. Keep it classic: begin with bolo do caco with garlic butter, then go for the island staples — tomato and onion soup with a poached egg, carne de vinha d’alhos, and the iconic espetada on bay-laurel skewers. Because it’s on the mountain route, it’s best enjoyed with car hire in Madeira — easy access, scenic roads, and a stop that turns a simple drive into a highlight.
3) Beira Calhau (Praia Formosa, Funchal)
For seaside vibes with real Madeiran character, head to Beira Calhau, located in Praia Formosa — Funchal’s most popular beach area. This is an ideal place for a long lunch after a beach walk or a sunset dinner with the Atlantic in front of you. The mood is relaxed and local, not “touristy formal,” and that’s exactly why it works so well.
Focus on what Madeira does best: fresh grilled fish, simple seafood starters when available, and classic plates that let the ingredients shine. If you’re researching car rental Funchal or rent a car Madeira, this stop shows the real benefit of having your own wheels: you can eat by the ocean, stay as long as you want, and still be back in town easily.
4) Armazém do Sal (Funchal, historic centre)
When you want a more refined dinner without losing the island identity, Armazém do Sal is a strong choice. The setting is elegant, the service is polished, and the menu often blends traditional Madeiran inspiration with a modern touch.
Look for signature combinations like black scabbardfish with banana, beautifully cooked octopus, and desserts featuring Madeira passion fruit. It’s perfect for a “city night” in your itinerary — the kind of evening that balances out the rustic mountain meals and seaside grills. If your plan includes a lot of driving, consider booking rental options that match your comfort preferences — travellers often search for Madeira car rental deals with full insurance, and some offers can include pay at pick-up or even no deposit conditions on selected cars.
5) Vila do Peixe (Câmara de Lobos)
For fish lovers, Vila do Peixe in Câmara de Lobos is essential. Câmara de Lobos is a working fishing harbour with a strong local rhythm — boats in the bay, charcoal smoke drifting through the air, and a view that makes every plate feel more authentic. The best strategy here is simple: order what’s fresh. Go for fish of the day, try lapas (grilled limpets), and enjoy the setting slowly. Many visitors also like to taste a poncha as part of the cultural experience — just keep it responsible if you’re driving. With rent a car Madeira, you can combine Câmara de Lobos with Cabo Girão viewpoints and coastal roads, then return to Funchal on your own schedule.
6) Quinta do Furão (Santana, North Coast)
If you’re exploring Santana and the North Coast, Quinta do Furão is one of the most memorable dining stops on the island. The views are dramatic, the ambience feels special, and the kitchen uses regional ingredients in a way that feels both authentic and elevated. It’s an excellent “anchor meal” for a North Coast day: you can visit Santana’s famous traditional houses, stop at forest viewpoints, and finish with a proper lunch. Visitors often love dishes featuring tuna and island fruit sauces (like passion fruit), plus pairings where Madeira wine plays a starring role. This is also a reminder that Madeira’s geography is steep — so when choosing a vehicle, many travellers prefer a comfortable engine for climbs, especially if they’re planning multiple days of mountain and North Coast driving.
7) Restaurante Casal da Penha (Funchal)
Back in Funchal, Casal da Penha is a reliable classic for traditional Madeiran flavours in a welcoming, cosy setting. It’s a great choice for families and groups because the menu is familiar, satisfying, and deeply local. Here you can tick off favourites like espetada, milho frito (fried corn), and regional desserts — without needing a “fine dining” budget.
This is the kind of restaurant that makes your trip feel grounded: simple, warm, and genuinely Madeiran. And from a planning perspective, it pairs perfectly with a day where you explore the city by foot and then drive out the next morning — which is why flexible pick-up/return options matter when you compare car hire Madeira deals.
8) 4 more restaurants where to eat in Madeira
To round out your list of 10 best restaurants in Madeira with variety (local classics, modern seafood, and a special-occasion option), add these four in Funchal: O Tasco (lively atmosphere with local favourites and comfort food), Taberna Madeira (great for sharing plates and tasting multiple flavours in one sitting), Akua (more contemporary, seafood-focused cooking for travellers who like modern presentations), and Il Gallo d’Oro (the elevated, “once in a lifetime” style dinner for a truly special night).
Together with Abrigo do Poiso, Beira Calhau (Praia Formosa), Armazém do Sal, Vila do Peixe, Quinta do Furão, and Casal da Penha, you now have a balanced route covering mountain tradition, seaside flavours, harbour authenticity, North Coast views, and city dining.
9) How to plan the perfect food itinerary (and book the car the smart way)
The easiest way to enjoy this route is to group meals by area: do a mountain day (Poiso + Pico do Areeiro), a beach-and-city day (Praia Formosa + Beira Calhau, then Funchal), a harbour-and-viewpoints day (Câmara de Lobos + Vila do Peixe), and a full North Coast day (Santana + Quinta do Furão). On GooRentalCars, focus on clear conditions, and when available choose options like pay at pick-up, full insurance, and selected offers with no deposit or no credit card requirements (depending on supplier terms). The result is simple: less stress, better timing, and a Madeira trip where every meal becomes part of the adventure.
Related articles (GooRentalCars Blog)
- The Definitive Guide to Driving in Madeira in 2026
- Madeira 7-Day Road Trip Itinerary (Best Stops + Driving Times)
- Car Hire at Madeira Airport: Your Complete Guide to Comparing Prices and Exploring the Island
- Madeira Island Activities Guide: Dolphins, Adventure Sports & Outdoor Experiences by Car
- Madeira Boat Trips: Best Tours from Funchal (Private & Group Options)
- How to Rent a Car in Madeira Without a Credit Card — Easy Guide for 2026
FAQ (5 questions+ answers)
1) Do I really need a car to follow this Madeira restaurant itinerary?
It’s strongly recommended. The best food stops are spread across mountains, beaches, harbours, and the North Coast. With Madeira car rental, you can move freely and eat at the right time — not when transport allows.
2) Is Abrigo do Poiso worth it if I’m not going to Pico do Areeiro?
Yes. It’s a destination on its own: mountain atmosphere, traditional comfort food, and an easy stop on a scenic drive.
3) What local dishes should I try at least once in Madeira?
Espetada on bay-laurel skewers, bolo do caco with garlic butter, lapas (grilled limpets), black scabbardfish with banana, milho frito, and passion fruit desserts.
4) Should I pick up my rental car at Madeira Airport or in Funchal?
If you want to explore immediately, Madeira airport car rental is usually the simplest. If you’ll spend your first day or two walking around Funchal, city pick-up can work well.
5) What’s the best car type for Madeira’s steep roads and long drives?
If you plan mountain routes and the North Coast, choose a car with enough power for climbs and comfortable braking on descents. A compact is fine for city-only plans, but extra engine strength usually makes Madeira more enjoyable.
