Typical Food in Madeira

Bolo do Caco

Bolo do Caco is the typical bread in Madeira. The pastry looks like flat, circular rolls, and they are used in Madeira both as a side dish with meals and for sandwiches.

“Bolo” actually means cake – but don’t let that confuse you, it’s a flatbread made from sweet potato flour and not something sweet.

We found Bolo do Caco with garlic or herb butter especially delicious. It’s usually served as a side in restaurants – but be warned, it’s seriously addictive!

Espada com Banana

Black scabbardfish is actually a rare fish dish – but it is very popular in Madeira and tastes delicious.

The scabbardfish (espada) is usually served as a boneless, tender fillet. It is served with fried banana and often accompanied by passion fruit sauce.

You will find this dish in most fish restaurants in Madeira. Be sure to try it!

Espadata

Before you get confused: Espadata = meat. Espada = fish.

Espadata is a grilled beef skewer that is mainly served in grill restaurants in Madeira.

IIn restaurants, the skewer is traditionally hung on a pole above the table, and you cut off the pieces of meat yourself with a knife and fork. Delicious!

The side dishes are very different. Bolo do caco, milho frito, salad – whatever your heart desires.

Milho Frito

Milho frito is a popular side dish in Madeira. The name translates to ‘fried cornmeal,’ and it looks like golden, cube-shaped fries.

As the name suggests, the cubes are not made from potatoes, but from corn flour. It tastes a bit like polenta in Italy – but deep-fried!

Lapas

Lapas are sea snails. They look a bit like oysters and are eaten in a similar way.

We didn’t dare try this dish – but it is very typical of Madeira and if you like seafood, you should definitely try lapas.

Bife de Atum

Forget everything you think of when you think of tuna. Because the tuna fillet in Madeira has nothing to do with canned tuna – nothing at all.

Bife de Atum is grilled tuna that tastes more like a damn soft piece of meat than fish – at least that was our impression.

The meat is usually a little reddish on the inside and nice and crispy on the outside from the grill. Definitely one of our favorite meals in Madeira!

Bolo de Mel

Bolo de Mel is a traditional honey cake that’s often enjoyed as a dessert or snack in Madeira.

There are, of course, many other typical desserts in Madeira, such as pasteís de nata – the custard tarts are as much a part of Portugal as croissants are of France.

Other sweet treats that you will find in many bakeries in Madeira are bolo de arroz, queijadas and maracujá pudding.

Passion Fruit

While we’re on the subject. Nothing works in Madeira without passion fruit.

The fruit is used for all sorts of things: lemonade, dessert, as a garnish – you’ll always find passion fruit somewhere on the menu.

Brisa is especially popular — it’s a local soft drink brand, and you’ll find passion fruit soda in almost every bar in Madeira.

At markets such as the famous Mercado dos Lavradores in Funchal, you can buy passion fruit as well as many other fruits.

Extra tip: Another exotic fruit in Madeira is the pineapple banana, also known as the monstera fruit. It really tastes like a mixture of the two and should only be eaten when ripe.

Poncha

Poncha is the Madeira drink par excellence! It is a sugar cane spirit mixed with honey and lemon juice – at least in its classic form. There are many different varieties of poncha. The drink is very popular with passion fruit, for example.

Thanks to its sweet, refreshing taste, you often don’t notice the alcohol — but don’t be fooled! Poncha still packs quite a punch.

There are several bars in Madeira that specialize in poncha. In Funchal, be sure to visit Rei da Poncha Bar, and if you’re on a road trip around Madeira, don’t miss Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Água.

Madeira Wine

Madeira wine is a protected designation for a liqueur wine that is only produced in Madeira. It is stronger than red or white wine and is somewhat reminiscent of port wine from Porto.

It is made exclusively from white grapes, and the fermentation is stopped a little earlier during production to add brandy.

For any wine lover, it’s a must-try in Madeira, and definitely worth experiencing during your trip.

Our 5 Tips for Restaurants in Madeira

• Calamar in São Vicente
• O Recante in Caniçal
• Alta Vista in Funchal
• As Pedras in Ponta Delgada
• Dominó in Ponta de Pargo

Restaurante Calama

The Calamar restaurant in São Vicente is our favorite restaurant on the island and a real hidden gem in Madeira.

It belongs to the Calamar Hotel of the same name, but is open to everyone. You can sit both inside and outside on the terrace with a sea view. As there are lots of tables, you will always find a place and can also drop in spontaneously.

The value for money is great, and the food is of excellent quality. We tried espada com banana here.

Extra tip: The hotel has a natural pool in Madeira that’s open to the public, where you can swim and relax — and it’s free of charge.

Restaurante O Recante

At O Recante in Caniçal, we had one of the best fish fillets we’ve ever tasted! The food in this restaurant is simply first class. The prices are a little higher than usual in Madeira, but this is more than justified.

We ended up in this restaurant by chance after the São Lourenço hike. The service was excellent, and the ambiance was great as well.

A clear 10/10.

Restaurante Alta Vista

Restaurante Alta Vista is located high up in Funchal and the view from the terrace is simply fantastic. It is a mixture of restaurant and bar – you can have a meal here as well as stop for a coffee.

We ate a large portion of omelette with fries, salad and bolo do caco in the evening and were full and satisfied afterward.

The restaurant is located off the beaten track (above the botanical gardens) and therefore has a friendly mix of locals and tourists. We discovered it by chance after watching a soccer match nearby.

The food is simple home cooking at good prices.

Restaurante As Pedras

The As Pedras restaurant in Ponta Delgada is also a real insider tip. It is located above the village, and is mainly frequented by guests who have been hiking nearby.

Also read our tips for hiking in Madeira

It is a small, personal restaurant with a family atmosphere and the service was super friendly. You can get typical Portuguese home cooking here at low prices.

If it’s warm, be sure to sit outside and enjoy the view. Otherwise, make yourself comfortable in the cozy hut.

Restaurante Dominó

Are you looking for real typical food in Madeira? Then Dominó is the place to go! It’s a simple, no-frills restaurant in Ponta de Pargo, where mostly locals come for lunch.

From fish and meat dishes to vegetarian pasta, you will find a whole range of dishes here at reasonable prices. Don’t expect a Michelin-starred restaurant, but simple, tasty cuisine that will fill you up.

How Expensive is Eating Out in Madeira?

Food in Madeira is generally quite inexpensive.

In many restaurants on the island, you can get a lunch menu for as little as €10–12. This is especially true for the smaller towns on Madeira. In addition to a main course, a drink and a coffee are usually included.

In the evening, you can expect to pay upwards of €15 for a plate plus a drink.

The more touristy the area, the higher the prices in restaurants usually are. In the old town of Funchal, you will often not get away so cheaply when eating out in Madeira.

Incidentally, coffee is very cheap (and delicious) in Madeira. Coffee is very affordable (and delicious) in Madeira. Espresso is commonly enjoyed on the island, and a cup typically costs only around 80 cents.

These were our 10 tips for food and drinks in Madeira Island

How did you like the food in Madeira? Do you have an insider tip for a restaurant? We look forward to your comment.