Madeira, with its stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, is not only perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers, as you could have read and seen in my previous blog: Madeira-Hawaii of Europe. But also for food lovers and travelers that appreciate authentic chic restaurants and unique accommodations.
Find many of my favourites on the island, including more than 25 Instagram-mable photo spots in my Madeira travel itinerary, which each location pinned in my custom Google map.
9 unique Madeira Hotels & Restaurants
In this blog I will happily share 9 of the most unique hotels and restaurants across the island, all tried and tested myself. Of course with lots of info and details about what makes them unique, accompanied by many of my own pictures, as always:
1. Hotel Porto Mare
Located in the capital, we stayed at this award-winning 4 star hotel. Part of Vila Porto Mare Resort, consisting of 3 extensive buildings with 198 rooms, surrounded by lush tropical gardens facing the ocean. Here you are just steps away from the Lido promenade, about 100 meters from the sea.
With its panoramic ocean-front location, with beautiful vegetation all around, 5 pools, a gym, kids playground, midget golf and tennis court, and extensive in- and outdoor Spa, the resort is a very complete and serene escape on the edge of Funchal city.
Its charming traditional architecture, adorned with cascading water features and extensive tropical flora, provide everything you need to fully unwind.
The accommodations at Vila Porto Mare range from stylish rooms to spacious suites, all comfortable, with a wide balcony, modern amenities and room service.
Some overlook the Atlantic, and all with wide views over the verdant gardens filled with stunning palm trees, as you can see in this gallery:
On the spacious grounds of 13,000 m2 there are 4 bars and 5 restaurants as well, which will make your stay here a true culinary journey.
At the Atlântida restaurant you can have breakfast and dinner, overlooking the pool and tropical gardens, while enjoying a range of Portuguese specialties to global cuisines, served buffet-style.
Or indulge in fresh seafood accompanied by panoramic views of the ocean, go for authentic Italian dishes in the cozy trattoria, or sample Mediterranean dishes inspired by regional cuisines, at the 3 other restaurants, spread out over the resort grounds.
Find out more on: Vila Porto Mare.
2. Horta restaurant
The newest Vila Porto Mare restaurant addition serves healthy comfort food. You can enter this restaurant from the hotel or Lido promenade, as it’s open to non-guests as well.
On its diverse menu Horta showcases innovative and healthy dishes with local flavors, served in a stylish tropical ambiance.
Open for lunch and dinner from Wednesday - Sunday with a lovely à la carte menu that ranges from surprising vegetarian dishes to fish, seafood and delicious local meats. Offering something for every taste.
3. Restaurante do Forte
Perched atop the 17th century São Tiago Fort of Funchal, this historic restaurant offers more than just exceptional cuisine since 2001; it provides a glimpse into Madeira's rich heritage.
We had dinner here the first night, which was also my birthday, truly the perfect setting for a classy celebratory dinner! Set against the backdrop of the sparkling sea and the city skyline, we enjoyed a romantic dinner for 2 with 4 delicious courses, paired with excellent Portuguese wines.
If weather permits you can dine outside on the terrace and between the Fort’s battlements, with direct sea views. However, in January it can get cold at night and quite chilly with the wind.
But fortunately Restaurante do Forte has plenty of indoor seating too, as they created a lovely setting right next to the kitchen, with an atmospheric translucent tent.
They also offer several gastronomic packages with wine-pairing, 1 even including classic car pick-up to complete this stylish dining experience, which should not be missed when in Funchal!
4. Kampo by Chef Julio Pereira
Located in the heart of the city, this contemporary restaurant offers authentic food, infused with traditional Madeiran ingredients.
With the kitchen as the background, seated at the marble bar you will have first-class views on the preparation of the innovative, yet simple dishes, a unique gastronomic experience.
The menu is full of first class meats with dry-aged options as well, paying tribute to Madeira’s love for maturing meats. But also local wines, delicious artisan bread, surprising desserts and fish from the local market, celebrating the island's culinary heritage.
Opened every day for lunch and dinner.
Find out more, and reserve a unique culinary treat or night out on Kampo's website.
5. Quinta da Casa Branca
Just outside Funchal’s city center this historic boutique hotel is tucked away in a botanical garden with several authentic buildings and a high-end restaurant, open to non-guests as well.
The Quinta and manor house, dating back from the 19th century, with their charming rooms and extensive historic suites, form an authentic oasis. All set amidst 27,000 m2 of subtropical gardens of an old banana plantation.
This hotel is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which says a lot, and provides a tranquil escape in this vibrant city.
We had an exquisite dining experience here at their stylish Dining Room restaurant, serving high-quality gastronomy with farm-to-table ingredients.
They offer à la carte, and table d’hôte options, all paired with delicious local wines.
A 5 course dinner in the classic ambiance of this historic manor is an elegant and authentic experience, which made us feel like royalty.
Outside Funchal there are many other restaurants, also worth visiting for their culinary delights, as well as their ambiance and unique settings.
Therefore I can highly recommend renting a car, like we did with Madeira Rent, to visit these unique establishments with ease.
Some of my favourites were;
6. & 7. Vila do Peixe & Vila da Carne - Camara de Lobos
Located at the top of this picturesque fishing village, these 2 restaurants, from the same owner, are located directly next to each other.
Open every day for lunch and dinner, offering an array of seafood and meats, accompanied by the best wines and (sunset) views over the harbor.
Set in a quiet street in the upper part of the old town, these restaurants offer a true taste of Madeira's authentic and coastal flavors, using the freshest local ingredients.
The design of the restaurants is modern with a boho touch and quite similar. Both very atmospheric with their extensive out- and indoor seating, with top to floor windows, ensuring the best views over the bay of Camara de Lobos.
For the freshest seafood, fish and quality meats for an ok price, Vila do Peixa and da Carne should not be missed! Convince yourself through this gallery:
8. Quinta do Barbusano - São Vicente
Surrounded by verdant landscapes, in the tranquil settings of São Vicente in the north. This traditional winery is highly photogenic with its wide valley views and the small church on the hill, directly opposite to the vineyard.
At Quinta do Burbusano you will find a unique blend of wine tourism and agritourism. Thé place to be for an authentic Madeiran experience!
This local vineyard can be visited from Tuesday - Sunday to explore the estate's extensive grounds on a guided tour, in which you'll learn about the winemaking process, and can sample 6 of their award-winning wines.
The on-site restaurant also offers a unique gastronomic experience, only available upon reservation for couples or groups.
We enjoyed a delicious traditional lunch inside, which can also be enjoyed on the outside terrace, or as a picnic, specially prepared on a BBQ amidst the vines! In season you can even help with picking the grapes and wine processing here!
Find our more and book your own visit via: Quinta do Barbusano.
9. Quinta do Furão - Santana
A unique place, perched on a cliff overlooking the rugged coastline of the north, near Santana. Quinta do Furão is more than just a boutique hotel, with its 5 hectares of lush grounds, including a vineyard and private herb garden.
It’s also an important place for the Wine Festival, as guests and visitors can help processing the grapes during the September month!
The hotel has its own wine cellar, bakery, pizzeria, Spa, 2 bars and an atmospheric restaurant. Offering spacious indoor and outdoor seating, which includes a patio and sheltered veranda, providing the best views over the northeast coast of Madeira.
This rustic restaurant, with 2 big fireplaces, open since 1993, offers delicious Madeiran dishes for lunch or dinner, accompanied by a spectacular view over the surrounding mountains and ocean.
With a menu consisting of international and local dishes for which organic island products are used.
Our lunch here, with traditional dishes like the black scabbard fish and authentic hanging meat skewer, was pure delight, and next time I’m staying overnight too!
From the buzzing streets of Funchal to the tranquil countryside, Madeira's hotels and restaurants offer an atmospheric and gastronomic journey that celebrates the island's rich culture, flavors, and hospitality.
We really enjoyed the authentic cuisine, prepared with fresh ingredients, paired with delicious locally-produced wines.
This tropical, yet rugged volcanic island has a big array of high-end, as well as authentic establishments. All atmospheric and very diverse, offering something for everyone.
I hope this list of 9 unique hotels and restaurants will help make your Madeira visit a true culinary adventure as well!
N.B: While this trip was made possible by Visit Madeira and Interface Tourism, the experiences and enthusiasm in this article are authentic and fully my own.
Find even more inspiration for sightseeing around the island, other Funchal boutique hotels and all about my previous visits on this Madeira page.
