Mercado dos Lavradores
"Farmers marked" (Saturday and tuesday)
Unfortunately, this has become a bit touristy, so the prices are sky-high! We recommend just wandering around, pretending to be interested, and asking for endless free samples! It's best to visit in the morning. There's also a large fish market here. Did you know that Madeira has up to 15 different types of passion fruits? YUM!
Poncha!
When visiting Madeira, you must try the local drink called poncha. Poncha is a strong alcoholic beverage made with passion fruit, sugarcane brandy, honey, lemon, and ice. You can find it in almost any cafe in Madeira, but we recommend going to "Rei Da Poncha" in Funchal to taste this tropical drink. It's the go-to place for poncha in Funchal. They offer a wide variety of flavors on the menu, and if you can't decide, you can also order a poncha tasting where you get a little bit of each flavor in a shot glass. NB! They only take cash.
Address: R. dos Tanoeiros 4-18, São Martinho, 9000-059 Funchal, Portugal
Nothing tastes better than a fresh poncha!
Here are some places outside Funchal you should try if you are in the area.
A Venda do André - Camera do Lobos (Estr. João Gonçalves Zarco, Quinta Grande, Portugal).
- Joe´s bar - Jardim do Mar (Vereda da Igreja nº12, 9370-413 Jardim do Mar, Portugal).
- Venda do Noé - Caniço (Caminho da Mãe de Deus nº 43, Caniço)
- A Vaquinha do Calhau - Camera do lobos (Largo Poço 5/6, Câmara Lobos)
Restaurants/cafes
Taberna Madeira
Travessa João Caetano 16, 9060-137 Funchal (€
·
Portuguese)
Barreirinha Bar and Cafe
Largo do Socorro, n.º 1 , Funchal (€
· Comfort food)
Taverna do Petisco
César Oliveira, R. Cónego Alfredo C. Oliveira 23, 9100-105 Santa Cruz (€
·
Portuguese)
Café Cabo Aéreo
Sao Jorge, Madeira 9230-143 (€
·
Portuguese)
Casa do Sardinha Sea Spot Cafe
Ponta de São Lourenço, 9200-044 Caniçal (€-€€
·
Mediterranean)
Restaurant Sol Poente
Cais da Ponta Do Sol, Ponta do Sol, 9360 (€€
·
Portuguese)
Casal da Penha
Rua Penha de França - Beco do Ataíde n.1, 9000-014, Funchal
(€€
·
Portuguese)
Vila do Peixe
Rua Doutor João Abel de Freitas 30-A, Câmara de Lobos, 9300-048
(€€
·
Seafood)
La Vaca Negra
Rua Velha Ajuda 12, São Martinho (€€
· Argentinsk inspirert)
Horta
Rua De Leichlingen 11, Funchal, 9004-566
(€€-€€€
·
Mediterranean)
Avista
Estrada Monumental 145, Funchal, 9004-532
(€€€
·
Mediterranean)
Other things you should taste
Espetadas
These are Madeira's signature meat skewers, traditionally made with marinated beef grilled on large laurel sticks. The smoky flavor and tender texture make them a must-try dish.
Lapas
Lapas are limpets, a type of shellfish often served sizzling in a garlic and butter sauce. Pair them with a slice of bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
Bolo do Caco
A traditional Madeiran flatbread made from sweet potato, bolo do caco is soft and slightly chewy. It's typically served warm with garlic butter—simple yet irresistible.
Prego no Bolo do Caco
This Madeiran-style steak sandwich features tender beef served in bolo do caco bread, often with garlic butter, lettuce, and a fried egg. It's a local favorite for a quick and satisfying meal.
Seafood
Madeira's coastal location ensures an abundance of fresh seafood. Grilled fish, octopus, and dishes like bacalhau (salted cod) are highlights. Tuna steaks with passion fruit sauce are particularly popular. Bacalhau known as salted cod, in Madeira (and Portugal) is far from the tomato-based cod dishes common elsewhere. Portugal has 365 different ways of preparing this dish—one for each day of the year! From creamy baked casseroles to light and flaky grilled options.
Brisa maracuja (Soda)
Madeira's very own soda, Brisa, is a refreshing drink available in glass bottles. Try the maracuja (passion fruit) flavor for a taste of the island's tropical vibe—it's a local favorite. They use fresh pulp!
Madeira Wine
No trip to Madeira is complete without sampling its world-famous fortified wine. Madeira wine comes in a variety of styles, from sweet to dry, and pairs beautifully with desserts, cheese, or even as a standalone experience.
