Tasty Things You Should Eat When On Madeira
Madeira is a paradise for foodies, meaning we were so much more excited to explore what it has to offer. One of the reasons why the food here is so good is that Madeira’s volcanic soil and favorable climate create an ideal environment for cultivating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
And that’s not the only reason. Madeiran cuisine is rooted in age-old cooking methods passed down through generations. We were lucky because one of our close friends comes from Madeira, so he recommended us the best of the best, which we happily share now. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a gastronomic journey through the vibrant flavors and interesting facts that make Madeiran cuisine a true delight for travelers. Each dish we mention also has a local recommendation for the best place to get it.
What to Expect from Madeira’s Cuisine
Madeira’s cuisine is simple, hearty, and deeply connected to the island’s volcanic landscape and the Atlantic Ocean. Fresh seafood takes center stage, with black scabbardfish (espada), octopus, tuna, and limpets (lapas) appearing on menus across the island. Meat lovers shouldn’t miss the famous espetada; succulent beef skewers traditionally grilled over an open fire and seasoned with garlic, bay leaves, and coarse salt. Local side dishes such as crispy fried corn (milho frito), sweet potato, and freshly baked bolo do caco garlic bread perfectly complement almost every meal. Thanks to Madeira’s subtropical climate, you’ll also find tropical fruits like passion fruit, banana, mango, and custard apple used in desserts, drinks, and even savory dishes. To complete the experience, pair your meal with a glass of the island’s world-famous Madeira wine or try the refreshing local drink, poncha, made with sugar cane rum, honey, and citrus juice.
Map of the Best Restaurants in Madeira
To make planning your trip easier, we’ve pinned every restaurant worth visiting below. Whether you’re exploring the streets of Funchal, driving along the dramatic coastline, or stopping in one of Madeira’s charming villages, you’ll always know where to find your next delicious meal.
Must-Try Foods in Madeira
Madeira is full of unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else. From freshly caught seafood and traditional meat dishes to tropical fruits and local drinks, these are the specialties you should add to your foodie bucket list while exploring the island.
- Bolo do Caco. A trip to Madeira is complete with trying Bolo do Caco, a traditional flatbread that has stood the test of time. Made from sweet potato and cooked on a caco, a type of basalt stone, this bread has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor and a chewy texture. It’s often served warm with generous amounts of garlic butter and pairs perfectly with local fish or meat dishes. Although it’s the simplest dish, it remains our favorite one. We had this heavenly garlic bread in every restaurant and snack bar, and have been dreaming about it ever since. 😅 Best restaurant to get it: try them all, because each puts their own twist on it.
- Espetada: For Every Meat Lover. Madeira’s Espetada is a carnivore’s dream come true. This traditional dish features succulent chunks of marinated beef skewered on laurel sticks and grilled to perfection. The marinade, typically consisting of garlic, bay leaves, salt, and red wine, imparts a distinct flavor that sets Espetada apart. Served with a side of milho frito (fried cornmeal), this dish offers a delightful combination of textures and tastes. And it is also served uniquely – on a hanging sword. Best restaurant to get it: Restaurante Santo António.
- Arroz de Marisco: Seafood Heaven. Arroz de Marisco, or seafood rice, truly celebrates Madeira’s abundant coastal treasures. This aromatic dish combines fresh seafood, like prawns, clams, mussels, and fish, with fragrant rice cooked in a flavorful broth infused with tomatoes, garlic, onions, and a hint of saffron. The result is a rich and hearty stew that encapsulates the essence of the ocean. Best restaurant to get it: O Arco restaurant.
- Filete de Espada com Banana. Fish and banana don’t sound right? Hear us out. Filete de Espada, or scabbardfish fillet, is a delicacy showcasing Madeira’s waters’ bounties. This is a unique fish, with its long, slender body and distinctive appearance. Filete de Espada com Banana, or Black Scabbard Fish with Banana, is a marriage of two distinct ingredients that might initially seem unusual but come together in perfect harmony on the plate. Adding bananas might raise an eyebrow or two, but this is a cherished tradition in Madeira. The island’s unique microclimate provides the perfect conditions for cultivating sweet, flavorful bananas. Sliced and sautéed until golden, they bring a natural sweetness and a touch of caramelization to the dish. When the tender filet of scabbard fish meets the caramelized bananas on the plate, magic happens. Best restaurant to get it: O Arco restaurant.
- Bacalhau à Brás: A Portuguese Staple with a Madeiran Twist. Bacalhau, or salted codfish, is a beloved ingredient in Portuguese cuisine, and Madeira is no exception. The Madeiran version, Bacalhau à Brás, features shredded salted codfish sautéed with onions, garlic, and matchstick fries, bound together by scrambled eggs. This hearty dish showcases the island’s ability to elevate a simple ingredient into a flavorful masterpiece. The best restaurant to get it: Panoramik Ocean.
- Picado. When it comes to exploring the culinary treasures of Madeira, one dish stands out as a true gem – Picado. The dish typically features small, bite-sized pieces of beef or pork marinated in a blend of garlic, bay leaves, and other aromatic spices, then sautéed to tender perfection. The result is a burst of rich, savory flavors that captivate the taste buds. Picado is incredibly versatile, allowing for a wide range of creative interpretations. While the traditional recipe calls for beef or pork, chicken or seafood variations can be found in some restaurants. Best restaurant to get it: Victoria Restaurante.
Traditional Desserts to Try in Madeira
Madeira has a sweet side that’s well worth discovering. Many of the island’s traditional desserts are made with local ingredients such as honey, tropical fruits, and Madeira wine, while others have been passed down through generations. Whether you’re ending a meal or stopping at a local café, don’t miss the chance to sample a few of these delicious Madeiran treats.
- Pastel De Nata. Have you tried Pastel de Nata, the famous Portuguese egg custard tart? It is widely enjoyed in mainland Portugal and other parts of Western Europe, Asia, and former Portuguese colonies like Brazil, Mozambique, Macau, Goa, and East Timor. We tried it in Lisbon first, but it is widely available in Madeira.
- Bolo De Mel. This classic cake, which gets its name because it was traditionally served with Madeira wine, is a little firmer and close-textured than a regular sponge. It’s one of the oldest delicacies on the island. If you truly want a great experience, step into the hidden treasure of Fábrica Santo Antonio, an enchanting biscuit shop in Funchal. Here, locals flock to procure their beloved bolo de mel, sugar cane biscuits, and an array of traditional jams. The moment you cross the threshold, you’ll be transported to a bygone era, evoking the sweetest memories of Christmases past. The entire space is adorned with a tasteful decor, boasting old-fashioned wicker baskets brimming with sweet delights – a sight to behold.
- Bola de Berlin. This delectable pastry, also known as a Berliner or a Portuguese doughnut, is a true indulgence for those with a sweet tooth. Imagine sinking your teeth into a pillowy-soft, golden-brown sphere of dough generously filled with a luscious, velvety custard or fruit jam. This is the essence of a Bola de Berlim. Each bite is an exquisite balance of textures, with the outer layer yielding to a creamy, flavorful center. Traditionally enjoyed during summer vacations at the beach, it’s a symbol of carefree days and simple pleasures.
- Queijada (Cheese Pastry). We accidentally stumbled across this, having no idea what we were buying. Queijada is a testament to the craftsmanship and creativity of Madeiran bakers. It begins with a harmonious blend of fresh cheese, sugar, eggs, and a touch of citrus zest, resulting in a smooth, creamy filling that’s pure ambrosia. This velvety concoction is cradled in a delicate pastry shell, creating a perfect union of textures and flavors. As you take your first bite, you’ll be greeted by a dance of flavors. The gentle sweetness of the filling harmonizes with the subtle tanginess of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast that awakens the taste buds.
Madeira’s Famous Bananas
Bananas are one of Madeira’s most iconic products, and you’ll spot banana plantations covering the island’s sunny hillsides wherever you go. Thanks to the volcanic soil and subtropical climate, Madeiran bananas are smaller, sweeter, and creamier than the ones you’ll typically find in supermarkets. While commercial production is dominated by four main Cavendish cultivars—Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Grand Naine, and Gal—you may also come across traditional varieties such as silver bananas and apple bananas grown on small family farms.
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One thing became clear during our time in Madeira: you’ll never go hungry. From fresh seafood and perfectly grilled espetada to warm bolo do caco, tropical fruit, and delicious local desserts, the island offers something for every taste. We loved mixing traditional restaurants with small local cafés, and some of our favorite meals came from the most unexpected places. If you’re planning a trip to Madeira, make time to explore its food scene; you’ll discover that the island is just as memorable for its cuisine as it is for its breathtaking landscapes.
Travel Bold. Eat Well. Waddle Wild.
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