If you’ve ever wanted green lush landscapes and sunny weather, all within touching distance of the UK, then odds are you’ve thought of Madeira. The country is known for incredible lush landscapes and stunning beaches, but did you know that it is a foodie paradise? You can find fresh seafood, unique beverages and interesting traditions. Whatever you’re in the mood for, my quick guide to what to eat in Madeira has you covered.
What to Eat in Madeira | Your Quick Guide
Traditional Dishes to Try
Espetada (Grilled Beef Skewers)
First up is a Madeiran classic, a rite-of-passage if you will; Espetada. This consists of beef chunks, marinated with garlic, salt and bay leaves, which are then grilled on skewers over an open fire. It is then served with a delicious traditional flatbread and garlic butter.
🍴 Where to try: Restaurante Santo António in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos is famous for its delicious espetada cooked over wood-fired grills.
Bolo do Caco (Madeiran Garlic Bread)
Bolo de Caco is an incredible bread which is actually made with sweet potato. It is cooked on a hot stone and is served with tasty garlic butter. If you go out for lunch or dinner, you’ll often get some of these. I personally love them served with local cheeses!
🍴 Where to try: Visit Casa do Bolo do Caco in Funchal for a fresh and flavourful version of this local specialty.
Lapas (Grilled Limpets)
Limpets probably weren’t high up on your list of food items to eat in Madeira. However, trust me, with the combination of garlic, butter and lemon they are an excellent appetiser. The seafood in Madeira is always good and this one is always delicious with a glass of white wine.
🍴 Where to try: Bar Amarelo, located near the seafront, serves some of the best lapas on the island.
Prego no Bolo do Caco (Steak Sandwich)
For a tasty lunch, I would 100% recommend Prego no Bolo do Caco, otherwise known as a steak sandwich! Picture a juicy cut of steak, sandwiched between two thick slices of bolo de caco bread, topped with egg, ham and cheese. It is delicious and one of my favourite things to eat in Madeira.
🍴 Where to try: Snack Bar A Pipa in Câmara de Lobos serves an excellent version of this local favourite.
Picado (Beef Cubes with Sauce)
Another beef option now, but one that is designed to be shared with friends. Picado, or beef cubes served in sauce, is often served with crispy, salty fries. It is one of those lunches to grab quickly, or is perfect after a drink in the evening.
🍴 Where to try: O Tapassol in Funchal offers a delicious picado in a cosy setting.
Best Desserts
Queijadas and Pastel de Nata
The pastries of Madeira are simply delicious and are often served as a snack or as part of an afternoon tea. Two honourable mentions have to go to the savoury queijadas (cheese tart) and the famous (as well as delicious) pastel de nata (custard tart).
🍨 Where to try: Fabrica Santo Antonio in Funchal is a great place to sample these sweet treats. These are also served as part of Afternoon Tea at Reid’s Palace.
Passion Fruit Pudding
For a light dessert on a hot day, or just a heavy dinner, try the local passion fruit pudding. Think of a panna cotta on a tropical holiday and then you have it!
🍨 Where to try: Restaurante Do Forte serves an excellent version of this tropical dessert.
Traditional Drinks to Enjoy
As well as the top food to eat in Madeira, I’m also covering the drinks! Here are some of my favourites.
Poncha
This drink is local to the island of Madeira and has to be one of the tastiest drinks around! The drink contains aguardente de cana (sugar cane spirit), honey, and lemon juice and is super refreshing in the sun. It is absolutely delicious and well-worth hunting down.
🍷Where to try: Taberna da Poncha in Serra de Água serves arguably the best poncha on the island.
Madeira Wine
Did you know that Madeira is famous for wine? I didn’t either until I visited. It ranges from dry to exceptionally sweet, the latter of which is often enjoyed as a dessert wine after dinner. The island has different varieties that can pair with any of the dishes mentioned above.
🍷 Where to try: Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal offers tastings and tours to learn about the island’s wine-making history.
Nikita
Lastly, Nikita is one of my favourite drinks in Madeira… If not the world. It is a mix of beer, vanilla ice cream and pineapple juice. Think of it as an alcoholic milkshake; perfect for kicking back by the pool.
🍷 Where to try: Restaurante O Polar serves a great Nikita in a great setting.
Final Thoughts | What to Eat in Madeira
Madeira has some absolutely incredible food options, ranging from delicious, garlicy bread to thick alcoholic milkshakes. There is a reason why people keep returning to the island. Not only is it a paradise far from everyday life, but it also has you covered where food and drink are concerned. I hope that you found this quick guide useful and, if you have any questions, please let me know. I always love hearing from you.
*cover image: wikinger-reisen.de
