Estrelícia Guide

Our editorial recommendation system for Madeira's best restaurants, bars, cafés and nightclubs. Named after the Estrelícia (Bird of Paradise), Madeira's most iconic flower.

Every rated venue has been visited by our team, and we pay our own bills. Not paid. Not sponsored. Not for sale. Any connection to a venue is declared on its entry.

Each category is judged independently. A three-Estrelícia café is not compared to a three-Estrelícia restaurant, cafés compete against cafés, bars against bars, restaurants against restaurants, nightclubs against nightclubs.

Not the same as the Golden Estrelícia

There is also an official Golden Estrelícia (Estrelícia de Ouro), a tourism and cultural merit distinction granted by the Regional Government of Madeira to people, performers and properties that have made an extraordinary contribution to the island's tourism, arts or international profile. Past recipients include the cabaret dancer and choreographer Sian Lesley and Quinta Splendida Botanical Garden in Caniço.

The Madeira Info Estrelícia Guide on this page is an independent editorial rating by our team. Its ratings are not issued, endorsed or administered by the Regional Government of Madeira, and they carry no official status. Both simply borrow the island's signature flower.

Read our interviews with Madeira locals

How the tiers work

3 flowers

Exceptional

Exceptional: worth planning a trip around.

2 flowers

Excellent

Excellent: worth a detour.

1 flower

Very good

Very good in its category.

Restaurants

Judged only against other restaurants.

Exceptional

Exceptional: worth planning a trip around.

Excellent

Excellent: worth a detour.

Very good

Very good in its category.

Bars

Judged only against other bars.

Excellent

Excellent: worth a detour.

Very good

Very good in its category.

Questions about the Estrelícia Guide

What is the Madeira Info Estrelícia Guide?
The Madeira Info Estrelícia Guide is our independent editorial rating of the best restaurants, bars, cafés and nightclubs in Madeira. It is named after the Estrelícia: the Bird of Paradise: which is the island's most iconic flower. We award one, two or three Estrelícia Guide flowers to venues that stand out in their own category.
How are Estrelícia ratings determined?
Ratings are decided by the Madeira Info editorial team after repeat visits. We assess cooking, drinks, service, atmosphere, consistency and value for money, but always compare a venue only against others of the same type. We do not accept payment, sponsorship or complimentary meals in exchange for a rating.
What is the difference between one, two and three Estrelícias?
One Estrelícia means the venue is very good and worth a visit. Two Estrelícias mean it is worth a special detour because it is consistently excellent. Three Estrelícias mean it is exceptional, a destination in itself and the best in its category.
How often are the ratings reviewed?
We review the guide every year, revisiting rated venues to confirm that standards are still being met. A rating can go up, down or be removed if a venue no longer matches the criteria.
Is the Estrelícia Guide connected to the official Golden Estrelícia?
No. The official Golden Estrelícia (Estrelícia de Ouro) is a tourism and cultural merit distinction awarded by the Regional Government of Madeira to people, performers and properties that have made an extraordinary contribution. The Madeira Info Estrelícia Guide is an independent editorial rating and has no official status.
How can a venue be considered for the guide?
Venues are usually chosen through our own visits and reader tips. There is no paid-entry system or application process. If you think somewhere deserves consideration, mention it in a review or use the contact form on the site.

The Estrelícia Guide is only one way to discover a great place. For our full, area-by-area shortlist of where to eat in Madeira, including neighbourhood guides to Funchal and Caniço, see the complete restaurants guide.