Open on a Sunday in Madeira — Restaurants and Bars That Actually Serve

Small craft cocktail bar in Funchal's Sé district where drinks are prepared calmly and with soul. Tables are capped at five people, there's outdoor seating, and the owners and staff are known for a warm welcome. Cash only.

Family-run spot in Caniço renowned for Eastern European specialties — borscht, hearty stews and Madeiran staples. Often has live music.

Family-run casa de fados in Funchal's Old Town, open since 2011 — traditional Portuguese home cooking served while the owners and their family sing live fado between the tables. Small, intimate room; dinner only.

A seafront restaurant and terrace on Praia Formosa in São Martinho, right beside the beach car park — salads, sandwiches, grilled fish, great cocktails and cold drinks served a few metres from the Atlantic, with thatched parasols and the sound of the waves for company.

Friendly petiscos restaurant in the centre of Santa Cruz, serving Madeiran and Portuguese sharing plates — garlic prawns, breaded prawns, milho frito, rissóis and fresh salads — on a terrace steps from the seafront promenade.

Standalone restaurant by the PortoBay group on a promontory next to Baía dos Piratas in Funchal. Mediterranean and Asian sharing plates, open Atlantic views, and a Michelin Guide presence since 2020. Chef João Luz has led the kitchen since opening, working with chef Benoît Sinthon to build a menu of surprising flavours designed for sharing.

From the vegetable garden to the table — Horta brings healthy comfort food to the Lido promenade, led by Chef Afonso Nogueira. The vegetable is the centre of the plate, using local and proximity ingredients. Michelin Guide recommended since 2024.

Stylish, modern Funchal restaurant — not too formal, with food as good as the atmosphere and great cocktails. Lovely touches throughout: each table gets a little brass stool so your handbag never touches the floor.

Bright, lively spot in the Casa Branca area of Funchal serving comforting international favourites and casual cocktails.

Tuscan Italian restaurant on the Funchal seafront promenade, led by Florence-born chef Cristiano Cutietta. Wood-fired pizza, handmade pasta and coastal seafood on a sunny deck terrace with the Lido at your back.

Friendly Irish-style pub in Funchal serving generous portions, beers on tap and live sports — a great place to unwind.

Lebanese and Levantine restaurant that opened in July 2026 on Estrada Monumental in the Ajuda area of Funchal. Traditional Levant and wider Mediterranean cooking — freshly baked breads, mezze, grilled meats and a strong vegetarian and vegan side of the menu — served in a room with hand-painted murals. Signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, and open all day from 11:00 to 23:00, seven days a week.

Chef Júlio Pereira's meat-focused kitchen in Funchal — the 'older brother' of his restaurant quartet. Matured beef, local pork and lamb, and wood-fired grills are served in a warm, theatrical room on Rua da Alfândega. A must for steak lovers and anyone curious about Madeira's land-based produce.

17th-floor rooftop bar on top of the Savoy Palace hotel on Avenida do Infante — the highest cocktail terrace in Funchal, with an infinity pool, full bay view from Câmara de Lobos to the Old Town, and a dressier sunset crowd. Open to non-guests.

Classic Funchal pastelaria — bolo de mel, pastéis de nata, queijadas and a constant queue of locals at the counter. Stop for traditional Madeiran pastries in the centre.