Avista
3 Estrelícias — Exceptional — worth planning a trip around. Awarded by the MadeiraInfo editorial team.
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.
About Avista
Avista is a upper-mid-range mediterranean, asian and sharing restaurant in Funchal
If you only order one thing, make it the mediterranean-asian sharing plates, bay views — it's what the kitchen is known for and what regulars come back for.
What to know before you go
- Book ahead — this restaurant fills nightly in season, particularly Thursday to Saturday.
- Cards accepted. Tipping ~5–10% on the total is appreciated but not expected.
- Outdoor seating is available — request when booking, as it goes first.
- Hours: Breakfast 07:30–10:30; Lunch 12:00–16:30; Afternoon tea 15:00–17:00; Dinner 18:00–21:30. Indoor and outdoor seating.
- Address: Estrada Monumental 145, 9004-532 Funchal.
- Reservations: +351 291 707 770 or avista@portobay.pt (table booking advisable).
- Parking: on-site parking available.
- Languages: menus available in Portuguese, English, French and German.
- Payment: American Express, Visa, Eurocard/Mastercard, Union Pay and Diners Club accepted.
- Access: direct entrance from Estrada Monumental or via Les Suites at The Cliff Bay hotel, with stairs and lift to the upper floor of the restaurant.
- Dietary needs: contact avista@portobay.pt for allergen info, gluten-free menus, children or babies.
- All indoor areas are non-smoking under Portuguese law.
Best time to visit
Year-round. Dinner reservations are tightest from late April to October and over Christmas / New Year; lunch is easier almost any day.
Location
Funchal, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.63960, -16.91760
Visitor reviews
Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Avista. Reviews are moderated before they appear — no account needed.
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Frequently asked
What is Avista known for?+
Avista is known for its mediterranean-asian sharing plates, bay views, plus a wider mediterranean, asian and sharing menu.
Do I need to book a table at Avista?+
Yes — reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner Thursday to Saturday and through the summer months.
How expensive is Avista?+
Avista is rated €€€ — upper-mid-range. Expect a typical dinner main to reflect that band, with Madeira wines and bottled water added on top.
Plan around Avista
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Avista in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Avista.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.