O Professor — restaurant in Madeira
Restaurante O Professor
Simple, family-run spot right on Santa Cruz's main square, with a small terrace under the trees. Snacks, prego rolls, grilled fish and shellfish at local prices — the kind of place regulars use for lunch rather than a tourist night out.
About O Professor
O Professor is a budget-friendly portuguese, traditional and seafood restaurant in Santa Cruz
If you only order one thing, make it the cheap square-side lunches and grilled fish — it's what the kitchen is known for and what regulars come back for.
What to know before you go
- Walk-ins usually work outside the 20:00–21:30 peak; arrive before 19:30 or after 21:30 for the best table.
- Cards accepted. Tipping ~5–10% on the total is appreciated but not expected.
- Outdoor seating is available — request when booking, as it goes first.
- Lunch service is typically 12:30–15:00 and dinner from around 19:00; many Madeiran restaurants close between services.
- Address: Rua da Praça 4, 9100-166 Santa Cruz.
Best time to visit
Trades through every season. The quieter weeks are November and early February; spring and early autumn give the best dinner atmosphere.
Location
Santa Cruz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.68890, -16.79440
Visitor reviews
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Frequently asked
Where is O Professor in Santa Cruz?+
On Rua da Praça, right on the main square in the old centre of Santa Cruz, beside the church and a couple of minutes from the seafront.
What does O Professor serve?+
Simple Madeiran and Portuguese food: snacks, pregos, grilled fish and shellfish, with a small shaded terrace on the square.
What is O Professor known for?+
O Professor is known for its cheap square-side lunches and grilled fish, plus a wider portuguese, traditional and seafood menu.
Do I need to book a table at O Professor?+
Reservations are not strictly required, but they are sensible at peak dinner hours (20:00–21:30) and on weekends.
How expensive is O Professor?+
O Professor is rated € — budget-friendly. Expect a typical dinner main to reflect that band, with Madeira wines and bottled water added on top.
Plan around O Professor
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with O Professor in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of O Professor.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.