Recanto da Pitada — restaurant in Madeira
Small, casual kitchen on Rua da Praia in Santa Cruz doing quick, home-style plates and takeaway. Popular with locals for a fast, cheap lunch between the square and the beach; service can be hit and miss when it's busy.
About Recanto da Pitada
Recanto da Pitada is a budget-friendly portuguese, traditional and casual restaurant in Santa Cruz
If you only order one thing, make it the home-style plates and takeaway near the beach — 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.
- Indoor only, so the room can get warm in summer evenings; ask for a table by the door if you like air flow.
- Lunch service is typically 12:30–15:00 and dinner from around 19:00; many Madeiran restaurants close between services.
- Address: Rua da Praia 18, 9100-105 Santa Cruz.
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
Santa Cruz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.68860, -16.79390
Visitor reviews
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Frequently asked
Is Recanto da Pitada good for a quick lunch?+
Yes — it is a small, informal kitchen on Rua da Praia doing home-style plates and takeaway, a couple of minutes from Santa Cruz's square and beach.
What is Recanto da Pitada known for?+
Recanto da Pitada is known for its home-style plates and takeaway near the beach, plus a wider portuguese, traditional and casual menu.
Do I need to book a table at Recanto da Pitada?+
Reservations are not strictly required, but they are sensible at peak dinner hours (20:00–21:30) and on weekends.
How expensive is Recanto da Pitada?+
Recanto da Pitada is rated € — budget-friendly. Expect a typical dinner main to reflect that band, with Madeira wines and bottled water added on top.
Plan around Recanto da Pitada
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Recanto da Pitada in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Recanto da Pitada.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.