Rota dos Sabores: restaurant in Madeira
Rota dos Sabores serves Portuguese, traditional and petiscos cooking in Santa Cruz. Prices are mid-range (€€) and the house speciality is Garlic prawns; milho frito; petiscos platters.
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.
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About Rota dos Sabores
Rota dos Sabores sits in Santa Cruz and serves portuguese, traditional and petiscos food at mid-range prices
Start with the garlic prawns; milho frito; petiscos platters: it is the reason people come back.
Rota dos Sabores, the 'Route of Flavours', is built for sharing. Order a spread of petiscos for the table: gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns in a rich tomato sauce) with crispy chips, golden breaded prawns with lemon, rissóis, and milho frito, the fried cornmeal cubes that are one of Madeira's most traditional sides.
It makes an easy lunch or early dinner stop before or after the airport, paired with a walk along the Santa Cruz promenade and a look at the pebble beach. Service is relaxed and the terrace catches the afternoon sun. Expect roughly €10–25 per person; the restaurant is closed all day Wednesday.
What to know before you go
- Outdoor seating is available. Request it when booking, as it goes first.
- Hours: Thursday–Tuesday 11:30–22:00. Closed Wednesday.
- Address: Rua da Ponte Nova 11, Praça Padre Gabriel Olavo Garcês, 9100-163 Santa Cruz, Madeira.
- Phone: +351 291 646 655.
- Google rating: 4.6 from 779 reviews.
- Price guide: €10–25 per person.
- All-you-can-eat option, outdoor seating and vegetarian options.
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.
Opening hours
- Monday
- 11:30–22:00
- Tuesday
- 11:30–22:00
- Wednesday
- Closed
- Thursday
- 11:30–22:00
- Friday
- 11:30–22:00
- Saturday
- 11:30–22:00
- Sunday
- 11:30–22:00
We have not confirmed these hours with the venue ourselves, call ahead before making a special journey.
Location
Santa Cruz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.68710, -16.79350
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Frequently asked
What is Rota dos Sabores known for?
Rota dos Sabores is known for its garlic prawns; milho frito; petiscos platters, plus a wider portuguese, traditional and petiscos menu.
How expensive is Rota dos Sabores?
Rota dos Sabores is rated €€: mid-range. Expect a typical dinner main to reflect that band, with Madeira wines and bottled water added on top.
Where is Rota dos Sabores?
Rota dos Sabores is in the Santa Cruz area of Madeira (Rua da Ponte Nova 11, Praça Padre Gabriel Olavo Garcês, 9100-163 Santa Cruz, Madeira).
What are the opening hours of Rota dos Sabores?
Listed hours: Thursday–Tuesday 11:30–22:00. Closed Wednesday. Check by phone on public holidays and out of season, as times can change.
Plan around Rota dos Sabores
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Plan the rest of your trip
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