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Rota dos Sabores — restaurant in Madeira
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 is a mid-range portuguese, traditional and petiscos restaurant in Santa Cruz
If you only order one thing, make it the garlic prawns; milho frito; petiscos platters — it's what the kitchen is known for and what regulars come back for.
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 kitchen closes between lunch and dinner service, and the restaurant is closed all day Wednesday.
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.
- Hours: Sunday–Tuesday and Thursday–Saturday 11:30–22:00 (lunch 11:30–16:00, dinner 17:30–20:30); closed Wednesday.
- Address: Rua da Ponte Nova 11, Praça Padre Gabriel Olavo Garcês, 9100-163 Santa Cruz, Madeira.
- Phone: +351 291 646 655.
- Price guide: around €10–25 per person.
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
32.68710, -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.
Do I need to book a table at Rota dos Sabores?+
Reservations are not strictly required, but they are sensible at peak dinner hours (20:00–21:30) and on weekends.
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.
Plan around Rota dos Sabores
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Where Rota dos Sabores fits
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Plan the rest of your trip
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