Taberna do Petisco — restaurant in Madeira
Tiny, no-reservations tavern in the old centre of Santa Cruz that locals and visitors queue for. The menu is built around seafood petiscos — garlic prawns, octopus, cuttlefish and daily fish — served quickly at tightly packed tables or on the small pavement terrace. Arrive early or be prepared to wait; it fills up every night.
About Taberna do Petisco
Taberna do Petisco is a mid-range portuguese, seafood and traditional restaurant in Santa Cruz
If you only order one thing, make it the garlic prawns, octopus and seafood petiscos — 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: Tue–Sat 12:00–00:00. Closed Sunday and Monday.
- Address: Rua Cónego Alfredo C. Oliveira 23, 9100-153 Santa Cruz.
Best time to visit
Open all year. Summer and the Christmas–New Year window are the hardest for tables — booking a day or two ahead avoids the gamble.
Location
Santa Cruz, Madeira · Open in OpenStreetMap · Google Maps
32.68805, -16.79155
Visitor reviews
Honest first-person notes from people who have actually been to Taberna do Petisco. Reviews are moderated before they appear — no account needed.
Loading reviews…
Frequently asked
What is Taberna do Petisco known for?+
It is famous for seafood petiscos — especially garlic prawns and octopus — served in a tiny, busy tavern in Santa Cruz old centre.
Do I need to book Taberna do Petisco?+
No reservations are usually taken; it is small and popular, so arrive early or expect to wait for a table.
When is Taberna do Petisco open?+
Tuesday to Saturday, roughly noon to midnight. It is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Where is Taberna do Petisco in Santa Cruz?+
On Rua Cónego Alfredo C. Oliveira, a short walk from the main square and seafront in central Santa Cruz.
Do I need to book a table at Taberna do Petisco?+
Yes — reservations are strongly recommended, especially for dinner Thursday to Saturday and through the summer months.
How expensive is Taberna do Petisco?+
Taberna do Petisco is rated €€ — mid-range. Expect a typical dinner main to reflect that band, with Madeira wines and bottled water added on top.
Plan around Taberna do Petisco
The nearest town, viewpoint and walk — the three things most visitors pair with Taberna do Petisco in a day.
Nearby on Madeira
Other places within easy reach of Taberna do Petisco.
Plan the rest of your trip
The four guides most first-time visitors reach for.