You’ve made the pilgrimage to Achadas da Cruz, braved the winding roads, and now hunger calls. The good news: this coastal enclave hides culinary treasures. The challenge: discerning which are truly worth your precious vacation hours. These aren’t just the highest-rated spots—they’re the ones locals guard and travelers dream of. Here, our honest takes on where to find that perfect post-hike meal or sunset-view dinner.
Restaurante Moreia
Verdict: Restaurante Moreia offers stunning dining with no reservations needed. The challenge here is during peak hours, when you want the greatest seafood in town and for that, you’ll have to wait. For generous seafood feijoada and tender octopus with fresh ingredients, plan to arrive early.
Restaurante Convento Das Vinhas
$$ | WEBSITE
Verdict: One sure sign of authentic Madeiran cuisine is a quiet, romantic terrace overlooking the valley. And that’s exactly what you’ll find at Restaurante Convento Das Vinhas. They have generous portions and well-served dishes, but it’s when they showcase local specialties—like the popular mixed seafood platter and grilled goat meat—that they really capture your (and every visitor’s) appreciation.
The attentive staff, free garlic bread, and fresh passion fruit poncha complete the hidden gem experience.
D’ALMA – Wine Bar
Verdict: D’ALMA – Wine Bar’s blend of Portuguese wines and local hospitality works so well that people linger around for hours just to soak it all in. And on a clear day, that’s just the time it takes to fully appreciate the stunning sea views from the cozy terrace. But to get your hands on a perfectly paired glass of Madeira, a delicious cheese and sausage plate, and a warm chat with the friendly owner, bringing a relaxed attitude and settling in is absolutely worth it.
Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe
Verdict: Rabaçal Nature Spot Cafe has made a regional name for itself with outstanding nature-focused food in an unpretentious, casual setting—and it’s easily one of the best dining spots in Madeira. The charming spot is the first place that comes to mind when you want to have an unforgettable post-hike recharge with friends (and a few fellow hikers), surrounded by plates of spinach quiche, pasteis de nata, and lots of stunning valley views.
Snack Bar Mercearia PARAÍSO
Verdict: Snack Bar Mercearia PARAÍSO, the market-turned-snack-bar, may be easy to get into. But to get access to the exterior seating, it feels like you need a reservation or a strongly worded note from your neighbor. The outdoor seating (around $25 per person) has limited spots, and you can only enjoy them on sunny afternoons. The casual menu features dishes like tasty potato chips, fresh juices, and slow-cooked burgers.
Café Portinho
$$ | 291 827 135 | WEBSITE
Verdict: This is the seaside spot in Madeira right now, and the spectacular sea views back that statement up. But the taste memory of your last fried cuttlefish with homemade ice cream or phenomenal roasted octopus with Madeira bread will get you through the short wait before you can claim your next one.
O Escorrega Bar – Restaurante
Verdict: Scoring a table at O Escorrega Bar – Restaurante feels like you’ve discovered a hidden treasure, or at least the best view on the island. The Portuguese spot overlooking Calheta Beach has earned its reputation thanks to its generous and digestible portions at very well-priced rates (most mains under €15). From the fresh and tasty Picado de Frango to the island’s best Prego Especial, it’s all worth savoring (and the whole area agrees).
Snagging a prime window seat is still highly competitive, but spots at the bar are usually available for the taking around lunchtime.
bar de pedra o poleiro
Verdict: If you wandered up to Bar de Pedra O Poleiro at sunset, you’d think the whole coast had gathered for the evening show. The crowd spilling out onto the terrace constantly leans against the stone railings, drinks in hand. And that’s because it serves unforgettable sea views, colorful cocktails with an 80s soundtrack, and a genuinely friendly bartender who makes the whole experience feel magical.
Bar do negrinho
Verdict: It’s not that you can’t find a parking spot at Bar do negrinho. It’s that the family-owned bistro only has a handful of seats inside and it’s extremely well-liked, so it’s a simple issue of supply and demand. This means that if you’re desperate to taste authentic Madeiran dishes like grilled chicken espetada and prego do caco, you’ll usually have to eat at 4:30pm or 4:45pm. Expect delicious food, friendly service, and a dining room that can get as chatty and loud as an 80s music venue.
Trapiche Bar
$$$ | WEBSITE
Verdict: Whether you’re at the poolside tables with the stunning ocean view or at the bar seats at Achadas da Cruz’s Trapiche Bar, you’ll have a reasonably priced meal with a wonderful atmosphere. But it’s only at the bar that you’ll watch Carmen pour glasses of that top-notch wine or learn how to properly enjoy the gorgeous setting. And that’s why the $50-per-person, casual pool bar experience is worth trying at least once in your Madeira visit.
Buddha & Sakura, Calheta
Verdict: There’s nothing like the salmon pokebowl at Buddha & Sakura—at least that’s what you’ve been told. You don’t actually know anyone who’s tried it, because it seems like everyone’s too busy raving about the mango prawn curry. Turns out, the whispers about the Calheta spot are true, and it’s the best in the area. It’s big portions of life-altering fusion that rotate through Indian, Japanese, Nepali, and Tibetan flavors.
Grab one of the sunny tables by the harbor, hear some friendly advice about vegan options, and await the chicken tikka sizzling plate and bragging rights.
Café Atlantico
Verdict: Any restaurant perched near the dramatic cliffs of Achadas da Cruz is destined to draw attention, but especially one serving incredible Madeiran specialties. With its clean interior flooded with natural light and the aroma of grilled beef hitting you as soon as you walk in, Café Atlantico is designed to be the ultimate comfort-food haven. It’s not stuffy or fancy, and the dishes are well-executed, hearty takes on Portuguese staples.
