9 Best Restaurants in Madeira, Portugal

This excellent coffee shop has a few branches across Funchal, but the best has to be the one on Rua da Conceição, where chairs spill out onto an unnamed square that's cobbled in black and white stripes. Small tables under shady parasols provide the perfect rest stop to grab a bica (espresso) and a pastel de nata (custard tart); step inside and you'll see row upon row of neatly presented cakes and tarts laid out in the chilled counters like gems in a jewelry box.

From the road, this restaurant doesn't look like much: a fading yellow building with a few signs outside to attract the tourists; step inside and you'll be blown away by the views of the valley from the balcony in the rear. There's a huge wood oven where they grill whole chickens, serving the tender meat with generous bowls of bolo do caco.

A classic spot to sit back and relax, this quaint tea shop specializes in various herbal and fruit teas, as well as coffees, cakes, and light lunches, that you can enjoy at outdoor tables facing a pretty square. You can pick up teas to take home, too.

Just across from the tourist office in the heart of Funchal, this restaurant-café has been open for business off and on since 1814; sit in the airy interior, capture one of the tables that flank the sidewalk, or—even better—bag a seat on the balcony. You can pop in for coffee, light local specialties, or British-style afternoon tea, or settle in for a feast of (somewhat pricey) Portuguese dishes.

This is one of Funchal's coolest café-bars; it's a great spot to hole up for a coffee, cocktail, or even a full meal. Nestled behind the Museu de Arte Sacra, there's outdoor seating facing the delightful main square.

This is among a handful of atmospheric restaurants in Machico, set in the former market not far from sandy Praia de Machico. You can sit at the leafy outside terrace that has its own fountain while you enjoy simple dishes or just sip coffee.

If you've just visited the Piscifactoría de Ribeiro Frio, this family-owned eatery serves several dishes made with the trout from the local fish farm; the rustic wooden dining room is warmed by a couple of fireplaces. Finish your meal with coffee or tea served with Madeiran honey cake.

If you need refreshment before sledding back to Funchal, stop at the snack bar called Alto Monte, just above the main square of Largo da Fonte. The cozy interior is lined with soccer scarves and hats, while the terrace has soul-stirring views of Funchal unfolding below.