Frango da Guiia
For a tasty slice of mainland Portugal, head to this restaurant near the hotel zone, whose “chicken of Guiia" dish takes its name from a town renowned for its grilled chicken. There's other meat, too, as well as generous salads - but the chicken is the big deal.

Address: 7 Travessa Doutor Valente, Funchal | Telephone: 291 762 911 |

Xarambinha
With outdoor tables opposite a pretty church on one of the loveliest squares in the old town, this is a perennially popular spot for local familes and tourists alike. It serves good value pizza and pasta, as well as salads.  

Address: 29 Largo Corpo Santo, Funchal | Telephone: 291 234 777 |

Beef & Wines
Despite the English name, this modern restaurant specialises in Madeiran and Portuguese cuisine with a Brazilian influence. The speciality is picanha, a garlicky beef, but the chef can also provide the likes of risotto, octopus and burgers.

Address: 60a Avenida do Infante | Telephone: 291 282 257 |

Casa da Quinta
Attached to a stylish hotel but open to non-guests, this is a romantic restaurant with gourmet food such as foie gras with pineapple cannelloni, scallops in bacon, lamb with thyme and sweet potatoes, and a memorable parrot fish with lentils.

Address: Quinta da Casa Branca, 7 Rua Casa Branca | Telephone: 291 700 770 |