Cheap Eats in Madeira: Where Locals Eat Across the Island
Funchal has plenty of affordable snack bars for cheap meals. But you didn’t come to Madeira to stay in the city ever day, did you?
If you really want to experience Madeira, you need to venture beyond the capital. The good news is that there are good restaurants all around the island, including some that fit into any budget. These are some of the best snack bars that serve simple, hearty meals at reasonable prices.
Don’t expect anything fancy. The décor is usually simple, but the food is authentic, filling and very local. Expect lots of sandwiches in bolo do caco (“pregos”), and traditional dishes such as chicken, meat seasoned with garlic and wine, tuna steak and stews. If the tables are full of workers and elder locals, you know you are in the right place.
Câmara de Lobos
Just west of Funchal, Câmara de Lobos is a fishing village with plenty of traditional restaurants. Some, like A Parreira, o Lagar and o Polar are famous for their espetada with milho frito. However, there are also other budget meals.
Vila da Carne
A Vila da Carne is often mentioned on Reddit when users discuss budget meals in Madeira. The restaurant is particularly known for espetada and other traditional meat dishes. Despite its popularity, prices remain very reasonable for the size of each portion.
Vila do Peixe
The sister to Vila da Carne is Vila do Peixe. Located near the harbour, this restaurant specialises in fresh fish. It is slightly more polished than a typical snack bar but still offers good value compared with many restaurants.
Ribeira Brava
Ribeira Brava is one of the most central places on the island. If you’re exploring the south coast, it sits more or less in the middle. And if you’re heading to the North, that’s also where roads intersect.
Bar do Ameixa
The best value for money might be Bar do Ameixa, just on exit of Via Rápida. It’s a small, friendly place with good value lunches. Just ask what the prato do dia (daily special) is and go from there.
Década Café
A Venezuelan café where you can have a chicken or meat empanada for 2.3€, and an arepa for less than 10€. These are alway crispy, traditionally Venezuelan (there’s a huge community in Ribeira Brava), and be fulfilling for the rest of the day.
Calheta
Some of my favourites in this area include o Forno and o Farolim, both in Ponta do Pargo. But if you’re looking for a quick meal, the southwest coast is full of small villages where simple cafés serve honest local food.
Joe’s Bar, Jardim do mar
Joe’s is relaxed bar overlooking the ocean that has become popular with surfers and travellers. The atmosphere is charming, portions are generous and prices remain very fair. Plus, it’s almost always open: from 10 am to 24:00.
Recanto Snack Bar, Arco da Calheta
An unassuming snack bar in Arco da Calheta where you can have a steak, limpets, carne de vinha d’alhos (pork with wine and garlic), a prego or a dish of the day for 10€. Easy, cheap, and efficient.
Snack Bar Picadinho, Arco da Calheta
Also in Arco da Calheta, there’s Snack Bar Picadinho, which offers several “prego” sandwiches and small picados for under 10€. Besides, there are also several vegetarian options, including vegan picado.
Porto Moniz
In Porto Moniz itself, I’d avoid most snack bars near the pools. They get customers regardless! The trick is to look up: you get the views, but better food.
Avista Navios, Seixal
Perched above the coastline, Avista offers beautiful views over the Atlantic, similar to those of Espaço Infinito. The setting alone makes it worth the stop. However, they also serve quick meals like hamburgers and sandwiches that will keep you filled while you discover the rest of the North coast.
Snack bar Amazónia
A little further up from the pools, there are a few more options. One of them is Snack bar Amazónia, where you can find empanadas, sandwiches (“pregos” and “tostas”) and fries. This is small town Portugal’s answer to fast food.
São Vicente
This quiet town on the north coast has several small bars and cafés where you can eat well without spending too much. São Vicente used to be packed with these places, but these days it’s more about bars and finger food.
A Poncha de São Vicente
A laid-back bar known for poncha. Besides drinks, a Poncha de São Vicente also serves casual food, such as onion rings, chicken wings and nachos, plus picados and pregos (our version of fast food).
Pub O Corvo
Again with the drinks? Well, São Vicente is one of the coldest places on the island, so you may need them. The Corvo Pub, right in the city centre, also serves regional tomato soup and sandwhiches. Plus, drinks always come with a side of peanuts or lupins.
Santana
Santana has some of the prettiest trails on the island. And if you want to refill your energy bar after a hike, look here:
Bolo do Caco Grill & Pizza, São Jorge
Despite the name, this casual restaurant serves much more than bolo do caco. Expect grilled dishes, pizzas and generous portions at very reasonable prices, directly from farm to table. You won’t regret it!
Cachadinha Snack Bar, Santana
Cachadinha is a simple snack-bar, serving ponchas, beers, and snacks such as bifanas (pork meat with a spicy sauce), tuna sandwiches, chicken sandwiches and toasts. Is there a better way to recover from a levada?
Machico
One of the island’s oldest towns, Machico has several small cafés and restaurants serving inexpensive lunches.
Secreta
O Secreta is a well-liked local restaurant perfect for a light and relaxed lunch. It focuses mostly on snacks such as bruschettas, cheese platters, sandwiches, hamburgers, and canned fish (which is a part of Portuguese culture, so don’t miss the oppportunity!).
O Famoso Galã
O Galã is somewhat of an institution in Machico. It’s great for breakfast or lunch, and their combo plates are still very budget-friendly. On the downside, it can get a bit busy and service tends to be slow.
A Fragateira, Porto da Cruz
A Fragateira is the most unassuming bar you can imagine, with old style furniture. It’s always been run by the same couple, and their specialities are fish soup and gaiado (skipjack tuna) sandwiches. It’s not that easy to prepare, so take your chance.
The Secret to Eating Cheap in Madeira
The truth is that restaurants like these exist all across the island. Almost every town and village in Madeira has a few small cafés or snack bars serving daily lunch specials for locals.
Look for a chalkboard advertising the prato do dia, step inside, and you will usually find a generous plate of traditional food at a very reasonable price. It may not be fancy, but it is authentic, satisfying and one of the best ways to experience everyday food in Madeira.