Macaronésia - Garden Terrace Café em Funchal

09/10/2024: This very special restaurant is really worth finding if you're not fortunate enough to be a guest at the truly excellent five star hotel, Quintinha Sao João, of which it is a part. Set in a quiet street in Funchal's finest residential neighborhood, and just a 15 minute walk from the Plaza shopping mall, it's probably worth investing 5 euros in a cab for your first visit. The restaurant's windows overlook the hotel's lovely gardens which are packed with beautiful flowers, orchids, and ancient trees. This very peaceful outdoor setting is nicely matched by the interior, where the tables are discreetly spaced to provide privacy to diners. The menu is very international, and includes European, Portuguese and Madeiran dishes, as well as exotic choices from Madeira. Felipe, the exceptionally talented young Chef de Cuisine, together with sous chef, Dora, really enjoys experimenting with tastes, so diners are truly rewarded by exploring his exciting menu. Apart from a first class a la carte, there's also a table d'hote menu, offering three choices of each course, which changes daily. There is of course a first class wine list, and standards of service, from the skilled and gifted waiting team, all carefully overseen by Maitre'd, also Filipe, is certainly a match for this restaurant's excellence.

29/05/2024: We visited the restaurant twice during our stay at the hotel Quintinha de Sao joao. Amazing food both times, good service & defo the most upmarket restaurant we visited during our weeks stay . Love that they use linen table clothes & napkins. Lovely ambience too, we were lucky to get the table in the corner overlooking the beautiful gardens. Highly recommend a visit.