16/10/2024: Sorry I don’t share the opinions of recent reviewers.
I thought this was distinctly average, from an indifferent welcome, to a pretty poor choice of courtyard tables, to some pretty average food and wine.
So if you want something average and reasonably priced, near the cruise terminal and marina, this fits the bill.
If you want classy, fine dining, keep looking!
10/10/2024: This truly wonderful restaurant, which is set in one of Funchal's most beautiful waterfront areas, being located immediately opposite the Marina, delights as soon as you enter.
The Patrone, Carlos, is an artist, as well as a very gifted restaurateur, so his delightful paintings grace the walls throughout the capacious and light filled interior. But he is also a lover of the superb works of Renior , so much so that a very enlarged copy of his masterpiece, Bal du Moulin de la Galette, covers the entire right hand wall as you enter. Truly a joy to behold.
Carlos is always totally involved, is always on hand to greet each diner upon their arrival, and escort them to the table of their choice, be it in the stylish atrium where one enters, in the charming garden, or within the restaurants' graceful interior.
The menu here is Mediterranean /European, and as such features the very best dishes that the continent's south has to offer.
Freshly landed fish and seafood is a specialty
and is always perfectly prepared, as are all of the varied choices.
Carlos closely involves himself in selecting everything he offers, so his recommendations are always very worthy of consideration.
The standards of service and presentation here are both quite exceptional, and in complete accord with the elegance of the establishment.
One good tip to also consider, concerns his wines.
There is naturally a first class wine list to choose from, however Carlos has taken considerable care over the selection of his Douro red and white house wines.
As a lover of wines from this region, I chose his recommended house Douro, one red and one white, and was delighted to enjoy, in both cases, something quite special. They also represent extremely fine value for money.
One final tip. Always book your table to avoid any disappointment. The restaurant has built a huge local following over the seven years it has been established, and does get exceedingly busy.