Would you like to enjoy local, gourmet food during your stay in Porto Santo? This small island in the Portuguese archipelago of Madeira is home to some fine traditional and bistronomic restaurants. If, like us, you love bolo do caco the famous Portuguese garlic bread, and seafood, you’re in for a treat. Discover our selection of the best restaurants in Porto Santo to enjoy a pleasant moment.
In our opinion, culinary discovery is an integral part of travel, so take the opportunity to awaken your taste buds!
Our favorite car rental platform: DiscoverCars
Our must-see tour: guided tour of the island
Our unforgettable outdoor activity: Kayak excursion
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We made our own choices, visited the area anonymously, and paid our bills in full.
1. Restaurant Teodorico (north of the island)
Nestled in a green setting in Serra de Fora, we were won over by Restaurant Teodorico. Recommended by a local, we first fell under the spell of the place. Settled on the outdoor terrace, we enjoyed a unique setting and an exceptional natural landscape. It was the perfect place to recharge after our hike to Pico Branco and Terra Chã!
The menu is quite small and qualitative. One of Madeira’s specialties isespetada, a skewer of meat usually served vertically. For our part, we opted for cod, known as bacalhau, on a bed of baby vegetables, olive oil and herbs. We’d never tasted such tender cod before! For our sweet tooth, we also ordered the fresh homemade fries. Very crispy, justly salted and nicely browned, we didn’t leave a single crumb!
Practical information:
- Area: north of the island.
- Restaurant type: bistronomic.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: yes.
- Price range: between €20 and €50 per person (excluding drinks).
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations recommended on +351 965 012 650.
WHERE TO STAY IN Porto Santo
Option 1 : Vila Baleira (north beach)
For access to a small town and the beach
- Hotel Torre Praia – prices, pictures and availability
- Vista Dourada apartment: see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Central or southern beach
Tourist areas near the beach
- Pestana Porto Santo, 5 stars – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Porto Santo & Spa, 4 stars – prices, pictures and availability
2. Restaurant Casa d’Avo (Campo de Baixo)
Located along the main road through Porto Santo, we couldn’t miss the Casa d’Avo restaurant. Its pale yellow façade and outdoor terrace drew us right in. As an aperitif, we drank a passion fruit soda from Brisa, a Madeira specialty.
After enjoying a few slices of bolo do caco, we continued with the main course: grilled turkey escalope served with pepper sauce, French fries and salad. Although the menu was relatively simple, the dishes were well executed and gourmet.
Practical information:
- Area: Campo de Baixo.
- Restaurant type: bistronomic.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: yes.
- Price range: between €20 and €50 per person (excluding drinks).
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (menu).
- Reservations recommended on +351 925 014 338.
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING YOUR CAR AT Porto Santo
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- The island is small and easy to drive.
- A car gives you plenty of freedom to explore every corner of Porto Santo
- There’s plenty of demand and few cars, so book early.
3. Restaurant Vila Alencastre (cheap)
We crossed the Casa de Cha Prazeres garden and followed the signs to the inner courtyard of this hidden address. This little haven of peace is full of character. Between the wooden furniture, colorful plants and hanging greenery, we were won over by the place.
Simple, traditional dishes are on the menu at Restaurant Vila Alencastre. Attractive prices. We opted for a refreshing starter: sliced melon with cured ham. As we weren’t overly hungry that day, we ordered an omelette with onions and parsley as a main course. It was served with a salad and French fries.
Practical information:
- Area: Campo de Baixo.
- Type of restaurant: traditional.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: yes.
- Price range: between €15 and €35 per person (excluding drinks).
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations recommended on +351 912 774 612.
4. Porto Santo Golf Restaurant
After an enjoyable round of golf, head to the sports complex restaurant! From its terrace overlooking the course, you can watch the players in action or the natural landscape as far as the eye can see.
Beyond the unique decor, you’ll enjoy traditional cuisine featuring local products such as fish, squid and shrimp. We suggest you opt for the tuna steak, another Madeira specialty, or the piece of duck. The chocolate volcano dessert is also very popular with customers. You’ll need a car to get to the Porto Santo Golf Restaurant, which is deep inland.
Practical information:
- Area: south of the island.
- Restaurant type: bistronomic.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: yes.
- Price range: between €20 and €35 per person (excluding drinks).
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations recommended on +351 969 674 988.
OUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY IN Porto Santo
Depuis Ponta Calheta, découvrez la côte et les grottes en Kayak.
An unforgettable experience close to the volcanic cliffs.
5. Restaurant Pé na Água (Beach Bar)
With its beach bar overlooking Porto Santo Beach, Restaurant Pé na Água is an idyllic setting! After sunbathing on one of our deckchairs, you can enjoy the friendly atmosphere at the end of the day. At aperitif time, the place can quickly become crowded. We advise you to arrive before the peak of the season for greater peace and quiet.
We were won over by the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean from the terrace. We encourage you to choose a fish, shrimp or octopus dish, which are particularly popular with customers. The soup of the day is usually very good too.
Practical information:
- Zone: Porto Santo beach.
- Restaurant type: seafood.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: yes.
- Price range: between €15 and €40 per person (excluding drinks).
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations recommended on +351 291 983 303.
6. Restaurant Mar e Sol (Porto Santo Beach)
Perched on a sand dune on Porto Santo Beach, Restaurant Mar e Sol boasts a privileged location. From our terrace, you can watch the waves roll in. The menu features mainly local specialities.
Once again, we suggest you opt for a fish or shellfish dish accompanied by small vegetables. From monkfish kebabs to roasted prawns and grilled sardines, you’re in for a treat! Prices are very reasonable for a waterfront restaurant offering simple, quality dishes.
Practical information:
- Zone: Porto Santo beach.
- Restaurant type: seafood.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: yes.
- Price range: between €15 and €25 per person (excluding drinks).
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (menu).
- No need to book.
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7. Restaurant João do Cabeço (inexpensive)
Restaurant João do Cabeço is located on the island’s main road. This traditional, stone-walled establishment offers cuisine with local flavors. On the menu, you can choose between snacks to share, full salads and fish and meat dishes.
Its location, close to hotels, and its reputation in Porto Santo, mean that it is very busy. We therefore suggest that you reserve your table in advance. The menu is relatively affordable. The plate of grilled limpets is particularly popular with customers.
Practical information:
- Area: south of the island.
- Type of restaurant: traditional.
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings.
- Terrace: yes.
- Price range: between €15 and €35 per person (excluding drinks).
- Portuguese specialities: yes.
- Particularly suitable for children: yes.
- Reservations recommended on +351 291 982 137.
Other good addresses in Porto Santo
For more inspiration, check out our complementary list of good restaurants on the island:
- Panorama Restaurant: enjoy a breathtaking view of Porto Santo from this fine restaurant offering a menu of regional flavours!
- Restaurant Grill Torres: located close to the airport, you’ll enjoy local cuisine in a very pleasant setting.
- Restaurant Pxo Grill: a friendly establishment with a cosy atmosphere, where you can enjoy traditional dishes such as banana fish with passion fruit sauce.
PLAN YOUR STAY IN Porto Santo
Best of
Best things to do in Porto Santo
The most beautiful landscapes in photos
Porto Santo’s most beautiful beaches
The dunes
Salemas natural pools
Best restaurants
Terra Cha hiking trail
Pico Ana Feireira
Practical advice
How to get to Porto Santo
Getting around Porto Santo
Rent a car in Porto Santo
Where to stay in Porto Santo – best hotels
