Susan's Vintage HouseGuidebook

Susan
Susan's Vintage HouseGuidebook

Sightseeing

Yes it is such a tourist cliché but the 2km run down the hill in a wicker sled is fun! Monte is much higher than Funchal and can often be several degrees cooler and misty. You can generally see by just looking up the hill from Funchal. Use the cable car to go to Monte to visit the Monte palace gardens and the Church and ride back down on the wicker baskets. It is also possible to go to Monte via the Jardim Botanico gardens but the second part goes over a deep gorge and can be windy so I would avoid if you don’t like heights.
Carreiros do Monte - Descida Carro de Cestos Camacha
Yes it is such a tourist cliché but the 2km run down the hill in a wicker sled is fun! Monte is much higher than Funchal and can often be several degrees cooler and misty. You can generally see by just looking up the hill from Funchal. Use the cable car to go to Monte to visit the Monte palace gardens and the Church and ride back down on the wicker baskets. It is also possible to go to Monte via the Jardim Botanico gardens but the second part goes over a deep gorge and can be windy so I would avoid if you don’t like heights.
Small indoor restaurant on a corner near the rear of the Plaza Shopping centre with only 24 covers so advisable to book. Does very good seafood and has vegan options. Generous portions and local ingredients with a twist.
5 Sentidos - Funchal
Small indoor restaurant on a corner near the rear of the Plaza Shopping centre with only 24 covers so advisable to book. Does very good seafood and has vegan options. Generous portions and local ingredients with a twist.

Museums

Museums do not open on Sundays and many are also closed on a Monday so check before you visit.
Furnished Merchants house with beautiful gardens and a cafe with a view of the harbour.
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Museu Quinta das Cruzes
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Furnished Merchants house with beautiful gardens and a cafe with a view of the harbour.
Free museum with Audio guide. Celebrates two brothers, an artist and a sculptor. Has just two rooms. Really interesting works from early to mid 20th Century. Open 9-5pm Monday to Friday. Each person will need to leave photo ID at the desk to obtain the audio guide which is also free.
Museu Henrique e Francisco Franco
13 R. São João de Deus
Free museum with Audio guide. Celebrates two brothers, an artist and a sculptor. Has just two rooms. Really interesting works from early to mid 20th Century. Open 9-5pm Monday to Friday. Each person will need to leave photo ID at the desk to obtain the audio guide which is also free.
Beautiful old house furnished by a collector with a modern glass annexe with lovely views filled with an amazing collection of old tiles from around the world.
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Frederico de Freitas Museum
nº7 Calçada de Santa Clara
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Beautiful old house furnished by a collector with a modern glass annexe with lovely views filled with an amazing collection of old tiles from around the world.
Amazing museum in the former studio of an early photographer who photographed everyone who came to Madeira. Currently (march 24) has a special exhibition of photos of the island where you can scan a code to compare the picture with the current day. Also has a quiet courtyard cafe with beautifully presented fresh toasted sandwiches and salads.
Photographia – Museu “Vicentes”
43 Rua da Carreira
Amazing museum in the former studio of an early photographer who photographed everyone who came to Madeira. Currently (march 24) has a special exhibition of photos of the island where you can scan a code to compare the picture with the current day. Also has a quiet courtyard cafe with beautifully presented fresh toasted sandwiches and salads.
Collection of religious statuary, silver ware and Flemish Paintings.
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Sacred Art Museum of Funchal
21 R. do Bpo.
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Collection of religious statuary, silver ware and Flemish Paintings.
Niche museum. Full of old generators and other kit which my engineer brother found fascinating. Interactive section on 2nd floor where you can cycle to light up a bulb etc. I love the model of the island where you can press button so see the very gradual spread of electricity on the island. Very inexpensive for a wet day.
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Museu de Electricidade - Casa da Luz
2 R. Casa da Luz
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Niche museum. Full of old generators and other kit which my engineer brother found fascinating. Interactive section on 2nd floor where you can cycle to light up a bulb etc. I love the model of the island where you can press button so see the very gradual spread of electricity on the island. Very inexpensive for a wet day.
Have not been here as football is not my thing. It’s a pleasant walk past the marina to get there and worth it for the truly terrible statue of Ronaldo outside. You could pause at the Micro Brewery The Beerhouse Restaurant by the port on your way if it’s a sunny day.
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CR7 Museum
Nº27 Av. Sá Carneiro
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Have not been here as football is not my thing. It’s a pleasant walk past the marina to get there and worth it for the truly terrible statue of Ronaldo outside. You could pause at the Micro Brewery The Beerhouse Restaurant by the port on your way if it’s a sunny day.
This History experience is surprisingly good. It gives a potted history of the story of Madeira from its discovery through to the present day with all descriptions in English, French, Portuguese and German. The entrance fee is 5 euros and there is a gift shop and restaurant on the rooftop.
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Madeira Story Centre
27 Rua D. Carlos I
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This History experience is surprisingly good. It gives a potted history of the story of Madeira from its discovery through to the present day with all descriptions in English, French, Portuguese and German. The entrance fee is 5 euros and there is a gift shop and restaurant on the rooftop.

Botanic Gardens

My favourite gardens next to the cable car at Monte. Also has a display of African carvings and an amazing display of semi precious rocks and geodes. ( These displays were closed for refurbishment in Feb 24 and I do not know when they will reopen) There are Electric “vintage” cars to return you to the top of the gardens if needed. The walk back up to the entrance is steep. The cafe at the bottom of the gardens is very limited and I would recommend seeking out the “Local Shop” cafe a few minutes walk away by the teleferico which goes to the Madeira Botanic Gardens. The gardens are full of surprises with pools, flamingos, peacocks and waterfalls and wonderful plants.
Monte Palace Madeira
My favourite gardens next to the cable car at Monte. Also has a display of African carvings and an amazing display of semi precious rocks and geodes. ( These displays were closed for refurbishment in Feb 24 and I do not know when they will reopen) There are Electric “vintage” cars to return you to the top of the gardens if needed. The walk back up to the entrance is steep. The cafe at the bottom of the gardens is very limited and I would recommend seeking out the “Local Shop” cafe a few minutes walk away by the teleferico which goes to the Madeira Botanic Gardens. The gardens are full of surprises with pools, flamingos, peacocks and waterfalls and wonderful plants.
Lovely garden with views of Funchal accessible by cable car or by bus.
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Madeira Botanical Garden
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Lovely garden with views of Funchal accessible by cable car or by bus.
Set in the hills east of Funchal and planted by the original owner the Count of Carvalhal the estate is now owned and managed by the Blandy family. Includes a camellia collection and rose garden. it is divided into areas and is very lovely.
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Palheiro-haverne
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Set in the hills east of Funchal and planted by the original owner the Count of Carvalhal the estate is now owned and managed by the Blandy family. Includes a camellia collection and rose garden. it is divided into areas and is very lovely.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18.00 (Closed Sundays and public holidays) Entrance: Euros 5.00 (aged 17 and over) Quinta da Boa Vista Rua Lombo da Boa Vista 9050-126 Funchal This garden has been in the same English Family for over a Century. It is a little eccentric. Follow the signs to the orchids and someone will appear and issue you with a ticket. Cash only! There are huge orchids houses filled with blooms and some lovely notecards with Botanical studies painted by the owner. It is a 10 minute walk up from Vintage House.
Quinta da Boa Vista Orchid Garden
21 Rua do Lombo da Boavista
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 18.00 (Closed Sundays and public holidays) Entrance: Euros 5.00 (aged 17 and over) Quinta da Boa Vista Rua Lombo da Boa Vista 9050-126 Funchal This garden has been in the same English Family for over a Century. It is a little eccentric. Follow the signs to the orchids and someone will appear and issue you with a ticket. Cash only! There are huge orchids houses filled with blooms and some lovely notecards with Botanical studies painted by the owner. It is a 10 minute walk up from Vintage House.
A pocket park which is an oasis of greenery in the centre of Funchal near the Ritz cafe. Often has craft stalls and the ducks sometimes cross the road and head into the cafes.
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Funchal Kommunale Have
11 R. Ivens
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A pocket park which is an oasis of greenery in the centre of Funchal near the Ritz cafe. Often has craft stalls and the ducks sometimes cross the road and head into the cafes.
Park above the port which gives a great view of the ships and dinghies and has a little coffee, beer and ice cream van to sustain you while you watch. Had a children’s playground and a larger cafe as well.
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Santa Catarina Park
18 Av. Sá Carneiro
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Park above the port which gives a great view of the ships and dinghies and has a little coffee, beer and ice cream van to sustain you while you watch. Had a children’s playground and a larger cafe as well.

Sea swimming lido

Sunbathing and sea swimming complex with lifeguards and gym for seniors
Only 4 minutes walk from the house. Has lockers, take one of our beach towels and enjoy a swim in waters warmed by the Gulf Stream.
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Complexo Balnear Barreirinha
281 Rua de Santa Maria
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Only 4 minutes walk from the house. Has lockers, take one of our beach towels and enjoy a swim in waters warmed by the Gulf Stream.
Large complex where you can bathe in swimming pool as well as the sea. The pool is a little chilly in the winter months and is colder than the sea which is warmed by the Gulf Stream!
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Lido Badekompleks
11 R. do Gorgulho
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Large complex where you can bathe in swimming pool as well as the sea. The pool is a little chilly in the winter months and is colder than the sea which is warmed by the Gulf Stream!
Santiago Beach Bar

Restaurants

Excellent Restaurant with friendly owner who will guide you through the menu. Really good local food which is very good value. It is often busy so we advise booking. It doesn’t have outside seating and is just off the old town tourist run of restaurants but the food is excellent.
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Taberna Madeira
25 Tv. do Pimenta
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Excellent Restaurant with friendly owner who will guide you through the menu. Really good local food which is very good value. It is often busy so we advise booking. It doesn’t have outside seating and is just off the old town tourist run of restaurants but the food is excellent.
Excellent food served in an old salt warehouse and outside in a space with photos of old Funchal. At lunchtime ask for the business lunch menu which is very good value. They also do a tasting menu with the option of paired wines which we have enjoyed.
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Restaurante Armazém do Sal
135 R. da Alfândega
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Excellent food served in an old salt warehouse and outside in a space with photos of old Funchal. At lunchtime ask for the business lunch menu which is very good value. They also do a tasting menu with the option of paired wines which we have enjoyed.
Lovely location and excellent food within the yellow fortress by the sea in the old town. Ask for a table outside and enjoy the sea view. We had a fantastic meal here this year The balck pork cheeks were meltingly tender and the Honey Creme Brulee was amazing. The wine waiter who was not Madeiran was rude and had no idea about their wines but it did not spoil a superb dinner. They do packages where they will pick you up in a vintage car. Sister restaurant to Armazém do Sal.
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Restaurante Do Forte
3 Tv. do Forte
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Lovely location and excellent food within the yellow fortress by the sea in the old town. Ask for a table outside and enjoy the sea view. We had a fantastic meal here this year The balck pork cheeks were meltingly tender and the Honey Creme Brulee was amazing. The wine waiter who was not Madeiran was rude and had no idea about their wines but it did not spoil a superb dinner. They do packages where they will pick you up in a vintage car. Sister restaurant to Armazém do Sal.
Part of the Cliff Bay Hotel. A tranquil place for afternoon tea with a stunning view. Service was friendly and attentive. We have only visited for afternoon tea in the garden outside so far but I imagine it is lovely in the evening when the huge fire pit is lit.
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Avista Restaurant
145 Estrada Monumental
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Part of the Cliff Bay Hotel. A tranquil place for afternoon tea with a stunning view. Service was friendly and attentive. We have only visited for afternoon tea in the garden outside so far but I imagine it is lovely in the evening when the huge fire pit is lit.
Modern Restaurant with the option to sit at the chefs counter and watch the food being prepared. Specialises in beautifully cooked red meat which is displayed in an aging fridge. Chef is passionate about the quality of the ingredients and also has a vineyard producing an excellent wine. Has a sister restaurant Àkua which specialises in fish.
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kampo
74 R. do Sabão
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Modern Restaurant with the option to sit at the chefs counter and watch the food being prepared. Specialises in beautifully cooked red meat which is displayed in an aging fridge. Chef is passionate about the quality of the ingredients and also has a vineyard producing an excellent wine. Has a sister restaurant Àkua which specialises in fish.
We have not tried this place yet but it has been highly praised for its Spicy Mozambican food if you are looking for something different.
Hoyo Hoyo flavours of Mozambique
We have not tried this place yet but it has been highly praised for its Spicy Mozambican food if you are looking for something different.
If you are craving a really good pizza , then I would recommend tis place. It is in the Lido area so grab one of the green line buses from the front No 1 or 2 and you will be there in 10 minutes.
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Pizzeria Lume
Travessa dos Piornais
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If you are craving a really good pizza , then I would recommend tis place. It is in the Lido area so grab one of the green line buses from the front No 1 or 2 and you will be there in 10 minutes.
Simple Menu of Beef, Chicken or Vegetable option served with Black beans and rice. Tucked away on Rua Da Cadeia Velha where the town jail was. Has a happy hour with cocktails and chilled Latin music.
MadCuba-Villa Marista
Simple Menu of Beef, Chicken or Vegetable option served with Black beans and rice. Tucked away on Rua Da Cadeia Velha where the town jail was. Has a happy hour with cocktails and chilled Latin music.
Central Restaurant which does not take bookings. By 7.30 midweek people are queuing to be added to the list for a table. The petiscos ( starters for sharing) are much smaller than the Taberna Madeira but the food is excellent and the staff friendly. Like Kampo you can sit at the bar and watch the food being prepared.
Restaurante Informal
Central Restaurant which does not take bookings. By 7.30 midweek people are queuing to be added to the list for a table. The petiscos ( starters for sharing) are much smaller than the Taberna Madeira but the food is excellent and the staff friendly. Like Kampo you can sit at the bar and watch the food being prepared.
In the old town up a flight of stairs. Has an amazing value set lunch. €6.95 for dish of the day, coffee and a soft drink. Monday to Friday.Always a choice of Meat, Fish and Vegetarian and changes daily. Has a la Carte in the evenings.
Gavino
In the old town up a flight of stairs. Has an amazing value set lunch. €6.95 for dish of the day, coffee and a soft drink. Monday to Friday.Always a choice of Meat, Fish and Vegetarian and changes daily. Has a la Carte in the evenings.
Stylish Restaurant with typography theme part of the Canstanheiro Boutique Hotel, Rua Das Pretas. The hotel has a rooftop bar with good views. Food for starter and Main about 35 euros person. Lovely Courtyard for outside eating.
Tipografia
8 R. das Pretas
Stylish Restaurant with typography theme part of the Canstanheiro Boutique Hotel, Rua Das Pretas. The hotel has a rooftop bar with good views. Food for starter and Main about 35 euros person. Lovely Courtyard for outside eating.

Snack Bars

Snack Bars are an institution in Madeira. They are often tiny , run by just a couple of people. The best ones have a limited but ever changing daily menu and are really good value. My favourite A Tendinha does fish daily based on what is available on the day and is fantastic value. some only take cash.
Tiny snack bar with outside seating tucked away in an alley opposite the Fabrico St Antonio Biscuit Factory. Fernando the owner is lovely. The Vinho verde white wine at 6€ a bottle is fabulous. Snack bars serve good unpretentious food and are incredibly good value. We both had fish, Dourado and Espada. We also had a cheese and meat platter with charcuterie several cheeses and dried fruit.
A Tendinha
Tiny snack bar with outside seating tucked away in an alley opposite the Fabrico St Antonio Biscuit Factory. Fernando the owner is lovely. The Vinho verde white wine at 6€ a bottle is fabulous. Snack bars serve good unpretentious food and are incredibly good value. We both had fish, Dourado and Espada. We also had a cheese and meat platter with charcuterie several cheeses and dried fruit.
Simple local snack bar near the Mercado dos lavradores. Always full of students from the school next door and often has locals such as police queuing outside at busy times.
Bela 5 Snack Bar
5A Rua Bela São Tiago
Simple local snack bar near the Mercado dos lavradores. Always full of students from the school next door and often has locals such as police queuing outside at busy times.
Very simple little restaurant above the port of Câmara do Lobos. Serves chicken and Espetada skewers only. Both were excellent. The espetada was very rare, tasty and tender. We took a taxi up from the port as it is a very steep 25 minute walk! By 1pm on a Saturday families of locals were queuing outside. It is not fancy but was a nice finish to the walk from Praia do Formosa to Câmara do Lobos.
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Restaurante O Polar
26 Rua do Pico da Torre
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Very simple little restaurant above the port of Câmara do Lobos. Serves chicken and Espetada skewers only. Both were excellent. The espetada was very rare, tasty and tender. We took a taxi up from the port as it is a very steep 25 minute walk! By 1pm on a Saturday families of locals were queuing outside. It is not fancy but was a nice finish to the walk from Praia do Formosa to Câmara do Lobos.

Bar Cafe

Popular bar cafe with simple menu and great cocktails. Only a few minutes walk from Vintage House with great views. I can recommend the negroni and the mojitos. Excellent Prego steak sandwich and lovely place to watch the sun go down. Has a DJ most weekends and there is an event by a group of artists called “Escola Normal” on the last Saturday of the month. Some events take place on the top floor of the lido. If there are no tables ask for a pager to let you know when one is ready.
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Barreirinha Bar Café
Largo do Socorro
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Popular bar cafe with simple menu and great cocktails. Only a few minutes walk from Vintage House with great views. I can recommend the negroni and the mojitos. Excellent Prego steak sandwich and lovely place to watch the sun go down. Has a DJ most weekends and there is an event by a group of artists called “Escola Normal” on the last Saturday of the month. Some events take place on the top floor of the lido. If there are no tables ask for a pager to let you know when one is ready.
Beach Bar with simple menu hidden away by the fishing boats nest to the Forte Do Sao Tiago. would recommend the Grilled Lapas (Limpets) or the clams accompanied by bolo do coco garlic bread. Great place to while away a sunny evening watching the boats go by. If the waves are high take care not to choose a table right by the edge of the sea! There are changing rooms when the cafe is open and showers. It is the place I swim and snorkel most mornings and the number and variety of fish is amazing.
Santiago Beach Bar
Rua Portão de São Tiago
Beach Bar with simple menu hidden away by the fishing boats nest to the Forte Do Sao Tiago. would recommend the Grilled Lapas (Limpets) or the clams accompanied by bolo do coco garlic bread. Great place to while away a sunny evening watching the boats go by. If the waves are high take care not to choose a table right by the edge of the sea! There are changing rooms when the cafe is open and showers. It is the place I swim and snorkel most mornings and the number and variety of fish is amazing.
Quietly tucked away in the centre of Funchal. Good value simple food and a peaceful spot to have a beer or cocktail.
Mercearia Dona Mécia
26 R. dos Aranhas
Quietly tucked away in the centre of Funchal. Good value simple food and a peaceful spot to have a beer or cocktail.
Tiny place with stunning view of the cable car from botanical garden to Monte. Excellent coffee by from Odd Roastery which you can buy. Lovely homemade fresh fruit juices, salads toasties on sourdough and great homemade cake with chilled music too. € 12 for a salad and juice. Very good lunch option as alternative to eating in the Monte palace Gardens. You can re enter the gardens after
Local Shop
Tiny place with stunning view of the cable car from botanical garden to Monte. Excellent coffee by from Odd Roastery which you can buy. Lovely homemade fresh fruit juices, salads toasties on sourdough and great homemade cake with chilled music too. € 12 for a salad and juice. Very good lunch option as alternative to eating in the Monte palace Gardens. You can re enter the gardens after
Tiny but popular poncho bar in Funchal, has a snack bar menu but the main attraction is their excellent ponchas.
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Rei da Poncha
147 Rampa do Cidrão
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Tiny but popular poncho bar in Funchal, has a snack bar menu but the main attraction is their excellent ponchas.
Rum bar in the Old Town that offers flights and tastings of local rums. We tried the premium flight of rums. One flight was easily enough to share between three of us. It came with a separate nibble to try with each one. There is chilled music and they have a brilliant collection of vinyl. The owner’s private collection of rums lines the walls. The staff member was really passionate and engaged. They do sell other spirits and local beers and wine.
Madeira Rum House
19C R. Portão de São Tiago
Rum bar in the Old Town that offers flights and tastings of local rums. We tried the premium flight of rums. One flight was easily enough to share between three of us. It came with a separate nibble to try with each one. There is chilled music and they have a brilliant collection of vinyl. The owner’s private collection of rums lines the walls. The staff member was really passionate and engaged. They do sell other spirits and local beers and wine.
It is a micro brewery and restaurant with a close up view of the cruise ships. It Is often recommended. You can have a flight of beers to taste and their range of beers is wide.
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Beerhouse
Avenida Do Mar
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It is a micro brewery and restaurant with a close up view of the cruise ships. It Is often recommended. You can have a flight of beers to taste and their range of beers is wide.
Lovely Cafe in the main municipal square housed in the rear of the Sacred Art Museum of Funchal. Owned by the Bar Barreirinha people. Has a different food offering and both a snack and dinner menu in the evening. Their beetroot risotto was lovely. Every Tuesday and Friday evening there is a open mike night organised by ‘Escola Normal’ Tuesday is more rock and rap based Fridays is more mellow with jazz. Starts at 8.30 and is standing room only unless you have booked a table. The standard of music is high. If you walk from here on the top road Avenida Santiago Menor you will come directly to the square.
Reeser Str. 106, 46446 Emmerich am Rhein, Tyskland
Lovely Cafe in the main municipal square housed in the rear of the Sacred Art Museum of Funchal. Owned by the Bar Barreirinha people. Has a different food offering and both a snack and dinner menu in the evening. Their beetroot risotto was lovely. Every Tuesday and Friday evening there is a open mike night organised by ‘Escola Normal’ Tuesday is more rock and rap based Fridays is more mellow with jazz. Starts at 8.30 and is standing room only unless you have booked a table. The standard of music is high. If you walk from here on the top road Avenida Santiago Menor you will come directly to the square.