April 9, 2025
Madeira, the pearl of the Atlantic, is known for its breathtaking landscapes and unique gastronomy. Among the island’s culinary specialties, the Madeiran espetada stands out as an emblematic dish that every visitor must try. Traditionally prepared with beef cubes seasoned with salt and garlic, skewered on bay laurel sticks and grilled over embers, espetada represents the essence of Madeiran cuisine.
As locals passionate about our island’s gastronomy, we share here our favorite places to savor this delicacy, from the most traditional to unique experiences that only Madeira can offer.
As Vides
As Vides holds a special place in Madeira’s gastronomic history, being the first restaurant to commercialize espetada on the island. This pioneer continues to attract mainly us locals with its affordable prices and authentic espetada.
What makes As Vides special is that, despite its historical importance, it has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. This means you can enjoy a genuinely Madeiran experience, surrounded by us locals enjoying our traditional cuisine. A visit to this establishment is like taking a journey back in time to authentic Madeira.
Santo António
Considered by many as the most famous espetada restaurant on the island, Santo António in Estreito de Câmara de Lobos is an unmissable reference. Specializing in regional espetada on bay laurel sticks, this establishment keeps the Madeiran culinary tradition alive for generations.
Santo António’s popularity is well-deserved – its espetada is consistently excellent, served with traditional accompaniments in an environment that honors the island’s cultural roots. If you can only visit one espetada restaurant during your stay, many of us locals would say this should be the one.
Brasa Viva
Located in São Vicente on the beautiful north coast of the island, Brasa Viva offers one of the best espetada experiences in Madeira. The meat is always tender and juicy, prepared with the respect for tradition that characterizes the best Madeiran establishments.
The welcoming and family-friendly atmosphere perfectly complements the authenticity of the dishes served. In addition to the traditional espetada, they also offer other regional specialties worth trying. Its location in São Vicente makes it a perfect stop during a day trip around the island.
After your meal at Brasa Viva, we highly recommend visiting Venda Nova, a traditional poncha tavern nearby. For us locals, it’s one of the best places to enjoy this iconic Madeiran drink.
Vila da Carne
As the name suggests, Vila da Carne in Câmara de Lobos is a paradise for meat lovers. Their espetada follows the traditional Madeiran recipe, with superior quality meat and the perfect seasoning of salt, garlic, and bay leaf.
The restaurant combines respect for tradition with a touch of modernity in the environment, creating a gastronomic experience that pleases both purists and those looking for a bit more comfort. After dinner, we highly recommend taking a short stroll to the center of Câmara de Lobos to enjoy a traditional poncha – the perfect way to end your evening with an authentic local experience.
O Lagar
Located in Câmara de Lobos, O Lagar is one of the largest espetada restaurants in Madeira, featuring a miniature Santana house at its entrance. This spacious venue, ideal for events and special occasions, has been serving traditional Madeiran cuisine since 1995.
Talho do Caniço
Open only from Thursday to Saturday, Talho do Caniço offers one of the most authentic experiences on the island. The concept is unusual: you buy the meat from the butcher shop on one side and then move to the barbecue area to prepare it.
Prepare yourself for a genuinely local and noisy environment – with no places to sit, everyone eats standing up, creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere. Here simplicity reigns: just meat, bread, and wine. The exceptional quality of the meat, however, compensates for any simplicity. A truly Madeiran experience that we strongly recommend for those seeking authenticity.
O Polar
Famous not only for its espetadas but also for its grilled chicken, O Polar in Câmara de Lobos is a local institution. This traditional restaurant serves masterfully prepared espetadas, keeping the Madeiran culinary tradition alive.
The simplicity of the place doesn’t deceive – the quality of the food speaks for itself. The affordable prices and relaxed atmosphere make it a favorite among us locals, which is always a good indicator of authenticity.
O Viola
Restaurante Viola stands out for offering high-quality aged meats. In addition to the aged meats, their traditional espetada is also exceptional, prepared with fresh meat and seasoned just right.
The welcoming atmosphere and attentive service complement the gastronomic experience. If you appreciate superior quality meats, Viola should be on your must-visit list.
Churrascaria São Roque
Churrascaria São Roque offers a unique experience where customers can grill their own espetada. Despite using refrigerated meat, the quality is excellent, and the “do-it-yourself” concept makes the meal memorable. Here you can order the typical Madeiran milho frito (fried cornmeal) and the traditional bolo do caco (sweet potato bread) to accompany your espetada.
The atmosphere is casual and welcoming, frequented mainly by us locals – always a good sign! With prices between €10-15 per person, it represents excellent value for experiencing authentic Madeiran espetada without breaking the budget.
Fontes do Horácio
Discover Restaurante As Fontes do Horácio, located in Estreito da Calheta, a gastronomic treasure that has won over both locals and visitors. This welcoming establishment is famous for its tender and flavorful espetada, considered by many to be one of the best on the island. Besides the traditional espetada, the restaurant offers excellent fish dishes, including scabbard fish and delicious calamari prepared to perfection.
A unique feature of this restaurant is Bella, a friendly robot that transports dishes from the kitchen to your table, providing a different and fun dining experience. Portions are generous, prices are affordable, and the atmosphere is welcoming, although it can get a bit noisy during peak hours. We recommend making a reservation, especially on Sundays, to secure a table at this popular restaurant in Calheta.
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