Eating well on a budget in Madeira

Eating out in Madeira costs less than in most of western Europe, and with a few local habits you can eat very well for little money.

Lunch is the bargain

Many restaurants and cafés offer a prato do dia, a dish of the day, or a fixed lunch menu on weekdays, often with soup, a main course and a drink. It is the best-value meal on the island. Look for handwritten boards outside cafés in the business districts and villages.

Snack bars and cafés

The humble snack-bar is the heart of everyday eating. For a few euros:

• Prego or bolo do caco sandwiches with steak, chorizo or cheese
• Sopa, a bowl of homemade soup
• Pastries and coffee for breakfast
• Rissóis and croquetes from the counter

Markets and supermarkets

• The market in Funchal and village markets sell local fruit and vegetables. Always ask the price per kilo first.
• Supermarkets have good bread, cheese, ham and ready meals, and inexpensive local wine.
• If you have a kitchen, buy fresh fish from the market and grill it at home.

Watch for small charges

• Couvert: bread, butter, olives or cheese put on your table before you order are charged if you eat them. Send them back if you don’t want them.
• Water: bottled water is normal in restaurants; tap water is safe, and you can ask for a jug.
• Tourist-trap menus: pictures of every dish and staff calling you in from the street usually mean higher prices.

Free and cheap treats

• Poncha in a village bar costs a few euros. See poncha.
• Festivals have stalls with espetada, bolo do caco and drinks at low prices. See the calendar.
• A picnic at a viewpoint or a forest park beats any restaurant view.

See what to eat in Madeira and what a trip costs.