Funil Restaurant in Funchal

Set in one of the original streets of Old Funchal, the Funil Restaurant may be somewhat hard to find but it is well worth the endeavour to seek it out.

Located in the Rua da Carreira behind the Municipal Gardens, this superbly intimate restaurant is housed in a former wine cellar.

The atmosphere may be one of wooden beams, curved ceilings and rustic charm, but the food exudes Madeiran cuisine at its best: fresh, healthily cooked, generous portions with a gentle blend of uncomplicated flavours that exudes quality devoid of false pretence.

The menu is cheap by tourist standards, which is a fact testified by the number of locals who also choose to dine here.

For a friendly, efficient service offering good quality, value for money meals - with just a hint of humour - look no further.

Typical Menu Choices

The menu at the Funil offers a wide choice of fish and meat dishes, supplemented with a wine list and various desert options.

Regional dishes and deserts are the restaurant's specialities.

Generous, Value for Money Portions

For a taste of pure Madeira, sample the Espada fish - either cooked Madeiran style or with fried banana. The Espada fish is unique in Europe to the deep waters off Madeira island and has a clean taste and texture somewhat akin to cod.

Alternatively, choose an Espatada skewer. Mixed meats, grilled on a skewer and served with potatoes/fritters and fresh salad.

And, incidentally, if you are wondering just why the vegetables and salad tastes so fine, it is because all produce grown locally on the island is organically nurtured, without the aid of chemicals.

Madeiran Speciality Meals

Budget Meals

If you are on a tight budget, then choose from the various set menus on offer. In February 2010, these were priced at €5:50 for the midday special and €8:00 for the evening set menu.

The midday special changes from day to day, but always comprises of a cooked main meal, a dessert and a coffee.

On our last visit, there were 6 choices of evening set menus. Each consisting of a starter of salad or soup, a cooked main course and a dessert complemented with a coffee. We also received a small taster glass of Madeira wine. The portions were generous and excellent value for money.

Example of Dessert Options

Typical Meal Costs

As of February 2010, typical menu costs were:

Starter - from €2:50
Main meal - from €8:00
Dessert - from €3:50
Soft drink - from €2:00
Coffee - from €2:50
Glass of wine - from €3:50

Example of Set Menu Costs (February 2010)

Key Facts

As the restaurant is often full in the evening, you may wish to book a table in advance - especially if your party consists of four or more people.

Funil Restaurant
Location	132 Rua da Carreira, 9000-042 Funchal
Telephone/Fax	(351) 291 237 327
Certification	HACCP - Food Safety Certificate
Details
Specialities	Regional dishes and deserts
Capacity	50 people inside and 15 outside
Floor area	100m ² Dining area inside 30m ² Pavement tables outside
Additional facilities	Air conditioning, Cable TV, Toilet
(Details correct at February 2010)

The Funil Restaurant boasts full HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) certification.

The HACCP is a system comprising of 7 principles that are to be applied to every aspect of handling food from production to serving the meal up at the table and it meets the regulatory requirement of compliance with the 2005 FDA Code.

Directions

By Foot

From anywhere in Funchal, head for the Municipal Gardens on the Avenida Arriaga opposite the Toyota building.

Make your way to the top right-hand side of the gardens and pick up the Rua São Francisco.

Walk inland, up the narrow street of Rua São Francisco. You will reach a T-junction at its top.

Turn left and head along the Rua da Carreira.

The Funil Restaurant is on your right-hand side about 50 metres further on.

Map Showing the Location of the Funil Restaurant

Madeira Features

C.S. Maritimo in Europe

C.S. Maritimo, who play their home games at Funchal's Estadio dos Barreiros, have regularly entered the qualifying rounds of the Europa League competition.

On the evening of 29th July 2010, they enjoyed one on their best European displays when they beat Bangor City 8-2 in the Europa League 3rd qualifying round.

Valdecir Tcho, Liandro Danilo Dias and Baba Diawara each scored twice with the other goals for the home team coming from Elias Kanu and Philipe Fidelis.

It was indeed, a memorable performance.

C.S. Maritimo then went on to win the away leg 2-1 to complete a 10-3 aggregate win.

Funchal Football Stadium

The Estadio dos Barreiros is where Funchal's local football team, C.S. Maritimo, play their home games.

Being affiliated to the mainland football league, C.S. Maritimo host some of Portugal's top teams. And, on occasions, have welcomed other top European teams in the Europa League competition.

The stadium is also sometimes used for other local events.