Restaurante Santo António — Restaurant in Câmara de Lobos

Overall, we left somewhat disappointed with our experience. The restaurant had been highly recommended as a must-visit by many reviews, which set our expectations fairly high.

We ordered the chicken skewer, beef skewer, salad, bolo do caco, and chips. The beef skewer was excellent—tender, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The fries and salad were also very good, with generous portions. The chicken skewer, however, was inconsistent: some pieces were enjoyable, while others were mostly bone. The bolo do caco was filling but rather underwhelming, lacking the expected richness of garlic butter.

The biggest letdown was the vegetable soup. It was a creamy vegetable blend but unfortunately had no discernible flavor at all—truly one of the least enjoyable soups we’ve ever had in a restaurant. When we mentioned this to the waiter (the soup was barely touched), our comment was met with no acknowledgment, which was surprising given the restaurant’s longstanding reputation.

In short, while certain dishes were very good, others were below average. Prices are on the higher side, and the service fell short of what we would expect from such an established venue. Sadly, this isn’t a place we would choose...

There was ample parking behind the restaurant. Truly a fantastic dining experience. It wasn't too casual or too formal. We ordered a skewered beef on a laurel branch (espetada em pau de louro), the fried maize cubes (milho frito), small French fries (banana frito), traditional loaf garlic bread (bolo de caco c/ manteiga de alho), and a small salad. Everything was fantastic, well seasoned, and flavorful. Steak was delicious and the perfect temp. The maize cubes were crispy on the outside and creamy and delicious on the inside, seemed similar to a fried polenta. The French fries were also perfectly cooked, crispy outside with just the right amount of pillows potatoes inside, and seasoned with garlic. The traditional loaf garlic bread had a nice crust. Even the salad was perfect with full slices of ripe tomatoes accompanied with cucumber and onion slices on a bed of leafy lettuce with just the right amount of vinegar and oil. Portions were large and we didn't finish the French fries or the maize cubes, but did finish our meal with an espresso and we shared a slice of the...

Your Go To!!!…

I’ve lived in Madeira for 11 years and I continue coming back here even though I live abroad.

If you wanting to try the traditional Madeira food with the Espetada “cube pieces of meat on the stick,” this is the number one spot on the island to go! Not to forget about all the amazing fresh dishes that comes alongside with it.

Like your meat well done or maybe rare? Just let them know and you won’t be disappointed in the slightest with the flavors. Just the thought alone is making hungry already!!

There are no bookings because of how busy they constantly are which surely says a lot!! Both the owners and their staff are super friendly and very welcoming. For myself, they already like family.

Special mention to Amaro and Alvaro who have been there for many years and always go out their way to make sure we always well served and looked after.

You’d surely be missing out if you didn’t allow yourself the chance to stop by for an amazing lunch or dinner.

Thank you Santo António for such amazing food and your hospitality above all...