Bentornato A Rum Bar — Restaurant in Calheta

We recently had the pleasure of visiting the Rum Bar in Calheta on two separate occasions - once for breakfast a few days ago, and again today for lunch. I must say, both experiences were nothing short of exceptional, leaving me with only positive words to describe this wonderful establishment.

Let's start with the home-style breakfast. When I visited the Rum Bar for breakfast, I was greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The breakfast itself was a delightful affair. The food was prepared with care and attention to detail, resulting in a home-cooked meal that was bursting with flavor. Every bite was a true delight. The portion sizes were generous, ensuring that I left the Rum Bar feeling satisfied and ready for the day ahead.

Today, I returned to the Rum Bar for lunch and decided to try their beef & sausage meat sandwich. I must say, it exceeded my already high expectations. The sandwich was a savory masterpiece. The meats were tender and flavorful. The bread was fresh and toasted to perfection, adding a delightful crunch to each bite. It was a filling and satisfying lunch that left me completely satisfied.

What truly sets the Rum Bar apart, besides the delicious food, are the homemade drinks and the exceptional service provided by the owners. The homemade drinks were a true highlight of both my visits. Each drink was a burst of flavors that perfectly complemented the meals.

The owners of the Rum Bar deserve special mention. They were incredibly neat, friendly, and helpful. On both occasions, they provided excellent recommendations when I was indecisive about what to order. Their passion for their craft and dedication to providing a memorable dining experience were evident in every interaction. Their warm hospitality created a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that made me feel like a valued guest.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly recommend the Rum Bar in Calheta. Whether you visit for breakfast, lunch, or simply to enjoy their homemade drinks, you're in for a treat. The home-style breakfast and beef & sausage sandwich were amazingly tasty, leaving me craving for more. The homemade drinks were a delightful addition to the experience. The owners' attentiveness and helpfulness further enhanced the overall enjoyment. Don't miss the opportunity to visit this gem of a bar in Calheta. You won't be...

So like an idiot, I went back there with more friends. Owner came up to us and told us that we had to leave. Because he said, he does not like me. In front of other customers. 😂😂😂 I’m not shocked at all. I’m amused at his indifferent rudeness towards paying customers.

Original Review:

Beautiful place for small tapas etc. The food has been good.

I’ve been there three times and brought three different friends and this is what I have been told by the owner: That they don’t do tapas unless it’s past six BUT that they would make some for me (it was about 4:30 pm and I wasn’t aware if this rule). The tone implied that next time they won’t. There is very little shade outdoors so I kept moving the table around to move out of the sun. The tree was bare of leaves so that was no good. The owner came to me and said I must stop moving the table as I was making his place look untidy (????). I politely apologized. My partner asked for an umbrella but nope, they didn’t provide one although later they admitted to having umbrellas. On my first visit, I congratulated them on an outstanding place and that I would like to bring a group of friends there. I was immediately told they don’t want groups because they want a chilled atmosphere. So they would rather have empty tables?????

I don’t get it. I thought the point of owning a place was to welcome people, make them food, and fill tables. Strange owner.

As for the reply from the owner below, I mentioned the tone of "next time we wont" with regards to the tapas. The tree has no leaves at the moment. My statement about the owner saying that he did later say he had umbrellas is true and not as he has stated below. I did NOT disturb the other {few customers}. Of course I can see the capacity of the place and when I said a group, it would obviously mean only enough for the space. Sorry for calling you strange... I meant it as strange policies from the owner.

Like I said, great place and vibe, good food, good prices but I dunno - I felt unwelcome...

WHAT A GEM!!! The BENTORNATO Rum Bar has quickly become my favorite spot in Calheta, and even on the island. I've been there 5 or 6 times now, and with each visit has been nothing short of marvelous. The owners, an Italian couple named Davide and Adriana, exude the epitome of hospitality and warmth (and Bentornato). They aren't just fantastic hosts but also wonderful cooks. The food is absolutely delectable, and I must say, the cocktails are the best I've enjoyed during my four years in Madeira.

Davide's knowledge and passion for rum is contagious. Since the restaurant isn't owned by a distillery, guests have the unique opportunity to taste the best artisan rums the island has to offer, all carefully handpicked by Davide himself.

I cannot recommend the Rum Bar enough and am eagerly looking forward to my next visit. A heartfelt thank you for your exceptional service and hospitality! We are so lucky to have this great little...