Magnolia Contemporary Bar & Restaurant — Restaurant in Calheta

Every once in a while you encounter a beautiful gastronomic surprise. We were so happy to find this 24-carat gem in lovely Madeira!

This restaurant, located just outside the sunny southern coast town of Calheta, is being run bij Paolo (kitchen) and Raphael (serving). It simply makes you WANT to come back. Because, after all, what to you want when you go out for dinner? Nice people, a lovely ambiance, stunning views over the ocean and amazing food. Magnolia has it all.

We shared the polpo as a starter. This was mouthwatering good and extremely fresh.

After that my partner and I went "our own ways" and had the duck and the picanha. All the dishes were very well balanced and full of taste. Very important to us: they were totally different to the more standard tourist food you typically find around tourist hot-spots. No plastified menucards with pictures of your food here.

We ended the evening with a gorgeous chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream, which is poured over (at the table) with 3-years old rum.

Our dish was accompanied by a lovely Madeiran white wine (EVE Barbusano) which was one of the best we had on the island (and with a bottle-price under EUR 25,- also very reasonably priced).

If you wish to eat something different than mainstream, at a high level and at a VERY fair price, this is the place to go.

Thank you Raphael and Paolo. We enjoyed the food and sharing a glass of Moot with you. All the best of luck with your beautiful restaurant, we...

Big Up Magnolia. Last night with the restaurant buzzing the band played three entertaining sets. Music we could all identify with, upbeat enough to get the audience up on their feet and dancing. The fusion food was exquisite and my dish was beautifully spiced. The environment at night is spectacular with views of twinkling Calheta beach below. There is an underground parking garage and plenty of space in the surrounding area to park a vehicle. The menu provides for vegetarians and pescatarian's alike and serves dishes with a twist not widely found on the island. This is an establishment suitable for wheelchair users as the entrance and balcony around the restaurant is flat and wide with easy access and on one level. The thing that sets the restaurant and bar apart is the connection between the hosts and the customers - a wonderful personalised service, great laughter, ambiance setting, welcome and attention. There are regular weekly bands showcasing their music and interacting with the audience. This is certainly a place to go if you are looking for a modern vibe in beautiful surroundings and hosted by a wonderful group of friendly and welcoming people. Music nights are a treat giving one the opportunity to fully engage and have fun! Take the opportunity if it presents itself to visit - you will not be disappointed. Thank you everyone for a superb evening of fun, music, laughter, dancing and singing along with the band...

I feel so lucky to have happened upon Magnolia on an afternoon walk around the neighborhoods of Calheta. The restaurant is on the grounds of the art museum, and has a spectacular view of the mountains and sea. The view alone is worthy of a visit on a clear day, but the food and drink is what will keep you coming back time after time. The restaurant is run by two gentleman, a native Madeiran and an Italian, who could not have been more hospitable. It was a quiet evening at the restaurant and they shared their stories with us about this new enterprise that they had started, and that they clearly take great and well deserved pride in. We ordered cocktails and dinner, both of which were outstanding and were a unique display of what this beautiful island has to offer. Far from the espetada and espada com banana that you'll find everywhere else. The drinks featured a locally made white rum, and were expertly crafted into everything from a tropical afternoon cocktail, to creative and delicious play on an after dinner negroni. The food was locally sourced and handled with similar care. We especially liked the bruschetta made with banana blossoms, and the tuna steak with asparagus. Honestly, I don't think you can make a bad choice, though. All in all, this restaurant, and its proprietors were a highlight of our time in Madeira, and I thank them for showing me a unique and delicious side of the island. Do yourself a favor and give...