A Tendinha — Restaurant in Funchal

Authentic and fresh! It was very busy, so the owner, Fernando, greeted us explaining it would be about 20 minutes or so. As we stood outside, he still was attentive even though we werent seated yet. He gave us menus to look at and also explained the specials for the day which was a mixed fish. He showed us the fresh fish on a platter explaining what each one was. He kept us updated regularly on how long left it would be. To save time, he also took our order before sitting which I thought was a very nice gesture.

Although it is a relaxed outdoor environment, we still were given two sets of silverware, each for our main and starters, as well as extra plates for bones/shells, and lemon wet wipes for in between. Our needs were met that we never had to "ask" for anything which is unusual. Fernando has a skill that he is able to read the room.

They make fresh homemade soup daily. We had a cabbage and chorizo (delicious), garlic prawns €10 (large portion), bolo do caco (best butter flavor we have had), mixed fish €14, octopus €16, and mains served with potatoes cooked to perfection with mixed vegetables. For dessert, passion fruit pudding (his Mother's recipe).

The only downside is- we were visiting during a holiday weekend so they were closed the majority of our stay otherwise we would have eaten here daily! We went inside to thank the chef before leaving. One of our favorite places on the island. The photos speak...

Day 2 of our trip and it was time to go more local. It’s a bar vibe… most of the seating is in the alleyway outside. Immediately, I knew this spot was going to be delicious simply due to the old elderly locals sitting outside. You get a glimpse of the local vibe although it’s city center Funchal. Also, the staff were nothing but warm and friendly. Felt right at home.

This spot features daily specials in addition to their menu. We opted for the garlic shrimps as a starter. For the mains we selected the house specialty fried pepper steak with egg. I took the salted cod as well. Star of the show were the camarones alho, garlic shrimp. They were a burst of flavor and simply just fresh and delicious. I’d definitely recommend their tender peppercorn steak it’s like a thin filet very tender and well cooked would re order. We also tried this “gourd” for the first time it’s called chous chous and comes from Brazil. It was really interesting veggie pairing and would recommmed to try it.

All in all best food in Funchal and just really authentic local unpretentious vibe. They have limited seating and they sell out specials really fast so you need to be strategic with dining hours. No reservations. Total with drinks we spent 35 euros. Great value...

As a Madeiran born and raised guy living overseas i am ashamed that i have never been or heard about this place. Been told I had to try it, so I did. Started with the sopa de trigo that was just like going back to when I was 5 years old and my grandma was cooking it for me, the bolo do caco was the best in funchal, Fernando the owner and chef did not saved on garlic butter and made It as it should be, can be compared to the ones that you have in the madeira arraiais during summer 🤤, finally the octopus 🐙"polvo a lagareiro" well let's just say that it was cooked as it should be in olive oil and the potatoes "batata a murro" are soft, cooked and seasoned to perfection. An amazing place to eat, open just till 19:00...