Akua
Akua things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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We’ve been in many restaurants on the island and most of them were really good. But then we found Akua (and Kampo) and started to regret that we haven’t found it earlier. It’s truly a jewel. Food is extremely good. Those codfish tacos are worth dying for. Those fish sausages are worth killing for. Those razor clams are worth stealing for. Hmmm, sounds like it’s a place that can make you commit crimes, but the biggest crime would be not to come here. It was undoubtedly the best restaurant we visited during the whole vacation. On the same level as Kampo, but I consider them being the same with just different concepts (fish vs. meat). Service was also flawless. Very pleasant, friendly and professional. Each dish was accompanied by its description. Really good restaurants do this and it’s always nice to hear what each dish is made from since it’s not always obvious. Wine was always added in our glasses, so truly professional people work in there. As for the interior - it felt cozy. Maybe a bit on the small side, but I prefer smaller places anyway. When we’re back to Madeira - we are definitely coming back to Akua. It’s just a matter of time.
Andrey KoshmanovAndrey Koshmanov
00
Went for dinner, had the black scabbard with banana as a starter. In terms of looks I'll let you be the judge (see picture), but at least the taste was good. For mains we had a vegetarian dish (grilled vegetables) and the fish of the day. The vegetarian dish was nice, the fish would have also been quite good if it hadn't been oversalted. For desert we tried the fried cherry ice cream which was a complete disappointment. The batter was too thick, part of the ice cream inside was rock hard, the rest completely liquid. The taste of the ice cream was unoffensive at best and what felt like ground nuts in the sauce gave an unpleasant dry mouth feel. Both texture and taste were a miss, so we didn't finish it. We were not asked if/how we liked the mains, and we were not asked for feedback on the dessert despite it being left uneaten which I found a little surprising. White wine by the glass is ok but nothing great, beer is Heineken only. All in all a lot of effort seems to be put in stylish presentation of the dishes, unfortunately the quality in our case couldn't quite keep up. Based on my experience I can't really recommend it.
Christian NiedworokChristian Niedworok
00
I went to the place with high expectations: all the reviews were telling me that's the right place for a seafood lover like myself. And the beginning was promising: Tuna Tartar was perfect - tuna was properly marinated and served in wafer cones. The white wine (with a portrait of the chef's grandfather) went along in full harmony. I was getting ready for the main dish: Fish of the day (red snapper) with Pil Pil Cream (a spinach cream mixed with local cous cous). The fish was properly fried, but I was shocked with a first portion of the spinach cream - it was terribly oversalted. I should have asked to replace it, but being busy receiving my birthday greetings I let it go. I drank a liter of water to wash down about half portion of the cream. Being in the benevolent mood I ordered a dessert: White chocolate mousse with olive caramel and maracuja ice-cream. The dessert was perfect and improved the overall impression. However the oversalted sauce can't be ignored, otherwise it would be solid 5 stars.
Arek WysockiArek Wysocki
00
Had huge expectations for this place, and I believe if I had booked a table outside, I would have given 5*. The room upstairs was very loud, with terrible acoustic and the decor was very poor. There were two loud groups, and for the price tag, I was expecting a relaxed dinner, but instead, I got a loud dinner with some disco music on top. I asked to change for a table outside, but I understand it was already reserved. The service was very good, the waiter was so welcoming and explained all the dishes and they welcomed my changes too which I really appreciated. We tried the tuna cones, sardines, and codfish tacos, and the highlight was the main - fish market with tomato migas. The desert was also very good, we had the chocolate mousse. My husband thought the basil was overpowering, but for me, it was just perfect. It was definitely the best meal we had in Madeira and I would go back but would book the table outside.
Joana RaposinhoJoana Raposinho
10
An absolute gem in a gastronomic scene of Funchal! It's relatively hard to book a table here and it's for a reason. Everything in this place is perfect - food, drinks, service, atmosphere and show. Yes, the show :) If you get a chance to book a place at the bar, you should consider it as great luck. Observing preparation of all those delicacies by your own eyes is a separate performance and exceptional experience. The chef himself is incredibly friendly, attentive and sharing. Sitting in front of him observing all that performance was like personally attending cooking classes. And the food is absolute art! It was one of my best gastronomic experiences ever! I literally couldn't stop ordering one dish after another, even though I was stuffed 😆 That's how good their food is. It's been a few days since I had my dinner at Akua, and I still can't stop being amazed how absolutely fantastic it was 😍😍😍
Iryna BuchovskaIryna Buchovska
00
Taste is a peculiar thing and not easily conveyed. I’m not here to insult other’s preferences. For my money, carefully curated meats, fresh fish and veggies, basic dishes artfully created and cooked right in front of you, wines and cocktails, all put together by a dedicated staff of happy people, is a combination hard to match. The bread is to die for. Sit at the bar and just watch the parade of beautifully created dishes. The place is usually full so make a reservation. That said, we are never ushered to the door as is the case at restaurants needing to turn tables. There is no singular dish. Frankly I could just keep going there everyday and would not run out of new things to try. Excellent value for the money. As a local (American expat whose travelled the world) I say with some confidence that this will be among the top 5 meal experiences on the island.
Eduardo DrivonEduardo Drivon
00
Nearby Attractions Of Akua
Farmers' Market
CR7 Museum
CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
Funchal Cathedral
Casino da Madeira
Cristiano Ronaldo Statue
Madeira Story Centre
Jardim de Santa Luzia
Blandy's Wine Lodge (former Adegas de São Francisco)
Zona Velha do Funchal

Farmers' Market
4.1
(9.2K)Click for details

CR7 Museum
4.3
(4.4K)Click for details

CR7 Cristiano Ronaldo Museum
4.2
(3.3K)Click for details

Funchal Cathedral
4.6
(2.5K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Akua
Beerhouse
Rei da Poncha
The Ritz Madeira
Restaurante Taberna Ruel
Cafetaria Sete Mares
Taberna Madeira
Restaurante Informal
Hamburgueria do Mercado
Café Restaurante GRUTA
A Bica

Beerhouse
4.3
(2K)$$
Click for details

Rei da Poncha
4.8
(1.4K)$
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The Ritz Madeira
4.3
(1.5K)$$
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Restaurante Taberna Ruel
4.4
(1.4K)$$
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