Avista Restaurant — Restaurant in Funchal

Caution! I would advise against choosing this place for your special occasion, as it left a lot to be desired. This restaurant managed to turn my birthday celebration into a disappointment, which my husband and I had been eagerly looking forward to, envisioning a romantic evening with a view of the ocean and Funchal's lights.

We took all the necessary steps to ensure a memorable evening. My husband made a reservation well in advance using the app, even leaving a special request for a nice table. A week before our visit, he took the extra step of calling the restaurant to confirm our reservation and emphasize that we were coming to celebrate my birthday, with the hope of securing a table with a beautiful view.

Despite these efforts, our expectations were not met. To our surprise, we were seated at an awkward corner table on the side balcony, which offered views of a fence, the hotel pool, and an uninspiring void. When we tried to communicate our disappointment to the receptionist, our concerns were not adequately addressed. The entire experience left us with a sense of frustration and spoiled the mood, stealing away what should have been a beautiful birthday celebration.

In summary, I would caution others against making the same mistake and entrusting their special moments to this poorly managed establishment.

UPD: Your response to my review comes across as dismissive and insincere. Regarding your statement that "we did have tables available with the desired view indoors," the alternative you provided, which we were left with, was an appalling table next to a very dirty, dusty, and clearly unwashed window that seemed neglected for years.

As for your mention of the "special non-alcoholic cocktail," it's important to note that we are fully capable of selecting and purchasing any cocktail of our choice. A small glass containing a mere 100 grams of fruit compote, a beverage we did not request, did little to improve the tarnished mood we experienced throughout the evening, nor did it mitigate the negative impression that has lingered since.

Your invitation to "reach out to us directly" holds little weight, considering we attempted to do so multiple times in the past. Unfortunately, each attempt was met with irresponsibility and lack of care on your part, which ultimately marred our celebration. You were granted ample weeks to simply honor our reservation with the appropriate table, or to transparently communicate your inability to do so, giving us a chance to make alternate arrangements. Instead, you chose to cast a shadow over what should have been a joyful birthday occasion.

Your restaurant had the power to enhance our celebration, yet you managed to do the opposite. Your response lacks the sincerity and accountability one would expect in such a situation. It is disheartening that our special day was tarnished by your establishment's...

Vista Restaurant in Funchal isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience, a stage for culinary craftsmanship where each dish emerges like a star performer.

Our meal began with the chicken, a dish too often reduced to a safe, forgettable choice. Not here. At Vista, the chicken arrived cloaked in a whisper-light, crumb coating with a hint of delicate spice – just enough to intrigue the palate without overwhelming it. The result? A crisp, golden exterior yielding to succulent, perfectly cooked meat within, a textural triumph.

The steak, meanwhile, was a masterclass in simplicity, perfectly seared to lock in those deep, rich flavors, every bite a reminder of why this cut remains a classic centerpiece on the finest menus.

Sides here are not mere accompaniments but carefully crafted supporting acts. The rosti potatoes, crisped to a golden finish, offered a satisfying contrast to the main proteins, while the carrots – presented three ways – were a revelation. Sweet, earthy, and prepared with a precision that elevated this humble vegetable to new heights. It’s the kind of dish that speaks to a chef’s confidence and creativity, a refusal to let any ingredient play second fiddle.

Service, as one would hope, was attentive yet not intrusive, each course arriving with impeccable timing, though the sommelier, for reasons unknown, never quite found his way to our table. Perhaps the sun was in his eyes whilst chatting to other quests, or maybe our sea view table felt too distant for his attentions. Other tables were also told about the specials by their waiter but ours took a while to wind up. In a lesser setting, this might have been a distraction, but the quality of the food and remaining service quickly made us forget this minor oversight.

And then, the finale – a raspberry pudding so enchanting, it deserves its own standing ovation. Light, airy, and perfectly balanced between tart and sweet, it’s the kind of dessert that lingers in the memory long after the last forkful.

You’ll find that you cannot just stroll in without a reservation so book in advance and just because you see an open table doesn’t mean the restaurant has the capacity to seat you. The kitchen, after all, is a carefully orchestrated ballet, each course timed to perfection, and the front-of-house staff equally choreographed to ensure every guest receives impeccable attention. Overloading the dining room risks compromising this delicate balance – a shortcut to mediocrity no serious restaurant would ever take.

As for those rare few who’ve seen fit to rate this establishment below five stars, I can only assume they caught the kitchen on one of those vanishingly rare off days, or perhaps their taste buds were on a brief sabbatical.

Vista is a restaurant for those who appreciate the art of dining, where even the most familiar dishes are elevated to something...

Come here if you want to ruin one of your nights in Madeira. I have never written a public review in all the restaurants I've been to in 25 years plus of going to top class places, so, here.....To be clear the food was good, and the view is nice, but never have I experienced a service remotely as bad as this place. It is mind boggling. So, I came here a few days ago for a drink, and at the time they told me to sit down outside and service would come. After 20 or so minutes I proceeded to get my own drink from the bar and the same when it came to paying. Unfortunately, the restaurant experience was even worse than the bar experience. Knowing what I did, I sat down and asked for a bottle of water and the house cocktail as soon as I came in. It took another two orders of water, and finally after 23 minutes I received a bottle of water. Shortly after my cocktail would arrive. When it came to drinks or food it was no better. The food would arrive but never a drink. Enjoy your pork without the red wine etc, Why should it take 20mins+ for a glass of wine to get to your table? What makes this even more silly is that I started ordering while I would still have wine in my glass, yet I would each time be left waiting. The bar needs more staffing, but the rest of the front of house also had no clue. If you realise a a guest is unhappy, surely you would look out for them? Not here. It was two and a half hours of pure frustration, perfect way to ruin an evening of your holiday, left without desert, and am now siting here typing this review rather than enjoy a drink..... I honestly have no idea how this place scored a Michelin star…..if you have the patience of an angel, and I mean half an hour per drink, come here, otherwise any where...