Beef & Wines — Restaurant in Funchal

Not a good experience - and for the first time, a restaurant so jarred me against expectations from existing reviews that I’m sharing this on as many sites as possible.

Third night in Funchal and wanted dinner. Trusted TripAdvisor reviews. Not a good move this time.

We hadn’t booked and I can’t help feeling this was somehow held against us. Service was disjointed and odd. We asked for two Mojitos as an aperitif. Meanwhile another staff member took our meal and wine order.

Somehow the wine arrived before our cocktails; we were informed we could taste the wine after we’d had our now only just arriving cocktails. To say their front of house is fragmented would be a kind understatement. We poured our own wine 10 minutes later.

The mojitos were bad. They tasted mostly of lime, the mint not properly mixed in. The drink had a vivid green colour suggesting a pre-mix. When asked if the cocktails were good, we told them not, and why. The boy smiled and said and did nothing. They were Eur 4.30 each - I was not smiling!

The wine (a Portuguese Viognier) was drinkable. At Eur 25 I should hope so. It was a natural wine as denoted by a tag on the bottle - I tend not to order those as they can be a lottery. The wine list is quite confusingly presented so perhaps I missed that fact, or perhaps it wasn’t stated. I would like a much cleaner, simplified wine list.

Finally the food. We only wanted a main course each and this is where things went really wrong. My partner ordered Iberico pork tenderloin and I ordered duck confit.

The pork was a generous portion but there was so much fat and sinew that I suspected a shoulder cut. There is no way it was tenderloin of any pig. My duck confit was small, the meat tender, but the skin rubbery and inedible - it should be crispy. They have the gall to charge Eur 16 for these without sides.

We were asked about our meals, we relayed this same feedback, but they didn’t really care. The only response was “Chef apologises, and will cook it crispier next time”. I replied “In the nicest possible way, there won’t be a next time”.

We were charged the full bill, so declined to leave a tip. Nobody appeared to care....

Dining at Beef & Wine in Madeira was an unforgettable culinary experience that beautifully showcased the richness of Madeiran tradition with a refined, homemade touch. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere felt warm, elegant, and welcoming—setting the perfect stage for what turned out to be one of the best meals we had on the island.

What truly makes this place stand out is their commitment to authentic, homemade dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Every plate that arrived at our table was not only delicious but also thoughtfully prepared and presented.

One of the absolute highlights was the beef tartare, which was prepared live at the table by a skilled and friendly chef. Watching the process, seeing the attention to detail, and being part of the preparation added a personal, interactive touch to the meal. The tartare was seasoned perfectly, full of flavor, and incredibly fresh—an absolute must-try.

We also had the fish with potatoes, a traditional dish that was simply out of this world. The fish was tender and flaky, with a delicate taste of the sea, while the potatoes were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—truly the definition of comfort food elevated to a fine dining level.

The service at Beef & Wine was nothing short of impeccable. The staff was professional yet friendly, knowledgeable about the menu, and always ready to recommend the perfect wine or dish pairing. They made us feel special and taken care of throughout the entire evening.

The wine selection was excellent as well, with a strong focus on local Madeiran wines that complemented the food beautifully. It’s clear that great care goes into every aspect of the experience, from the kitchen to the table.

In a place known for its natural beauty and hospitality, Beef & Wine still manages to exceed expectations. Whether you’re a food lover looking to explore traditional Madeiran cuisine or simply want a memorable dining experience in Funchal, this restaurant is a must-visit.

We left not only full and satisfied but also impressed by the passion and authenticity behind every dish. We’ll definitely return on our next visit to Madeira. Highly...

I ordered a rare sirloin steak with chips. The steak was cooked to perfection, which I appreciated. It was followed by a papaya and lime carpaccio for dessert, a delightfully refreshing dish that served as an excellent end to my meal.

I was pleasantly surprised by the promptness of the service. From ordering to the dish arriving at my table, the process was impressively quick. The food was delicious and didn't leave any room for criticism.

However, the experience was slightly let down for me due to the lack of warmth in the service. It felt particularly cold and mechanical, with a complete absence of any smiles or welcoming gestures. Although it may seem like a small aspect, it is a critical one. Being made to feel welcome and receiving a level of genuine care and attention from the servers makes a tremendous difference, which was unfortunately lacking in this instance.

Service is an integral part of any dining experience. It was the only thing holding this experience back from a...