Carvão Grill House — Restaurant in Funchal

I was initially sceptical when my partner suggested dining at the Carvão Grill House, located out near the cruise ship terminal. My preconceived notion was that it would be a tourist trap, serving mediocre food to a captive, one-off market. However, sometimes it pays to relinquish control of the planning, and I'm glad I did.

From the moment we walked in, we were met with friendly and helpful staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The ambiance and decor were also pleasant, adding to the overall experience. We shared a selection of starters – garlic bread, shrimp, and sautéed mushrooms – all of which were delicious and set a high bar for the rest of the meal.

A unique touch was being escorted to the meat showcase to choose our main course. The selection featured cuts from Uruguay, Australia, and the Azores. Given our location on a Portuguese island, we opted for a tomahawk steak from the Azores, eager to sample (semi) local produce. It was an excellent choice – perfectly cooked and a tasty piece of meat. The staff also guided us in selecting a lovely bottle of Portuguese wine from their well-stocked wine room, and the prices were remarkably reasonable.

To finish, we indulged in crème brûlée and apple crumble, both of which were equally delightful.

I was thoroughly impressed with Carvão Grill House. It completely shattered my expectations. I would happily return and recommend it to anyone looking for a fantastic meal and a genuinely enjoyable...

Attended yesterday for a meal with my wife and ordered the T Bone steak to share (medium rare). Unfortunately, i am having to review this as 2 stars due the fact the steak was completely raw throughout apart from a couple of slices in the thinnest part on the end which I doubt would even pass for blue rare.

I raised this to no less than 3 staff members and showed them the raw meat on the t bone itself, who all agreed it wasn't right.

Despite this, no offer of recompense or discount on our bill was offered but instead the waiter said if we come back they can cook it properly next time! Quite a crazy suggestion as the steak itself, which was completely ruined, was 85 euros on it's own not to mention what we spent on side dishes and drinks. No one in their right mind is going to make that mistake twice.

I will be absolutely clear, I have no issue with paying good money for good food and often do so, but this was really poor and simply not good enough especially considering this is a specialised grill house, and the one thing you would expect is that the chefs know how to at least cook a piece of meat and send it out as such. You really can't get this wrong.

I will add that the starters and side dishes we ordered along with the charcoal bread were all very nice but the steak really let it down. My wife has also had stomach upsets following this meal and was ill through most of the...

Tucked away by the marina in Funchal, O Carvão is a hidden gem that delivers on every front — from delicious food and generous portions to impeccable service and a memorable atmosphere.

From the moment we arrived, the experience was warm and welcoming. The service was nothing short of exceptional — attentive without being overbearing, and clearly passionate about making your evening special. One of the standout features was their incredible wine list. Rather than being handed a menu, you’re invited to browse their wine shelves and choose a bottle that suits your own taste. It’s a personal touch that adds a sense of occasion and makes the experience even more enjoyable.

The food was absolutely delicious. Every dish we tried was packed with flavor and beautifully presented, and the portion sizes were very satisfying. You can tell the kitchen is led by someone with real talent — and that’s confirmed when the chef himself comes out at the end of the night to check on the tables. That personal touch, combined with the obvious pride in their work, really elevated the whole experience.

Whether you’re a local or just visiting Funchal, O Carvão is well worth a stop. Great food, fantastic wine, and the kind of service that makes you want to come back again and...