Franco's Corner — Restaurant in Funchal

Sadly we found Franco’s Corner a little late in our holiday, we stumbled across it whilst booking another restaurant for Christmas Eve. The owner Franco was a lovely friendly man who told us to our sadness that they were fully booked Christmas Eve and shut Christmas Day which was a really shame but we managed to get a table for Boxing Day. We arrived on the day looking forward to a delicious meal of beef Wellington which we’d ordered on booking . We had been very disappointed on our other meals on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day which had not been a cheap affair .. But Franco’s Corner did not disappoint the restaurants itself was a pretty and contemporary restaurant which was inviting and Christmassy. We were made to feel welcome on arrival and were well looked after by Franco we were seated and our coats taken , we were asked if we wanted any wine which sadly we don’t drink other than Zinfandel which doesn’t seem to be a thing in Madeira. There was a waiter who was very knowledgeable on what wine complement the dishes on the menu which was a lovely touch . I order a cocktail called the queen which was delicious . We did not order a starter as not to spoil our appetite for the main course but the selection looked very appealing. Our main course of Beef Wellington arrives and looked very appetising served with wedges and slices vegetables. We would not normally put wedges with our beef Wellington but boil new potatoes or dauphinois potatoes but the wedges were still delicious and like the vegetable cooked to perfection .. The beef Wellington was well executed, the beef was tender and moist and full of flavour which worked well with the mushroom, prosciutto and encase pastry. Each mouthful was delicious as the first the beef just melted in the mouth , you could really taste the quality of the beef. Even though we full to the brim we also had to try the pudding which were also exceptional we opted for biscuit cake and berry pana-cotta. We can hand on heart say that this is the best beef Wellington that we have had and the best meal that we had eating all week , complements to the chefs. All I can say is food was outstanding and the service was exceptional, nothing was too much trouble . We will be definitely be returning on our next visit to Funchal and it will be for more...

Very disappointing. We were given a friendly greeting by a young woman and allowed to choose our table as there was no one sitting outside. We were given some water as requested and a complimentary bowl of olives. We were given a wine list and menus. A suited man came to the table, but did not greet us with the handshake he offered other guests. He explained the fish of the day and we were left to choose our meal. We both decided on the fish of the day and chose a bottle of white wine as an accompaniment. We acted quite some time before the suited arrived and said he would take our order. Before we could respond a couple arrived at the entrance to the restaurant. Without any apology or explanation the suited man greeted the couple, shook their hands, and took them to a table. He did not return to us. We waited several minutes, discussing our disappointment over such discourtesy, and decided to leave. We sought out this restaurant based on the positive reviews we had read but are very displeased with the way we were treated. We visit Madeira every year and have eaten numerous restaurants of varying standards. However, we have always been treated with respect and courtesy. NOT WHAT...

After some visits in Madeira I strongly recommend this phantastic Restaurant! The owner Franco is welcoming his guest and you feel home from the first second. His wife and all the staff are most carring and great hosts. Professionanity on all levels! As we couldn’t find a free parking slot, Franco offered us his own and parked his car somewhere else, which was the first WOW of many more to come! First night we enjoyed a lovely champage with different startes and main courses with a red wine he recomnended. I guess you can choose whatever you like it is phantastic. And the wine recommendation he makes is just brilliant.

As we were so happy we booked for the next evening again. I can tell you the experience was at least as brillinant as on the first evening. He got a fresh new order of tuna fish so we tried. What an experience getting really fresh tuna!! Also the red snapper was extremely tasteful and for the wine recommendation we already knew to give him free hands. Deserts are wonderful too. We tried the apple pie with vanilla ice and the tiramisu. All in all: one if the 5 best places you can...