Golden Gate Grand Café - is a true gem right in the heart of Funchal that has traded since 1841. It is well positioned on a corner of a wide pedestrian avenue & flairs a very busy and trendy 'classic & cosmopolitan' vibe of locals and many visitors from all corners of the world. It is one of my top 3 spots in Funchal!

For nearly 2 centuries it has changed a few owners & underwent renovations. Most recently during the Covid19, which closed for nearly 3 years. Yet today if you walk inside, it sparkles Italian luxury of a Grande Café as it was & should stay well into the century. Here are a few reasons why you should stop here and enjoy this stunning & stylish iconic venue as time passes by, so wonderfully!

The Carrera marble floor, the huge cristal chandelier that hangs over 2 tiiers, the ironed table cloths that are lined along manicured solid wooden steps that takes you to the upper floor, the outside cornered terrace & super clean perfumed toilets - along huge gilt framed yesteryear black & white photographs embracing the high ceiling that demands your fullest attention. Nothing here was spared short & rightfully so, because it's the Grand Café and can!

But there is much more. As one cannot miss the very bold & polished brass name plates adorned on the outside wall that shine and welcome you to the traditional comfortable whicker chairs & tables shaded by firm umbrellas, soft music and light. If you enjoy 'people watching' like I do, it is here that you can lounge to the amusement of locals & tourist going along their very way, as you enjoy a meal with a beverage or two from the well sorted menu in style, Without doubt it is always busy, especially when cruise ship(s) are docked in port and a festival is in progress. And Madeira has plenty of them!

In case you wondering, it is not my 1st visit nor my last. In fact, I have returned here, more than 20 times. Some longer stays more so than others. Today with family, I opt for late High Tea & the delicious creamy crusty tartlets of 'pastei de nata', which has been passed down in secret for centuries. I ordered 6 to take home, which was nicely boxed & makes for a great treat or a sweet gift for a neighbour. They aslo offer a huge selection of homemade ice-cream flavours, of superb quality.

In short, the Grand Café 'oozes so much flair of elegance, modern twists, a balanced well priced menu & attention to service by the friendly uniformed - 'Venitian white jacket'- staff, under the watchful eye of the manager and owner(s).It sets the bar standards much higher as a Grande Café that keeps on renovating itself, taking the past into the future, as it serves & always shall serve loyaly.

Truely an icon for all to enjoy for many more years to come. If you enjoyed this read & photographs, please tick the 👍up. Thank you & enjoy our your visit.