Il Vivaldi — Restaurant in Funchal

Title: Mixed Experiences at Il Vivaldi, Madeira

I had the opportunity to dine at Il Vivaldi on two separate occasions, and my experiences were quite diverse.

On our first visit, we were a larger group, and we were genuinely impressed with the overall quality of the food. The standout was the perfectly cooked beef cheeks, which received high praise, especially from my son. The desserts were also exceptional, adding a delightful finishing touch to our meal. However, it's worth noting that the wait for our dishes was longer than expected.

Encouraged by our initial positive experience, we decided to give Il Vivaldi another try. This time, as a smaller family group of three, we were specifically drawn back for the excellent beef cheeks. Unfortunately, we were somewhat disappointed during our second visit. While the service was surprisingly prompt, the beef cheeks didn't quite live up to our previous experience. The disappointment was further compounded by my overcooked and dry salmon dish.

Despite the mixed outcomes, I would still recommend Il Vivaldi. The service provided by the staff is consistently pleasant, and the balance between the quality of the food and the price is commendable. It's possible that the variations in our experiences were due to specific menu items or kitchen inconsistencies, but on the whole, Il Vivaldi remains a restaurant worth trying on the beautiful...

We last visited Funchal and discovered this amazing restaurant in April 2019. We were due to come to Funchal again in October 2019 but had to cancel our trip so were determined to visit this restaurant again on our return this October. We were welcomed like long last family members by Carlos and the staff. How they remembered us is astonishing considering the time lapsed and the number of customers they must have. As usual, the food was excellent and the service superlative. We love the ambience of this restaurant and feel it is the best kept secret in Funchal. If you haven't tried it then it is a must. We have already booked to go again. Thank you Carlos and all your wonderful team including the chef(s). Susan and Richard Colquhoun

21 October 2023 Yet another visit too this wonderful restaurant. We went with friends and opted for the set menu with accompanying wines for each course. Amazing value and highly recommended. Food was superb, ambience delightful and the service, as always, was superb. Thank you to all the team...Carlos, Maria, Soraya and Caroline, plus the other male waiter whose name we don't know. Also, huge compliments to the Chef(s) and all the behind the scenes team. You should all be proud of the success of your wonderful restaurant.

Susan and...

I first visited Il Vivaldi in Funchal on a business trip, recommended by a local colleague who appreciates fine dining. The experience was exceptional, and I knew I had to return. A few months later, I brought my family, and it was an unforgettable culinary journey.

Growing up with excellent home-cooked meals, I don’t seek comfort food at restaurants. Instead, I look for a gastronomic experience that balances cuisine, service, and ambiance, leaving a lasting impression.

What stood out most at Il Vivaldi was the impeccable service led by the maître d', Mr. Aveiro. From the moment we sat down, his personalized approach was evident. He inquired about our preferences and suggested the tasting menu tailored to our tastes, assuring us we didn't need the most expensive option. His expertise and honesty made us feel in capable hands.

The experience was so memorable that my daughter still asks when we can dine at “Mr. Aveiro’s restaurant” again. I’ve dined at many places with excellent service, but Il Vivaldi’s unique blend of hospitality and culinary excellence stands out in my memory.

A heartfelt thank you to Mr. Aveiro and his team for making our visit...