Nestled on the picturesque island of Madeira in the port area, Jin Garden is a dining experience that flawlessly blends elegance, breathtaking views, and exceptional cuisine. From the moment you step inside, the restaurant’s stunning vaulted white interior sets the tone for a sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance. The open, airy design is complemented by a lovely outdoor seating area that offers spectacular views of the port—making it a feast for the eyes even before the food arrives.
The culinary experience is nothing short of extraordinary. I began with a Paloma, a refreshing cocktail that perfectly balanced citrusy and tequila-forward notes. For an appetizer, I chose the Tuna, Avocado, and Kimchi Temaki, which was a delightful burst of flavors and textures. The tuna was impeccably fresh, and the combination of creamy avocado and spicy kimchi added a modern twist to the traditional temaki.
For the main course, I was treated to perfectly prepared fresh fish, smoked and served alongside creamy rice infused with Thai spices. The dish was a harmonious blend of bold and delicate flavors, showcasing the chef’s expertise in blending international influences with local ingredients. To pair with the meal, I enjoyed a lovely rosé, which elevated the entire experience with its crisp and floral notes.
Beyond the incredible food and drinks, the attentive and friendly staff made the evening even more enjoyable. Their knowledge and passion for the menu were evident, ensuring a seamless and memorable dining experience.
Jin Garden is a gem that stands out not only for its exceptional cuisine but also for its stunning setting and impeccable service. This was an unforgettable experience, and we are already looking forward to returning soon. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Madeira who wants a truly...
Read moreImagine having a reservation at 8pm and not getting a menu 20minutes later and then not being able to order till another 20 minutes later. At first this was brushed off, then when it has been more than 30 minutes and the starters and appetizers are still not on the table, its time clock the service.
It’s been over an hour since we sat and there were no starters or appetizers to be found. We got our first starter around 1hour and 20minutes after our arrival, it was four pieces of BURNT BELOW AVERAGE GIYOZA which with our hunger we finished it in less than 5 minutes.. our 2nd appetizer arrived after another 15 minutes. It wasn’t a busy night, I’m not sure what happened to this very disappointing service.
Once again we finished our 2nd appetizer in less than 5 minutes. At this point it’s around 9:35pm over an hour and half from our arrival. We’re hungry. We asked how long till the mains would arrive and the server said she doesn’t know. I followed up by asking, “Another hour?” She said “less” I asked again “30minutes?” She said “Maybe twenty.”
I started writing this review while we waited.
Our food arrived just under 30 minutes which brings roughly 2 hours from when we sat.
The worst part of all this was everything we had in this restaurant is below average. 2 hour wait for nothing. Dishes and drinks are overvalued. Prices are high, and service needs a lot of work and training. We’re very disappointed. I highly don’t recommend this place but I hope that for anyone who’d still come through that the experience you’d...
Read moreMixed Experience at Jin Garden
We had dinner at Jin Garden today, and I left with somewhat mixed feelings. The food itself was generally good—I had a sashimi and nigiri sushi set along with a few other dishes. However, I noticed a few things that left a sour taste.
It felt like tourists are treated differently here. Portions didn’t quite match what I ordered, and there was a sense of being shortchanged. For example, I received something different from what I had actually requested. They also don’t include wasabi with the sushi unless you specifically ask for it, which felt like another subtle way to cut corners.
The staff were friendly at first, but once we declined dessert, their attentiveness noticeably dropped. The overall impression was that the focus was more on upselling and getting money from guests than on delivering good, honest service.
While the food was enjoyable, I’d recommend approaching this place with a bit of caution - especially if you're visiting from...
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