NOMADE Restaurante — Restaurant in Funchal

We had really high hopes for this place given the reviews but sadly our experience didn't match up.

On arrival, we were excited to get started with drinks. I chose the Lavender Haze (being a Swifty) and my daughter had the pink dragonfruit mocktail - both delicious. All good to start.

When it came to ordering food, this is where it unravels...

Our daughters both have sensory issues and the menu isn't very child friendly. We ordered some bread for them to nibble however when it came, it was a seeded bread - so neither would touch it.

For mains, both opted for carbonara and wanted this without black pepper - which shouldn't be a problem if you're making it fresh. We asked the waiter this and he said ok. After about half an hour, he returned to us and said the chef said he couldn't make it without black pepper... which I found baffling to be quite honest. I felt it was more a case of wouldn't. He offered for them to change to something else however there genuinely wasn't anything else they would eat. We decided they would stick with carbonara as we assumed there wouldn't be too much pepper... our optimism was misguided.

When the carbonara came, it had a mountain of black on top so I honestly, was a tad frustrated at the fact we had been told it couldn't be made without pepper. My youngest point blank wouldn't touch it. So I called over a waiter to query why we were told it couldn't be made without pepper when it very clearly could have been. He didn't know what to say so called over someone else. He said he had given us the option to change to something else and we chose to stick. Yes, that is true however we explained there was nothing else on the menu for her and that we didn't expect for it to come with a mountain of pepper. There was absolutely no reason it couldn't have come without it other than a chef who knows best. We were then told it was black salt mixed with pepper - my point still stands that it could have been made without it.

I appreciate seasoning but when it comes to kids, sometimes adjustments need to be made and everywhere else we have been have had no issues - especially if you don't have a specific childrens menu. It seemed wholly inflexible and just sent everything in a downwards spiral. My eldest ate hers however youngest changed with me - I had chosen the pulled beef with pasta. I ended up with the carbonara. She ate about 2 or 3 forks of the pasta and said she didn't like it. Admittedly, it was quite watery and tasted too sweet. I ate the carbonara which was quite nice but absolutely way too salty. I'm glad I didn't let her eat it. I didn't feel like it settled very well. Hubby had to finish the pulled beef so it wasn't all wasted.

For dessert, we ordered the lemon meringue tart and the cheesecake. Both were nice but very heavy - we struggled to finish these.

When it came to paying, the waiter asked if we wanted to pay euros or GBP - we said euros but then he accepted some charges which you are supposed to decline. So my husband queried this as he said you usually decline these as otherwise it costs us more - and why would he just accept without asking us? He couldn't answer and he just said sorry, that he doesn't know what to do. He then asked my husband to sign - so he asked what he was signing and was told to sign to say he agreed to accepting the charges - so he refused as he hadn't accepted them. At this point, I had had enough so I left with our youngest so I could go buy some bread in the way home to make her some toast. Husband later updated me to say the waiter had gone back to the bar to discuss with other staff but then never returned so he eventually left.

On the walk home, I started feeling even more sick and on return to the hotel, I was actually sick which really was a brilliant end to the evening.

One other downside are the toilets. They are wall mounted and quite high. I am short so struggled to get on them 🤣 my feet couldn't touch the floor - Kids wouldn't have a chance to get on them.

Overall, a disappointing night. I wouldn't recommend...

What a genuinely superb world class meal! This place is beautiful and filled with gorgeous art work on the wall, which the lovely waiter informed us was the owner’s own creations, and we are so pleased to have booked a table, as we were given the best table in the place right by the window. The place was jam packed, and it was Sunday night. Obviously the reputation is deserved because the food is outstanding. Beautifully prepared with the freshest ingredients and the offerings are very unique. We had prosciutto bruschetta as a starter, and it was on a brioche with pecan cream, walnut and dark honey, and it was to die for. In addition, we had the artisan bread with butter and olive tapenade. A joy with our Portuguese Sauvignon Blanc. My husband had the pulled beef pasta, which was beautifully cooked, low and slow, and the tomato sauce was so light and refreshing. Not a heavy pasta dish at all. I had the carbonara, with a gorgeous pancetta like cured pork made from pig’s cheek, so yummy. The sauce was a classic with egg yolk, Parmesan and fresh black pepper. This rivals anything you would have in a big city restaurant. Sadly, they were out of lemon merengue tart, however we ended up having an even better dessert in the form of hazelnut and salted caramel tart with the most beautiful presentation and I adored the buttery crust. Honestly, if I could award Michelin stars, I would. The chef is extremely talented, the atmosphere is wonderful, and I would recommend booking to avoid disappointment, as they were having to turn people away! Sorry I didn’t take photos. I was too busy eating! And it was the cheapest meal we have had so far on our trip, and it was the best. I am astounded what a fantastic value it is, and we also had a cocktail and a bottle of wine! £68 for 2 people is unheard of, particularly for such amazing quality! Truly...

I had the pleasure of dining with my girlfriend, Elisa, at the Nômade restaurant in Madeira. It was, without a doubt, a perfect evening filled with unforgettable flavors, a stunning ambiance, and flawless service.

We started our evening with some appetizers that left us absolutely amazed: the Vitello Tonnato bruschettas were simply divine. Every bite delivered a harmonious combination of flavors, rich and perfectly balanced. It was the perfect way to kick off what would turn out to be an exceptional dining experience.

For the main course, our choices were as delicious as they were spot-on. I opted for the spaghetti with truffles, and I can confidently say it was one of the best versions I’ve ever tasted. The unmistakable aroma of truffles elevated the dish to another level. Elisa, on the other hand, was delighted with the shrimp spaghetti, where the freshness of the seafood was undeniable, complemented by a rich, perfectly seasoned sauce.

We paired our meal with a wine from the restaurant’s excellent selection, which was the perfect accompaniment to the dishes. It was the ideal touch to make the evening even more special.

Of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the desserts, and they didn’t disappoint. From their elegant presentation to the refined and balanced flavors, everything was simply perfect.

The restaurant's ambiance deserves special mention as well. The modern yet cozy decor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, ideal for a romantic dinner or a special night out with friends. Additionally, the staff were absolutely impeccable, friendly, attentive, and always available, making us feel truly welcomed.

I wholeheartedly recommend Nômade. It was an unforgettable experience that combines everything you look for in a great dinner: delicious food, outstanding service, and a charming atmosphere. I can’t...