Novo Tahiti — Restaurant in Funchal

Don’t be put off by this unlikely name for a restaurant. The buffet was great value for good Madeiran food in the centre part of the city. Try to get a table outside for the people watching. The day we went, the soup was trigo (a rich wheat berry soup with pork and vegetables) with garlic bolo de caco and was one of the best I have had on the island. There were four main courses: chicken pieces in a lovely tomato based sauce, braised liver (not for me but my wife said that it was exquisite), pork chops (did not try - looked a bit thin and dry) and the star of the show which was bacalhau com natas (cod in cream). It was not salty at all and the proportion of cod to cream and potatoes was staggering. The salad selection included hard boiled eggs, the usual tomato, onion and lettuce selection and a cole slaw which I found was delicious because it was not drenched...

We came here and expected a nice dinner after a long day, since the restaurant had a good rating, but when entering there was a weird smell. Then we ordered the food and we waited 50minutes for 6 people. Too long, in my opinion. There were only a few other people there. When the food was finally delivered after almost an hour, it was not delicious. I ordered tuna with onions and fries, but the tuna was over cooked, completely dry and chewy. This is not how tuna is supposed to be, and it cost 12€. The fries were barely warm, no vegetables as well. Just tuna and fries. Would not recommend. My friends ordered meat with fries, and their meat was just as dry and chewy. The seafood risotto was only good food there. The waitress was very...

We were looking for true Madeirean food and weren’t disappointed after entering this establishment. Friendly welcome by the waiter, who made clear that we could help ourselves to as much as we wanted from the buffet 12:00-16:00. Everything was nicely seasoned and there was enough choice for if you are vegetarian. It was so enjoyable that we went back the next day to tryout the á la carte menu which was also very tasteful. Be warned, portions are very generous. My partner with a healthy appetite, struggled to finish his portion of pea soup as a starter and Arroz de Marisco, we also shared a portion of Bolo do Caco. Prices are very reasonable. Can’t recommend this...