Restaurante do Forte — Restaurant in Funchal

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My main issue came at the end. I asked for the bill and hoped that they would have taken the dessert issue into account but they charged the full amount of 220 euro for 4. I challenged this with the waiter who initially just brought the card machine. I then made it clear I wanted to complain. The waiter then walked back to the kitchen pass area and had a debate which was joined by other staff who then appeared to heatedly debate. Our table was in clear view line of this area and we felt uncomfortable as we were one of the only tables left.

Another waiter came (after debate) and told us he was sorry that he had forgot to take off the dessert. He produced another bill with the dessert taken off. This would normally have been enough to take care of the situation, but his demeanour was of one who did not really care and wanted to see the issue done. They did not ask to see how the situation could be rectified or really listen to some of the issues I had. We all felt that we were the ones causing the issue and just ignored us from that point onwards. We left and I did not tip (this is pretty much a first for me in madeira as I take pleasure in tipping). No one said goodbye or thankyou as we walked out which just seemed again like they did not care.

The whole issue could have been resolved if the complaint was listened to as opposed to just presuming they could take off a dessert and hand us the bill. If you are getting a bill for over 200 euros more should be expected. We had booked well in advance using Fork as we wanted a special meal for one of our last in our holiday this visit and left with a bad taste in the mouth.

Simple lesson (a bit preachy I know and I also know my business is not perfect but we try)

Listen Establish Act Rectify Nofity

This will be one venue no longer on the list for the many coming visits but I wlll be seeking to balance this review with several positives about other venues which has excelled.

There are many better and less expensive places to eat so I hope this review may help to guide others.

Madeira fanatic, Hospitality director, Lover of all things...

Wow! This experience delighted on every level. From the moment a vintage car whisked us away from our hotel like VIPs in a bygone film scene, we knew we were in for something special. Our culinary journey began with a dish that looked like art and tasted even better; beautiful scallops nestled inside a delicate pastry shell, perched atop a pool of rich, golden sauce and scattered with crisp chorizo crumble. Amazing! Next came the main event, seared tuna crusted in black and white sesame seeds, sliced to reveal its ruby-pink heart, and paired with a baked sweet potato crowned with a swirl of sweet onion confit. The flavours were in perfect balance with a view of the sea to match. Dessert wise, I opted for the dark chocolate fondant, a warm, velvety centre oozing decadence, paired with a scoop of banana ice cream. My partner enjoyed a mille-feuille-style pastry, lightly dusted with cocoa. To say we were happy would be an understatement! Throughout the evening, the wine flowed freely and was included in the exceptional price of just €110 per person. It was indulgence without pretension, luxury servrd with a warm Madeiran heart. And just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, we were then taken on a private tour of the historic 19th-century fort that gives the restaurant its name. Walking through its stone corridors under the soft evening light was a magical, unforgettable finale. The srvice was flawless, attentive yet discreet, genuinely friendly and professional and entire evening was a masterclass in hospitality, pleasure, and warmth. I’ve had the joy of dining in many wonderful places around the world, but this was truly something special.

A must-do in Madeira — book it, live...

My fiancée and I visited this restaurant to celebrate our engagement – a very special evening that we had been looking forward to. Ahead of time, we submitted a special request for some kind of table decoration or a little extra touch to mark the occasion. However, when we arrived, nothing had been prepared. When we politely asked if it was possible to get any decorations or perhaps a table with an ocean view, we were met with a flat-out no – with no attempt to accommodate us. That was disappointing and set a negative tone right from the start.

The service throughout the evening was chaotic and impersonal. We were served by five different waiters, which made communication confusing. We had specifically requested that my fiancée not be served alcohol, but this request was ignored – twice. One of those times, he was served a coconut sorbet that contained alcohol, without any prior warning or labeling.

The wine service was another letdown. We were told that wines would be carefully selected and paired with the dishes, but in reality, everyone was just given the same wine with every course – regardless of the specific dish. It felt careless and not at all curated as promised. They also did not refill our water once during our dinner.

As for the food – it was nothing special. Bland, uninspired, and definitely not what one would expect from a place trying to offer a fine dining experience. The final “petit four” was simply a dry cookie – and nothing more.

Overall, this was a huge disappointment – especially considering it was meant to be a memorable night. Sadly, the restaurant failed to deliver on every front. Save your money and go...