Restaurante O Clássico — Restaurant in Funchal

Despite the beautifully presented food and friendly service from the waitstaff, our overall experience was deeply disappointing — largely due to the rude and unprofessional behavior of the host.

We had originally booked for 7:00 PM and requested a table with a view, but later rescheduled to 7:45 PM. Being a busy Saturday night, we struggled to find a taxi and arrived shortly before 8:00 PM. The restaurant was half empty at that time. To our surprise, the host — in full view of the dining room — informed us, rather bluntly, that our table had been given away due to our late arrival. I politely questioned this, pointing out that our confirmation email clearly showed a 7:45 PM booking. He curtly replied that while they allow a 15-minute grace period, they expect guests to call if they’ll be late. While this may be their policy, his tone and public handling of the situation were entirely inappropriate and embarrassing.

When my mother, clearly shocked, asked if he wanted us to leave, he dismissed her with a laugh. It was uncomfortable, and we were very aware that other diners had noticed the exchange — something that surely detracts from the atmosphere for everyone.

Later, after we finished our main courses, the host cleared our plates without offering dessert or coffee — something that should be standard in any restaurant. We waited another ten minutes before a different server eventually brought over the dessert menu. Even more frustrating, we ordered three scoops of ice cream, but after waiting 30 minutes with no sign of it, we decided to leave. My mother went to explain that we never received our dessert — the host didn’t offer a single word of apology.

To be clear, the servers themselves were lovely, and the food was well-balanced and flavorful. But unfortunately, first impressions matter, and the host’s aggressive and dismissive behavior cast a long shadow over the evening.

Additional notes: The restaurant does not offer physical menus; instead, guests are given iPads to scroll through. This detracts from the ambiance, especially for a place positioning itself as fine dining. The bathroom was unkempt — with no soap available and only paper...

Nice location but very disappointed in the food and the waiters attitude. I ordered the fried fish and shrimp. For 20 euros I expected something decent, instead I got one shrimp and what looked like dark tuna meat. Picture a single shrimp on top of 3 pieces of dark meat fish. I told the waiter that I could not eat that. He asked me if I wanted to take it to go, as if he thought that I was going to pay for it. I told him to take it away. He asked if I wanted to order something else. I ordered onion soup thinking it would not take much time to make. It took 45 minutes to get the soup while a baby was screaming at the table behind me. My guest were long done with their meal and were waiting for me. The soup finally came and it was worth eating. I left the 9 euros soup and left with the baby scream his head off. They offer sliced bread and butter when you sit down, then charge you 2.50 euros each. They make it appear that it is complementary then it appears on your bill. I've been in Madeira for 8 weeks and we eat out everyday. This was my worst experience yet and I hope I never have another...

Yesterday , I and a friend went there for supper main courses and his starter was ok. My limpets, on the other hand, half were undersized and were surprised it was legally able to serve and tough . ( I wish I had my camera to take a picture of it.) They offer you bread, water and after my meal they brought me a small fruit platter, which I was surprised as I didn't asked for it . When it came to paying the bill, I was surprised that they charged for the water,very small pieces of bread, and the platter. I just didn't like the hidden cost. They should be up front if they are going to charge me for food that they offered that we didn't order ..I been going to Resturante Embaixador Madeirense in the old town in Funchal the price are fantastic food is more superior nicely presented and value for money not to mention ambience . For half the price with an extra glass of wine and poncho for just over €33. 00 for two been there twice be going back there tonight . I staying in the hotel for another 2 weeks. But I sure I not going back even with the 10% discount because I live...