Sabor a Sal — Restaurant in Funchal

We initially found this place after exceptional reviews in Google. Once we got there, it was packed with students and local workers, all queuing up for the buffet. The crowd would have been intimidating for the average tourist, but as I speak the local language, we decided to give it a try and see what it was all about. It didn't take long for a rushing waitress to stop by and happily explain how it works. And after trying out the food, we didn't go anywhere else for lunch or dinner ever since! If it's good for locals, it's good for me! Authentic food, like homemade. Professional, yet joyful. The buffet is diverse, for many tastes. Also abundant, yet very affordable. A special mention for the "prego no pão especial": the madeirense equivalent of a hamburguer, but with actual steak and the suberb local flatbread - bolo do caco - loaded with garlic butter. It's so juicy and flavorful! And after all, there's no barrier for tourists at all, as I learned they can do it all in English as well :-) Don't miss this place. I found my mom's food in Funchal :-) Maybe you will...

A Disgraceful Experience: Cold Food, Rude Staff, and Verbal Abuse

This restaurant in Madeira delivered one of the most disgraceful dining experiences I've ever endured. The food was stone cold, tasted like it had been reheated from the night before, and to top it off, I found a hair in the rice. When I raised the issue with the staff, they were shockingly dismissive, with one woman acting as though I was the problem for daring to complain.

The service was utterly abysmal. I was rudely told not to use my phone, despite a raucous group of 50 people nearby shouting and drinking without issue. Then, to my disbelief, a man who claimed to be the owner approached me and began verbally abusing me over how I was sitting. His behaviour was nothing short of disgraceful, and as I decided to leave, he continued shouting and attempting to kick me out in the most humiliating manner imaginable.

If you're looking for cold food, atrocious service, and a side of verbal abuse, this is the place for you. Otherwise, steer well clear – this establishment is an...

Very tasty homemade food, amazing service, lots of locals who eat here. Very affordable. It’s a kanteen with good food, you can choose between meat and fish plate. Plates are big and tasty. The service is fabulous, the lady saw us struggling a bit with our hungry and grumpy toddler and asked what can she eat outside of menu. In the end our daughter ate very tasty sandwich that wasn’t on the menu and as well her fish plate. Desserts are really nice as well. So much better than a street away with all the...