Cafetaria Sardine House cafe & snacks — Restaurant in Machico

Granted: this is an oasis in the truest sense of the word. There is nothing much around there, so after trudging along the path under the sun it becomes a miracle to be able to have a cold beverage and something to eat.

Why three stars instead of five? Most times, there is quite a long wait. There is a menu and I have yet to find out which items on it they sell for real and if so, when. Apart from the menu there are sandwiches on display which will take a couple of minutes to be toasted and then handed to you at the counter. Prices are rather high, but part of that can be understood by the fact that everything has to be ferried in by boat. It costs 1 Euro to use the restrooms, which leads to the women inevitably lining up and most men shrugging and walking somewhere else to pee. I don’t know how they handle the waste water but on two recent visits I found that there was quite a stench that suggested there should be at least a filter installed to lessen the odor.

My verdict: by all means, grab something to eat and a drink. Just don’t expect this to be...

Located at the end of the hike, this was a good place to get food, drinks and use the bathroom (costs 1 euro per person). They had a wide range of food options from sandwiches, cakes and pasta. Food prices started around the 4 euro mark for basic sandwiches. Drinks weren't unreasonable either considering they bring everything by boat.

Our group of three had 2 pesto, cheese & tomato sandwiches, 1 steak sandwich, 2 sodas, 1 homemade lemonade, and 2 large waters which came out to be around 33 euros. You can pay with card, cash or digital wallet (apple/Google pay).

They only accept the trash from things they sell so you won't be able to throw out trash you bring with you like a banana peel or granola bar.

They partner with a tour group who sells tickets for kayaking and return trips via boat if you don't want...

The restaurant is located towards the end of Vereda da Ponta de São Lourenço trail. I ordered a basil pesto, cheese, and tomato sandwich and a 7up. Nothing to note of the sandwich (think of the similar Starbucks sandwich). You get what you pay for, but the cost is reasonable. Drink wasn’t very cold but staff gave a cup of ice when asked.

(4 instead of 5 star rating as I’ve had food and experiences that have been better elsewhere).

Seating is limited and you may have to share a table with others.

It is a self sufficient restaurant with solar power and staff and food/equipment come in daily via boat. Due to its isolated location and method of transport, they only dispose of garbage from items they sell. This is also the only place to get food and use the...