Restaurante La Parreira — Restaurant in Ribeira Brava

Fun concept of choosing your meat for the espetada skewers from the butcher and them cooking it on the open barbecue infront of you. Food tastes great and the skewers are hung from wire above all the tables and looks brilliant. The only thing we didn't like is that you have to cross the road (on a bend) to order food and drinks and wait for it to be brought over. There is a carro de sesta for photographs which is a nice touch and a ride on toy for the little kids. Our smaller kids had fun playing and the staff were kind to them which always makes me score higher than I might have done otherwise, for the following reason.... Communication needs work as we asked for my fiancé's birthday cake to be taken out of the box and brought to the table and then a different waitress came over, dumped the sealed box on the table and left. So he knew there was a cake in it for him and we had to struggle to get it out, unwrap the candles taped to the top and luckily we had our own lighter because they didn't offer to light them for us. Finally 5 minutes after it was put on the table we started to sing happy birthday! We also ordered coffees to come with the cake and by the time they'd arrived we'd eaten it... we had to chase them up aswell. And there were only 2 other tables eating at the time (to watch the football) so I'm not sure why they...

We had a wonderful experience eating at the La Parreira restaurant. It was great meeting the enthuastic host Fabian whom greeted us with a big smile and who was happy to explain us the restaurant's unique concept of picking out your own pieces of meat at their butcher shop before they are prepared on the grill in front of your eyes.

We tried various types of meat (beef, chorizo, spicy salsicha, lamb) as well as a few side dishes (fried cheese, fried cornmeal, pineapple with cinnamon) and were happy with how great it all tasted. Prices are maybe a bit higher but I think this is fairly reflected in the quality and taste of the food as well as the fact that mostly everything that the restaurant serves is sustainably and locally produced.

If we have to nitpick we felt the sangria was a bit weak flavored and we have tasted others that we feel were better. But this might also just be personal preference in that we like a more alcohol-y taste to our sangria.

The service we got by the staff was great. The restaurant is family-run and you can tell that the people here really care about providing their customers with a lovely evening.

We could keep on writing but if you're in the area we recommend checking out the place for yourselves. You won't be disappointed.

Thanks again and much...

We had an unforgettable evening at this family-run restaurant. All of the food comes directly from their own farms, and the quality is obvious in every dish. The experience begins by choosing your own cuts of meat from the butcher, which are then cooked nearby on a wood-fired grill. Watching the flames and smelling the smoke as our meal was prepared added so much to the atmosphere.

The espetada (meat skewers) were a highlight, arriving at the table sizzling and hanging from tall skewers, making the presentation just as exciting as the taste. Everything was tender, flavourful, and perfectly cooked.

The restaurant itself is rustic and welcoming, with wood beams, an open grill, and stacks of firewood that give it a true countryside charm. From the terrace, you can see the beautiful hillsides, which makes the setting even more special.

The service was warm and genuine. Fabian, the family’s official translator, speaks perfect English and made us feel right at home. It was clear how much pride the family takes in their food and hospitality.

This was more than just a meal. It was a glimpse into Madeiran culture, full of authenticity and flavour. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an experience they will remember long after...