Restaurante O Moinho — Restaurant in Santa Cruz

Tonight I had the worst dining experience I’ve ever had in all my life...

Arrived at 7:30pm and was promptly seated. Waited around 20 minutes to be asked if we’d like any drinks, many other tables had been seated in this time, and like us, many other tables were “dry” and without refreshment.

Finally our small dinner order was taken and the entertainment began, singers were fun and enjoyable and certainly kept us distracted from the reality of the situation...Tables were served in a very ad hoc way, tables that arrived after us got served before us, other tables that arrived after us had started to complain about the slow service and many tables still without any drinks...

1/2 our starter arrived after an hour, which was essentially garlic bread. We waited for the other starter but it quickly became apparent it wasn’t coming anytime soon, so we ate the lukewarm bread with no side plates and then about 15 minutes later, our other starter arrived.

Another long wait ensued and we were asked twice what the order was for our main course...The guy who took the initial order wrote it down!

Around an hour later our main arrived without the side orders, and by that point we were so hungry we didn’t even bother wait. Ten minutes later our sides arrived. While waiting we saw many couples argue, staff bickering with each other and many people complaining about the service, which definitely ruined the atmosphere. No one asked us how the food was, if we needed anything or came by to top up our glasses. During our main course a camera crew came in with huge cameras and bright lights, shining in our faces and with no regard for us trying to eat. No staff informed us this would be happening, and the camera crew didn’t seem to have any regard for this off putting behaviour either.

While we were waiting for our mains to be cleared, a table near us got so fed up with waiting for the oil and vinegar they asked to have ours, of course, we obliged. When our table was cleared we were asked if we wanted coffee or dessert and they were actually shocked that we didn’t. By that point we’d spent about 3.5 hours in the venue for a small starter and main and we didn’t want to take any chances.

The bill arrived and discovered we were charged €22 for house red (might be a scam to rip off tourists) didn’t query it as just wanted to pay and leave. So went up to pay and was told the card machine wasn’t working. We could have been told at any point during the evening but they waited until the very end of our meal... and to think, during any of our long waits between courses we would have had time to withdraw cash. We didn’t have cash and were instructed to go to a nearby ATM. ATM wasn’t working which meant a 20minute drive around the island to find one, followed by a return to the restaurant and finally home.

I would be embarrassed to take guests here, it would ruin a family celebration, taking kids would be impossible as they’d be bored to tears and you certainly wouldn’t take anyone here if you wanted to impress them! If you go relatively early in the evening you are stuck and may have to cancel any plans you had afterwards, as it takes so long...Start to finish 4 hours, mainly of just waiting. We were joking that we could have gone back to the UK in time it took to have two courses there.

To describe O Moinho in three words would be: -Chaotic -Uncoordinated -Amateurish

Only come here if you are not in a rush, hungry or care about mains/sides arriving at the same time. Ignore whatever glowing interviews you may have seen on TV from today, the people interviewed came in very late and were served way more promptly than actual patrons. The reality behind the camera is...

The most expensive local beer (Coral) ever in Madeira 4.5 euros/ 500 ml - Caneca, but it seems that there are preferential prices for drinks for tourists (as well as for coffee - the same price as Nini Andrade restaurant in Funchal). Unfortunately for the owner, we have been locals for many years and have experienced almost all the locations on the island. Good food in the traditional style of the island, with reasonable prices and quantity. Recommendation: if you're still in the area, choose the kitchen, not the bar :) Good parking and easy access for people with...

As a visitor from the UK, I can honestly say this family-run restaurant has been one of the highlights of my trip. The food is absolutely exceptional — especially the traditional espetada, which I highly recommend. Tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked, it’s a dish that truly captures the local flavor.

The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a personal touch that only a family-run place can offer. Whether you're a tourist looking for an authentic experience or a food lover in search of something special, this is a spot you shouldn't miss. I’ll definitely be...