Os 10 melhores restaurantes de BBQ na Madeira

Madeira takes grilled meat seriously. You will find beef sizzling over charcoal, Brazilian-style rodízio, Argentine steaks and espetada: generous cubes of beef traditionally seasoned with garlic and salt, skewered and grilled over fire.

These ten restaurants each offer a different kind of grill night in and around Funchal. This is not only a ranking: use the notes below to find the place that fits your evening, whether you want a polished dinner, a lively feast or a genuinely local experience.

1. Carvão Grill House — polished charcoal cooking in central Funchal

Close to the marina and the historic centre, Carvão combines an elegant dining room with the flavour of real charcoal. The meat is the reason to come, but the thoughtful starters, side dishes and Portuguese wine list turn dinner into a complete night out.

Best for: a special dinner without the formality of fine dining. Good to know: prices are higher than at a neighbourhood churrascaria and booking ahead is sensible.

2. La Vaca Negra — Argentine-style steak in the Lido area

La Vaca Negra is a long-standing favourite for big flavours, hearty portions and an upbeat atmosphere. The focus is Argentine-inspired beef, cooked simply and served without unnecessary fuss.

Best for: steak lovers who enjoy a lively dining room. Good to know: evenings can be busy and energetic, so choose an early table if you prefer a quieter meal.

3. Han Table Barbecue Madeira — Korean barbecue you grill yourself

Han offers one of Funchal’s most sociable dinners: a grill built into your table and a selection of meat to cook exactly as you like it. It is interactive, relaxed and especially fun when travelling as a couple or with friends.

Best for: an informal evening where dinner is part of the entertainment. Good to know: you do the cooking, and your clothes may carry a little grill aroma afterwards.

4. Central Grill — classic churrascaria close to the apartment

On Rua da Levada dos Barreiros, Central Grill has been serving Brazilian rodízio, regional espetada and picanha carved at the table since 2003. It is a dependable choice when generous portions and traditional grill flavours matter more than fashionable décor.

Best for: families, groups and hungry diners. Good to know: the restaurant is outside the tourist centre — particularly convenient from Apartment Funchal — and is closed on Wednesdays at the time of writing.

5. Espettus — Brazilian rodízio on Estrada Monumental

Espettus is made for the evening when you arrive hungry. Choose the rodízio and different cuts keep coming to the table, with a buffet of salads and sides within easy reach. There are also à-la-carte steaks and grilled fish.

Best for: a cheerful, generous group dinner. Good to know: it is popular, so a reservation saves waiting during weekends and high season.

6. Garden Grill – Prime Carnivore — an intimate modern steakhouse

Near the Savoy Palace and Pestana Carlton, Garden Grill takes a contemporary approach to meat. Black Angus cuts, picanha, slow-cooked ribs and chimichurri feature on the menu, in a calm setting that also works well for a date night.

Best for: couples who want quality steak in a relaxed, polished room. Good to know: the dining room is not large, so reserve rather than relying on a walk-in table.

7. Beef & Wines — premium beef with expert wine pairing

Beef & Wines does exactly what its name promises: carefully sourced meat alongside an extensive Portuguese wine selection. Staff can guide you through cuts, doneness and pairings, making this one of the best choices when the bottle matters as much as the steak.

Best for: a celebratory dinner or serious wine lovers. Good to know: this is one of the more premium options, although the menu also includes fish, pasta, risotto and vegetarian dishes.

8. Traineira Grill – Steak House — worth the short trip to Caniço

Traineira Grill sits in Caniço, east of Funchal, and earns the journey with consistently praised service, well-handled steaks and substantial portions. The beef skewer and fillet steak are natural places to start.

Best for: adding a grill dinner to a day on Madeira’s east side. Good to know: it is easiest by car or taxi from Funchal.

9. Churrascaria São Roque — grill your own espetada like a local

This unpretentious São Roque favourite turns dinner into a very Madeiran experience: you cook your own skewers over the grill, with help when needed. Add bolo do caco, milho frito and a simple salad, and you have a memorable meal far from the polished tourist circuit.

Best for: local atmosphere, good value and hands-on fun. Good to know: the setting is simple, the restaurant sits uphill from central Funchal and cash is useful.

10. Restaurante Alta Vista — a family-run meal with a view

Alta Vista, at Largo do Miranda above Funchal, pairs a warm family-run atmosphere with broad views over the city and bay. The menu is wider than a pure steakhouse, but grilled meat and Portuguese comfort food make it a rewarding final choice in this list.

Best for: sunset views and a relaxed local meal. Good to know: the location is away from the centre and the best-view tables are popular, so reserve and ask for one.

What to order at a Madeiran grill

• Espetada regional: beef cubes grilled on a skewer, traditionally associated with bay laurel wood.
• Picanha: a juicy cut with a fat cap, often sliced at the table in Brazilian churrascarias.
• Bolo do caco: warm Madeiran flatbread with garlic butter.
• Milho frito: crisp cubes of fried maize, the classic partner for espetada.
• A Portuguese red: ask for a Dão, Douro or Alentejo wine that suits your chosen cut.

A few practical tips before you go

• Reserve for Friday and Saturday evenings, especially in summer and around Christmas and New Year.
• If doneness matters to you, say it clearly: mal passado (rare), médio (medium) or bem passado (well done).
• Opening hours, menus and prices can change. Check directly with the restaurant on the day you plan to visit.
• For restaurants uphill or outside Funchal, a Bolt or taxi lets everyone enjoy the wine.

Whichever style you choose, order slowly and leave room for another skewer. On Madeira, the best grill dinners are rarely rushed.

Continue reading: our best restaurants in Funchal