Two Michelin Stars on a Cliff Edge, And Worth Every Cent
Il Gallo d'Oro sits inside The Cliff Bay hotel at Estrada Monumental 147, in the São Martinho hotel strip that runs along Funchal's southern coast between the Lido and the old Reid's Palace. It holds two Michelin stars and a Green Star for sustainability. The chef is Benoît Sinthon, a Frenchman who figured out early on that Madeira's larder, subtropical fruit, Atlantic fish pulled from deep volcanic waters, herbs growing in the hotel's own gardens, was more interesting than anything he could source on the mainland.
The Chef and His Approach
Sinthon's cooking at Il Gallo d'Oro is rooted in Madeiran ingredients, but filtered through French technique and a genuine commitment to sustainability. This isn't greenwashing, the Michelin Green Star backs it up, and the restaurant sources heavily from local producers and the PortoBay hotel's own garden. In March 2026, Sinthon coordinated the Michelin Guide Portugal Gala, which was held in Funchal for the first time. That kind of responsibility doesn't land on a chef who's coasting.
What You'll Eat
There are two tasting menus: the Terroir Experience, built around island ingredients, and the Il Gallo d'Oro Top Experience, available in either 9 or 12 courses. Average spend is around €150 per person before wine, firmly in €€€€ territory. My advice: commit to the longer menu. At this level, the arc of a meal matters, and you don't walk out of a two-star tasting halfway through.
Sinthon has a knack for making overlooked ingredients the star of a dish. Local root vegetables, lesser-known Atlantic fish, things that don't scream luxury but arrive at the table with a clarity and precision that justifies the price. The plating is clean, not fussy. The service reads the room well: attentive without hovering, knowledgeable without lecturing.
The Room and the View
The dining room faces the Atlantic, and on a clear evening, the sunset does most of the decorating. The space is refined without being stiff, this is Madeira, after all, not Geneva. Ask for a window table when you book, though the room is compact enough that most seats deliver. The overall effect is one of quiet confidence: a restaurant that knows what it is and doesn't need to shout about it.
Practical Details
Reservations are essential. Call +351 291 707 700 or book through the PortoBay website. The dress code is smart casual, no sportswear, no jeans. You don't need a jacket, but make an effort. This is a two-star Michelin restaurant, not a beach bar.
Getting there from central Funchal takes under ten minutes by taxi (roughly €9-12). Bus number 48 also stops nearby if you prefer public transport. From Cristiano Ronaldo Airport, it's about a 25-minute drive.
The Verdict
Il Gallo d'Oro is, straightforwardly, the best restaurant on Madeira and one of the finest in Portugal. It's not an everyday dinner, unless your budget says otherwise, but for a special occasion on the island, nothing else comes close. If you want a different but still excellent dining experience in Funchal on another night, Casal da Penha is well worth your time.
And don't spend your entire Madeira trip at the table. The island's levada walks around Funchal are the best way to earn an appetite for a dinner like this. If you're visiting in spring, check our guide to surviving the Flower Festival, it's worth planning around. And for those with a sweet tooth, the Chocolate Market 2026 is another fine excuse to visit.
