We first came to this reastaurant 6 years ago and could not wait to try it again during our recent holiday to Madeira. We were not disappointed - the service, food and setting had not changed at all and it still is our favourite restaurant in Funchal. The 3 waiters are charming, friendly and very knowledgable about the food they... more

We visited 3.08.09 Found the food palatable & OK. But very much small portioned and expensive. Hit the non-tourist back streets for a far better dining experience. Recommendations from me ... eat where the locals eat. more

We discovered O Portao after having read reviews in Trip Adviser. The old Town is NOT near the catherdral. It IS around the old yellow coloured fort to the eastern side of Funchal. If you approach from the cable car terminus and the Madeira Story exhibition be prepared to go through the close packed eating houses that will try to... more

We tried most of the restuarants in the old town area and this was our favourite (went 3 times as a result). Food was very good and value for money. The local scabbard fish with banana, passion fruit and almond sauce was superb. Liked the quiet setting but close enough to other restuarants and bars to have some atmosphere. Staff... more

Went here with my dad for a meal one evening. Attentive staff and good food. Try the limpets to start which are very good. My dad had the banana curry for a main and enjoyed that. I had the hunters rabbit (which comes on the bone) and this was pleasant enough. The restaurant is situated just outside the main set... more

We enjoyed three meals at this restaurant and particularly the local dish of "scabbard" fish, of which there were several different choices on the menu. All meals came with a good variety of vegetables and we were provided with a free liqueur at the end of each meal. The waiter service was first class and there was no touting for... more

This was one of the nicest little restaurants that we have eaten in for quite a few years. A totally genuine experience. Having tried the touristy restaurants outside of our hotel 'the hotel Porto Santa Maria' we were delighted to find the O 'Portoa . We eat there 10 nights out of 14. They close on a Monday. We were... more

We visited this restaurant twice and had two good meals. Reasonably priced, too. The staff are friendly and attentive and all the food is authentic Madeiran. Try the limpets for the starter - if you like mussels you will love these....they are drenched in tasty garlic butter and are mouthwateringly tasty. But avoid the crepes suzette - they drench them... more

We tried a couple of other restaurants which were good, but we found the food and service at O Portau to be outstanding and good value for money. A good range of dishes on the menu allowed us to try something different each night from a fish and tropical fruit curry sauce to rabbit and also some excellent pasta dishes.... more