The island’s first Michelin star came courtesy of French chef Benoît Sinthon at Il Galo D’Oro in The Cliff Bay hotel, which was praised for the products and traditions that are based on local cuisine. It gained a second star in 2017, which it has held on to.
The 2021 Michelin Guide for Spain and Portugal, which was launched at the Real Casa de Correos in Madrid, has retained the brightest stars on all Madeira: Il Gallo D’Oro and William. The Bib Gourmand, which features restaurants offering good food at more moderate prices than those featured in the main guide, believes the Armazém do Sal, Casal da Penha, Villi Cipriani, The Dining Room and Avista are all worthy of mention.
Working on the Iberian guide is a team of about a dozen anonymous Portuguese and Spanish inspectors. The restaurants are assessed on five main factors: the selection of products, creativity and presentation, mastery of flavour and cooking techniques, value for money; and consistency. Because of the disruption, this year the assessments have been more flexible.
Open your wallet (or raid your savings) and go and discover those stars. Here is a list of Michelin star restaurants on Madeira – and who knows if there won’t be more in future guides (yes, we’re looking at you, Galáxia Skyfood).
