The story
Restaurante Calhau in Funchal’s São Martinho district earns its 4.3 stars as a beautiful coastal spot where, as Luke Martin notes, the "incredible smoked cod and meats" steal the show. The renowned food vlogger highlighted Cristiano Ronaldo’s favorite dish here — likely the smoked cod Bacalhau à Brás com Bacalhau Fumado — alongside a slow-braised oxtail (Rabo de Boi Fumado e Brasado 18 Horas) and passion fruit crème brûlée. Martin praised the "stunning view and friendly service," making it clear the restaurant delivers on more than just celebrity endorsements.
The menu leans into local traditions with a smoky, braised touch, offering dishes like the unique Toucinho do Céu com Sorvete de Agrião e Maracujá. The waterfront terrace and casual atmosphere make it a quintessential Madeiran local spot, perfect for seafood lovers seeking both scenery and substance.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2025.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 4 dish mentions say about the food
At Restaurante Calhau, the passion fruit crème brûlée steals the show with its tropical twist, while reviewers agree the overall vibe is one of warm, seaside simplicity.
“The crème brûlée has a beautiful glass-like crispy top, and then you get a little sourness from the passion fruit inside. It's perfect — I always love dessert, and this one goes so well with the tropical fruity sourness. You can see the passion fruit seeds at the bottom. Who would have thought crème brûlée goes perfectly with passion fruit?”
What creators say
1 creator has covered Restaurante Calhau. Most active: Luke Martin
A beautiful coastal restaurant in Madeira serving incredible smoked cod and meats, with a stunning view and friendly service — Ronaldo's favorite dish here is a must-try.
Dishes mentioned
Bacalhau à Brás com Bacalhau Fumado
This is Ronaldo's favorite dish, and I can see why. The smoked cod is incredible — it's been smoked for an hour and then cooked for just 10 minutes, so it stays super tender and flaky. The eggs are still runny and creamy because the chef took it off the heat right after adding them, so they don't scramble. The sweet onions come through right away, and the truffle oil at the end gives just a hint of flavor without overpowering it. The matchstick potatoes add a nice crunch. Honestly, this is seriously good — Ronaldo has great taste.
Rabo de Boi Fumado e Brasado 18 Horas
This oxtail is smoked and then braised for 18 hours — you don't even need teeth to eat it. It's extremely tender, melts in your mouth, and super smoky. I tried it with the creamy mashed potato and it's just so good. The smoked meats here are clearly their specialty, and I can see why.
Crème Brûlée al Maracujá
The crème brûlée has a beautiful glass-like crispy top, and then you get a little sourness from the passion fruit inside. It's perfect — I always love dessert, and this one goes so well with the tropical fruity sourness. You can see the passion fruit seeds at the bottom. Who would have thought crème brûlée goes perfectly with passion fruit?
Toucinho do Céu com Sorvete de Agrião e Maracujá
This is a very traditional dessert — a tart made with almonds and pumpkin, served with a sorbet of watercress, passion fruit, and lemon. The name translates to 'bacon from heaven', but it doesn't taste like bacon at all. The tart is really heavy, but it's balanced by the sorbet which is sour and sweet. It's really good.
