Quinta do Furão – Madeira Restaurant with Views

Quinta do Furão – Madeira Restaurant with Views

Monica Tindall

Madeira is certainly not short on views, and we are happy to take advantage of them at every meal. A table on the balcony of Quinta do Furão on the cliff top of Achado do Gramacho in Santana, on Madeira’s northeast coast, offers panoramas of the island’s spectacularly wild coastline, accompanied by local recipes and a solid Portuguese wine list.

The restaurant is part of a larger complex containing vineyards and a fancy hotel. The grounds are stunning, and it’s well worth exploring, either pre or post-meal.

Cocktails

The local rum punch, Poncha (EUR 4.75), is always better when homemade (not the pre-packaged bottles lining tourist stores). And, of course, the team at Quinta do Furão have their own recipe, which is refreshing and dangerously moreish with Madeiran rum, fresh juices and a touch of honey. Poncha is often served in glasses around the same size as a shot glass – a hint at its potency level (beware!).

As it’s only midday, I choose a glass of rosé by the glass to accompany the meal, which is vibrant and versatile. However, if we were to settle in for the afternoon, for sure we’d order a bottle of Terras do Avô’s Grande Escolha Red (EUR 45). It’s one of the few table wines produced in Madeira with multiple awards and accolades.

Quinta do Furão Menu

To Begin

To begin, we fill our stomachs and hearts with Traditional Homemade Wheat Soup (EUR 7). It’s hearty and comforting, balanced and nourishing. The small bowl is deceptively filling, with grains, red beans, onion, celery, pork, and cubes of potatoes and carrots. We imagine it an energising meal for people labouring on the steep slopes of the island’s rugged terrain.

For something incredibly decadent, try the Gratinated Azeitao Cheese (EUR 23.50). It’s a full round, lightly golden on top and indulgently warm and melty in the middle. The sweet Madeira wine reduction and dried fruit complement the dairy’s richness, and the deep char lines on the thick Santana bread slices add an enchanting smokiness to every bite. The menu says this dish is for two people, but we think it’s so rich it could easily be shared between four.

Mains

Meals are impressively sized at Quinta do Furão. My Sauteed Black Scabbord Fillet (EUR 21) is a fish that dominates Madeiran catches and is an essential part of the fishing economy. It comes as three generous fillets in a herbed batter. The classic cooked banana, passionfruit and Madeira wine sauce partners bring tropical sweetness to the taste of the sea. Two huge pieces of baked sweet potato are perfectly golden with a crisp edge and soft middle, and an assortment of root veggies, broccoli and snap peas fill the rest of the plate.

Hubby’s Beef Tenderloin “Caldeirao Verde” (EUR 23.50) is a fat steak hidden beneath a puffed hat of flaky pastry. A pot of Roquefort cheese sauce offers a punch of flavour, and sauteed veg completes the dish making for a filling meal.

Quinta do Furão Digestive

Post lunch, take advantage of a digestive walk along the scenic path around the cliff tops, through the vineyards and past the hotel. Prepare your camera and your nerves – the heights and sights are breathtaking.

Reason to visit Quinta do Furão: spectacular views of the wild Madeira coast; comforting Portuguese food in large portions; homemade poncha.

Quinta do Furão
Estrada da Quinta do Furao No.6
9230-082 Santana, Madeira, Portugal – Link to Google Map
+351 911 999 000
[email protected]

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