Seated on the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace, in a cozy room with painted ceilings, you’ll feel like you’re dining under the stars—and the food will truly transport you to another world. Chef Carlos Gonçalves serves up innovative five- to seven-course tasting menus (à la carte is also available) using local ingredients but with a twist—think traditional cozido panelo (vegetables and sausage) transformed into tasty tacos and creamy rice with nori seaweed and lemon purée.

Which was vital when lunch at the hilltop Quinta do Barbusano was espetadas prepared by owner Tito Brazão and dinner was multiple courses at Galáxia Skyfood on the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace, a gleaming hotel that opened in 2019. The food played skillfully with Madeiran tradition. The panelo, a traditional banquet of stewed pork and sweet potatoes, had been reinvented as a taco; dessert was a banana poached in rum and accessorized, cheekily, with a communion wafer.

If an upscale splurge is your thing—and if you only have the allowance for one—make it Galaxia Skyfood. Here, 16th floor ocean views are accompanied by dishes like Wagyu beef speared on a bay leaf stick, nestled in a bowl of pine branches and a literal-smoking coal, or fermented red snapper in a ponzu and avocado puree with tingling mango gel. For more top-of-Funchal dinners, Restaurante Desarma sits on the rooftop of The Views Baía.

Located on the top floor of the five-star Savoy Palace hotel, this place lends itself to an Instagram shot or two, with a galaxy-themed bar area complete with a starry ceiling, LED lights, mountain views and a fine spread of artfully-presented cocktails. The Negroni-inspired Space Truck is a must-try, with a unique combination of hazelnut-infused gin, Campari and Madeira wine.

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).

Galaxia Skybar: Located on the 16th floor of the Savoy Palace, Galaxia Skybar is a standout venue that offers an unforgettable nightlife experience. Known for its mesmerizing views and stylish ambiance, Galaxia Skybar has been the venue of choice for exclusive events, including New Year’s celebrations and annual fireworks festival. Significantly, Cristiano Ronaldo chose to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2024 at this bar.

The Savoy Palace's signature restaurant sits at the top of the hotel and sports a view of the bay of Funchal. Dishes here prime on creativity and communicate an experience that appeals to multiple senses, through colour, fragrance and palate. The space is shared with the Galáxia Skybar, with a cocktail menu.

Galáxia Skyfood | Skybar - The best panoramic views in Funchal from a rooftop due to it being slightly further to walk and on the outskirts. It's also a lot higher than the other ones so the views are truly stunning. It's also one of the few that is open earlier so you can enjoy it for an afternoon.

Some of the best ones to visit are Galáxia Skybar at Savoy Palace hotel, Cloud Bar at hotel NEXT, Three House Rooftop opposite Anadia Shopping center, 360º Bar at The Vine Hotel on top of the La Vie shopping center, Off-Side at Pestana CR7 Funchal, and the Terrace Bar at Sé Boutique Hotel.

With a view of the island by night and a ceiling full of stars, Galaxia is a palatial restaurant. Of the five-course tasting menu, I am won over by the tender wagyu beef skewers, and fermented fish with mango avocado and chilli.

Galáxia Skybar atop the Savoy Palace offers panoramic views of Funchal and the ocean. Fusion cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and vibrant fruits, complemented by cocktails and live music.

On February 14th, savour your Valentine’s Day dinner at Galáxia Skyfood, crafted by Michelin star chefs Cíntia and Joachim Koerper.