Golden Gate Grand Cafe
1 / 10

Golden Gate Grand Cafe

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A historic grand cafe since 1841, offering classic decor, elegant surroundings, and delightful pastries. A timeless Funchal experience.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Golden Gate Grand Cafe

Golden Gate Grand Cafe

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic grand cafe since 1841, offering classic decor, elegant surroundings, and delightful pastries. A timeless Funchal experience.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"The atmosphere is as charming as ever, with delicious food and friendly service. A perfect mix of tradition and modern touches."

TIP

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially during festivals or when cruise ships are in port.

Try Local Specialties

Explore Madeira's flavors with codfish or seafood dishes.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Open·Closes 11:30PM

Cuisine

Italian & Portuguese

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+351 291 222 978

Address

Av. Arriaga N° 29, São Martinho, 9000-060 Funchal, Portugal

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Grand Cafe Ambiance

Historic Grand Cafe Ambiance

Step back in time in this elegant 1841 cafe with classic decor, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers.

Delectable Pasteis de Nata

Delectable Pasteis de Nata

Savor perfectly baked, creamy 'pastei de nata' tartlets, a must-try pastry delight.

People-Watching Terrace

People-Watching Terrace

Enjoy meals or beverages on the outdoor terrace, ideal for soaking in the Funchal atmosphere.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The oldest grand cafe in Funchal city, Madeira island 🔆 #portugal #madeira #tiktokportugal #travel
@lilyaoliveira
30 likes • 2.9K views

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially during festivals or when cruise ships are in port.

Try Local Specialties

Explore Madeira's flavors with codfish or seafood dishes.

Golden Gate mornings hit different here 🤎 #viral #views #coffee #cafe #bridge
@eshap212
47 likes • 672 views

Indulge in High Tea

Enjoy a late High Tea featuring creamy 'pastei de nata' tartlets.

Embrace the Ambiance

Enjoy the traditional atmosphere and watch the world go by.

Tips

from all over the internet

Reservations Recommended

Book in advance, especially during festivals or when cruise ships are in port.

Try Local Specialties

Explore Madeira's flavors with codfish or seafood dishes.

Indulge in High Tea

Enjoy a late High Tea featuring creamy 'pastei de nata' tartlets.

Embrace the Ambiance

Enjoy the traditional atmosphere and watch the world go by.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Golden Gate Grand Cafe is a charming, historic spot praised for its elegant ambiance and delightful pastries, particularly the pasteis de nata. While many enjoy the classic decor, friendly service, and people-watching opportunities, some reviews mention inconsistent service and overpriced items like juices. Despite minor issues, it remains a popular institution for a leisurely coffee or light meal.

"Returning to Golden Gate after 25 years was a nostalgic delight. The atmosphere is as charming as ever, with delicious food and friendly service. A perfect mix of tradition and modern touches. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Funchal!"

Al Dr

"Lovely cafe which is bit of an institution in Funchal. Established couple of centuries ago. Great architecture and outdoor seating to chat with friends and people watch.The bolo de mel honey cake with sugar cane syrup is fantastic with a glass of madeira"

Rajesh Nair

"A wonderful restaurant where you can enjoy a good coffee and some cakes.
I highly recommend this place."

Viorel Dediu

What People Like

Historic and elegant ambiance
Delicious pastries like pasteis de nata
Great people-watching on the terrace

What People Dislike

Occasional slow or inattentive service
Some items perceived as pricey

Frequently Asked Questions

Established in 1841, it's one of Funchal's oldest and most well-known cafes, offering a glimpse into traditional Madeira.

It's recommended to make reservations, especially during peak times, festivals, or cruise ship visits.

The 'pastei de nata' tartlets are highly recommended, along with their homemade ice cream and classic pastries.

Yes, gluten-free muffins have been noted, making it a good option for those with dietary restrictions.

Absolutely! The outdoor terrace is a popular spot for enjoying beverages and observing local life.

Diners describe a classic, elegant, and historic atmosphere, with some noting it feels like stepping back in time.

Mentioned in

Featured in these publications

Fodor’s Travel

Restaurants in Madeira

Just across from the tourist office in the heart of Funchal, this restaurant-café has been open for business off and on since 1814; sit in the airy interior, capture one of the tables that flank the sidewalk, or—even better—bag a seat on the balcony. You can pop in for coffee, light local specialties, or British-style afternoon tea, or settle in for a feast of (somewhat pricey) Portuguese dishes.

Visit Source →
Lonely Planet

Drinking and nightlife Madeira, Portugal

Around since 1841, the Golden Gate is one of Funchal's best-known cafes, though it lost its olde-worlde charm in a glitzy refurb a few years ago.

Visit Source →
vbithyd.ac.in

classic restaurant funchal

, Indian - Taj Mahal - Next to the Carlton Hotel (now Pestana) - Rua Carvalho Arajo, - tel 291 228038. Same owners for neighbouring restaurant Casa Velha, Rua Imperatriz Dona Amlia 69. He plays from 7.30 to 9ish here. Many Madeiran dishes are quite dry but this restaurant offered some options with lovely sauces. Located inside the Meli Madeira Mare Hotel, this la carte restaurant offers international cuisine. I just hope they've survived the COVID downturn. Another recommendation is the zabaglione with a Portuguese twist, served in a huge bowl. Outside is not very imposing but it serves first-class food at a reasonable price. This name is a tribute to the Madeiran restaurant. Open every day for lunch and dinnerC.C. The offer consists of mostly burgers, for all tastes and in all sizes, paired with natural juices and homemade crisps, in a soothing atmosphere and with a menu that is constantly innovating and transforming itself. The cuisine is contemporary, comfy and set in a space which benefits from an overwhelming view of the north coast of Madeira and part of Porto Santo. Simply perfect. Open Tuesday to Sunday for lunch and dinner Rua do Porto S. Tiago FunchalTel: +351 291 215 580. The restaurant offers dishes cooked in the Josper coal-fired oven, with modern and irreverent gastronomy. Meet the restaurant which combines the best meat of New Zealand and local Madeiran wines. Well, every country has one & its opposite an Irish Bar too!! Quite often there are shows on too. If you missed "English" food the Taj Mahal serves an excellent "English styled curry." A comprehensive, up-to-date travel guide for your selected destination showing you the best do and see activities, restaurants, cafs, nightlife, shopping and much more. Aconchego is all about Mediterranean food and staying true to its Madeiran roots. It is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and its wine list features Portuguese wines. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinner and Sunday for dinner. Self-catering holidays in Funchal, Madeira. Abel Vieira 77 CanioTel: +351 291 933 431. Awarded two Michelin stars, this is the perfect place for a romantic dinner for two. Also on offer is a variety of proposals of international cuisine. Address: Rua do Carmo N19B, 9050-019 Funchal Great food and service, recommended, Traditional + African Influence - O Jango - Old Town, close to the cable car - Rua de Santa Mario 166, - tel 291 221 280. Great for cocktails with an amazing view and service of course. The swordfish served with banana, the tuna or the swordfish stand shoulder to shoulder with other Madeiran products, all transformed into displays of great creativity. Modern - ATLANTIC Restaurante - Estrada Monumental 179, - tel 351 291 761 703, Facebook, A 20 min walk from the apartment (just past the Lido next to Vidamar Hotel), a stunning setting for lunch on a nice day. Signature cuisine that it is inspired in the regional, national and international cuisine not only transports to each of our customers sounds and harmony, but above all provides strong and emotional palate. Finalmente, delicie-se com um jantar de 3 pratos com a nossa seleco de vinhos a acompanhar. Offer a take-away service too. Situated just 4km outside of Funchal town centre, this holiday rental is perfectly located for eating out, shopping, and sight seeing. Modern - Magic Tea House - If you walk down to Praia Formosa beach and turn left, walk across the beach and through the tunnel (far end of the beach) there is another walkway up to Magic Tea House. Being in the Old Town, it has plenty of tables outside in the alleyway. Este clssicoproporcionar uma viagem memorvel at ao nosso Restaurante do Forte. Open Monday to Saturday for lunch and dinnerEstrada Eng. Highly sought by the local clientele at lunchtime and occasionally discovered by tourists, it features among its signature dishes limpets and grilled fresh parrotfish, as well as flambeed steaks dressed in Roquefort sauce. Um lugar verdadeiramente nico que combina uma cozinha internacional com ingredientes caractersticos da gastronomia madeirense. The fish is displayed in a stall and sold for its weight. Traditional - Cusmio's - Old Town, close to cable car - Rua de Santa Mario N. 169 - tel 291 224 007. Tasca Literaria Dona Joana Rabo-de-Peixe is known for their seafood dishes, cooked with prime quality, fresh ingredients. Great service & food and wonderful staff. Dress smart or you'll feel out of place. Pizzaria Colombo is one of the most sought restaurants in Porto Santo, and very much appreciated by locals. Centromar, Rua da Ponta da Cruz FunchalTel: +351 291 761 229. Booking is recommended. See here. Besides beef, there is also a wide variety of fresh seafood, soups and salads. Fique a conhecer outro Restaurante da nossa empresa! Traditional - Casa Portuguesa - Old Town - Travessa das Torres , - tel 291 228 446. Traditional - Jardins Do Infante - Close to the old Savoy Hotel site - Ave. Do Infante, 56, - tel 291 226 083/4, Very good food with plentiful seating outside, Chinese - Sun China Restaurante - Close to The Lido & Cliff Bay Hotel - Rua do Gorgulho, - tel 291 772 934. Open Saturday to Wednesday for lunch and dinner, Estrada Monumental n. 153,Beco da Abelheira. Comece a sua noite com o pick-up no icnico Austin 12 Clssico. L'Osteria presents a wide and eclectic wine selection, ideal for those delight in a glass of good wine. Recommended several times by the Michelin guide Bacchus is based on the culinary art from organic products, most of which are produced in Madeira.The cuisine of this restaurant is of terroir in which almost all the dishes have a link to Madeiran cuisine.The restaurant is part of Quinta do Estreito, a charming hotel, part of an old wine producing property. Be prepared to be "pitched" by the waiter as you walk past, especially when passing the harbour-front cafes and old town, so stand your ground if the restaurant is not what you are looking for. Open every day for lunch and dinnerEstrada Dr. Joo Abel de Freitas Cmara de LobosTel: +351 291 099 909. Cuisine, Art, they all have a word in common: Passion, - 96 valid for center/hotel areaof Funchal. Not to be missed for a drink at very least. Traditional - Taberna Ruel, Old Town, Rua de Santa Maria, https://tabernaruel.com, Open every day for lunch and dinnerEstrada Monumental, 238 FunchalTel: +351 291 765 818www.chaletvicente.com. It does come in handy if you cant get the match on the cable TV at Vila Formosa, it has EuroSport 2 on constantlyin English of course! Note, for 15 Euros the restaurant will collect you in one of their classic cars. Last visited Jan 2022. Both well worth a visit! A very good restaurant with all indoor dining but live music from Juan Caldarado who you will probably see playing the guitar in the centre of town during lunch (trademark hat!). Open every day for lunch and dinner Marina do FunchalTel: +351 291 230 547. Visit our Youtube channel and get to know our space and more! Located by the Calheta beach, this restaurant is committed to regional and international cuisine. Italian - Dona Amlia - Close to the Carlton Hotel - Rua Imperatriz Dona Amlia 83 - tel 291 225784. The restaurant stands out for a variety of entrees and desserts, all placed on the table for the customer to choose from. : +351 968 882 020. chegada ser servido um espumante com morangos e chocolate, mesa. Domingo, Schedule: Very good Chinese restaurant with quite a few outdoor tables too. tel 291 235 470. Comece a sua noite com o pick-up no classico Austin 12. The name refers to a tool used to distill rum from Madeira but the Alambique is not confined to tradition. Open Wednesday to Monday for lunch and dinner. The restaurant has the most amazing view of the Atlantic Ocean and is surrounded by lush gardens. Open every day for lunch and dinnerCabeo da Ponta - Porto Santo Tel: +351 291 982 137. Alley seating plus a courtyard in the back. Pestana Miramar - Just before the bridge into town, opposite Reids, about 20 minutes walk - tel 291 706 100. Traditional & International - Patio Restaurant, A small, formal dining area. You can also enjoy live music and a selection of cocktails. : +351 291 941 866. Open every day for lunch and dinnerPraia da Fontinha, Rua Goulart Medeiros Porto SantoTel: +351 291 980 450. Traditional - Restaurante Tokos - Close to the former Crown Plaza Hotel, CS Resort, - Estrada Monumental, 169, - tel 291 77 10 19. Open on Thursday for dinnerCasino da Madeira - FunchalTel: +351 291 140 424. Located in the oldtown of Funchal, Casa Portuguesa lives up to its name and offers a Portuguese food menu that creates harmony between the classic and the contemporary. Max. This might well be the number one reason why this restaurant is immensely popular with locals. As well as a wide array of pizza, you can enjoy a rooftop terrace with a nice panoramic view. The gastronomy is predominantly Mediterranean and employs fresh products from Madeira. Right by the entrance to the Port of Funchal, this restaurant makes its own beer, which can be sold in 'giraffes' or by the meter. Chinese - China Town - Close to the Hotel Zone- Centro Comercial Monumental 1, Loja 31 - tel 291 765 457. Great service, food and outdoor dining. Situated in one of the most emblematic areas of Funchal-the Old Town, the Mozart Restaurant with a decoration taken to the detail, in a style reminiscent of the Classical season, lives in a refined atmosphere and at the same time familiar, with attention to detail and a team that although young is very experienced playing the ninth symphony of Mozart. Open every day for lunch and dinnerRua da Carreira, 75A, FunchalTel. Inspired by the figure of the Austrian composer, the Mozart is a classical restaurant, down to the last detail, including the dcor, the quality and creativity of the food and the quality of the service and the team that breathe life into the space. The Dining Room restaurant offers an innovative and neat a la carte service with a finest gastronomic,inventive and contemporary cuisine. Open Tuesday to Saturday for dinner Belmond Reids Palace Hotel | Estrada Monumental 139Tel: +351 291 717 171. Casa Madeirense enjoys a solid reputation amongst visitors who seek local gastronomy served in a typical atmosphere. Dress code: Smart Casual. The inspiration is Mediterranean. Rua Penha de Frana Beco do Atade - 1 9000-604 FunchalTelf: +351 291 227 674. Open every day for dinner Travessa das Torres, 30 (Old Town) - FunchalTel. The Ritz Madeira is one of the oldest restaurants of the entire island, and it has not lost touch over the years. There is a large outdoor terrace for summertime dinners, with a spectacular view of the sea. Indian - Indian House - Rua da Carreira 144, - tel 351 291 241 653. It is located by the walls of Forte de So Tiago. Go and grab a bite at O Celeiro if you want a true Portuguese experience. The restaurant offers a maritime atmosphere, with a view of the Port of Funchal and the boats docked at the Marina. Enjoy the proximity to the sea and deep sense of tranquility that comes from being so close to the Lido bathing complex, in the Seaside Promenade of Funchal. With an atmosphere of history, this restaurant can accommodate groups and events. It uses products grown on the grounds of Quinta da Serra, where the restaurant is installed. Open every day for lunch and dinnerRua Simplcio Passos Gouveia, 21 FunchalTel: +351 291 708 708. Tel 351 291 222 978. French chef Benot Sinthon is renowned as one of the best on the island and offers a creative signature menu, with top-notch ingredients from each season. Sporting a beautiful view of the Porto f Funchal, this is the Belmond Reid's Palace's signature hotel. The restaurant also features several past options as well as steak cooked on stone. Tempt me . It recreates traditional dishes and reinterprets local products, adding a touch of international cuisine. A sanctuary of meat, the Vista dAntnio steak house welcomes visitors to a rustic atmosphere. Once frequented by Michael Winner, very good experience mixing local dished with Fado singing. The restaurant also serves afternoon tea and possesses rooms fit for small gatherings and celebrations. The restaurant is well above local standards plus an excellent wine list (but beware of the Rothschild!! Hard to find, look for a courtyard with a small entrance right off the street (one of the back streets with all the small shops). (John & Barb, June 2008). We offer you a set of services to make you feel at home! Para tornar a sua experincia ainda mais nica dispomos de um servio de transporte muito especial: O nosso Austin 12 um clssico britnico de 1932 que certamente deixar boas recordaes da sua viagem de e at ao Restaurante Do Forte. The menu also features meat dishes. Great service and atmosphere. Unforgettable experience aboard a classic car with a private chauffeur. Car drive from the hotel to the restaurant and back, sunsets, island tours amd customised tours. Owner/chief Filipe dos Ramos will welcome you personally and show you one of the best local fish selections on the island, featured to the left. Nice food, hotter than I expected for Madeira (reference the Madras)! Unforgettable experience aboard a classic car with a private chauffeur. Do not miss it! Island Private Tour Located in the same building as the prestigious Casa Madeirense restaurant, access to the Pizzaria Casa Madeirense is done via the Beco da Abelheira alley. The restaurant features the typical atmosphere of Madeiran households, with windows overlooking the garden, and is decorated with attention to detail. : +351 965 059 715. Reservations Info +(351) 291 700 770 If you have any recommendations, or a listed restaurant has changed since COVID19, please email Mark Blezard at mark@madeira-lets.com. Try the steak on the stone. A barbecue place that combines the regional tradition, ambience and flavours in a single spot. Located in the Oudinot building in the historic centre of Funchal, the restaurant offers a view of the city and the sea. Like the Golden Gate Cafe, this is part of the old traditional Madeira where you can imagine what it was like being an explorer in the 1930's. It took me years to find this restaurant due to its location upstairs, it is now one of our must-visit venues each trip. It is located on the beach and is only open between Easter and September. That is where you can find this fish restaurant. The inspiration for the decor is taken from an old printshop that used to be housed in that space. This restaurant's star is meat, offering several meat types cooked in many different ways, a highlight being the picanha steak. One of the most beautiful places in Porto Santo is Calheta. Open everyday for lunch and dinnerQuinta da Serra, Jardim da Serra,Cmara de LobosTel: +351 291 640 120. The food, of good quality, comprises mostly traditionally Portuguese dishes and the wine list changes according to the season of the year. It is a space dedicated to fusion cuisine, which uses the rabata grill charcoal oven system. Restaurant O Tasco has been known for keeping their dishes authentic and staying true to their Madeiran roots. A very modern, stylish restaurant offering a mixture of dishes from across the far east. : +351 291 648 780. A few examples are the fish madras, chicken korma or vegetarian dishes. The espetada, the fried corn and the bolo do caco flat bread are the main stars of a restaurant that is fully committed to the cuisine, spirit and traditions of Madeira. I believe you can gain access for free if you buy a drink or just a few Euros if not. Mark Blezard says, "This is my local. Integrated into the Club House of the Porto Santo Golf Course, this restaurant features a wide room as well as a wide rooftop with a view of the golf course. Slightly more expensive over local restaurants but very well presented and authentic.

Visit Source →
jwhunter.com

classic restaurant funchal

Like the Golden Gate Cafe, this is part of the old traditional Madeira where you can imagine what it was like being an explorer in the 1930's. Positioned at the lower level of the property in front of the boutique Hotel Quinta da Casa Branca, lies an elegant and luxurious Manor House featuring a distinctive dining room, in a classic ambience with an al fresco dining terrace, serving a la carte and table d'hte meals. Be prepared to be "pitched" by the waiter as you walk past, especially when passing the harbour-front cafes and old town, so stand your ground if the restaurant is not what you are looking for.

Visit Source →
Madeira

Restaurants | Restaurants in

Like the Golden Gate Cafe, this is part of the old traditional Madeira where you can imagine what it was like being an explorer in the 1930's. Great service and atmosphere. Hard to find, look for a courtyard with a small entrance right off the street (one of the back streets with all the small shops).

Visit Source →
Guia Turístico - Discoverportugal2day

Funchal, Madeira - Things to Do

In the early 20th century, artists and Funchal financial elite would gather. Today, it’s a beautiful cafe and restaurant with classic decor and a cosy atmosphere. We can purchase delicious cakes and ice cream at reasonable prices.

Visit Source →