
Restaurante Santo António
A beloved family-run restaurant since 1966, renowned for its exceptional espetada cooked on bay laurel sticks.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Restaurante Santo António

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved family-run restaurant since 1966, renowned for its exceptional espetada cooked on bay laurel sticks.
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance to secure a table, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is very popular.
Arrive Early if No Reservation
Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help you get a table without a reservation.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Madeiran
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+351 291 910 360
Address
Estr. João Gonçalves Zarco n 656, 9325-087 Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, Portugal
Website
restaurantesantoantonio.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Signature Espetada
Indulge in the unique beef espetada, slow-cooked on bay laurel sticks for an unparalleled flavor infusion.

Traditional Madeiran Charm
Experience authentic Madeiran cuisine in a warm, family-run atmosphere established in 1966.

Exceptional Service
Enjoy attentive and friendly staff who go above and beyond to ensure a memorable dining experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance to secure a table, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is very popular.
Arrive Early if No Reservation
Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help you get a table without a reservation.
Must-Try Espetada
The signature Espetada Laurier de brochette de boeuf, cooked on laurel, is a culinary highlight.
Generous Portions
Consider ordering two espetadas and sides like garlic bolo do caco for a satisfying and ample meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Book in advance to secure a table, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is very popular.
Arrive Early if No Reservation
Seating is first-come, first-served, so arriving early can help you get a table without a reservation.
Must-Try Espetada
The signature Espetada Laurier de brochette de boeuf, cooked on laurel, is a culinary highlight.
Generous Portions
Consider ordering two espetadas and sides like garlic bolo do caco for a satisfying and ample meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Restaurante Santo António is celebrated for its exceptional espetada, with many hailing it as the best on the island. Diners consistently praise the high quality of the meat and the unique preparation on laurel sticks. While the food garners widespread acclaim, a few reviews mention inconsistency in service or overly strong garlic flavors. Overall, it's a highly recommended spot for meat lovers seeking a traditional Madeiran dining experience.
"Food, atmosphere, service all excellent!
Was recommended to go to this place by my host while on the island, the best espetada in Madeira. I went there at 9 and I was seated without a reservation, but it was almost full, so reservations are recommended.
The food was tasty, I had the beef and the ribs (on the bone). They even did half portions from each so I managed to taste both and they were good!"
Mo Abazeed
"We had a lovely dinner at Restaurante Santo António in Funchal (Câmara de Lobos). We arrived early to get a table since they don’t take reservations – it’s first come, first served, so keep that in mind!
The service was friendly and the food was very good. We ordered two espetadas on bay laurel sticks, garlic butter bolo do caco, half a portion of rice, and a small portion of fries, plus drinks. It was more than enough for two people. The fries were a bit too salty for our taste, but the staff kindly offered them on the house, which was a really nice gesture.
The atmosphere was calm and pleasant, especially towards the back of the restaurant. Everything including dessert and coffee came to around €60 for the two of us. Overall, a great spot for a traditional Madeiran meal with good service and generous portions."
Ricardo Videira
"Stayed in Madeira for a week but came to the restaurant 3 times! The experience was amazing. The espetada was out of this world, I have never witnessed meat cooked to perfection like this. The service was amazing. All servers went above and beyond, extremely friendly and very chalant. Dixxon and Ajay were wonderful, they provided amazing service from start to finish.
This restaurant is a must if you are in Madeira!!!!"
Ibrahim Abu Lafi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The signature dish is the Espetada, particularly the beef version cooked on bay laurel sticks, which imparts a unique flavor.
Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very popular and tends to get crowded.
Popular side dishes include Bolo do Caco (garlic bread) and Milho Frito (fried cornmeal cubes).
Yes, it's a family-run establishment with a warm atmosphere, suitable for family dining.
The restaurant is generally considered mid-range, offering generous portions for the price.
To avoid crowds, especially without a reservation, it's advisable to arrive early.
Mentioned in
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Restaurante Santo António has been dishing out espetadas (meat skewers) since 1966. What started as a small family tavern is now a large restaurant. They must be doing something right because the place is always packed.
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Em cada uma das mesas deste restaurante, de portas abertas desde 1966, há uma enorme estrutura em ferro que indica de imediato que a tradicional espetada madei…. Praça da Autonomia, 2, Câmara de Lobos
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For dinner, dine at Restaurante Santo António, known for its delicious espetada (skewered meat). End your evening with drinks at The Old Pharmacy, a unique bar set in an old pharmacy building.
Madeira, the Portuguese island of eternal spring
Restaurante Santo Antonio, Estrada Joao Goncalves Zarco N0 656, Estreito de Camara de Lobos, Madeira 9325-087 Portugal; +351 291 910 360
Social
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