Armazém do Sal

Armazém do Sal is a contemporary restaurant in Funchal, on the Portuguese island of Madeira, set in a restored warehouse of roughly 200 years that once stored salt. It stands at Rua da Alfândega 135 in the Zona Velha, the old quarter behind the cathedral, a few minutes' walk from the waterfront. The kitchen reworks Madeiran and wider Portuguese produce into plated dishes, and the cooking is more composed and more formal than the traditional tascas on nearby Rua de Santa Maria. The dish most often associated with the restaurant is the chef's grilled squid served with mashed potato and beetroot mayonnaise, a plate that shows the house approach of familiar island ingredients presented in a modern way. The dining room keeps the character of the old stone warehouse, with a calm, grown-up atmosphere that suits couples and small groups rather than large, boisterous parties. There is no recognised dress code, though diners tend to dress smartly for dinner. The wine list is built around Portuguese bottles, and a meal with a bottle of wine typically runs about €45–€65 (~$52–$75) per person, placing the restaurant in the upper-middle price bracket for Funchal. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday for lunch (12:00PM–3:00PM) and dinner (6:30PM–11:00PM), with Sunday dinner only. Reservations are advisable: booking a couple of days ahead is recommended in summer and over the Christmas and New Year period, when Funchal is at its busiest. Lunch tends to be quieter than dinner, which makes it the easier slot for visitors without a booking. The restaurant's phone number is +351 919 134 411. Its location in the Zona Velha makes it easy to combine with a walk along the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria or a visit to the nearby Mercado dos Lavradores and the cathedral.