Lá ao Fundo

Lá ao Fundo is a small chef-owned restaurant at Rua Portão de São Tiago 17, at the fortress end of the Zona Velha in Funchal, on the island of Madeira, Portugal. The name, which translates roughly as 'down at the far end', fits its position at the end of the street of painted doors, close to the Fortaleza de São Tiago and the seafront. The cooking is contemporary Portuguese, and the kitchen's best-known feature is its daily author dish, which changes each morning according to what arrives from the market. Fish is a particular strength, and the fish of the day is the other signature order. A tasting menu, at around €55 (~$63), is described as better value for two diners than ordering à la carte, while a full meal typically costs €45–€75 (~$52–$86) per person, which places the restaurant in the moderate price bracket. The room is small and personal in character, run by the chef-owner, and only a few tables sit on the terrace, which makes them the most sought-after seats on a warm evening. The atmosphere is relaxed and intimate rather than formal, and there is no dress code. Service is for dinner only, daily from 7:00PM to 10:30PM. Because the restaurant is small, reservations matter: booking two to three days ahead is generally enough outside peak summer, and terrace tables can be requested when reserving. The restaurant can be reached by phone on +351 964 527 912. The location makes it convenient to combine dinner with an evening stroll along the painted doors of Rua de Santa Maria, which is a short walk away, and with a look at the old fortress as the light fades over the harbour.