A rustic mountain restaurant in the hills of Camacha, Cantinho da Serra serves espetada hung over the table on a wrought-iron hook alongside cornbread and honey-marinated pork, in a wood-beamed dining room popular with tour groups.
Cantinho da Serra is a rustic mountain restaurant in the hills of Camacha, above Funchal, and it serves one of the island's most theatrical presentations of espetada, hung over the table on a wrought-iron hook and lowered by diners as they eat. The beef skewer is grilled simply with garlic and bay leaf, accompanied by cornbread and honey-marinated pork, and the hook presentation has made the restaurant a regular stop for organised tour groups touring the Camacha area, known for its wicker workshops and mountain views. The dining room is wood-beamed and countryside in character, with long communal-style tables well suited to groups, and the atmosphere is convivial and often lively when tour coaches are in for lunch or dinner. Because of its popularity with tour groups, the restaurant can feel busier and more group-oriented than smaller Madeiran tabernas, though independent travellers are equally welcome. Reserving ahead is recommended for weekend dinners and any visit coinciding with organised tours; the restaurant is closed on Wednesdays.
| Price | €€ (€16–€28 / $17–$30 per person) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 12PM–3PM, 7PM–9:30PM Thu–Tue (closed Wed) |
| Reservations | Recommended for weekend dinners and tour groups |
| Address | Estrada do Comboio, 9135-062 Camacha |
Signature dishes
- Espetada na Vara (skewer on the hook) — €15 (~$16)
- Carne de Vinho e Alhos (wine and garlic pork) — €14 (~$15)
Good to know
- Known for
- Hook-hung espetada in the hills above Funchal
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Estrada do Comboio, 9135-062 Camacha
32.6928, -16.8306 View on map
Highlights
- Espetada na vara, hung over the table on a wrought-iron hook
- Carne de vinho e alhos (wine and garlic pork)
- Wood-beamed mountain dining room in Camacha
- Popular stop for organised tour groups
Tips for visiting
- Reserve ahead for weekend dinners and tour-group periods
- Combine a visit with Camacha's wicker workshops nearby
- Closed on Wednesdays
- Expect a livelier, group-oriented atmosphere than smaller tabernas
Accessibility
The restaurant is in a rural mountain setting with a ground-level dining room; the wood-beamed interior has long communal tables that may limit individual seating flexibility for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
What is distinctive about the espetada here?
It is hung over the table on a wrought-iron hook, a presentation style associated with the island's mountain restaurants.
Is Cantinho da Serra popular with tour groups?
Yes, it is a regular stop for organised tours visiting Camacha, so it can be busier than smaller local restaurants.
What day is it closed?
Cantinho da Serra is closed on Wednesdays.