Madeira's only two-Michelin-star restaurant, at The Cliff Bay hotel, has been led since 2004 by French chef Benoît Sinthon, whose tasting menus pair classical French technique with island produce and earned a Michelin Green Star for sustainability in 2022.
Il Gallo d'Oro, inside The Cliff Bay hotel, is Madeira's only two-Michelin-star restaurant and has been led since 2004 by French chef Benoît Sinthon, whose classical training shows in precise, technique-driven plates built around island produce. The kitchen earned a Michelin Green Star in 2022 for its sustainability practices, sourcing much of its seafood and produce locally. Signature dishes include lobster prepared with Madeira wine and passion fruit, and suckling pig served with local root vegetables — both long-running fixtures that anchor the seasonal tasting menus. The dining room is formal and intimate, with white tablecloths, ocean views over the Cliff Bay's terraces, soft lighting, and a hushed, unhurried atmosphere suited to a multi-hour tasting menu. Jacket is recommended for dinner, and service is attentive and paced around wine pairings. The wine programme is extensive, with a strong focus on Madeira fortified wines and French classics chosen to match Sinthon's cooking, and sommeliers offer a dedicated pairing menu alongside the tasting format. As Madeira's top-rated fine-dining table, Il Gallo d'Oro is difficult to book in high season; three to four weeks' notice is recommended for dinner, and earlier still around major holidays. The restaurant serves dinner only, Tuesday through Saturday, and does not typically offer a walk-in option given its small seating capacity.
| Price | €€€€ (€130–€210 / $140–$227 per person, tasting menu) |
|---|---|
| Hours | 7PM–10PM Tue–Sat (dinner only, closed Sun–Mon) |
| Reservations | Essential, book three to four weeks ahead for dinner |
| Address | Estrada Monumental 147, The Cliff Bay, 9000-098 Funchal |
Signature dishes
- Lobster with Madeira Wine and Passion Fruit — €58 (~$63)
- Suckling Pig with Local Root Vegetables — €54 (~$58)
Good to know
- Known for
- Two-Michelin-star tasting menu with a Michelin Green Star for sustainability
Weather through the year in Madeira
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Madeira.
Location
Estrada Monumental 147, The Cliff Bay, 9000-098 Funchal
32.6438, -16.9366 View on map
Highlights
- Madeira's only two-Michelin-star restaurant, led by chef Benoît Sinthon since 2004
- Michelin Green Star (2022) for sustainable sourcing
- Lobster with Madeira wine and passion fruit, a signature dish
- Formal dining room with ocean views over The Cliff Bay
Tips for visiting
- Book three to four weeks ahead for dinner, especially in high season
- The tasting menu with wine pairing is the recommended way to experience the kitchen
- Request a terrace-facing table when booking for ocean views
- Jacket is recommended for dinner
Accessibility
The Cliff Bay hotel has step-free access and elevators to the restaurant level; guests with mobility needs should mention this when reserving so the hotel can prepare an accessible table.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should Il Gallo d'Oro be booked?
Three to four weeks ahead is recommended for dinner, particularly during the high season.
What is the restaurant known for?
It is Madeira's only two-Michelin-star restaurant, known for chef Benoît Sinthon's French-Mediterranean tasting menus built on local produce.
Is there a vegetarian tasting menu?
The kitchen can accommodate dietary requests with advance notice given at the time of booking.