Taberna da Esquina

Taberna da Esquina is chef José Cordeiro's design-forward petiscos restaurant in Funchal's hotel zone, taking the traditional Portuguese small-plates format and reworking it with modern technique and presentation. Octopus à lagareiro served as a petisco and Iberian pork cheeks with purée are the two dishes most representative of the kitchen's approach — familiar Portuguese flavours refined for a more contemporary dining room. The space itself reflects that same modern sensibility, with clean, design-led interiors that set it apart from the rustic tabernas found in Funchal's old town, aimed at a slightly more polished, food-focused crowd. An extensive by-the-glass wine list is a defining feature, allowing diners to pair a different wine with each small plate as they work through several courses, in keeping with the grazing nature of the petiscos format. Service is attentive and paced for a multi-course, wine-paired meal rather than a quick bite. Given chef Cordeiro's profile and the restaurant's reputation for modern Portuguese cooking, reserving ahead is recommended, especially for dinner.