Porto Santo

Tucked into the green hills of Serra de Fora, Restaurante Teodorico has long been a local favourite, and it’s easy to see why. The terrace looks out over unspoiled nature, setting the stage for a menu that celebrates the flavours of the island. The house specialty is the espetada (juicy, wood-grilled meat skewers), but the cod on a bed of baby vegetables is equally delicious. And for a true taste of Porto Santo’s culinary heritage, don't miss the bolo do caco, freshly baked by a local artisan, soft and perfectly fermented.

Sabores na Brasa is a familiar name on Porto Santo, serving simple, grill-focused dishes. The menu focuses on local classics, particularly the regional espetada and some of the best grilled octopus around. Portions are generous, prices are fair, and the atmosphere is easygoing and informal. And if you have room left, the desserts, especially Pecado da Freira ('nun’s sin'), are to die for.

Pé na Água sits directly on the beach, with tables just a few steps from the sand and the sea in full view. It’s best known for seafood: grilled fish, octopus, limpets, and fish soup are regular picks, with the prego sandwiches being a popular choice as well. The setting does most of the talking here, especially toward sunset. Service, however, can be hit or miss, so it’s worth coming with a bit of patience, ordering a drink, and settling in to enjoy the view while things unfold.

Right along the island’s main road, João do Cabeço is one of those places everyone seems to know and recommend. Rustic stone walls, a cozy dining room, and a small terrace with sea views set the scene for honest, no-nonsense local cooking. It’s best known for its bolo do caco with garlic butter, often claimed to be the best on Porto Santo, alongside classics like grilled limpets, chouriço, caldo verde, and the house “prego especial”, a garlic-rubbed steak sandwich served in bolo do caco. Portions are generous, prices are reasonable, and due to its popularity, it’s worth arriving early.

Perched on a hilltop near the Portela Viewpoint, Panorama lives up to its name; many tables look out over Porto Santo’s bay, making it hard to ignore the lure of dinner at dusk. The appeal goes beyond the view: the kitchen strikes a balance between local character and comfort‑food variety. A few highlights include grilled limpets, a well‑seared T‑bone steak, octopus cooked “à lagareiro”, and shrimp risotto. For a treat after the main course, the chocolate brownie and apple‑caramel tart get frequent praise.

Located near the airport on the island’s north side, Restaurante Torres is one of those long-standing Porto Santo institutions that feels more like a family home than a restaurant. Opened in the 1970s, it’s best known for comforting, traditional cooking, especially the famous polvo à Moda da Clarinha (octopus slowly cooked over a wood fire in a richly seasoned tomato sauce) and the equally popular roast chicken. Starters often feature escarpiada, a rare local flatbread made with corn flour and cooked on the caco (a traditional hot stone or griddle), usually served alongside a fresh fish salad. The setting is warm and informal, with a small courtyard terrace that completes the homely feel.

Vila Alencastre has the charm of a rustic, down-to-earth Madeiran home, with stone walls, wooden furniture, wine barrels, and plenty of greenery. You can choose to sit inside the cosy, inviting dining room or out in the leafy courtyard. The menu sticks to simple, traditional staples at very reasonable prices, from light starters like melon with presunto to heartier plates such as espetada, swordfish with banana, and octopus. Nothing overcomplicated, just honest food in a relaxed, welcoming setting.