Madeira is quite the gastronomic island, and you will not have any issues eating gluten free in Funchal. I will not bore you with tons of facts about the city, but rather dive straight into it.
I spent quite a few months on the island, and below you will find some recommendations when eating out in the island capital. There are plenty of more places that cater to gluten free diets, but I prefer to mention those I have actually been to myself. Before you browse the list, here are some tips:
- You will notice I mention the Fork a bit. This is a table reservation website/app and I get nothing for sharing this. It’s just a useful tip, as you can find a lot of discounted offers. Many of the restaurants in Funchal are expensive, but with the discount they may be more affordable.
- Plate of the day is normal around the island, and is a pre-set dish with beverage and coffee included (for the most part). Check out the restaurant’s Facebook page as many list the dishes for the full week there or ask. Most of the time these are not gluten free, but you could be in luck.
- Many local dishes are naturally gluten free, and you will for the most part be able to order grilled seafood or meat at almost any restaurant.
- French fries are not always gluten free, so be careful. The same goes for ground beef, so check that a resto does not use grocery bought ground beef if you order hamburger patties.
- The traditional tomato and onion soup is not gluten free, and neither is (of course) the wheat soup called sopa de trigo. Also, bolo do caco may be a sweet potato bread but it contains flour. Stay far away from the local drink Nikita too, as beer is a main ingredient.
- Rice sidings often contain chicken stock, which may not be gluten free if it is not home made.
- Some restaurant staff confuse gluten with lactose, so make sure to also mention examples of ingredients you cannot have.
- Often your experience will be based on the knowledge of the staff that is working at the time of your visit. Thus my experiences may not always be the same as yours. I recommend to always double check allergens, have the kitchen confirm and to ensure that staff understand what is meant by gluten.
GLUTEN FREE IN FUNCHAL
100 % Gluten Free
Unfortunately, there are currently no 100% gluten free restaurants nor bakeries in Funchal. With that said, there used to be a fully gluten free bakery called VitaGlu that offered home delivery. Sadly the bakery closed down in February 2021, but hopefully it is only temporarily. I personally ordered from them three times, and they had free delivery in Funchal for orders above a certain amount. I loved everything, from cakes to cookies and bread. They have no visiting address seeing how they only do online orders/delivery, but I suggest that you check out their website from time to time to see if they are up and running again.
PLACES WITH GLUTEN FREE ON THE MENU
These are places that have “GLUTEN FREE” marked specifically on their menus, either in a separate section or through allergen marking (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
ILHAKAFFÈ-FOOD & WINE
Estrada Monumental 306, 9004-538 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Eating here was a great experience for me as a Celiac. I booked a table through The Fork and informed that I could not eat gluten in the comment section. When I arrived, the staff were fully aware and acknowledged this. The menu is not exactly allergen marked in the regular sense, but there were dishes specifically labelled “gluten free”. For instance, you could get the typical Portuguese francesinha in gluten free version. With that said, the staff was very helpful and shared that most dishes could be made gluten free even if they originally were not. I got complimentary gluten free bread and even a free tapas dish (I double checked that the free dish was gluten free). When I received my order, the waiter also stated that the dish was gluten free (“here is your gluten free…” as an additional reassurance”). I would also recommend getting a glass of the house wine, as it was very good. You can make a table reservation here for a 30% discount on your food order (I get nothing for sharing this, just letting you know of a good deal).
TIPOGRAFIA
R. das Pretas 8, 9000-049 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
This restaurant is located downtown and is part of a hotel (but with its own entrance). The entire menu is allergen marked, and once they learn you cannot eat gluten they will provide you with warm gluten free bread. They have a great variety of dishes, and once in a while you can get a discount if you reserve a table on the Fork. The staff is very attentive and accommodating. Sometimes they give you a complimentary tapas dish, just make sure to double check that it is gluten free. There majority of the restaurant is indoors, but I recommend sitting on the outside patio in the back. You can find more reviews here.
CRIS’S
Edifício Tecnoparque Passeio Público Marítimo Sítio da, R. da Quinta Calaça, 9000-108 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
A cozy restaurant along the Lido walking path with good food and attentive staff. The menu is extensive and even has a small section with some gluten free dishes singled out. Staff is attentive and the restaurant itself has a nice atmosphere, especially inside. The menu has a separate section for gluten free dishes. While this is rather small, there are more dishes on the menu that are also gluten free, but you need to ask the waiter about this. I ordered “off” the gluten free menu, and the waiter checked with the kitchen to make sure the risotto was safe. Read more here.
LE BISTRO
Av. do Infante 28F Fração AC, 9000-015 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Opposite of the local casino, you will find a string of restaurants. One of these is Le Bistro. The menu is allergen marked, and the fact that the dish with soy sauce is marked as containing gluten is a good sign that they know their allergens. In addition to the dishes on the menu, they also have a “plate of the day” deal (which is what I got after confirming it was gluten free). You can read more reviews here.
PRINCIPAL BISTRO
R. Da Praia 47, 9000-643 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Principal Bistro has an allergen marked menu in the sense that dishes that are gluten free are specified with a symbol. They also provide gluten free bread. The outdoor patio is quite nice and the staff was accommodating. When I ordered, I double-checked that the dish I got was actually gluten free (as I have had bad experiences at other restaurants) and was assured it was. As this restaurant can also be a bit pricey and with small portions, I should add that I also here used the Fork and got a discount. I saw on Tripadvisor that someone was not convinced that the rice pasta they ordered was actually gluten free, but as I did not order that I cannot tell. Just always confirm with the staff, and if you do order gluten free pasta make sure they change the water. Read more here.
MCDONALD’S
Av. Do Mar nº2, 9000-054 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
If you are in the mood for something cheap and quick, McDonald’s actually has a separate gluten free menu. While I personally find the gluten free McDonald’s bun to be a lot tastier in Norway, the one in Portugal isn’t too bad. After you have ordered, your order will contain a receipt stating “GLUTEN FREE” taped on top. Make sure it has this – and that it looks like in the photo above. I ate at McDonald’s numerous of times and had no issues, but of course you need to trust that the staff prepare your order separate from the rest. There is one branch downtown, one in Madeira Shopping and one in Forum Madeira. More info here.
PLACES WITH GLUTEN FREE OPTIONS WHEN ASKED
At these places, the menus did not have any information on allergens or ingredients, but staff was able to assist when asked about gluten free options (always keep in mind that cross contamination could be a risk for Celiacs at any establishment that is not 100% Celiac friendly).
MADCUBA
R. da Cadeia Velha 3, 9050-025 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
I cannot recommend this little restaurant enough. Not only are the dishes naturally gluten free (with perhaps one exception), but also delicious. The prices are good and the staff really accommodating. You will be taken good care of and can eat without any worry. They also have a very popular happy hour. Don’t miss out on a great meal here. You can read more reviews here.
HIMALAYAN INDIAN & NEPALI RESTAURANT
Galerias Jardins da Ajuda II, Estrada Monumental Loja E, 9000-100 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
After eating a lot of fish and traditional Portuguese food, you may be craving some Indian and Nepalese dishes. If so, you are in luck as there is quite a large quantity of Indian restaurants in the city. Outside of the city center, next to the mall the Forum, you will find one such restaurant with great food. Read more here. The menu is not allergen marked, so you need to ask the staff. The good thing about Indian food is that it is primarily gluten free, of course with exemptions. I mentioned to the staff that I was Celiac, and they said that their dishes were more or less gluten free except the naan bread. This is not 100% correct, as I saw items on the menu mentioning flour coating, so just be careful to ask about this.
REID’S PALACE
Estrada Monumental 139, 9000-098 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
I did not eat at the restaurant at Reid’s Palace but I went to their afternoon tea (high tea). It was a great experience (although costly). I reserved the EUR 36 high tea on e-mail and was assured they could accommodate my dietary restriction. Once I arrived, they confirmed I was getting the gluten free version. I have to add here that this hotel is exquisite and you feel like royalty as you enjoy the view, your pastries and tea. There is an extensive tea menu and I loved the jasmine tea. If you like, you can also order a glass of champagne. When my high tea set came, I double checked that it was gluten free, which was fortunate as it was not. After a short wait, I got the correct one and it was such a treat (5 sandwiches, jam and whipped cream, scones, various cakes). They even ask you if you want more sandwiches or scones – making it feel like it’s not such a bad deal. I have not had scones since I was diagnosed with Celiac disease, so I was in my happy place. Truly a memorable experience if you want to treat yourself. Read more reviews here.
KAMPO BY CHEF JULIO PEREIRA
R. do Sabão 6, 9000-058 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
KAMPO is not the cheapest place to eat but the food quality is exceptional. It is very popular, and you may want to book a table in advance. Once the waiter learned that I could not eat gluten, he explained what I could and could not eat. Additionally, the Chef came out to explain the menu and adaptions that could be made to make additional dishes gluten free. I felt like I was in good hands and even ate the sauces (which I always feel a little hesitant about). You can read more reviews here.
THEO’S BAZAR CAFÈ
Av. Zarco 2A, 9000-069 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
I became a regular at this restaurant, located downtown next to the military fortress. They have a decent menu and the ambiance is very nice. If you sit on the balcony you can people watch while eating, which I recommend. The staff will check with the kitchen which dishes you can have, and they are very accommodating. A tip if you are going there for lunch, is to do the plate of the day. It is a special deal which consists of a beverage, dish and coffee, and you can see what the dish is as you go up the stairway. Always check if it is gluten free, as the dishes also keep changing. Read more here.
MAU FEITIO
Promenade do Lido, 9000-758 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Located in the Lido area, this is a place not to miss. The ambiance is great (especially inside) and you can see the kitchen from your table. A majority of the menu consists of meat dishes, making it quite gluten free friendly. The staff also checks with the kitchen when you let them know of your dietary restriction. I can recommend the chicken dish, which is among the most affordable on the menu but also very good. This is also a place to enjoy a glass of wine or sangria. More reviews are located here.
TABERNA DO CAPITÃO
R. da Alfândega, 135, Beco do Açucar 3, 9000-059 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Located more or less in Old Town, this is what I would assume is a popular spot during high season. When I went, there were only a couple of other guess there. This meant that the staff was able to be extra attentive. The waiter was extremely accommodating when he learned that I could not eat gluten, and was happy to let me know which options were safe. He also checked with the kitchen to be fully certain. If you want to book a table in advance, I recommend using the Fork (as it can also ensure you a 30% discount at times). Read more reviews here.
RESTAURANTE O DRAGOEIRO
R. da Casa Branca 41 43, 9000-113 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Went to this restaurant on Christmas Eve, and it was a great experience. Had a three course meal where the waitress was very attentive to my dietary restrictions and double checked with the kitchen that I could have the Christmas special. The ambiance is also nice as there is a big outdoor patio area, and the food good. Read more here.
IL VIVALDI
R. Conselheiro José Silvestre Ribeiro 2, 9000-052 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
I went to this restaurant during low season and was assisted in finding the safe options on the menu. It may feel like a very touristy restaurant since it is next to the main street, while at the same time having a royal feel to it. Since I booked through the Fork, I got 50% off the menu and was able to try 3 dishes. The food is good and it’s worth a visit. Read more reviews here.
RESTAURANTE MOZART
Rua D. Carlos I 50, 9060-051 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Restaurant Mozart is located in Old Town and is naturally quite touristy. It is themed after.. well. .. Mozart. The interior is actually quite nice and the food is very good. Staff was able to let me know which dishes would be safe for me to eat once they heard I could not have gluten. I do have to add that I booked through the Fork and got the 50% discount, which made the experience a bit better (since the prices can be high).
RESTAURANTE MARISQUEIRA O BARQUEIRO
Centro Comercial CentroMar, Rua da Ponta da Cruz, 9000-103 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
Ended up at this restaurant on New Year’s Eve without a reservation, and was lucky to get a table. Did not know what to expect, and ended up being very pleasantly surprised. The primary focus of the restaurant is seafood, so you will find a lot of naturally gluten free options on the menu. They have several seafood and shellfish platters based on the number of people and seafood preference. The one in the picture was for 2 persons and cost EUR 50 (including side dishes) but could easily feed 3 persons. Read more here.
LOJA DO CHÀ
R. do Sabão 33 35, 9000-056 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
While they don’t have too much food at Loja do Chà, they do have salad and excellent cakes. There is also an option to get sandwiches on gluten free bread at an extra cost. Personally I only had juice, home-made ice tea and gluten free brownies. Just sitting down for a drink is a treat as the ambiance outside is very nice. They also have a great selection of teas to try or bring home. Read more reviews here.
PRAIA FORMOSA RESTAURANTE
R. da Praia Formosa, Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
If you fancy some lunch and sangria down by the Praia Formosa beach, this is the spot. It can be very popular as it is literally right next to the little patch of sand the beach has, but it’s worth the wait. I had the best scabbard fish during my stay at this restaurant, as they grill it to perfection. The staff may not have been too familiar with allergens, but advised me to get the grilled dishes to be safe. I also had dessert during another visit, where the staff was more familiar with allergens but also double-checked with the kitchen. Read more here.
LEENO’S BAR & RESTAURANT
Rua de Leichlingen 30, 9000-003 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
I have to admit, I only had one dish at this restaurant. It was so good, though, that I came back twice thereafter. While it is more a tourist thing than a local dish, there is no denying that steak on a stone is delicious. And, at this restaurant it is especially good. The first time I went there, the restaurant was packed with locals who all had this dish, so I did too, and recommend getting the steak with baked potato. I also have to add that I didn’t try the dipping sauces, as I as a precaution always avoid this in cause the kitchen forgot and I just never followed-up. They should be gluten free, but I recommend double-checking before trying. You can try other dishes on the menu, of course, and the staff will be helpful in making sure you get something safe. Read more here.
AKUA
R. Dos Murcas 6, 9000-058 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
This is the sister restaurant of KAMPO, so you should expect around the same price levels. When I asked about the gluten free options, the staff was very helpful and also checked with each other and the kitchen. The dishes were really good, although I personally liked KAMPO a bit better. Note that while KAMPO focuses primarily on meat, AKUA has more of a seafood selection. Read more here.
GAVINO RESTAURANTE BAR
Rampa do Corpo Santo 1 º Andar, 9060-291 Funchal
Celiac safety: Be aware of potential cross-contamination risk
I am a little hesitant about adding this restaurant on my list. The first time I went there, I got a lot of assistance and assurance, and had a great time. Apparently this is also a place where the Chef enjoys changing the recipes and is additionally a favorite among vegetarians. However, the two next times I went, I felt my dietary restriction was not taken seriously. I was for instance told I had to choose from the vegetarian section of the menu if I could not eat gluten, which was not correct (a lot of those dishes contain gluten and it was contrary to what I was told my first time there). I then asked if I could not order any of the meat dishes gluten free, where I was then told “of course”. They do have an extremely cheap lunch deal (around EUR 5) but you have to ask about it when you get there (or check the daily menu on their Facebook page). It could perhaps be a good idea to book a table in advance and to let them know that you are Celiac. Dinner service may also be better than lunch, as I think the main Chef is not always there during lunch service. I leave the restaurant here on the list for now, as I did get safe meals after taking charge myself and the food is good. But you need to make your own evaluation. Read more here.
GLUTEN FREE IN GROCERIES/STORES
There are several small convenience stores spread across Funchal, but unfortunately most of them will have little to no gluten free products (aside from perhaps pasta, chips and ice cream). Fear not, though, as Pingo Doce and Continente have good selections. You will find most gluten free items in the designated gluten free sections, but be aware that there may be gluten containing products mixed with the gluten free ones. You can also find gluten free items among regular products, such as gluten free frozen pizza in the frozen section. The biggest variety of gluten free items are founds in the malls La Vie, Forum Madeira and Madeira Shopping.
There is also a health store called BIOFORMA in all of the mentioned malls, as well as the very popular CELEIRO in downtown Funchal. There you will also find an abundance of gluten free items.
Have you not yet gone grocery shopping in Portugal? Be aware that items such as sandwich meats, fries, bacon and ground beef very often contain gluten. Always look at the labels, even for items you think would be safe!
FINAL NOTES
These are just some of the many places to eat gluten free in Funchal. I have written about more restaurants than those listed here, and you can find them by searching for “Funchal” in the search section. Those listed here are, however, the ones I feel I can recommend the most.
When eating out, just remember to always ask about ingredients in addition to underlining that you are “allergic to gluten”, as well as reconfirming when you receive your meal that it is in fact gluten free.
Lastly, always trust your gut feeling. If you don’t feel it’s safe, don’t eat!
