But nestling almost unnoticed among the many eateries lining the prettily cobbled Rua de Carreira, lies a hidden Funchal jewel.
The unimposing O'Americano Coffee and Wine Bar offers the very best of Portugese and Mediterranean dishes, prepared by hand and served from the heart.
The da Silva family have been serving food in Rua de Carreira for over 100 years. Grandad, Luis de Silva, was born in America to Madeiran parents. O'Americano is named in his honour. When he was twelve years old, the family returned to Funchal, setting up a fruit stand at 113 Rua de Carreira.
Today, complete with Grandad's wall clock in pride of place, O'Americano sits directly opposite number 113, the original family fruit stand.
"We think of it as a proper family business" says Carla, who has spent all her working life in the restaurant business. Her son, Alfonso, is self-trained but has a natural love and empathy for cooking, a talent which runs in the family.
Keen to remain in Rua de Carreira, Alfonso wants to expand the concept of traditional dishes, focusing on the excellence and quality of local food. From tender squid to sauteed wild mushrooms, O'Americano delivers the best food, sweet service, and great recommendations.
"It's all about family" says Carla. "It's a family business and we love to serve local families. It's not so much about the money, it's about a quality of life."
O' Americano Coffee & Wine Bar, Rua da Carreira,n. 120, Funchal, Madeira. Tel. +351 967 925 452
