Funchal, the capital of Madeira, is known for its vibrant dining scene, where you can find everything from traditional Portuguese fare to international cuisine. Among the options is Alforno Madeira, an Italian restaurant that promises a menu full of enticing pizzas, pastas, and starters. On the surface, it seemed like a fun place to enjoy a relaxed meal, but our experience was a bit of a mixed bag.
The Ambiance: A Promising Start
From the moment we walked into Alforno Madeira, the atmosphere was welcoming and lively. The restaurant had a casual, friendly vibe that made it feel like the perfect spot for a laid-back meal. The menu featured a variety of Italian classics, with a strong focus on pizzas and pastas, and we were eager to dive in.
The Starters: Some Hits and Misses
We began our meal with a classic Italian starter—carpaccio. However, our excitement quickly turned to disappointment when the dish arrived at the table. The carpaccio was almost completely frozen, making it difficult to enjoy the delicate flavors and textures that make this dish so special. It was puzzling how something like this could be served without anyone noticing its state.
To their credit, the staff quickly responded when we brought the issue to their attention. They took the plate back and returned with another carpaccio. While this second attempt was slightly better, it was still colder than it should have been, leaving us with a less-than-ideal start to our meal.
Our second starter, a burrata with grilled vegetables, fared better. The burrata was creamy and fresh, paired with simple grilled veggies that added a nice touch. It wasn’t a particularly memorable dish, but it was satisfying enough.
The Mains: A Rollercoaster of Flavors
For our main courses, we opted for a spicy pizza and a pasta carbonara. The pizza was the highlight of the meal—perfectly baked with a thin, crispy crust and a good balance of flavors. The spiciness added a nice kick, making it a dish we thoroughly enjoyed.
Unfortunately, the pasta carbonara didn’t live up to expectations. Despite its appealing appearance, the dish lacked flavor and left us wishing for more depth in taste. Carbonara is a simple yet classic dish that relies on quality ingredients and proper technique, and this version fell short of capturing the richness and savory notes that make it a favorite.
Final Thoughts: A Mixed Experience at Alforno Madeira
Overall, our visit to Alforno Madeira was a mixed experience. The restaurant offers a pleasant setting and some promising dishes, but there were noticeable inconsistencies in the quality of the food. While we enjoyed the atmosphere and the spicy pizza, the issues with the carpaccio and the lackluster carbonara left us feeling underwhelmed.
If you’re in Funchal and craving Italian food, Alforno Madeira could still be worth a visit—especially if you stick to the pizzas. However, based on our experience, there are areas that could use improvement, particularly in ensuring that every dish meets the standards of freshness and flavor that diners expect from Italian cuisine. With some attention to these details, Alforno Madeira has the potential to be a solid choice for a casual meal in Funchal.
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Review: 7.5/10
Price / Quality: 6 | Service: 7 | Atmosphere: 9 | Originality: 7 | Freshness: 7 | Choice: 9
