When we arrived in Madeira on our first night, we headed straight to Oceana Rooftop Madeira, a sky bar and restaurant known for its stunning views.
Initially, we encountered a delay in placing our orders. It turned out the friendly waitress had forgotten to provide us with menus. Despite the hiccup, the breathtaking coastline view from Oceana Rooftop kept our spirits high and made the wait more bearable. The restaurant’s location, perched above the coastline, offers an unparalleled view that is hard to beat, especially as the sun sets and paints the sky with warm hues.
We decided to start our evening with some local drinks. A giant beer, perfect for sharing, was refreshing. The real highlight was the Poncha, a traditional Madeiran drink made with aguardente de cana, honey, sugar, and citrus juice. Its unique blend of sweetness and citrus zest offered a delightful introduction to Madeira’s flavors. The Poncha, in particular, stood out not just for its taste but also for its cultural significance, as it has been a staple on the island for generations. The flavors in the Poncha were so intriguing that we considered trying to replicate the drink at home, bringing a bit of Madeira back with us.
Our culinary journey continued with starters. Breaded brie bites served with guacamole offered a pleasing mix of crispy and creamy textures. However, while the garlic bread was enjoyable, we couldn’t help but compare it to a similar dish we had for lunch elsewhere, which had an extra layer of flavor. This comparison made us appreciate the complexity that even simple dishes can achieve with the right seasoning and preparation.
For the main course, we tried a local seafood dish with limpets and a classic burger with fries. The food was undoubtedly delicious, but we couldn’t help but wonder if there were even better options for these local delicacies on the island. The limpets, while fresh and flavorful, left us curious about how other local restaurants might prepare them. As for the burger, it was a solid choice, but we recognized that Madeira has so much more to offer, especially for those looking to immerse themselves in the local cuisine.
Looking back, Oceana Rooftop in Ponta Moniz provided an unforgettable evening with its mesmerizing views and delicious cuisine. While there may be hidden culinary gems on the island offering even more exceptional local dishes, Oceana Rooftop is undeniably worth a visit, especially if you’re seeking a magical setting to savor the flavors of this enchanting island. The combination of the stunning location, the intriguing flavors of Madeira, and the overall ambiance made our first night on the island a memorable one. We left Oceana Rooftop feeling both satisfied and excited for the culinary adventures that awaited us on the rest of our trip.
Review: 7.5 /10
Price / Quality: 7 | Service: 7 | Atmosphere: 9.5 | Originality: 7 | Freshness: 7 | Choice: 7.5
