AUDAX - Progressive Madeiran Cuisine

We had an amazing experience at AUDAX. It was for my partner’s birthday and I’m extremely glad we chose this restaurant to celebrate it. The food was Michelin worthy. We had the 7 moments; we were impressed by the creativity and story behind each moment. The ambiance was not too loud or too quiet, the perfect mix for a talkative date. The service was on par with top restaurants. The wait staff was always attentive and our plates never stayed on the table for more than a few minutes after finishing. The next moment was always perfectly timed and served very quickly. Overall, I am very impressed by the (very) high standards that AUDAX sets itself. I would definitely recommend it.

Very exciting secret menu that changes regularly. This is the height of cuisine in Madeira with creative dishes that are inspired by tradition. I will not spoil the surprises! The wine pairing is a must have and included some excellent Madeira wines. Service is very good but I think the younger staff could relax a little bit more, because the food already does the talking 😀 Overall, a place you must visit for a special occasion.

I’ve known and loved this restaurant since the day it opened. The photos I’m sharing were taken over several years, as they regularly change the menu. Dining here has always been a true chef’s experience — with creative, unexpected flavor combinations. They also offer an excellent wine selection and a team that’s passionate, knowledgeable, and genuinely good at what they do. The space is small and intimate, so it’s best to book a table in advance. Recently, the restaurant received a Michelin recommendation, and while that’s well-deserved, it has brought some changes: prices have doubled or even tripled, while portion sizes have shrunk significantly. I can no longer say it offers the same great value it once did. Earlier menus were better balanced — with dishes like risottos and hearty sides that made for a more satisfying meal. Still, it remains a unique spot for a special evening and a chance to explore bold, carefully crafted cuisine.

It was a wonderful evening at AUDAX, the food was beautifully presented and a unique experience. The wine selection and explanations from sommelier Leandro were also fantastic. We simply have to come back...

What a wonderful experience. From the friendly greeting at the door to the knowledgable chefs and the stunning food presentation. Thanks a lot to the whole team of Audax, we will surely remember this evening.

I went to a restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide; not yet starred, but clearly aspiring. The food was good, even thoughtful: each plate balanced and precise without feeling fussy. But what I’ll remember most wasn’t the food. It was the Michelin Man. A small statue of him sat right in front of us throughout dinner; a squat, beaming sentinel of white rubber rings. Up close, he looks less like a mascot and more like a relic from some ancient civilization that worshipped tires and torque. His form is hypnotic: dozens of concentric ridges stacked into a soft geometry of confidence. His smile is the calm grin of someone who’s seen a thousand steering wheels and lived to tell the tale. The longer he sat there, the more alive he seemed. Light rippled over his curved belly, giving the illusion of breath. He looked on approvingly as we lifted forks and glasses, as if silently evaluating both our meal and our manners. There’s something humbling about eating under the gaze of a creature who has become a global arbiter of taste; not through culinary mastery, but through tires. The food, yes, was quite good. But it’s the Michelin Man who lingered in my mind: serene, spherical, and strangely divine; the patron saint of dinner and the open road.

I enjoyed my evening! The food was delicious! So many fresh intense flavours. The service was great. They explained every dish. Highly recommended!

We stumbled across AUDAX on a walk about town and after a quick search decided to book in, and I'm so glad we did. An absolute highlight of the island and some of the best food I have ever eaten. I went for the 7 course menu and my girlfriend got the 5 course vegetarian offering, both with the wine. The food was utterly excpetional and bursting with flavour. The wine pairing was a true accompaniment to the meal, letting both the food and the wine shine together. Along with this the service was marvellous, with clearly passionate servers taking the time to really explain the meal and wine to you. Not to be missed.