Avista Restaurant

We ate at Avista on the 15/2/2026. We were staying at the Cliff Bay Hotel and decided to eat here on our last night. You are able to access the resto from a link corridor / lifts between the 2 hotels. They are sister resorts.I had booked the resto by email a couple of weeks before arriving as they do get booked up. I received a message the day before we dined asking us if we still wanted our booking. We had pre dinner drinks in the open air lounge sat around a fire pit. The views are to die for as the daylight turns into sunset and the twinkling lights of Funchal appear .Go before sunset then you can experience it at its best. Suggest you take a jacket /pashmina at this time of year. We ate inside the restaurant They have an open kitchen which I like, prior to entering the resto We had the Fillet Vaca with an accompanying side dish (inc in the price...4/5 choices ) the meat was cooked to perfection medium rare and cut like butter.Assorted bread, oils, olives come as standard before the meal. The dessert was to die for, an explosion in the mouth based around an apple crumble - anything but !! I applaud the pastry chef. Presentation of the food was superb, along with the service. Five stars all the way They have an extensive wine list. Our red wine cost around £40 I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in Funchal. Enjoy Post note : when leaving the restaurant we got into the lift to take us back to the Cliff Bay - what we didn't realise was it was the service lift and it took us down to a garage basement, we had such a laugh when exiting ...thinking where the heck are we ?? A member of staff who happened to be walking past advised us Just be aware as both lifts are close to each other , easy mistake.

Last night, I had dinner at Avista — and it was pure delight. From the very first moment, there’s warmth. A team that genuinely smiles — the kind that comes from pride and joy in what they do. You feel welcomed, On the plate? A joyful cuisine that quite literally makes your palate sparkle. Each dish is stunning to look at — refined, almost architectural. Everything is precise, vibrant, beautifully fresh. The ingredients speak clearly. The ocean breathes through the flavors. Textures play together in perfect harmony. I had the pleasure of meeting the chef — the same elegance you taste in the food is reflected in his presence. This is cooking that doesn’t chase effect; it delivers emotion. It crackles, it shimmers, it dances. A table with style and soul. Contemporary, luminous gastronomy — where every detail feels curated to honor the moment. Thank you for the beautiful expérience ✨

Such a beautiful experience. This is something I will remember for the rest of my life. We had such a warm welcome and the balcony view is stunning. Our waiter was so kind and attentive and offered us blankets and brought a portable heater over to keep us warm. The cocktails are the best I have ever had. I tried the harvest cocktail which is made from grapes from their private garden. There is a dedicated vegetarian menu with a lot of delicious choices. I chose the tofu and lentil. My son, who is not vegetarian, chose the squid and said it is the best meal he has ever had. The presentation was pure art-flawless. Our desserts were also likewise works of art and a joy to the senses. We were so well cared for by the attentive staff and we came away feeling absolutely uplifted and delighted. I truly hope that the restaurant earns the michelin star that they deserve.

Don't miss Avista! Lovely restaurant and lovely service. Really enjoyed our time here. We went for afternoon tea on the terrace and it was one of my favorite experiences in Funchal. The views from the terrace are fantastic. It was a bit windy, but beautiful. Staff is exemplary! I cannot praise them enough! The tea was so nice. The sandwiches and scones were delicious as were the sweets. I'm disappointed we visited on our last day here and didn't get to enjoy the restaurant again. It will definitely be our first stop next time.

What a stunning view we had over the bay while enjoying our meal in Avista. We had the tasting menu with paired wines and every dish was beautifully crafted (my favourite being the lamb). The staff were very friendly and accommodating and as we were Portobay prestige members we unlocked a 10% discount which was very nice

The restaurant really went above and beyond. The location is fantastic, and the service was excellent overall. A special mention to the head of service, who was amazing and extremely customer-oriented. Every specific request and need was handled with care and professionalism, and we truly felt looked after throughout the entire experience. The team made sure everything was right and turned the evening into an unforgettable one. We can highly recommend and will be returning guests for special occasions

What a treat! The most exquisitely presented food, served by friendly, professional staff with one of the best views imaginable. The scones and little cakes were fabulous. And left overs given to us boxed up in a lovely tote bag. Glad I added a glass of lovely sparkling wine to complete a magical experience. Only tiny criticism was that I’d let them know beforehand that I don’t eat meat and this wasn’t catered for- but no real issue as there was more than enough of other things.

Our dinner at Avista Mediterranean was the perfect finale to our Madeira trip! The setting is absolutely breathtaking—perched above the ocean with sunset views that feel straight out of a dream. The food was exceptional, beautifully presented, and full of flavor, perfectly matching the stunning scenery. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was the wonderful staff. They went above and beyond when I accidentally left my purse—with my heart medication inside—at the restaurant. They acted so quickly and kindly to make sure I got it back just in time before my flight. I’m beyond grateful for their care and professionalism. If you’re ever in Funchal, don’t miss Avista—not just for the view and the food, but for the people who make it truly special. 🌅💛