William Restaurant

I flew all the way from Canada to try William and Desarma and other restaurant. First of all i want to talk about service. I have to many micheline restaurant in the world. William is on my top about service from beginning when I enter hotel staffs were so welcome and polite they guided me to restaurant and the whole staffs of restaurant were so welcome and I feel like home right away. The view and the ambiance was A1👌. Lighting is perfect for dining but my eyes are weak I have a hard time to read the menu. So I turned flash light of my iPhone to read but I adjusted very discrete because I don’t want to bother other clients. 10 seconds later Gonçalo( waiter) came with a little flash light for me with his smile asking if I need it. All staffs were very professional but Goçalo is la cream de la cream👌 professional and always has his smile on. I love the sommeiller also he’s very professional I explained to him what I like and he got me exact wine I want. About food, I love everything of it especially their lobster dish cooked to a perfection 👌. Only 1 small problem that bothering me on my main course that the chef used the peeled skin of asparagus I believed he fried or dehydrate to garnish on my pork shoulder which was very fiber and chewy the pork and everything else was very good but that peeled skin of asparagus ruined it a bit. Cactus skin sorbet with a touch of seaweed was memorable. Chocolate mousse with lemon sorbet also nice mix. Thank you very much for memorable dinner to whole staffs and chefs👏. I’ll come back with more friends very soon.

We had an overall good experience at William Restaurant. The service was top notch and what you would expect from a fine dining restaurant of this quality. The atmosphere was nice, with a beautiful view of the bank of the island. The restaurant was a little warm when we arrived, and it took until nearly the end of our meal for them to open up some extra windows for things to cool off. The sommelier was excellent. We are not typically wine drinkers, but he was able to find us wine that we both enjoyed that paired really well with our meal. The presentation of the food was very pretty and as you've seen in images on Google. I left three stars because the flavor left something to be desired. For the price, I had expected more. I found the lobster a bit fishy and chewy for my taste. I think the catch from their coast was parrotfish for our night (but I could be misremembering), but my first bite was a tad fishy (the rest of the dish was fine). Overall, a good experience. I probably would try somewhere else rather than go back.

Dining at William Restaurant Madeira was an unforgettable experience — truly worthy of its Michelin star. From start to finish, everything was phenomenal. Our server, Cindy, was exceptional — attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate, which elevated the entire evening. The service matched the stunning setting perfectly. We enjoyed the Chef’s tasting menus (Discovery and William), and every course was a masterpiece — beautifully presented, balanced, and full of flavor. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves, but words can’t fully capture the artistry and care behind each dish. If you’re in Madeira, William is a must for a world-class culinary experience.

Excellent food and excellent service. Exactly what you would expect from a restaurant in the michelin guide. Everything was cooked as it should be, and seasoning was spot on. Initial amuse bouches were great, the fish tartare bite was my favourite (I'm sure I would love a course built from this), and I found the apple based palet cleanser very refreshing. The trout was very nice, and while I appreciate trying to reduce waste, I think the pickle water could be used in a better way. The lobster was fantastic. The only fish course that slightly missed me was the scorpionfish, as I found the toasted yeast component a bit overpowering, but my partner enjoyed it. I think I would have been happier if the root vegetable puree was a bit sweeter. The main of pork shoulder was cooked perfectly and overall the dish was well balanced. I found the desert a fairly standard affair, but the caramel in the shape of madeira was a finish. We had an extra little cake brought to the table for an anniversary, which was a nice touch. The petite fours were also presented beautifully with the small tree and paired very well with some whisky to finish. The only thing I'd say is if you're not getting an additional drink at the end, hold back on your final pairing so you have something to go with it (coffee drinkers will be fine, but it was quite a late sit for caffeine). All the wine pairings worked well, and I enjoyed tasting slightly more unusual offerings like the sparkling cider. The restaurant itself has great views over the sea, and as night descended, we could see funchal lit up from the other side. We'll be back in Madeira, and I wouldn't hesitate to book again. These minor criticisms are a matter of taste, not a reflection on the skills of the chefs. Thank you for a lovely evening.

We celebrated our 10th Anniversary with a date at this restaurant. Had a great experience. Great culinary delights served with a smile and insights into the local tradition and culture. My wife had the Vegan menu and I had the smaller William menu with the wine pairing. Given how small each course looks, we were both left wondering how we were so stuffed at the end of the meal. Would definitely recommend!

The level of service was exceptional, marked by warmth and attentiveness. The cuisine was of the highest caliber, with an exquisite taste profile. The restaurant eschewed superfluous ornamentation, opting instead for a minimalist aesthetic. The wine pairing was both distinctive and delectable, enhancing the overall dining experience. Undoubtedly worthwhile！

Amazing food and wine combinations! The chef proposed unusual combinations that are completely spot on for a delicious and unforgettable dinner! The service staff made the dinner even more enjoyable, creating a familiar but elegant atmosphere. I'm looking forward to being back!

The menu is a testament to the chef’s visionary commitment to local ingredients. Every dish tells a story of the region, with flavors that feel both grounded and innovative. Each plate arrives as a piece of art, meticulously crafted, showcasing the beauty of seasonal, locally sourced produce. The chef’s dedication to honoring local flavors is evident in every bite, elevating even the simplest ingredients to something truly extraordinary. A special mention goes to the sommelier, whose expertise added a magical touch to the evening. With a deep knowledge of local wines and an approachable, friendly manner, they crafted pairings that were perfect complements to each course. The explanations were both insightful and engaging, allowing us to appreciate the subtle notes in each glass. very recommend