Esquina da Rochinha

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We are learning. Not all businesses in Funchal have signs. Case in point, this place. No way to know other than to look in the window. The definition of no frills. For those curious, “Esquina” means corner. This place is at the bottom corner of a street named Rochinha, which also happens to be the name of the area we live in. It is the street up to Rochinha.

This is a local restaurant/bar. We stopped in for a poncha, of course. It was late one night on our way to hike up the hill back to our place. No English, good sign. We are brushing up on our ordering skills. The guy behind the bar is a maestro. Excellent poncha. They always make a little more than they need, he got a kick of me going back and asking for “el resto”.

We live up a very steep hill. I have a feeling this might become our regular stop to power up for our constitutional.

Didn’t try the food but it looks very good. Will update again once we have.

We are loving the Madeirans. So welcoming. Lots of love.

Sé Boutique Hotel Terrace Bar

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We always like a rooftop bar and Funchal is an excellent place for them because the views are so stunning generally everywhere. The Terrace Bar at the Sé Boutique Hotel is a kitschy cozy one with good drinks (excellent cocktail menu) and a very chill vibe. It’s very centrally located too. They also do food, so we’ll have to go back again. Our first visit was a bit of a cloudy day, but I still enjoyed it. Considering it was in winter, I have no complaints at all.

https://g.co/kgs/jx1tziM

Restaurante Novidade

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hj6CgkduU3isytqC9

If you are looking for a very traditional dive bar/sandwich shop, look no further. No one in the joint speaks a bit of English, the poncha is excellent, and the sandwiches are heavenly.

I had a tuna sandwich as a dentinho (finger food that comes with your drink). I honestly thought it was roast pork for the first 2 or 3 bites. Simply delicious.

The lady behind the bar is Kim’s “poncha queen” and boy does she make them strong. No fancy poncha stick for her, no everything goes in a honey jar that she shakes until perfect. Not the way it is supposed to be done, but nothing fancy here. Honestly, might be my favourite poncha.

Kimberly’s Edit: It’s definitely a local’s spot and apparently the place where a lot of the market vendors go, as it is right across the street. I appreciate her no-nonsense approach.

Rei da Poncha

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Probably the most famous place for poncha in all of Funchal is Rei da Poncha, not far from the Zona Velha. They also have a shop located just down the block where you can buy branded stuff to make your own poncha at home (something I have been doing a lot of lately).

https://maps.app.goo.gl/qjFwrKeDzHy5ymS86

It is, indeed, excellent poncha, though I admit that I also have a weakness for the hole in the wall places. They’ve got a wide selection and a lot of turnover, so it’s always busy as far as I can tell. And, as you can see from this video of Tony, you definitey get “poncha” face when drinking there.

Egídio & Monteiro, Lda

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/uDmC99BWRyh8LcLZ7

This is our closest coffee shop / bakery. One minute walk from the house. Very good, very strong, very cheap coffee. I ordered 2 bicas (espresso), 1 chinesa (latte), and 2 pasteis de nata. Grand total €5. The coffee alone costs me £9.30 in the UK. The prices are 1/3 that of the UK.

I know where I will be every morning.

They have a good selection of bread and baked goods. Also seem to have a full bar behind the counter. Sign says open every day…

Restaurante Trigal

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https://maps.app.goo.gl/jJ3rD6aPFbVBbeVx8

Trigal is located right next to a property we were looking at. Right in the heart of Funchal. I have the Carne Vinha d’Alhos (pork marinated and cooked in wine and garlic). It was excellent.

The restaurant is a good mid-tier choice. Nothing fancy. House wine is maybe €8 a bottle and is good. Waiters were amazingly friendly. One even offered to help me coordinate buying the house.

Solid food, good prices, friendly staff. We’ll be back.