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Hours
Sun
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Mon
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Tue
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Wed
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Thu
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Fri
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
Sat
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM6:30 PM - 11:00 PM
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Ratings and reviews
Travelers' Choice 2023
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$11.00 – $39.00
CUISINES
Mediterranean, European, Contemporary, Portuguese
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
meals, features
Menu
Seabass With 2 Textures
Prawns, Parisian potato, nasturtium
€22.00
Parrot Fish from the Coast
Red quinoa, tomato emulsion,\ncrispy rice
€18.00
Steamed Snapper PREMIUM
Squid bisque, caviar,\nhomemade gnocchi, wakame
€23.00
Atlantic Grouper
Riso venere with clams, green pea coulis,\nbonito tuna
€20.00
Braised Tuna
Teriaki, seed crust, pickled shallots,\ngreen peas
€19.00
Crispy Black Scabbardfish
Beetroot risotto, banana chutney,\ncuttlefish touille, sorrel
€22.00
Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?
Details
About
Restaurante do Forte Linking the Soul of Restaurant do Forte to the Essence of the São Tiago Fortress (17th Century) is a rare encounter between history, architecture and gastronomy. These spaces can be interpreted, in a genuine experience distinguished by its gastronomic diversity, that combines an international cousin with typical Madeiran ingredientes. We have the most varied services from pick-up with Classic Cars, Live Music and Exclusive packages such as our Golden Package and Romantic Package. From the informal and intimate to the spectacular and glamourous, Restaurante do Forte has a range of unique spaces, whether you’re planning a private party, wedding or corporate event. The Restaurante Forte Events team is highly experienced at designing and delivering unique and bespoke events. Contact us if you’d like to talk through how we can help you host an unforgettable event.
PRICE RANGE
$11.00 – $39.00
CUISINES
Mediterranean, European, Contemporary, Portuguese
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Waterfront
Contribute
4.5
3,546 reviews
Excellent
2,525
Very good
580
Average
264
Poor
99
Terrible
78
paul s
280 contributions
Jan 2020 • none
Three of us visited for a special celebratory eightieth birthday. We had the multi course dinner each accompanied by an appropriate wine. We were treated like royalty in the elegant surroundings and the service, cuisine and attention could not have been bettered. Taking cognisance of the quality of the cuisine and wines it was very good value. The restaurant is located at the mustard yellow fort at the eastern extremity of the Funchal sea front.
The young man playing (I think) an accoustic guitar and singing added to the enjoyment. We were so impressed that we will probably visit again next week!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forte_e_ArmazemDoSal
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your preference!
We are very pleased to read how much for have enjoyed our restaurant.
We hope to see you again soon.
Best Regards,
Do Forte Team
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
DontMessWithAWheat
Derbyshire103 contributions
Oct 2020 • couples
A couple of the recent 3 star reviews are a little harsh. This is a fine dining experience like no other. You are getting Michelin star quality food for a fraction of the price of other worldwide restaurants. It’s not going to be your cheapest night in Funchal, but well well worth the money. There is so much work that goes into the food, sometimes you have to wait a little between courses, which suits us - sit back and enjoy the experience and setting! There is a small premium to pay for most of the main meat dishes on the latest menu, but it’s just €3.50. The sparking, white, red and Madeira wines which accompanied the courses with the €45.50 price per head were all gorgeous. Always visit the Forte on a Madeira holiday, and it never disappoints. Can’t understand why it’s not in TA top 5 (years ago it was number 1). Total bill for 2 concept menus, 2 main upgrades and 2 G&Ts was €115 - you won’t beat that for the quality and experience.
Written October 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martinmorgan1957
Swadlincote8 contributions
Mar 2020 • couples
Had a great evening food outstanding staff brilliant location superb. We were celebrating our wedding anniversary with another couple while on holiday. Couldn’t find fault with anything. We chose the concept meal experience at €42 pp this included a different wine to compliment each course with a small sorbet in between each course to clean you pallet before next course. A real enjoyable night we asked them to book us a taxi back to our hotel and they offered to take us back to our hotel in a classic car which cost a couple of euros more than the taxi, ended the night in style.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forte_e_ArmazemDoSal
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your preference once again.
We are very pleased to read we have lived up to all your expectations and we highly appreciate your support!
We look forward to your next visit.
Best Regards
Restaurante do Forte Team
Written March 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AHugh
513 contributions
Jan 2020 • couples
We visit here every year and won't take the risk and go back.
The meal and service had been good as usual and singer was really good.
Unfortunately my partner was violently sick during the night after visiting here and took nearly a week to recover fully.
I contacted the restaurant to enquire if anyone else had been ill and they suggested a sensitive stomach but he had the same menu he always has and I had something different. We also had the same meals during the day so it could only be something he ate there.
Sadly, can't take the risk plus my partner doesn't wish to go back.
Written February 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forte_e_ArmazemDoSal
Dear Guest,
We are very sorry to read this from you.
Like as you refer you as here every year, probably that night your partner doesn't feel well.
We hope to see you again soon.
Best Regards,
Do Forte Team
Written February 5, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kathy
Fakenham106 contributions
Dec 2019 • none
A fabulous New Year’s Eve celebration and one that will be remembered by us for many years. The menu/food was superb and the service throughout the meal was excellent. We wanted for nothing. Our glasses were refilled constantly and the staff could not do enough for us.
My only slight disappointment was the seemingly disorganisation right at the beginning of the event. We were asked to arrive for 7 pm but the gates did not open until 7.30 by which time there were many people queueing outside. Once inside the gates in the forecourt, we were given champagne and strawberries, but no waste bins in which to put the serviettes and very few places to sit down. When it was time to venture into one of the three areas we had booked, again there was no information as to where we should be and we ended up queueing once again, not really sure whether we were in the right queue or not! Finally, we were shown to our table, which was exactly where we had asked to be when booking for this event, many months ago. However, no sooner had we sat down, when we were advised we had been shown to the wrong table and we were asked to move! We refused!
Thus a slight damper to the start of our New Year celebrations and a bit unsettling in view of the cost of this event. However, following this rather disappointing start, everything then went well, as mentioned above and we had a truly amazing evening with the highlight of being on the roof of The Fort viewing the 360 degree display of fireworks at midnight. ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY!
Written January 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forte_e_ArmazemDoSal
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your preference!
Regarding your comment we regret to read that, we haven't met your expectations.
We are very pleased to read how much for have enjoyed our Restaurant.
We hope to see you again soon.
Best Regards,
Do Forte Team
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sean k
Birmingham10 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
We selected a special menu for around 5 courses with drinks which was excellent value for money.
Atmosphere was great with live singer and attentive staff that were charming and funny.
Highlights of the food for us were the octopus and the pistachio brulee were magnificent.
The restaurant is a great location inside a historical fort and situated within old town so plenty of places to go before or after should you wish
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jannetter58
Trowbridge48 contributions
Jan 2020 • friends
We love eating here so were happy to recommend to our friends on their first trip to Madeira.
The welcome drink was very slow in being served (albeit the restaurant was the quietest I've ever seen it) ..... in the past we usually have this while we peruse the menu.
Our friend's soup was a little bland but other than that all other courses and choices were excellent. I would particularly recommend the Wellington which was cooked to perfection although personally would have enjoyed a little more pastry.
The entertainment was very good and the staff as lovely as ever.
We looking forward to our 5th visit already!
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forte_e_ArmazemDoSal
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your preference once more!
We are very pleased to read how much for have enjoyed our restaurant.
We hope to see you again soon.
Best Regards,
Do Forte Team
Written January 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Dave law
West Sussex186 contributions
Dec 2020 • none
We eat here whenever we visit Madeira and have never been disappointed, the concept menu at 45.50 for your choice of starter, main and desert plus couvert,amuse bouche, sorbet and coffee & petit fours with sparkling wine aperitift wines with courses and a madeiran wine with desert really can't be beaten, some of the mains nnow carry a 3.50 supplement but the quality of food and level of service justify this, we've eaten worse in Michelin star restaurants and paid a lot more.
Not the cheapest meal in Funchal but when you consider the quality of food, the level of service and the free flowing wine probably the best value.
Sparkling wine on arrival, couvert of bread and oil & butters,, amuse bouche, starter with wine, sorbet, main with wines, desert, madeiran wine, coffee and petit fours for less than 100 euros for two make for a very enjoyable evening.
Written December 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
elsieaucott
205 contributions
Aug 2021 • couples
What an experience! We booked the Golden Package to celebrate our wedding anniversary on our recent holiday to Madeira and we were blown away. An absolutely incredible experience from start to finish!
We were picked up from our hotel in a classic Austin 12 convertible and given a tour around the old town of Funchal on our way to the restaurant. The driver was hilarious and made us feel like celebrities! On arrival at the restaurant we were taken to the roof where we were given champagne and strawberries, and had some beautiful photos taken. We were left alone to take the view in and enjoy our drinks and we walked down to the restaurant when we were ready. They had a special table set up for us with red tablecloth, flowers, candles and rose petals which was beautiful. It was a shame the weather wasn't better as we would have had a table outside looking over the water but our table was still super special and romantic.
The food was fantastic and definitely exceeded expectations. The golden package included all premium items on the menu, champagne to start, wine throughout the meal including a very good vintage madeiran wine with dessert and we also had an amuse bouche and a palate cleanser which was a lively touch.
Amuse bouche of octopus was brought out, which unfortunately neither I or my partner eat, so was swiftly substituted for goats cheese, walnut and apple jam which was lovely. I had the foie gras starter which was gorgeous, and poached perfectly while my husband had prawn, scallop and crab risotto which was so good he wouldn't share 😂
Mains of sea bass and pork cheek followed our palate cleanser of strawberry sorbet, and were equally gorgeous and for dessert we shared the pistachio brulee and cheese board. After dinner we were returned to our hotel in the Austin again which was a cracking end to a cracking evening.
I cannot recommend this restaurant enough, particularly if you are celebrating a special occasion!
Written August 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guest Relations
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your preference once again.
We are very pleased to read we have lived up to all your expectations and we highly appreciate your support!
We look forward to your next visit.
Written September 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mrsmaxwell
Surrey24 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
Really excited to visit. Was meant to be a highlight. Food was not great. There were three sets of different music going on, banging house (so lots of thudding), lounge music and there was a wedding so the music from that as well. We asked for the music in the restaurant to be turned down as it was difficult to hear yourself think, as did another table. It took about 15 minutes to do so as it had to go ‘up the chain of command’ Took three hours to have three courses and the food was dull. I had scabbard fish with a hollandaise citrus sauce…it was dull and the sauce was revolting. Had a passion fruit soufflé for dessert…. It was bland with the merest hint of passion fruit….. husband had a chocolate thing with chestnut, it was tasteless too ….staff were nice but rushed off their feet and it was chaotic. The bill was expensive and even if it had been half the amount I’d have still felt ripped off. It’s a shock when you don’t have nice food in a restaurant in Madeira and I also am disappointed to leave such a negative review but the chef needs to really try the food they were serving
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guest Relations
Dear Guest,
We would like to thank you for your visit and having the time to write this review.
We do work hard to assure that all of our guests have a memorable meal and that everything from the food, service and ambiance need to be just right.
We will do our best to improve the issues mentioned by you so you can have an excellent experience in your next visit.
We hope to see you soon!
Best Regards,
Written September 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JohnELincoln
Tenerife52 contributions
Dec 2021 • couples
Oh dear what has happened to the Forte, we used to visit it a lot over the last 20 years. The Forte and what is now it’s sister restaurant Armazem do Sal were two of the best fine dining experiences in the area. So on our first visit to Funchal after some 2 1/2 years absence when we saw they were offering a “sensation menu “ across both restaurants we were interested. The deal included paired wine 3 course meal and taxi from the hotel, so I phoned the Forte to make a booking for the following evening.
We waited outside our hotel for about 15 mins, our taxi did not show up so I phoned the restaurant and they said the would look into it. The taxi arrived 10 mins later, the driver apologised and said he had only just been told to pick us up.
When we arrived, the restaurant appeared to have no record of our reservation so needed the details again. Service was quite slow to bring us even some sparkling wine, which went flat almost as soon as it was poured. So I asked for a replacement which came in a fresh bottle and that went flat after about 1 minute from pouring, clearly poor quality fizz.
We were offered bread without being told that one of the two types on offer had nuts in it, my wife can’t eat nuts which we told the waiter. Replacements bread came.
It took about 1 hr to get our first course which which followed a roast chestnut amuse bushe, they did give my wife an alternative which was good.
The concept was that the wine served was paired with the meal but the wine waiter seemed to just wander around with a bottle house white and house red topping up glasses as required, not much pairing with the food there. I did compare the red with something you might get from a local supermarket at 2.99 a bottle. Alternatives reds were offered, but were cold and not enjoyable.
Dessert was another disaster, a soufflé is supposed to rise ours didn’t. You could see as soon as you looked at it it should not have been served. It was more like soggy bread and butter pudding so we rejected it.
All in all not a good evening, and a total disappointment from past experiences at the Forte. We cancelled our reservation at the Arazem do sal based on this experience.
In summary the food and service do not match the high prices charged or previous offerings.
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary
21 contributions
Sep 2020 • couples
I had heard someone mention that you could get picked up in a vintage car so did some research and found this amazing place. I booked the Gold package. We were picked up from our hotel and given a tour around the old town of Funchal which was nice. On arrival we were escorted to the top of the castle for a glass of sparkling wine to enjoy the lovely view.
After relaxing we went down to the restaurant where we were met by the waitress who showed us to our seats. It was an anniversary surprise for my wife and they had made the table look very special with rose petals and flowers which was lovely.
The food was extremely good and the waitress very attentive and made sure everything was just right. It was a gorgeous meal which I would give 10/10.
After the evening was over we were returned to our hotel in the vintage Rolls Royce and this topped off a very enjoyable evening which I would thoroughly recommend.
Written September 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wendyanddavid536
Solihull2123 contributions
Feb 2020 • none
From the moment we booked two days before dining here, the service was impeccable. Warmly greeted by the lovely Sandra, we were seated at a beautifully set table. The Concept Menu at 49.50 euros was amazing value. Sparkling wine, an amuse bouche, we then had starters of cod carpaccio and the most gorgeous (and huge) octopus tentacle, main courses of surf and turf and the best beef Wellington that I have ever had. Fantastic desserts, petit fours, coffee, ever flowing wine, a glass of Madeira. Added to this, charming service, especially helpful with gluten-free food; nothing was too much trouble.
We thoroughly recommend this restaurant.
Written February 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forte_e_ArmazemDoSal
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your preference once again.
We are very pleased to read we have lived up to all your expectations and we highly appreciate your support!
We look forward to your next visit.
Best Regards
Restaurante do Forte Team
Written March 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jasmine38Chichester UK
Chichester1948 contributions
Sep 2021 • couples
Perfect place for a romantic meal within the walks of the Old Fort above the sea. .
The special menu at 45 euro pp is excellent value for 3 courses including sparling wine on arrival, an amuse bouche, sorbet between courses, coffee and petit four and your choice of red or white wine with each course, which was freely poured.
All of our courses were well presented and cooked and were delicious. The wine was also pretty good for house.
Our only slight criticism was service was a little slow but hey we are on holiday and not in a rush. This may also have been down to the fact they had our reservation down as 8.30pm when we'd booked for 8pm and there were a lot of arrivals at this time.
Highly recommended for a memorable dinner in Funchal.
Written September 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Guest Relations
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your preference once again.
We are very pleased to read we have lived up to all your expectations and we highly appreciate your support!
We look forward to your next visit.
Written September 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert S
Wageningen557 contributions
Feb 2020 • friends
A full 3 course meal including unlimited wines costs €43. How can anyone find this expensive? I guess those who normally eat at a snackbar!
The dishes are made up very, very nicely; the food looked great. My foie gras was excellent and my leg of duck was too. The cheeses were a bit without imagination, but not bad.
We were offered wine a dozen times and that was too much even for me.
Staff was very friendly but for me too informal. I
I may return.
Written February 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Forte_e_ArmazemDoSal
Dear Guest,
Thank you so much for your preference once again.
We are very pleased to read we have lived up to all your expectations and we highly appreciate your support!
We look forward to your next visit.
Best Regards
Restaurante do Forte Team
Written March 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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