+351 291 700 220+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Wed
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thu
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fri
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Sat
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
MICHELIN
What is Travelers’ Choice?
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.
Details
Someone from this business manages this listing.
Learn More
CUISINES
European, Contemporary, Healthy, Portuguese
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
MICHELIN Guide's Point of View
Chef Octávio Freitas has shown that it is possible to turn your dreams into reality here on the terrace of The Views BaĂa hotel, where the dining exper...
Read more on MICHELIN GuideOne MICHELIN Star: High quality cooking, worth a stop!
Is this restaurant good for lunch?
Details
About
Restaurant Desarma* is situated at Hotel The Views BaĂa’s top floor. With a bold and ravishing concept, the flavours are created by the hands of the Executive Chef Octávio Freitas, where the main weapons are the fresh ingredients of each season. The menus of 6 or 9 moments, vibrant and locally inspired by the madeiran culinary heritage, are available with or without wine pairing from an extensive wine selection. *a battle of senses fought in your mouth
CUISINES
European, Contemporary, Healthy, Portuguese
Meals
Dinner
FEATURES
Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Serves Alcohol, Mastercard, Visa, Digital Payments, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
5.0
41 reviews
Excellent
39
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
These reviews are machine translated from their original language. Show machine translations?
This service may contain translations powered by Google. Google disclaims all warranties related to the translations, express or implied, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and noninfringement.
Carter
3 contributions
Apr 2024 • couples
My wife and I were celebrating our honeymoon and the staff at Desarma took amazing care of us from start to finish.
The location provides great views of Funchal which are only surpassed by the food.
Every dish was perfect and built on the previous. We did a wine pairing with our tasting menu which I highly recommend! The sommelier was extremely knowledgeable and did an excellent job with the pairings. The icing on the cake was the cake the pastry chef prepared for us. The detail and care that the chef and staff put into ensuring our evening was a success is greatly appreciated.
I will 100% be back during my next visit!!
Written April 30, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear MrWNDRFL,
Thank you for your review and lovely words following your visit to Desarma restaurant.
We are very happy to read that we were able to match your expectations.
The views from our restaurant is without a doubt one of our most appreciated points.
Also as is the food and our service, thank you for mentioning it.
We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written June 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian S
1 contribution
Apr 2024 • couples
Dined at Desarma last night, and felt compelled to add a review because it deserves to be much higher in the algorithm ranking.
It is one star fine dining dine excellently. Attentive, friendly, informative sevice. Beautiful dining room, with gorgeous views watching the sun set over Funchal.
And the food is fantastic; everything was perfectly cooked and expertly presented. We went for the six course option, which was the right amount after a few days of buffet breakfasts. A really delicious and skillful way of interpreting Madeiran cuisine and ingredients, with the absolute highlight being the brisket and its rich, intense madeira-based sauce.
It isn't cheap, especially in the wider context of restaurants in Portugal, but is comparative to the other mure established Michelin starred options in Funchal. And it was such a lovely experience, it felt great value for a special dinner.
Written April 27, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Mr. Ian S,
Thank you for your praising review and lovely words following your visit to Desarma restaurant.
We could not explain our experience better than you have.
Also, we appreciate your detailed words and the fact that you pointed everything out in such a very "real" perspective.
We thank you once again and we hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written June 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anca M
1 contribution
Mar 2024 • family
The best restaurant experience ever, from the moment we were welcomed by the staff, then the pleasant and relaxed atmosphere in the restaurant, the friendly and competent staff, the presentation and serving of the dishes, which are a source of complex, visual, gustatory, olfactory pleasure, with wines perfectly chosen for each dish, all perfectly rounded off with a surprise dessert and the pleasure of meeting in person, chatting and getting an autograph from the chef Octávio Freitas himself! One more star for the chef and the whole team, from us! Congratulations! We will come back!
Written March 9, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear "611ancam",
First and foremost we would like to thank you for the praising review you shared following your visit to our Desarma Restaurant.
We are very happy to read that we were able to match your expectations.
It is always nice to read that our guests left having a great experience and we thank you for pointing out the fact that the wine pairing complemented perfectly our courses. Just quite like a harmony.
We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Desarma on a future occasion.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written June 11, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
thierry1820
Valence101 contributions
Aug 2024 • couples
Let's start with the day before dinner: first text to ask for confirmation. So far I agree. Second SMS to ask to choose the menu directly on their website!
And I also choose my dessert??
Last sms to tell me to come in casual chic outfit. Oh dear I wanted to show up in shorts, hammer and bob Ricard on my head! Well, I'll make an effort...
Last point: no more than 15 minutes late otherwise you go to McDo!
Comes D-Day.
We wait 15 minutes downstairs and the thought of going to McDo’s crosses my mind.
225 euros for a menu very uneven in creativity even if the technical mastery is obvious.
More than minimalist portions and a final feeling of having lost an evening and its money. Correct service but better to master English for lack of Portuguese.
We had asked ourselves 100 times whether we cancelled or not but curiosity prevailed...
And curiosity is an ugly flaw.
Automatically translated
Written August 17, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Mr. Thierry,
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We deeply regret that your experience at Desarma fell short of your expectations, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused.
Our team is committed to providing exceptional service and ensuring that every guest leaves Desarma with a positive impression. Therefore, we sincerely apologize once again for the disappointment you experienced, and we thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.
Best regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written October 2, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
MrsPoppins
83 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
What an amazing experience!
Celebrating our birthdays and 30th wedding anniversary in style! We had a 6 course taster menu with the wine flight.
It was a faultless experience! From our welcome to the end of the evening hand made chocolates, the service was exceptional.
The staff were fabulous, attentive but not over bearing, every dish perfectly explained and tasting notes on how to get the best from the food and wine pairing.
The food was amazing- beautifully presented and tasted exquisite.
Without a doubt THE best food experience ever.
Thank you to the team and we really appreciated the kitchen tour and hearing your passion, vision and determination for perfection.
A true treat and a real experience.
Written November 23, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Client MrsPoppins,
Thank you so much for your kind and generous words.
We are truly honored that you chose to celebrate such special milestones with us.
It brings us immense joy to know that your evening was flawless from start to finish. Our team takes great pride in delivering exceptional service and creating unforgettable dining experiences, and we’re thrilled that every detail, from the food and wine pairings to the kitchen tour, left a lasting impression.
Your appreciation for our passion and vision means the world to us. Moments like this remind us why we do what we do. We hope to welcome you back in the future for more celebrations or simply another memorable experience.
Warmest regards,
Emma Alves - Hostess
Written November 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nikki and Nick
Mirfield591 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
In a word, STUNNING.
Fantastic venue and views from the restaurant over Funchal.
Greeted by staff who take you up to the restaurant and then you are shown the kitchen and then seated by two staff.
Service can make or break a restaurant, this is outstanding service but friendliness is present, not arrogance.
Food is not far from a comparison to L’ Enclume *** Michelin.
This restaurant will soon receive its 2nd star based on the quality, taste and finesse and without doubt supersedes most if not all restaurants in Funchal.
A memorable meal, great service and now our number 2 restaurant in Europe.
Highly recommended.
Written June 22, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Client,
Thank you for your review and lovely words following your visit to Desarma restaurant.
We are very happy to read that we were able to match your expectations.
The views from our restaurant is without a doubt one of our most appreciated points.
Also as is the food and our service, thank you for mentioning it.
We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written July 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Donnie M
Vancouver27 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
One of the most incredible and memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had. From the personalized greetings from Chef Octavio Freitas and all the staff at arrival, to the attentive service throughout, delicious balanced flavors, wine parings, ambiance and views — all were second to none. Would highly recommend if you appreciate fine dining in an elegant and non-pretentious environment. I will not hesitate to return on all my future visits to Funchal, Madeira. Bravo Restaurant Desarma!
(Note this restaurant is located on the top floor of The Views Hotel. The name is truly deserving.)
Written September 30, 2023
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Mr. Donald M,
First and foremost we would like to thank you for the lovely review you shared following your visit to our Desarma Restaurant.
We are very happy to read that we were able to match your expectations.
It is always nice to read that our guests left having a great experience and we thank you for pointing out the fact that the wine pairing complemented perfectly our courses, taking you on a journey of a battle of senses.
Also, thank you for your kind words about our friendly/professional team.
We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Desarma on a future occasion.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written October 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
O E
6 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
We had a wonderful dinner at Desarma. The experience began before we even arrived, when the restaurant called to make sure that they had understood any allergies.
As the restaurant is located at the top of an hotel, we were greeted down at the reception and then taken up to the top floor. Before being shown to our seats we were showed around the place and got to greet the chefs in the kitchen. At our table we met the somalier, and the experience began. We had ordered a tasting menu, but before the first dish we got an extra appetiser.
Throughout the meal the food was excellent, but the highlight was the wine pairings (The wine package cannot be recommended enough). A highlight was the Mediran wine paired with fish, a bold choice that hit the spot.
Overall the experience was on the pricy end of the spectrum, but the food, drinks and service lives up to the expectations.
Written July 25, 2023
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.
Emma Alves
Dear client "748oe",
We would like to thank you for the praising review you shared following your recent visit to our Desarma Restaurant.
We always find it nice to read that our guests left having a great experience and we thank you for pointing out the fact that the wine pairing complemented perfectly our courses. Just quite like a harmony.
We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Desarma on a future occasion.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written July 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robert H
Westcliff-on-Sea816 contributions
Jul 2024 • solo
I can honestly say this was one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had.
From being met in the foyer, whisked up in the lift to the restaurant, having a chefs table seat, greeted by Alex the manager and the great staff, chatting with the chefs as they worked, especially Robert the Head Chef, Joao the sommelier who provided excellent and interesting wines for each course to the food itself, everything was paced perfection.
The food is carefully prepared with quite a lot of nose -tail/ zero waste ideas. Subtle nods to Madeira and Portugal make you smile, the food’s fun but delightful. I can see how it was awarded a Michelin Star so quickly.
I even had a quick tour of the kitchen which was extremely kind of everyone.
An absolutely fantastic dining experience: thank you so much Desmara.
Written July 13, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Mr. Robert Hammond,
Thank you for your praising review and lovely words following your recent visit to Desarma restaurant.
We could not explain our experience better than you have.
Also, we appreciate your detailed words and the fact that you pointed everything out in such a very "real" perspective.
We thank you once again and we hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon.
Best regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written July 16, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
smithfoodies
44 contributions
Nov 2024 • couples
If you are researching which Michelin star experience to reserve in Madeira, this is the one.
Making a reservation was a breeze. From the moment we entered the hotel, a hostess greeted us and made us feel welcome. Upon entering the restaurant, we were given a tour of the kitchen prior to being seated. Francisco was our concierge for the night and he was absolutely excellent. The service was perfection. The food was portioned well and their pace was consistent. We appreciated their celebration of my birthday and made us feel at home.
Not all Michelin star restaurants get it right, but they did. We appreciate their hospitality and would recommend the experience.
Written November 24, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Client "smithfoodies",
Thank you for your glowing review and for recommending us so highly—it means the world to our entire team.
We are delighted that you chose to celebrate your birthday with us and that your experience was everything you hoped for.
Also, we are especially pleased to hear that our service made you feel welcomed and at home. It is wonderful to know that the pacing, portions, and personalized touches enhanced your evening.
Your kind words inspire us to continue striving for excellence and delivering the exceptional experiences our guests deserve. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Madeira for more unforgettable moments in the future.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves - Hostess
Written November 26, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Claire W
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
Incredible experience from start to finish. We received a warm welcome and introduction to the chef and team before being seated in this beautiful restaurant with stunning views over the bay of Funchal. We opted for the shorter tasting menu with wine pairings. The food and wine choices were carefully and thoroughly explained taking us on a journey of Portugese and Madeiran culture. Everything we had was absolutely delicious and the wine pairings were perfect, with one or two being interesting yet still well considered. It was very hard to pick a favourite dish as we loved even the dishes that we may not normally have chosen but for us the turbut with fennel and the goats cheese with beetroot were outstanding. This is a stunning restaurant with a friendly, professional team without any hint of pretentiousness and one that deserves to do well.
Written July 9, 2023
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Ms. Claire W,
First and foremost we would like to thank you for the lovely review you shared following your recent visit to our Desarma Restaurant.
We are very happy to read that we were able to match your expectations.
It is always nice to read that our guests left having a great experience and we thank you for pointing out the fact that the wine pairing complemented perfectly our courses, taking you on a journey of a battle of senses.
Also, thank you for your kind words about our friendly/professional team.
We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Desarma on a future occasion.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written July 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Domingos F
Estoril12 contributions
Sep 2023 • couples
I made a reservation for a special celebration and the entire team that served us, Rita, Igor, JoĂŁo, Nelio and in particular Chef Octavio Freitas and his team, were unsurpassable and provided us with an experience that we will hardly forget.
From the food to the wine pairing with JoĂŁo's suggestions, which surprised me (in a positive way) in some of the moments, everything was extraordinary.
Thank you for the moment you gave us and I hope that your work is recognized, not only by those who visit you, but also by those who can give you another type of recognition that allows you to join the constellation of stars...
Thanks

Written September 15, 2023
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.
Emma Alves
Estimado Sr. Domingos FelĂcio,
Desde já agradecemos a sua escolha pelo restaurante Desarma.
GostarĂamos tambĂ©m de agradecer a partilha da sua excelente experiĂŞncia que podemos constatar atravĂ©s da pontuação atribuĂda e pelos seus simpáticos comentários.
Esperamos vĂŞ-lo novamente em breve.
Com os nossos melhores cumprimentos,
Emma Alves - Hostess
Written October 3, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ivanka71
Bronxville104 contributions
Oct 2024 • friends
Our dinner at Desarma was exceptional. The menu embraced all the flavors of Madeira and the wine pairing also highlighted wonderful local wines we might otherwise have not tried. The service was exceptional and started with the warmest greeting from Emma. The views were lovely from the restaurant but I was so lost in the meal. I would recommend the restaurant to other travelers who want an excellent experience.
Written October 15, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Ms. Yvonne K,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for taking the time to share your experience at Desarma! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed our Madeira-inspired menu and the wine pairings. The entire team strive to provide exceptional service, so it’s wonderful to know that you felt warmly welcomed.
We’re glad the views added to your experience, even if you were captivated by the meal! Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we hope to welcome you back for another memorable evening soon.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves - Hostess
Written October 22, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jodie W
United Kingdom2 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
On our last night in Funchal, a break which had been incredible in so many ways this topped it off. We had the 6 course, Armed with Senses menu plus the wine pairing. A beautiful aperitif (bubbles of course) and a "coffee in the clouds" rounded out an incredible meal superbly. The memories of this meal will truly last, and the team behind every mouthful and every sip deserve any and every accolade that comes their way.
Written July 7, 2023
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Ms. Jodie Wilkes,
Thank you so much for your wonderful review.
We are very happy to know that you had a lovely time on your last night here in the Island and that we were able to match your expectations.
It's always nice to have such good feedback.
We appreciate your kind words and hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves - Hostess
Written July 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Apalmero
Funchal932 contributions
Jun 2024 • couples
Great location, with a wonderful view of the bay of Funchal, competent and friendly staff, excellent service, nice decor. We had the 9-course menu: the creativity, flavours and depth are mesmerising. The great highlight was the "Cherne with fennel texture and caviar": I guess I've been in more than 100 starred restaurant, and this dish was one of the absolute best ever. Chapeau to the chef
Written June 8, 2024
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.
Emma Alves
Dear Palmeroa,
First and foremost we would like to thank you for the praising review you shared following your visit to our Desarma Restaurant and we are very happy to read that we were able to match your expectations.
Thank you for specifying some of your favorite moments. They are very appreciated also by other clients and have been thought to detail to leave you "unarmed" with there unique flavours.
We hope to have the pleasure of seeing you soon.
Warm regards,
Emma Alves – Hostess
Written June 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Showing results 1-15 of 38
As Featured In
Best fine dining restaurants
See all
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all Best nearby restaurants
See all Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing