Advertisement

Asian Restaurants in Madeira

Madeira isn’t the first place you’d think of for Asian food, but believe me, the island has some neat options if you know where to look. You won’t find a Chinatown or anything, but there are solid sushi bars and a couple of places serving Thai or Indian dishes that locals actually go back to.

For instance, in Funchal, places like Wasabi or Moshi Moshi stand out because their fish is fresh and they keep it simple, no crazy sauces drowning the sushi. And if you’re craving something with more kick, say a green curry or some spicy noodles, head to Restaurante Indian Palace near the marina – it’s modest, but the flavors hit right.

One thing I’d warn you about is that some spots might close early, especially outside of town. So grab that pad thai or dumplings by 9 pm or you might be left hungry. Also, watch out for the freshest fish days if you’re after sushi; weekends tend to be better. Madeiran Asian food isn’t about flashy presentation, but it’s honest, tasty, and a nice break from the usual island fare.
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
Search by Map

Book Top Experiences and Tours in Madeira:

If you're booking your trip to Madeira last minute, we have you covered. Below are some of the top tours and experiences.

View All Experiences

Local tips on Asian dining

If you’re in Funchal and craving something Asian, skip the tourist-heavy areas for dinner. Head toward Rua da Carreira or the marina, where smaller, often family-run spots serve honest sushi and curries.

One of my favourite moves is grabbing a takeaway bento box from Moshi Moshi and enjoying it while watching the sunset at Santa Catarina Park. It’s way more chill than sitting inside, and you get the best views on the island. Also, weekends usually mean fresher fish in the sushi places, so plan accordingly if you’re a sushi fan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about Asian food in Madeira? I’ve got you covered.

It depends on what you call authentic, but yes, there are a few spots doing it right, especially Japanese and Indian places in Funchal. They tend to use fresh local ingredients and keep traditional recipes pretty true to form.

Definitely. Sushi is probably the most popular Asian cuisine here. Places like Wasabi by the marina have a decent reputation for freshness. You won’t find elaborate omakase menus, but the classics are solid.

Yes, most Asian restaurants in Madeira offer vegetarian dishes, especially Indian and Thai spots. Just mention your preferences – they’re usually happy to tweak dishes or suggest something suitable.

Not really. Prices are mostly moderate, reflecting the island’s lower costs overall. Sushi might be a tad pricier if it’s fresh fish, but Indian and Chinese options are quite affordable.

Oh yeah. For example, Restaurante Indian Palace isn’t flashy but locals swear by it. Also, look out for small noodle places tucked away in city side streets – they’re worth a shot if you want something quick and tasty.

Explore Restaurants Categories

Seafood (13 places) Madeira’s seafood scene is something you won’t forget, especially if you care about freshly caught fish and no-fuss cooking. It’s not just about fancy restaurants here. Some of my favorite meals have been at small, family-run marisqueiras where the fish literally came out of the sea that morning. If you end up in… Explore
Pub (8 places) Pubs in Madeira are a bit different from what you might expect on the mainland. Sure, there are places with a good pint or craft beer, but you’ll also find spots where the atmosphere is mellow and informal, perfect for an easy evening with friends. I usually head to the old town in Funchal when I want to hang out in a… Explore
Italian (7 places) Italian food in Madeira isn’t just about pizza and pasta , it’s a little slice of Italy right here in the middle of the Atlantic. You’ll find spots scattered around Funchal’s Old Town and down by the marina, usually run by Italian expats or Madeira locals who’ve perfected their recipes over the years. One thing I love… Explore
Coffee Shop (6 places) Explore
Pizza (5 places) If you think Madeira is all about seafood and espetada, think again – there’s a surprisingly solid pizza scene here. Most locals head to places like Pizzeria Bela Vista in Funchal for a slice that’s surprisingly authentic. The dough tends to be thinner here than what you’ll find in Italy, but it’s crisp and light… Explore
Bakery (4 places) Madeira has a quiet but rewarding bakery scene that most visitors miss out on. Forget the big touristy cafes; the real treats come from small, family-run shops tucked into neighborhoods like Funchal’s São Pedro or São Martinho. Here, the bread smells like it’s been baking all morning, and pastries are made fresh… Explore
Brunch (4) • Fine Dining (4) • Steakhouse (4) • Vegetarian (3) •

Top Things To Do in Madeira

See All →

Top Things To Do in Madeira

Click to See All

Trusted local guides, read by millions every month

  • 2006 online since
  • 26.2M page views a month across the network
  • 14 languages

180+ destination guides, one network

Every guide covers a single destination on its own website, with events, restaurants, things to do and places to stay chosen from local recommendations.

My Guide Network Locations

Nearby Destinations

Also nearby: My Guide LisbonMy Guide GibraltarMy Guide Marbella

See all destinations

Add to your trip
Day {[{day.day}]} {[{day.dateFormat}]}
MorningAfternoonEvening

Add your travel dates so we can place this on the right day, or save it for later.

Add to day {[{trip.popover.day}]}Add to trip Cancel
Added to your trip Added to day {[{trip.toast.day}]}, MorningAfternoonEvening Saved to your trip Already in your trip Transfer saved to your trip Save your trip to get fresh suggestions Staying in {[{trip.toast.label}]} Base cleared Trip deleted Link copied Could not save your trip Something went wrong, please try again