Madeira's Michelin Star
Il Gallo d'Oro in the Cliff Bay Hotel, Funchal, is Madeira's only Michelin-starred restaurant...so far...and I have the impression they are trying for two stars.Following a visit on 18 April 2016, I can vouch for the worthiness of the one star; quite what it will take to earn another star remains to be seen.
The head chef is French, and there is a genuine blend of Frenchness and Portuguese/Madeiran influences. The dining room is bright and welcoming, rather like the staff, and the tables set at a comfortable distance apart...one of the reasons, I suspect, that other worthy restaurants - so far as cuisine are concerned - never quite make it to star status...but, even though I write for Michelin (Green Guides, that is), I'm not clued up on how Michelin stars aware awarded.
There is a four-course Signature Menu, with the option of wines selected for each course. But we found that we wanted everything, and in the end settled for dishes from the main menu, which, with the amuses bouches, the interval sorbet and the pre-dessert dessert, sent us back to our hotel happily replete.
You expect care, consideration and competent cuisine from a Michelin-starred restaurant, and Il Gallo d'Oro does not disappoint on any level. Excellent wine list, highly regarded by those who know these things, and splendid dessert wines to round off the meal.
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Hotel The Cliff Bay
Estrada Monumental, 147
9004-532 FUNCHAL
Tel: +351 291 707 700
Email: info@cliffbay.com
http://ilgallodoro.portobay.com/en/restaurant.aspx
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