Sandes Bifanas - Funchal

On our first day we browsed around for a quick afternoon snack. Usually I go for not a touristy place but where locals go, so I gave this little place a try and was not disappointed! Lady in the front of the house was so pleasant in greeting us and explained what other food they have on offer (apart from usual burgers I wasn't particularly fond of at this very occasion). We ended up having a local beef veg soup with pasta and fried limpets as we wanted to have typical local food. Both were excellent, the portions were generous and we finished our lovely meal having Poncha (traditional alcoholic drink). Absolutely brilliant experience, wonderful family ran business, even the chef himself came out for a quick chit-chat. Will be definitely be coming back for more! For me this is worth more than dozens of other generic touristy places offering all the same menu all year round!

Some of the restaurants in this area are with touts at the door and this just is a right turn off. We stopped here as I saw a local couple having a coffee at the door . The lovely young girl said they did meals so we sat down inside. We were shown fish dorado that could be cooked for us but we decided on the bacalao in a tomato and onion sauce with French fries and rice all prepared by the gentleman behind the counter . I would have a glass of the local poncha to drink and he made it for me .Wow !! It was something else . Probably the strongest drink I have ever tasted. We enjoyed our meal and the friendly atmosphere and we were given a glass of wine and a fruit salad each It was a fun evening so unexpected because we were really ready to give up because of these touts and pricey menus