Below are just a small selection of the cafes and restaurants sampled so far. If you have any recommendations or comments please email mark@madeira-lets.com.

Asian Fusion - Restaurant Sheng - Close to the Savoy Hotel - Rua Imperatriz Dona Amélia - tel 291 228 552
A very modern, stylish restaurant offering a mixture of dishes from across the far east. A must for fans of chinese, Thai, and Japanese foods.

Traditional - Restaurante O Tapassol - Old Town, close to cable car - Rua D.Carlos I, No. 62 - tel 291 225 023
Traditional dishes, two floors with upstairs opening out to a popular veranda. Nothing special but quite adequate. www.restaurantetapassol.com

Italian - Dona Amélia - Close to the Savoy Hotel - Rua Imperatriz Dona Amélia 83 - tel 291 225784Two floors of very good Italian cuisine. Slightly more expensive over local restaurants but very well presented and authentic. Same owners for neighbouring restaurant Casa Velha, Rua Imperatriz Dona Amélia 69.

Chinese - China Town - Close to the Hotel Zone- Centro Comercial Monumental 1, Loja 31 - tel 291 765 457
Very large, modern, traditional Chinese restaurant.

Traditional - Cusémio's - Old Town, close to cable car - Rua de Santa Mario N. 169 - tel 291 224 007
Once frequented by Michael Winner, very good experience mixing local dished with Fado singing. Also linked to Bar Marcelino 'pao e binho' just around the corner. Both well worth a visit!

Traditional + African Influence - O Jango - Old Town, close to cable car - Rua de Santa Mario 166, - tel 291 221 280
Traditional mixed with the African influence in Madeira. Small yet very popular restaurant. Booking is recommended.

Traditional - Restaurante Tokos - Close to the former Crown Plaza Hotel - Estrada Monumental, 169, - tel 291 77 10 19
In my opinion, one of the best restaurants in Madeira. Booking is essential! Owner/chief Filipe dos Ramos will welcome you personally and show you one of the best local fish selections on the island. An experience not to be missed.

Indian - Taj Mahal - Next to the Carlton Hotel - Rua Carvalho Araújo, - tel 291 228038
If you missed "English" food the Taj Mahal serves an excellent "English styled curry." Modern, good service, and very popular being so close to the Carlton and Savoy. Recommend booking for 7-9pm sittings. Email: taj_mahal_restaurant@netmadeira.com

Traditional - Cá Te Espero - Up a short hill from Tokos Restaurant - Rua da Casa Branca, 40, - tel 291 765 096
Lovely small restaurant serving very good local dishes, especially the local favourite Espada and banana

Traditional - Quinta Palmeira - Close to The Savoy Hotel - Ave. do Infante, 17/19, - tel 291 221 814A "complex" of cafe style and arts & crafts facilities on street level with an 'a la carte' restaurant down the steps to the right-handside. The restaurant is well above local standards plus excellent wine list (but beware of the Rothschild!!) www.quintapalmeira.com

Indian - Bombay Palace - Close to The Lido & Cliff Bay Hotel - Rua do Gorgulho, - tel 291 763 110
Clean, spacious and good service.

Traditional - Casa Madeirense - Estrada Monumental, 153, - tel 291 766 700
Good restaurant, especially the sea food platters (lobsters can come in at 90 Euros +) and steaks. www.casamadeirense.com

Traditional - Celeiro - Rua dos Aranhas, 22, - tel 291 23 06 22
Lovely little restaurant, better than average,small amount of outdoor seating.

Traditional - Jardins Do Infante - Close to the Savoy Hotel - Ave. Do Infante, 56, - tel 291 226 083/4
Very good food with plentiful seating outside

Chinese - Sun China Restaurante - Close to The Lido & Cliff Bay Hotel - Rua do Gorgulho, - tel 291 772 934
Very good Chinese restaurant with quite a few out door tables too.

Traditional - Solar D'Ajuda - Just up the hill from the Lido
Outside is not very imposing but it serves first class food at a reasonable price.  It gets crowded so either book a table or arrive after 0830pm.  Try the steak on the stone (John & Barb, June 2008).