The Terrace At Jardim Do Mar - CALHETA

Stopped for cold pint, well actually it was a litre. Friendly staff terrace enclosed so no wind. Just had the one drink

Octopus and local fish served delicious and fast. We had a nice view on the terrace. Not a fancy place but nice time there. Dont need a reservation during lunch time.

We enjoyed a late dinner one evening. The menu had all the local favourites as and the gentleman waiter was very friendly. We enjoyed clams and octopus. Portions were generous and despite several diners, including some children we enjoyed how quiet the place was. We would recommend this as a nice quiet place for a meal along with a nice sea view.

I'd give this place zero stars if I could. We were seared and eventually the menus cane and we ordred. Then we waited over an hour for food. I expect to wait a while for freshly cooked food but not over an hour.We asked where our food was and was told it would be ready in one minute but still had to wait another ten minutes. The excuse was the chef was working alone. So why hadn't we been warned about the extended wait? And why did local workmen get served in preference? Several arrived, ordered and were served during our waiting time. Many visitors were complaining. French, German and British visitors were voicing concerns over the long wait. The food when it finally came was terrible. Overcooked dry chicken, overcooked fish, tasteless chips, overcooked veg... When we went to pay we were asked if we had enjoyed the food and said we had not and explained. We were still given the full bill despite the extensive wait and our poor food. So I said I wanted a discount. The manager was sent for. Then another table came and complained about the food and the fact they were being overcharged. At which time I was ignored and the manager started to sort out their complaint. Only when I complained that I was being ignored did I get some attention. The bill was greatly reduced but I wasn't offered an apology, hence the reason I voice my concerns here. Places like this greatly damage the tourism industry and give Madeira a bad reputation. There are good places in Madeira to eat, but this is a place we will avoid in future.

My wife and I were disappointed with our evening meal. There was too much salt on my wife’s grilled salmon and our veg was mushy and overcooked. There was only a choice of two desserts, The gentleman waiter was firendly but untrained, not like any usual waiter in a restaurant.