Solar da Ajuda

We got this place recommended by friends. When we arrived, we hesitated as we did not like the exterior and neither the interior of the restaurant. The lights were too bright for dinner, especially when outside was already dark. As mentioned in the previous reviews, some of the tables are way too close to each other, and we were only lucky not to have someone sitting next to us.

The culinary experience was top-notch. Red Sangria up to standard. Fried mushroom starter with garlic dip was delicious. The super tender fillet steak on hot stone that you can cook to your liking was the highlight of all our culinary experiences in Madeira. And we finished the evening off with the apple pie, which was also lovely.

The service was very friendly and attentive. The menu is offered in multiple languages.

We did try the steak on the stone in other places in Funchal after this visit, but Solar da Ajuda was definitely the best in terms of meat quality and the service provided. We definitely recommend coming for a meal.

Thank you

We had the espedata and beef steak, and they were absolutely outstanding! The owner personally takes care of the guests, and he's incredibly kind. He's a true expert in the business and exceptionally welcoming. The portions were incredibly generous too. We definitely will visit again!

Had an amazing time at Solar da Ajuda! 🍽✨ Culinary perfection with every dish, especially the beef – the best I've ever had! 👨‍🍳👩‍🍳 Outstanding food, top-notch service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. 🤗🕯 Whether you're a foodie or just seeking a delightful evening out, this is a must-visit! Kudos to the entire team for delivering excellence! 👏👏👏 #FoodieHeaven #FiveStarExperience #MustVisitRestaurant

Very good food and kind service. Fresh fish made in the Portuguese way and a lot of other courses on the menu. Don't be fooled by the 'touristic' facade. The host was very kind when I had a stomach issue and suggested suitable food. Only minus is the acoustic effect when the restaurant is full of chatting people- which it apparently often is. 😉

Had a lovely dinner there tonight. Recommended by a friend, the staff were attentive and the steak on a stone amazing. I'd not had steak that way before so Moses demonstrated the best way to have it. Super food, great service.

Great restaurant with great food. Known for their steak on a stone and fajitas (pizzas are also very good!). Staff are friendly and efficient. Prices are very reasonable. We were also given complimentary drinks after our bill which was a nice unexpected touch. Recommended!

True one restaurant.
Located not far from the ocean and you risk missing one of the greatest restaurants on Madera.
Steak on rock - the best that I've ever tasked. Plus the service is just brilliant. They bring you raw meat on hot rock and you personally could control how you like it medium rare or even well done. In addition to steak I personally recommend ordering baked potato.
All other meals that we ordered were excellent as was the steak.
The restaurant has a menu not only in English and Portuguese but in Polish and Scandinavian languages.

Ate the steak on stone and loved it as always. You're going to this restaurant because of the food and not for the atmosphere. It's not cozy and exclusive so you can eat there with a pair of shorts. :-)

The best fresh Scabbard fish in Madeira. A lovely busy restaurant, fantastic menu and a really nice owner.

We enjoyed a beautiful meal here this evening. They staff found us a table as we hadn't booked. I would recommend you book it. It was busy, even though it was busy the staff were very friendly. We had garlic bread for a starter, which was very nice, very soft bread, and much different to the standard everyday version. I had the lamb chops that were cooked as I had asked and were delicious. My husband had the chicken kebab, which was a very generous portion again, beautifully cooked. All of the food that was being served around us looked delicious, especially the hot plate food.

Tenderest beef fillet espetada we have had. Very popular for steak on a stone so atmosphere gets quite smokey, hence 4 stars not 5! You need to book early to get a table.

Great food plenty choice friendly staff. They recognise us each year we go there. Well worth a visit.

We stayed closed by for two weeks and this restaurant is the only one we decided to visit twice. The food quality was awesome and price was reasonable. The service was warm and you immediately feel welcomed.

delicious food, lovely owners and great service

3rd time in Madeira now,we eat a lot of times here.food and service is amaizing.dont miss the scabard and the sword fish with prowns

The hot stone steak is hands down the best steak I have ever had, in any restaurant, ever. The restaurant is quite unassuming from the outside but it's a must go to place for anyone wanting authentic Portuguese food!

Many have said in other reviews that Solar da Ajuda is a hidden gem and they are so right. This busy little restaurant caters for so many different tastes. From pasta, pizza to steak and chips or the standard tuna steak on a hot stone. If like us you like meat then you have to try the Espetadas (meat on a skewer), the pork and beef are so tender. So much more than the regular tourist meat skewers you can get in Madeira. The staff are very friendly and soo helpful, nothing is too much trouble. If its your birthday they will throw in the standard 'happy birthday' celebration complete with guitar!

Hidden gem, we tried several restaurants In the area while here on holiday, and this is far the best...

The steak on the stone is surberb..
The staff are very excellent, and the service is brilliant.
Can't ask for more..

The best steak on a stone on Madeira. Trust me I've tried at least 10 different places.

This is some of the most tender steak on a stones you can find.

The staff is super friendly and attentive.

There is only inside seating.

Amazing food, the waiters were so kind, my Grandparents came here for many years and now me and my family come here every time we visit Madeira, and ever time we order the steak on the stone, never fails to amaze us! Amazing service, definitely recommend :)