Boca De Panela - Santa Cruz

Visited the restaurant several times over our 10 days in Santa Cruz, closed on Monday so had to eat in our hotel ! as we thought we should try it... More expensive and no way near as nice and original. We have enjoyed the local fish black scabbard, tasty and tender with different sauces and local vegetables. Eusebio, the chef really cares about your choice, advises you nicely then comes and check that you are fully enjoying his food, beautifully cooked and presented. Near the harbour,, after 5 min walk from the Vila Gale Hotel, turning right once you have left the pool ! Beautiful view on the ocean, deserves a lot more customers at times, but we really enjoyed the quietness and having Eusebio looking after us and having friendly chats. Recommended by the hotel indeed as one of the best restaurants of Santa Cruz.

Restaurant is in a nice setting an elevated position overlooking the harbour, with large panoramic windows. Like many other establishments in the area it produces a lovely garlic bread. Unfortunately that's about everything good I can find to say. Both my wife and I chose variations on the espada theme. In both dishes the fish was way overcooked. The vegetable accompaniment largely consisted of a variety is squash (not my favourite food I have to admit) which was swimming in butter probably some attempt to impart a little flavour. Upon leaving the restaurant we agreed that a score of 3 stars was probably appropriate. However, given that we both suffered from indigestion for the next 24 hours I cannot give it more than than two. Others seem to have had a better experience than us. But I'm afraid we will not be visiting again. We have had much better meals at the cafe right behind the church in the main square.

We went here for lunch on a quiet day mid week and we were the only customers there at the time. Perhaps partly for this reason, we had excellent, personal service. The owner even brought us an additional extra to try, which was a plate of steamed winkles. Don't be put off by the unpromising outside staircase access, the interior is attractive and there's a great view. We shared a plate of seafood spaghetti which was perfectly tasty and there was certainly plenty of seafood. We also had extremely generous double portions of dessert and were treated to a complimentary liquor when we finished our meal. Overall, this is a real destination for Santa Cruz and cannot be beaten on value. Our whole meal came to just €35!

We were recommended to go to this restaurant by the receptionist at our Hotel. We were not disappointed. Good food and very friendly staff.

I found the food generally in Madeira to be quite bland but the food in this restaurant is cooked beautifully, and presented so nicely. The restaurant is extremely clean, tastefully furnished, and in a wonderful position overlooking the sea. The kitchen is visible from the restaurant and it is very clean. The proprietor is very friendly and helpful. I would eat here every night if I visit Santa Cruz again. As for the review that says the espada was not so good (it is a very bland fish, a bit like cod), well the espada I had was cooked to perfection so try the other more exciting fish on the menu. The shrimp cocktail was sumptuous. The steak was very good, the seafood soup was gorgeous. Try it.