From Market to Plate: visit to Funchal market and culinary experience
This culinary experience in Madeira is the perfect choice for those wishing to explore the flavours of the archipelago while immersing themselves in a sensory journey. It begins in one of the most vibrant corners of the Madeiran capital, where stalls of fresh fish, tropical fruit and spices tell the stories of the island, its people and, of course, its cuisine. A visit to Mercado dos Lavradores is truly a regional market adventure you’ll never forget.
Guided by a local host, you’ll have the opportunity to taste exotic fruits and uncover the secrets of some of the most emblematic products of Madeiran gastronomy. The visit to the Mercado dos Lavradores becomes a moment of discovery and exploration, filled with aromas, colours, flavours and sharing.
From these overflowing baskets, we then head to the Chef’s table.
Between Mercado dos Lavradores and the kitchen: flavours with Madeiran soul
After a five-minute walk, we arrive at our restaurant, where a young, dynamic and relaxed team is ready to showcase their cooking techniques. You’ll have the chance to ask questions and satisfy your curiosities at any time. This is, in fact, a showcooking, a live culinary demonstration.
From fresh fish ceviche to the iconic black scabbardfish with banana guacamole and the traditional espetada (grilled meat skewer), the world of fusion cuisine is made simple and enjoyable through our chef’s incredible demonstrations and explanations.
The chef’s table is the heart of the house. Here, you’ll learn the basics and much more, taking home tips to elevate your own kitchen.
Each culinary experience concludes with a delicious lunch accompanied by carefully selected Portuguese wines. You’ll gather around the table to enjoy your wonderful meal and share a few words with fellow enthusiasts of Madeiran gastronomy and the art of cooking.
From our gallery
Landscapes that linger in the memory, flavours made for sharing and traditions passed down through generations: dive into the photo album of Food on Foot experiences!
From Market to plate: useful information
When does it happen?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am
Duration
4 hours
Meeting Point
In front of Mercado dos Lavradores main entrance in Funchal [view map]
Number of participants
Minimum: 4 people
Maximum: 6 people
Price
103€ — Adults
79€ — Children (7–12 years)
What is included in this culinary experience with a market visit in Funchal?
This experience has been designed to provide you with an authentic immersion in Madeira gastronomy, from the market to the plate, step by step. The tour includes:
Guided visit to Mercado dos Lavradores with a certified local guide
Tasting of exotic fruits
Cooking show with a very friendly and professional chef
Full meal featuring the dishes prepared during the showcooking
Selection of local Portuguese wines and a digestif
Specialty coffee
Tour Location
This experience takes place at the iconic Mercado dos Lavradores, in the heart of Funchal, a vibrant space where Madeira gastronomy and culture take center stage.
Gallery
Landscapes that linger in the memory, flavours made for sharing and traditions passed down through generations: dive into the photo album of Food on Foot experiences!
Finding out about exotic fruit, pairings of ingredients in the lunch explained by the chef, superb.
"Super tour around the market, with exotic fruit tasting, great and the meal experience at the restaurant with Maurice the chef, brilliant."
May 22, 2025
Excellent guide
"Wonderful! Great insight to local foods and how used. Excellent guide and cooking experience in hotel with entertaining chef and terrific meal and wines."
Apr 11, 2025
Amazing experience! Wonderful showcase of Madeira flavours
"We started in the market where Ana has amazing local knowledge and explained everything perfectly. Moving onto the food it was just more than we could have expected. Chefs were so friendly and talked us through everything. Food was tasty and wine paired perfectly. Would recommend to anyone who loves food and wants to explore new flavours."
Dec 4, 2024
Foodie Fun in Funchal!
"Delicious and informative way to spend day in Funchal. Anna was very informative and delightful! Food at the restaurant delicious!"
Dec 2, 2024
Show Cooking and Foodie tour
"An experience we will never forget An absolutely treat to watch the chefs at work and explain what imagination goes into the process of creating such delicious and show stopping cuisine The tour of the fish and fruit market was so interesting, to gain more knowledge of how the island works in all its glory These guys definitely know how to give you that extra Foodie tour experience It’s a must if your always excited by different flavours and aromas Food heaven for the taste buds."
Nov 9, 2024
Fantastic
"Fantastic tour Knowledgeable host and guide Trendy modern restaurant, plenty of food, wine, would recommend friends and family to do this tour."
Oct 3, 2024
Fabulous Market Tour and Superbly Delicious Food
"Our market tour guide Eugenia gave us fabulous info about the market, the fish and fruits and spices. Knowledgeable and a great guide. Chef Mauricio Faria was personable, gave excellent step by step instructions and served us 4 divine courses accompanied by water, wine & coffee. Delicious and inspiring food. All the kitchen staff were friendly. Chef and Eugenia capped off the experience by taking us to the rooftop for a spectacular 360 view of Funchal. This experience was a highlight of our trip to Madeira."
Sep 16, 2024
Friendly, informative and entertaining tour with delicious food
"The tour round the market was excellent - very knowledgeable and friendly guide. We tried different fruits, from sour to sweet. We then sat in the kitchen and watched the chefs prepare lunch, which was impressive. Lunch was delicious - four courses with wine and coffee. Would highly recommend."
Jul 31, 2024