Fado is one of the most popular Portuguese music genres, and it’s also one of the best ways to enjoy your dinner in a restaurant or a bar in Funchal, the capital of Madeira. Fado is an emotional musical expression that originated in Portugal’s old capital city of Lisbon in the 19th century. While fado songs can be sad and melancholic at times, they are often accompanied by upbeat rhythms which make them more enjoyable to listen to in Madeira. Fado concerts have been influenced by many different cultures over the years, including Arabic music from North Africa and Sephardic Jews who were expelled from Spain during the Spanish Inquisition in 1492. One thing that hasn’t changed though is how beautiful these songs sound when performed live by talented singers with haunting voices accompanied by guitars, violins, and other instruments unique to Portugal.
Here are the best Fado restaurants in Funchal:
1. Sabor a Fado Restaurant
Sabor a Fado restaurant is located in the heart of Funchal (the capital of Madeira), and it offers an excellent view of the city. The food is good, and the service is excellent. The atmosphere is great for a romantic date or family dinner out, but it’s also just as good if you’re looking for something more casual with friends.
The show is excellent–you can expect to hear some traditional fado music sung by local artists who have been trained in this style since childhood. The singers are accompanied by guitarists and bass players who perform live at each performance. It’s also worth noting that many of these performers have won awards for their singing skills at international festivals like Eurovision Song Contest! Make sure to reserve a table before you go.
2. Adega da Quinta Restaurant
Adega da Quinta is a family-run restaurant in Funchal (Madeira), located in the traditional and historical quarter of Funchal, called the “Largo do Coelho”. It’s very popular with locals and tourists alike. Book your table in advance and get ready for a fun evening!
The fado at Adega da Quinta is one of the best fado experiences you can have in Funchal. The place has a calm atmosphere which allows you to enjoy good food while listening to excellent music played by local musicians on their guitars or violins (cavaquinhos).
3. Mozart Restaurant – an alternative to Fado shows
Mozart Restaurant is a traditional Portuguese restaurant that serves traditional cuisine. The ambiance and decor are both elegant, with dark wood furniture and white tablecloths. The staff dresses in traditional garb, which gives the place an authentic feel, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time!
The menu offers dishes like grilled sardines, octopus stewed in red wine vinegar with potatoes and paprika sauce (their specialty), fish soup with clams and shrimp, codfish cakes with potato chips, and much more!
If you want to try something different than fado music while in Funchal (Madeira) we recommend Mozart Restaurant’s show called “A Musical Journey Through Time” where they play classical music from different eras such as Beethoven or Mozart but also jazz songs from Billie Holiday or Louis Armstrong.
Fado Festival from 18 to 21 January in Funchal
If you want to take it to the next level, you should visit Madeira (Funchal) during the Fado Festival. It is a great way to learn more about fado, and a wonderful way to enjoy it. The festival is held in Funchal from 18-21 January 2019. The festival features concerts by top Portuguese singers, workshops on fado music and culture, and other cultural events that showcase the best of what Madeira has to offer.
What is a Fado Restaurant?
Fado is a traditional Portuguese music style that dates back to the 1820s. It’s characterized by mournful tunes and sad lyrics, often about love and loss. Fado restaurants are places where you can enjoy this style of music, which is often performed by a fado singer accompanied by an acoustic guitar or other instruments such as the cavaquinho (a small four-stringed Portuguese instrument).
The cuisine at these restaurants usually consists of traditional dishes like seafood stews, codfish cakes, and grilled octopus, all things that link themselves well to being paired with wine! Some establishments have cover charges but most don’t; many also offer live performances on weeknights so check ahead if you’re interested in seeing some live music while dining out!
How long does fado last?
Fado is a form of traditional Portuguese music that dates back centuries. It’s performed by solo singers, accompanied by a 12-string guitar. Fado typically lasts around 45 minutes and consists of three parts: the cante (song), which tells stories through song; the fadista (fado singer), who sings these stories; and finally the guitarra (guitar).
Fado has its roots in urban Lisbon, where it was first performed in taverns by poor people looking for work or money. These days, however, it’s considered an element of Portugal’s cultural heritage – so if you love listening to folk songs about love lost then this could be your thing!
What do you wear to a fado dinner?
You’ll want to dress up for your fado dinner. It’s not a formal affair, but you should look nice: no flip-flops or beachwear. Women should wear a long skirt, a blouse, and a shawl; men should wear a blazer and maybe a tie if they’re feeling adventurous.
Do you tip in a Fado restaurant in Portugal?
In Portugal, you’re not required to tip performers at fado restaurants as there’s usually a minimum spend or an expensive menu that includes the fado show.
If you decided to tip, the tip is usually between 5% and 10% of the bill. If it’s just one person performing for your table then 5% should be fine but if there are multiple performers then 10% would be more appropriate as they will split any tips equally among themselves. The best way to do this is in cash as the tip is distributed after that.
