The story
At the five-star hotel The Cliff Bay in Funchal, Madeira, Il Gallo d'Oro has been a destination for serious fine dining since 2004. Under the stewardship of French Chef Benoît Sinthon, the restaurant earned the first Michelin star ever awarded in Madeira in 2009, and has held two stars since 2017.
The kitchen’s style is aromatic European cuisine, inspired by Iberian cooking. Chef Sinthon gives great prominence to ingredients from the island itself, many grown in the PortoBay vegetable garden. This fresh produce plays a key role in his creations, combined with high-quality ingredients from other parts of Europe.
The dining room was completely refitted in 2021, gaining a modern, contemporary feel. Large windows run along the front, flooding the space with light that complements the warm colours and the many green plants inside and out. Guests enter through the wine cellar, a design choice that places the restaurant’s excellent wine programme at the heart of the experience. An outdoor terrace overlooking the hotel gardens and the sea offers an ideal setting on warmer evenings.
Il Gallo d'Oro’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised with a Michelin Green Star since 2022. The restaurant’s sommelier, Leonel Nunes, received the Michelin Sommelier Award in 2024. The Wine Spectator has also awarded the restaurant a Best of Award of Excellence, reflecting the strength of its wine list.
Recognition
Ambience
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