Madeirabook

gastronomy

Espetada, Perfected: Madeira’s Fire-Grilled Heritage

Laurel-skewered beef, village grills and the tables that still do it properly — where to eat the island’s signature dish.

Espetada is beef on a bay-laurel skewer, grilled over open coals. It smells like smoke and laurel, and it is the island at its most honest.

Where to eat it

Look for village restaurants in Estreito de Camara de Lobos and Sao Vicente — the further from the marina, the better.

Espetada, Perfected: Madeira’s Fire-Grilled Heritage — Madeirabook