Nini Andrade Silva Design Centre
A historic fortress transformed into a modern hub for art, design, and fine dining with stunning Funchal views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
City lights sparkle below
Nini Andrade Silva Design Centre
Best Time
City lights sparkle below
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic fortress transformed into a modern hub for art, design, and fine dining with stunning Funchal views.
"A unique and luxurious dining experience with breathtaking 360-degree views of the sea and city."
🎯 Book for the View
Reserve your table in advance to guarantee a spot with the best panoramic views of Funchal.
💰 Set Menu Value
Consider the set menu for a good balance of price, courses, and included drinks.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Funchal Views
Restaurant
Breathtaking 360-degree vistas of the city and sea from a unique fortress setting.
Artistic Culinary Presentation
Restaurant
Dishes are presented like works of art, blending delicious flavors with visual appeal.
Historic Fortress Ambiance
Exterior and Interior
Experience design within the walls of the historic Fortaleza da Nossa Senhora da Conceição.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Prime Views
Consider the Set Menu Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book for the View
Reserve your table in advance to guarantee a spot with the best panoramic views of Funchal.
💰 Set Menu Value
Consider the set menu for a good balance of price, courses, and included drinks.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Glass walls can make the sunny side very hot; consider seating away from direct sunlight.
🎨 Appreciate the Art
The food is presented artistically; take time to admire the visual details before eating.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book for the View
Reserve your table in advance to guarantee a spot with the best panoramic views of Funchal.
💰 Set Menu Value
Consider the set menu for a good balance of price, courses, and included drinks.
☀️ Avoid Midday Sun
Glass walls can make the sunny side very hot; consider seating away from direct sunlight.
🎨 Appreciate the Art
The food is presented artistically; take time to admire the visual details before eating.
🥂 Wine Knowledge
Staff are knowledgeable about wine and can offer excellent recommendations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva offers a unique and luxurious experience, praised for its breathtaking panoramic views and artistically presented food. While the ambiance and setting are consistently lauded, some guests have noted inconsistencies in service attentiveness and occasional blandness in main courses. Despite these minor critiques, it's widely considered a memorable and refined destination in Madeira.
"A unique and luxurious dining experience
The restaurant at the Design Centre Nini Andrade Silva is truly one of a kind. Positioned on top of an old fortress, it offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the sea and the city of Funchal. The setting is modern, elegant, and exudes high-end luxury. The service was superb: attentive, professional, and friendly. The food was not only delicious but also presented with artistic detail, making the entire meal feel like a curated experience. It’s a perfect place to visit if you’re looking for something memorable and refined in Madeira.
Note: the sunny side can get quite hot and uncomfortable due to the glass walls — something to be aware of."
V Mel
"Went for a 3-course menu, which included the drinks as well. It is not cheap but for the amount of stuff included, it is pretty good value. The food is a piece of art. The starter and the dessert are pretty tasty. The main is a bit bland tbh."
Smilynn Z
"Beautiful restaurant with ocean view, superbly designed, and with impeccable service. The waiter was very knowledgeable about wine, and tool his time explaining each one, and even recommanding vineyards to visit on our trip according to our tastes. The ravioli, the red snapper, the meringue sorbet palate cleanser and the desert were all delicious. To give them a perfect score, I just wished they seasoned the sides that came with the black angus steak, they tasted a bit bland."
Keven Jean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Design Centre is located on the pier in Funchal, Portugal. It's accessible by a short walk from the city center or by taxi. Some visitors note it looks a bit remote and rustic from the outside, but the interior is excellent.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, Funchal has several public parking garages. It's advisable to check local parking options or consider using ride-sharing services for convenience.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk from the Funchal city center along the waterfront. The journey offers scenic views and takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Design Centre itself, which houses exhibitions and a shop, is generally free or requires a small admission fee depending on current exhibitions. However, access to the restaurant requires a reservation.
Opening hours can vary, especially for the restaurant and any temporary exhibitions. It's best to check the official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the Design Centre often hosts exhibitions and has a shop, which can be visited independently of the restaurant. Check their schedule for exhibition details.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant is renowned for its modern, elegant ambiance, luxurious feel, and stunning 360-degree views of Funchal. It's a unique dining experience set within an old fortress.
The cuisine is described as artistic and delicious, with dishes presented beautifully. While some find the main courses a bit bland, starters and desserts are often praised. +1
The restaurant is considered high-end. While not Michelin-star prices, expect around 70€ per person for a 3-course set menu with drinks, which many find to be good value. +1
Yes, the restaurant offers a menu, including a popular set menu. You can find specific menu details by searching for 'design centre nini andrade silva menu' or 'nini andrade silva restaurant menu'.
Absolutely. It's frequently recommended for anniversaries and special occasions due to its luxurious setting, incredible views, and artistic food presentation.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views of Funchal from the restaurant are a major highlight for photos. The interior design and artistic food presentation also offer great photographic opportunities.
Photography policies can vary for exhibitions. It's advisable to check signage or ask staff if photography is permitted in specific areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more casual experience, exploring the exterior of the fortress and enjoying the sea views can be a pleasant activity. It's advisable to check for any specific family-friendly exhibitions or events that might be running during your visit.
💰 Budget Travelers
To experience the Design Centre without the restaurant cost, consider visiting during times when exhibitions are open to the public or simply enjoying the exterior views of the historic fortress and the Funchal coastline. This allows you to appreciate the location and its design elements on a budget.
🥂 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Enjoying a meal here, especially the artistically presented dishes and the attentive service, makes for a perfect anniversary or special occasion. Booking a table with a prime view in advance is highly recommended to enhance the romantic setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Fusion of History and Design
+2More than just an exhibition space, the Design Centre is a dynamic environment. It's described as a place where 'creativity, culture, and innovation converge,' and where 'interiors meet expression, and tradition meets the future.' This philosophy is evident in its design, its exhibitions, and its offerings, making it a significant cultural landmark in Madeira.
The center also embraces the digital age, with a growing online store to showcase and sell high-quality Nini Andrade Silva products globally. This expansion reflects the brand's international appeal and the center's commitment to evolving with contemporary trends.
The Culinary Experience: Views and Flavors
When it comes to the food, the emphasis is on artistic presentation. Dishes are crafted to be visually stunning, often described as 'a piece of art.' While the flavors are generally praised, particularly starters and desserts, some diners have noted that the main courses, or accompanying sides, can sometimes lack seasoning. The set menu, often including drinks, is highlighted as offering excellent value for the experience.
Service is a key aspect of the dining experience. While some guests report impeccable and knowledgeable service, particularly regarding wine pairings, others have found the service to be less attentive or warm. It's worth noting that the glass walls, while offering great views, can make the sunny side of the restaurant quite hot, so strategic seating might be advisable.
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