There’s something that connects the Michelin-starred chefs of Madeira beyond their talent: their taste for authentic, comforting food. So it’s no surprise to spot names like Octávio Freitas (one Michelin star) or Benoît Sinthon (two stars) enjoying a quiet meal at Casa dos Salgados.
Earlier this year, the team from one of the island’s starred restaurants even celebrated their Christmas gathering here. It’s not uncommon for groups to seek out this peaceful retreat in the parish of Camacha, drawn by the promise of unhurried, soulful cooking.
To get to Casa dos Salgados, you’ll need to venture down winding secondary roads—your best bet is to check an online map. The final stretch involves a walk down a cobbled path that leads to an old family home, slowly transformed into a restaurant as the vision behind it took shape.
Today, it’s a fully realized concept—an intimate space nestled in nature, brought to life by Inácio Sá, in the very house where he was born. The menu is rooted in traditional Portuguese fare, with dishes simmered in pots and pans, or cooked in the oven or on the grill. Think duck rice, Brazilian-style feijoada, lamb stew, pasta, wheat soup, or pork and rice. From the oven and grill, there’s tenderloin steak, Iberian pork pluma, salt cod, or octopus à la lagareiro.
All meals are made to order, and the restaurant operates strictly by reservation. Each meal includes starters—like marinated liver, stewed fava beans, and Algarve-style carrots—and ends with a refreshing pineapple and orange dessert.
Beyond the food and setting, one of Casa dos Salgados’ hidden treasures is its wine cellar. Inácio Sá has turned his love of wine into a true experience, curating a selection of Portuguese labels from across the country, including rare finds from small producers.
With its near-private atmosphere and valley views, Casa dos Salgados is a sanctuary—a place where flavor takes the spotlight. It’s no wonder that some of the island’s top chefs come here to recharge, indulging in the kind of simple, nostalgic dishes that taste like home.
www.instagram.com/casadosalgados/
