On a small old street, next to Funchal Cathedral, Rua dos Murças, in the heart of the historic centre, there is a terrace with warm lighting and a door leading to the Informal restaurant. There, you can hear conversations in various languages and see people from different cultures. It is a cosmopolitan, elegant, yet relaxed atmosphere.
The Informal is one of Funchal's vibrant restaurants. It has a creative cuisine, with a list of flavourful starters to share. Scallops, squid, and lobster sandwiches are just a few examples of delicacies whose flavour lingers in the mouth.
Luís Mira, one of the three partners, explains that the focus is on a fusion of various cuisines. There is a touch of the Orient on a Mediterranean base, a concept that extends to the main courses and desserts. There is always fresh fish of the day, regular changes to the menu and, adds Luís Mira, ‘a focus on fresh produce, respecting seasonality’.
It is an open, signature cuisine, with a counter where four people can sit. There you can smell the aromas and feel the hustle and bustle. But you can also interact with the team, ask questions and give your opinion.
In addition to the chef's counter, the restaurant has a small room with tables, from where you can also watch the hustle and bustle of the city. But on days when it is not raining, the terrace is a great place to share a meal, whether for dinner or lunch, where a menu with the chef's suggestions is served, which changes every week.
Informal does not take reservations. It welcomes customers as they arrive. And as this leads to waiting times, and to increase the available offer, Informal Drinks Lab was born, a cocktail bar that functions as the restaurant's living room.
The space is worth a visit in itself. But it can also be the place for an aperitif or even a digestif. The menu features classic cocktails, such as Pisco Sour or Daiquiri, but focuses on signature creations, such as Olive Mist, Rusty, Gentleman or Sunset in Perú. These names invite you to discover the world of mixology, with an opportunity to chat with the team, as befits a place called Informal.
