As you step into the elevator at the Views Baía hotel in Funchal, Madeira, you’ll be swiftly transported to the rooftop dining venue, Desarma. Recently inaugurated, this sophisticated eatery provides a fusion of distinct tastes and a warm ambience. Crafted by Atelier Nini Andrade Silva, the restaurant showcases a generous layout with a spacious open kitchen where skilled chefs prepare exquisite dishes.
Desarma radiates a serene and personal atmosphere with thoughtfully-placed lighting and a variety of table sizes to accommodate different party sizes. The decor resonates with Madeira’s tropical charm, featuring ample banana palm leaves and wooden sculptures that elevate the ambiance.
Our host, Alexandre Nuno Fernandes Franco, escorted us to our designated table where the knowledgeable sommelier Sergio Marques extended a warm welcome and expertly navigated us through the vast wine collection. According to local head chef Octávio Freitas, the culinary experience at Desarma is a sensory delight. The set menu, complemented by a selection of wines, provides a unique journey through Madeira’s heritage and landscapes, incorporating inventive cooking methods.
Each dish delivers a delightful fusion of flavors and consistencies, spanning from luscious sweet potato truffles to bay leaf-infused grilled tuna with caramelized garlic. Focusing on local island produce like limpets, black scabbard roe, and crimson scarlet prawns, the menu pays homage to the region’s bounty. To conclude the meal, patrons can savor a reimagined Madeira cake and a revitalizing blend of pineapple and banana.
Sommelier Joao Barbosa expertly selected wine pairings that flawlessly complemented each course. Diners can choose to dine al fresco on the terrace or opt for an immersive Chef’s Table experience with seating surrounding the open kitchen, fostering a memorable dining affair at Desarma.
Image Source: Tripadvisor.com
