Desarma
Funchal, Portugal
â1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
Chef OctĂĄvio Freitas has shown that it is possible to turn your dreams into reality here on the terrace of The Views BaĂa hotel, where the dining experience is matched by truly superb views, particularly from the sofas on the patio and once night starts to fall.In this attractive space, featuring an impressive open kitchen and an original interior design that is inspired by a banana plant, the cuisine has a strong local DNA showcased via typical âpetiscosâ from the island prepared with a contemporary touch. These are complemented by a whole host of accompaniments that, wherever possible, are prepared in-house (cured and matured fish, bread made with local flour, cheese, butter, maritime-inspired âenchidosâ). These are highlighted on three tasting menus (Armed with Senses, The Chefâs Battle and The Chef's Bench) the first two sub-divided into different moments: Encounter, Offensive, Attack and Surrender. Desarmaâs wine cellar houses one of the worldâs best selections of Madeira wines.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
1. Original Interior Design Inspired by a Banana Plant
Desarma features an attractive space with an original interior design inspired by a banana plant, creating a unique and visually striking dining environment that complements its culinary creativity.
2. Open Kitchen with Chefâs Table Experience
The restaurant boasts an impressive open kitchen where diners can watch the chefs in action. The chefâs table offers heightened interaction and entertainment, allowing guests to experience the precision and artistry behind each dish firsthand.
3. Innovative Reinterpretations of Traditional Seafood Recipes
Desarmaâs cuisine focuses heavily on seafood, presenting light, clean, and innovative reinterpretations of traditional Madeiran recipes. The dishes often include refreshing elements and creative twists, such as cured tuna on an edible bay leaf and prawn tartare with kafir lime on a nori tapioca cracker.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Desarma in Funchal are:
Cured Tuna: Featured in a canapĂ© served on an edible bay leaf with roasted garlic emulsion, highlighting the restaurantâs focus on seafood and refined flavor combinations.
Prawn with Kafir Lime: Used in a prawn tartare served on a nori tapioca cracker, showcasing a blend of local seafood with aromatic, refreshing citrus notes.
Azorean Pineapple: Presented with coconut sorbet and spiced syrup as a pre-dessert, emphasizing tropical freshness and balance of sweetness and spice.
Chocolate and Miso Caramel: Used in the signature dessert "edible pebbles," where chocolate shells are filled with miso caramel crémeaux and paired with silky banana ice cream, combining rich, creamy textures with a touch of acidity for freshness.
Trout from Seixal: Featured in the tasting menu with smoked seaweed broth, reflecting the use of local fish and umami-rich elements to create depth of flavor.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Desarmaâs philosophy of reinterpreting traditional Madeiran cuisine with a modern, light, and clean style, often focusing on seafood and local produce with refreshing and innovative elements. The dishes balance textures and flavors, such as acidity, sweetness, and umami, to create a sensory battle on the palate that defines the restaurantâs signature approach.