Located in the hills above Câmara de Lobos, O Polar is hands down our favourite place on the island for espetada – the iconic Madeiran beef skewer grilled on a bay laurel stick. The meat is tender, smoky, and served hanging over your plate with simple sides like milho frito and salad.

It’s a lively, no-frills spot that fills up fast, especially with locals who’ve been coming here for years. Just make sure to check the opening hours – they often close in the afternoon or on quieter days. Don’t miss it if you’re after a proper espetada experience.

Just a heads-up: book ahead or come early, because once the word gets out, tables disappear faster than you can say “milho frito.”