Chef Octavio Freitas does it again. There are only a handful of experiences in this world that are worth the journey to partake in and this is one of them. After dining at Desarma, the highly raved Michelin star restaurant, we met Chef Octavio and were invited to to discover his very own paradise on earth: Socalco Nature, a boutique hotel he opened and of course featured a stunning kitchen. We brought our family here and were stunned by staff who are just as passionate as he is with what at they do. Do not hesitate to make detour over, it’s worth it! And the property is beautiful with an extreme measure of detail.
Very bad experience for me and my wife. catering food leftovers from yesterday (redon). Expensive, poor quality.
Anna Justal
We had lunch at this beautiful and tastefully designed restaurant and were impressed by the peaceful garden and stunning view of the sea and surrounding vineyards. The set menu, featuring a variety of vegetables, seafood, fish, and meat with some very original creative twists was a delight. Among all, the beetroot starter with ice plant flower impressed us the most with its originality and amazing texture. We also loved discovering the house-made Galatrixa wine, still white from local grape varieties. Its surprisingly vibrant and refreshing taste paired perfectly with the food and this marvelous, relaxed setting.
Excellent, we had a great time! The dishes are excellent and the service impeccable
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marie Trouiller (Marie)
Based on the Google reviews, I was very excited to have lunch at Razao, the restaurant at the Socalco nature hotel.
I called at the last minute to find out their availability and they answered very friendly at 12:45, no problem, take your time. He explains the concept to me briefly, warning me that it’s a white menu for €55.
We arrive at 1:15 p.m. and are received very warmly even though there is no one else in the restaurant.
Menu in 5 courses, we opt for the combination of food and wine.
The first two dishes are succulent, the other 3 basic. Wine pairing with wines of no great magnitude but well chosen.
The place is so nice and they were so kind to welcome us that we are reserving for a future evening. I pay €205, the wine pairing at €45 seems overestimated to me.
In short, we come back once again. They don't have our reservation but they welcome us kindly, there are only 4 tables occupied, the other part of the room is already set up for breakfast.
The 5 dishes are rather basic with good, simple products, a little too salty for one, a little overcooked for two others. Too bad to claim gourmet cuisine, the promise is not quite there.
So far, nothing boring, we still had a good evening. The wine list is very interesting and the sommelier offers very good advice. The bill arrives and seems very steep to me. I point out to the head waiter that 55*2 does not add up to €130 and there he apologizes, giving me a dark excuse of booking platform fees.
In short, we go back to 110, which is rather very expensive for Calheta.
A little surprised, back home I check my first bill and guess what? 130€ charged for 2 menus already the first time.
Razao, is that the reason? the ratio? the raid? by Octavio Freitas.
I would have preferred passion. A matter of taste.
My recommendation: Check the bill!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Marie Trouiller
Based on the Google reviews, I was very excited to have lunch at Razao, the restaurant at the Socalco nature hotel.I called at the last minute to find out their availability and they answered very friendly at 12:45, no problem, take your time. He explains the concept to me briefly, warning me that it’s a white menu for €55.We arrive at 1:15 p.m. and are received very warmly even though there is no one else in the restaurant.Menu in 5 courses, we opt for the combination of food and wine.The first two dishes are succulent, the other 3 basic. Wine pairing with wines of no great magnitude but well chosen.The place is so nice and they were so kind to welcome us that we are reserving for a future evening.I pay €205, the wine pairing at €45 seems overestimated to me.In short, we come back once again. They don't have our reservation but they welcome us kindly, there are only 4 tables occupied, the other part of the room is already set up for breakfast.The 5 dishes are rather basic with good, simple products, a little too salty for one, a little overcooked for two others. Too bad to claim gourmet cuisine, the promise is not quite there.So far, nothing boring, we still had a good evening. The wine list is very interesting and the sommelier offers very good advice. The bill arrives and seems very steep to me.I point out to the head waiter that 55*2 does not add up to €130 and there he apologizes, giving me a dark excuse of booking platform fees.In short, we go back to 110, which is rather very expensive for Calheta.A little surprised, back home I check my first bill and guess what?130€ charged for 2 menus already the first time.Razao, is that the reason? the ratio? the raid? by Octavio Freitas.I would have preferred passion.A matter of taste.My recommendation: Check the bill!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
LawlessYak
I recently had the pleasure of celebrating New Year's Eve with my wife at Socalco, and once again, the experience left us thoroughly impressed. From start to finish, the evening was a culinary delight that showcased the restaurant's commitment to exceptional flavors and impeccable menu choices.The carefully curated New Year's Eve menu was a testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs at Socalco. Each dish was a masterpiece, and the evening commenced with a heavenly serving of foie gras that literally melted in our mouths. The richness and decadence of this appetizer set the tone for what would be an extraordinary dining experience.The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the perfectly cooked duck meat. The flavors were expertly balanced, and the texture was nothing short of perfection. It's evident that the chefs at Socalco take great pride in their craft, as the attention to detail in every aspect of the dish was truly commendable.As the evening unfolded, we were treated to a delightful surprise at the end of our meal – a cheesecake that left us in awe. The dessert was a fitting conclusion to a fantastic dining experience, and its amazing taste lingered on our palates, making the entire evening even more memorable.Beyond the exceptional cuisine, the ambiance and service at Socalco further enhanced our dining pleasure. The attentive staff and the inviting atmosphere contributed to a warm and welcoming environment, making us feel right at home as we welcomed the new year.In conclusion, our New Year's Eve dinner at Socalco was a remarkable experience that exceeded our expectations. The well-chosen menu, exceptional flavors, and impeccable execution of each dish left a lasting impression on us. If you're seeking a dining experience that combines culinary excellence with a welcoming atmosphere, Socalco is undoubtedly the place to be. We look forward to returning for more memorable moments and delectable delights in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bliss Vision
My recent discovery in Madeira! This converted farmhouse, boasting a captivating sea view and beautiful garden, offered a delightful experience. For those who savor quality, this place is a gem.The farm-to-table concept shone through with freshly picked herbs, potatoes, and cabbage from the garden. We were fortunate to enjoy a mini-tour, adding to the charm.The food, prepared with finesse, featured homemade sourdough that was irresistibly delicious. The set menu, dependent on seasonal availability, showcased ocean-fresh fish and garden veggies, creating a delightful gastronomic journey.One minor suggestion for improvement would be to enhance the acoustic ambiance with soft-seated chairs, maintaining the farm-to-table essence while adding a touch of luxury. Additionally, incorporating more hanging plants from the ceiling could further elevate the overall experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Michael Päßler
The restaurant is one of the best ones I visited on Madeira. The food was very delicious and local. Yes they have their own (huge) garden. The decor is also very modern and they have and eye on the details. Really like it! Never had such a good service on Madeira as well. Thanks for having us! ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
K M
Overpriced for nothing exceptional. 5.50 for a bottle of water that gets 2 glasses of water at most, basic table wine glass is 6.50, food is basic and forgettable, humid & hot inside the restaurant, waiters seemed off so probably hot & tired. The roaches outside the restaurant, on property, are HUGE.
Had an amazing dinner here for my partner's birthday a few months back. If the weather allows I would recommend sitting out in the garden overlooking the cliffs and the sea. The tasting menu changes (maybe daily?) and is all locally sourced with the vegetables and herbs coming straight from the garden. Everything we ate was excellent, as was the service - definitely the best restaurant in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Les Randos Du Tonio
Excellent place for Madeiran gastronomy... Plus it's a beautiful place, well done ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Marco Schlager
We had an excellent meal in the Socalco restaurant this week. The food was really delicious and the ambience of the hotel is beautiful. We found the concept of the hotel with the products currently in stock appealing and also that there is no fixed menu. We also drank a bottle of the home-grown wine - highly recommended!The only thing we found was that the service from the staff was a bit too cool and we would have liked a little more warmth. That's why we don't award all possible stars - that's the only reason.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Linda Graul
Stunning venue and lovely staff. They do not have an à-la-carte menu and instead offer a 5-course surprise menu for €65. They were able to make it vegan for me with no notice, which is remarkable. Certainly the best restaurant in Calheta and one of the most refined culinary experiences to be had in Madeira.
Erika Albani
Good place in caletha! 5-course tasting menu (we hadn't realized that there wasn't a la carte choice!) with an excellent view of the sea.Ok service and excellent choice of wines (we recommend the one produced on the property!)
Chef Octavio Freitas does it again. There are only a handful of experiences in this world that are worth the journey to partake in and this is one of them. After dining at Desarma, the highly raved Michelin star restaurant, we met Chef Octavio and were invited to to discover his very own paradise on earth: Socalco Nature, a boutique hotel he opened and of course featured a stunning kitchen. We brought our family here and were stunned by staff who are just as passionate as he is with what at they do. Do not hesitate to make detour over, it’s worth it! And the property is beautiful with an extreme measure of detail.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lunch Salad, Homemade Sourdough Bread, Steak
Very bad experience for me and my wife.
catering food leftovers from yesterday (redon). Expensive, poor quality.
We had lunch at this beautiful and tastefully designed restaurant and were impressed by the peaceful garden and stunning view of the sea and surrounding vineyards. The set menu, featuring a variety of vegetables, seafood, fish, and meat with some very original creative twists was a delight. Among all, the beetroot starter with ice plant flower impressed us the most with its originality and amazing texture. We also loved discovering the house-made Galatrixa wine, still white from local grape varieties. Its surprisingly vibrant and refreshing taste paired perfectly with the food and this marvelous, relaxed setting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Lunch Salad, Homemade Sourdough Bread, Mashrooms Cream Soup
Excellent, we had a great time! The dishes are excellent and the service impeccable
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Based on the Google reviews, I was very excited to have lunch at Razao, the restaurant at the Socalco nature hotel.
I called at the last minute to find out their availability and they answered very friendly at 12:45, no problem, take your time. He explains the concept to me briefly, warning me that it’s a white menu for €55.
We arrive at 1:15 p.m. and are received very warmly even though there is no one else in the restaurant.
Menu in 5 courses, we opt for the combination of food and wine.
The first two dishes are succulent, the other 3 basic. Wine pairing with wines of no great magnitude but well chosen.
The place is so nice and they were so kind to welcome us that we are reserving for a future evening.
I pay €205, the wine pairing at €45 seems overestimated to me.
In short, we come back once again. They don't have our reservation but they welcome us kindly, there are only 4 tables occupied, the other part of the room is already set up for breakfast.
The 5 dishes are rather basic with good, simple products, a little too salty for one, a little overcooked for two others. Too bad to claim gourmet cuisine, the promise is not quite there.
So far, nothing boring, we still had a good evening. The wine list is very interesting and the sommelier offers very good advice. The bill arrives and seems very steep to me.
I point out to the head waiter that 55*2 does not add up to €130 and there he apologizes, giving me a dark excuse of booking platform fees.
In short, we go back to 110, which is rather very expensive for Calheta.
A little surprised, back home I check my first bill and guess what?
130€ charged for 2 menus already the first time.
Razao, is that the reason? the ratio? the raid? by Octavio Freitas.
I would have preferred passion.
A matter of taste.
My recommendation: Check the bill!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
Based on the Google reviews, I was very excited to have lunch at Razao, the restaurant at the Socalco nature hotel.I called at the last minute to find out their availability and they answered very friendly at 12:45, no problem, take your time. He explains the concept to me briefly, warning me that it’s a white menu for €55.We arrive at 1:15 p.m. and are received very warmly even though there is no one else in the restaurant.Menu in 5 courses, we opt for the combination of food and wine.The first two dishes are succulent, the other 3 basic. Wine pairing with wines of no great magnitude but well chosen.The place is so nice and they were so kind to welcome us that we are reserving for a future evening.I pay €205, the wine pairing at €45 seems overestimated to me.In short, we come back once again. They don't have our reservation but they welcome us kindly, there are only 4 tables occupied, the other part of the room is already set up for breakfast.The 5 dishes are rather basic with good, simple products, a little too salty for one, a little overcooked for two others. Too bad to claim gourmet cuisine, the promise is not quite there.So far, nothing boring, we still had a good evening. The wine list is very interesting and the sommelier offers very good advice. The bill arrives and seems very steep to me.I point out to the head waiter that 55*2 does not add up to €130 and there he apologizes, giving me a dark excuse of booking platform fees.In short, we go back to 110, which is rather very expensive for Calheta.A little surprised, back home I check my first bill and guess what?130€ charged for 2 menus already the first time.Razao, is that the reason? the ratio? the raid? by Octavio Freitas.I would have preferred passion.A matter of taste.My recommendation: Check the bill!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 4
I recently had the pleasure of celebrating New Year's Eve with my wife at Socalco, and once again, the experience left us thoroughly impressed. From start to finish, the evening was a culinary delight that showcased the restaurant's commitment to exceptional flavors and impeccable menu choices.The carefully curated New Year's Eve menu was a testament to the culinary expertise of the chefs at Socalco. Each dish was a masterpiece, and the evening commenced with a heavenly serving of foie gras that literally melted in our mouths. The richness and decadence of this appetizer set the tone for what would be an extraordinary dining experience.The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the perfectly cooked duck meat. The flavors were expertly balanced, and the texture was nothing short of perfection. It's evident that the chefs at Socalco take great pride in their craft, as the attention to detail in every aspect of the dish was truly commendable.As the evening unfolded, we were treated to a delightful surprise at the end of our meal – a cheesecake that left us in awe. The dessert was a fitting conclusion to a fantastic dining experience, and its amazing taste lingered on our palates, making the entire evening even more memorable.Beyond the exceptional cuisine, the ambiance and service at Socalco further enhanced our dining pleasure. The attentive staff and the inviting atmosphere contributed to a warm and welcoming environment, making us feel right at home as we welcomed the new year.In conclusion, our New Year's Eve dinner at Socalco was a remarkable experience that exceeded our expectations. The well-chosen menu, exceptional flavors, and impeccable execution of each dish left a lasting impression on us. If you're seeking a dining experience that combines culinary excellence with a welcoming atmosphere, Socalco is undoubtedly the place to be. We look forward to returning for more memorable moments and delectable delights in the future.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
My recent discovery in Madeira! This converted farmhouse, boasting a captivating sea view and beautiful garden, offered a delightful experience. For those who savor quality, this place is a gem.The farm-to-table concept shone through with freshly picked herbs, potatoes, and cabbage from the garden. We were fortunate to enjoy a mini-tour, adding to the charm.The food, prepared with finesse, featured homemade sourdough that was irresistibly delicious. The set menu, dependent on seasonal availability, showcased ocean-fresh fish and garden veggies, creating a delightful gastronomic journey.One minor suggestion for improvement would be to enhance the acoustic ambiance with soft-seated chairs, maintaining the farm-to-table essence while adding a touch of luxury. Additionally, incorporating more hanging plants from the ceiling could further elevate the overall experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The restaurant is one of the best ones I visited on Madeira. The food was very delicious and local. Yes they have their own (huge) garden. The decor is also very modern and they have and eye on the details. Really like it! Never had such a good service on Madeira as well. Thanks for having us! ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Overpriced for nothing exceptional. 5.50 for a bottle of water that gets 2 glasses of water at most, basic table wine glass is 6.50, food is basic and forgettable, humid & hot inside the restaurant, waiters seemed off so probably hot & tired. The roaches outside the restaurant, on property, are HUGE.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Restaurantji Recommends
Had an amazing dinner here for my partner's birthday a few months back. If the weather allows I would recommend sitting out in the garden overlooking the cliffs and the sea. The tasting menu changes (maybe daily?) and is all locally sourced with the vegetables and herbs coming straight from the garden. Everything we ate was excellent, as was the service - definitely the best restaurant in the area.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent place for Madeiran gastronomy... Plus it's a beautiful place, well done ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had an excellent meal in the Socalco restaurant this week. The food was really delicious and the ambience of the hotel is beautiful. We found the concept of the hotel with the products currently in stock appealing and also that there is no fixed menu. We also drank a bottle of the home-grown wine - highly recommended!The only thing we found was that the service from the staff was a bit too cool and we would have liked a little more warmth. That's why we don't award all possible stars - that's the only reason.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Stunning venue and lovely staff. They do not have an à-la-carte menu and instead offer a 5-course surprise menu for €65. They were able to make it vegan for me with no notice, which is remarkable. Certainly the best restaurant in Calheta and one of the most refined culinary experiences to be had in Madeira.
Good place in caletha! 5-course tasting menu (we hadn't realized that there wasn't a la carte choice!) with an excellent view of the sea.Ok service and excellent choice of wines (we recommend the one produced on the property!)
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Loading...