The Tasca Tour - Half Day Food and Drinks Tour
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Step off the tourist trail and discover Madeira’s true soul in its tascas — small, family-run bars where locals eat, drink, and unwind. On this 3-hour evening tour through Funchal’s outskirts, you’ll sample a variety of “dentinhos,” the island’s flavorful small dishes, and pair them with iconic local drinks.
From sizzling scabbard fish and octopus to bold pork and tuna bites, each tasting tells a story. Between stops, your guide shares the island’s food culture and the history of the beloved poncha and Nikita drinks. It’s an unforgettable evening of flavor, fun, and Madeiran hospitality.
- Visit authentic neighborhood tascas where locals gather
- Sample traditional “dentinhos” and learn their stories
- Taste iconic drinks like poncha, Nikita, and pé de cabra
- Discover the culture, history, and humour behind Madeiran food
- Enjoy a relaxed small-group evening filled with local charm
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local foodie guide
Small-group experience
Insurance under Portuguese Law (RNAAT 820/2020)
Guided 3-hour walking and tasting tour
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Funchal
Dive deep into the outskirts of Funchal, embarking on a cheeky 3-hour exploration of local bars that echo Madeira’s vibrant culinary heritage. From the zesty scabbard and octopus to the richly flavored giblets, pork, chicken, and tuna, every bite is a homage to Madeiran traditions. Don’t forget our bolo do caco bread, lupins, fava beans, and a surprising array of other local specialties. Quench your thirst with eclectic drinks, embracing local recipes. Be it the invigorating punch of poncha, the sweet notes of Nikita, or the rustic charm of pe de cabra, every sip tells a tale. Dive into local beers, ciders, and Madeira wine, each a reflection of our island’s lush landscape and culture. But beyond the food and drinks lies the essence of our journey – the stories of each establishment we visit. With histories that span decades, these local treasures offer a glimpse into how our locals socialize, celebrate, and savor life.
Options
The Tasca Tour - Half Day Food and Drinks Tour
Pickup included
Reviews
14 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Local bars
craigc979,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Didn't know about this tour until fabio told us about it on West cost tour. What a day/night to remember i think as we stopped at the last pub and didn't return back with group to hotels as had the night in the local bar. Its a must do tour and was made very welcome all night
The Best Food Tour in Madeira
Brian S,
Aug 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was truly a special tour. First, we were honored to have Jeff as our driver for the evening. We were joined by a wonderful couple from London, England and together we embarked on a tour of the outskirts of Funchal. Jeff is a true professional, taking us to local bars to sample traditional Dentinhos…small tapas like plates that were absolutely fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed a cow tongue sandwich, yes, you heard that correctly, cow tongue! You will only crave it more and more after you finish. We also indulged in some delicious Ponchas, a local drink to the island of Madeira along with the opportunity to try other various local drinks. We were lucky enough to fully embrace in the culture of Madeira. We visited a lively festival in the region of Sao Roque. This was truly special for me as a first generation, Portuguese Canadian. It brought me back to moments as a child celebrating various Portuguese festivals in my hometown of Cambridge Ontario, where a large population of Portuguese immigrants had migrated to many years ago. What made this experience special was Jeff and his knowledge of the island and its history. The locations he took us too, the stories he provided, I just had a genuine smile the whole time on this tour. As I mentioned, I was honored to be able to take this tour with him. He took us to spots I could have never imagined of visiting with just my spouse and I. No matter how good a driver you think you are, Madeira will test your limits and beyond. To have the safety and security of a knowledgeable guide like Jeff is just invaluable. If you are looking for the absolute best in a local food tour, then look no further than the Shut Up and Eat tours, you will not regret it! Muito Obrigado Jeff!! You are a Legend my man.
Authentic & Must-Do
GinaNelson 8,
May 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Booked with Hit the Road before and decided to try a food and drink tour for the first time and it did not disappoint! For anyone looking for an authentic and unique experience this is a must. Was so fun going to some local spots I’ve never had the chance to venture out to before (or didn’t know existed). Everyone should add it to their itinerary!
Off the tourist trail.
FarAway32679904494,
Mar 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great tour with Fabio. Visiting local bars and meeting the locals. We tried lots of different food and tested out the local drinks ! A great half day tour with plenty packed in and a few surprises. Highly recommended if you want to get off the tourist trail.
Great experience!
ursulad984,
Feb 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing tour with Fabio! I booked it for my first day on Madeira and it was the best introduction I could get. The food was delicious and time just flew by. Highly recommended.
Highly Recommended!
Brooke B,
Dec 12, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00I highly recommend this tour. Vitor was an excellent guide, fun and informative. We got to see so much of the island, and really felt like we got to experience so many things we would not have been able to on our own. Thank you!
Relaxing and Interesting Local Bar Visit
philg259,
Oct 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the Tasca Tour for an afternoon introduction to local bars which served the properly made Poncha, Pé de Cabra (Goat's foot) and Nikita, each with a side dish of nibbles and an explanation of the food and drink from our guide Vitor. The bars were off the beaten track and used by locals who were all welcoming and friendly. The other travellers made for interesting conversation especially once the Poncha kicked in! I will definitely want to try the Espetata Tour on our next visit. As with the Hit The Road Madeira tours, the administration was great with emails and messages from Elisa and Jeff for pickup and times.
Drinks and bites like the locals do.
robmL5532CY,
Jun 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience to visit local bars with Fabio and try out drinks and be served snacks that normally remain under the counter for tourists. All in all, highly recommended for anyone who would like to deviate from the standard path and is looking for “That Special Stuff”.
An awesome afternoon in Madeira’s taskas
Flyer01164424934,
Feb 28, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fabio was an awesome guide as we experienced the bar scene in small villages outside of Funchal. We discovered that the Ponchas made in these small local bars are so much better than the ones served in the more touristy bars in Funchal . We watched Poncho being carefully prepared with fresh tangerines and the local Maderian rum, also with passion fruit. We tried the Nikita (a frozen pineapple drink made with white wine) and the Pé de Cabra (also known as Crowbar) which was a stout beer with chocolate. We aren’t usually big on sweet drinks, but both of those were delicious! The food served in the taskas were amazing too. We tried some adventurous food, typical to the area such as veal tongue and tripe but were also served chicken wings and tuna salad. We loved the wide variety of food and drinks and spending time with the locals in these charming neighborhood bars. Highly recommend this tour!
Best Taska Tour of Madeira 🥳
Maria S,
Jan 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Such an unpredictable fun it was to experience the taska tour by Fabio on the outskirts of Funchal with all those invitingly cozy taskas, ponchas and delicious different side dishes. Time passed too fast, memories will last. ☺️ would book it again anytime I come to Madeira 🌺
From €56.00
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Operated by Shut Up And Eat Madeira