A Parreira

Step right into the story of A Parreira, a restaurant that’s been serving up delicious food, warm hospitality, and a whole lot of Madeiran culture since 1969! It all started when young António Dias Gonçalves left Campanário to try his hand at construction in Funchal. At just 18, he received a plot of land from his father, António José Gonçalves, and like any ambitious young man, he had big plans.

By the time he turned 27, António had built not just his own home but also a small bar and restaurant, which he opened on June 21, 1969. And thus, A Parreira was born! With just a counter and 12 seats, it might have been modest, but it had heart. Three years later, he expanded to 50 seats and began welcoming tourists, marking the start of his adventure into Madeira’s bustling tourism scene.

Three more years and another expansion later, A Parreira had grown to seat 300, complete with a dance floor! It was the seventies, and António had the bold idea to bring in folk groups from the famous Bailinho da Madeira, creating legendary nights filled with traditional Madeiran music and dance. Guests, both locals and foreigners, were enchanted, and A Parreira became the place to be for a true Madeiran experience.

Then came the third expansion — five years later, it was now a 350-seat powerhouse of a restaurant. And António wasn’t stopping there! In 1986, he added Madeira’s first private events hall with a dance floor and buffet service. Over the years, he added two more private halls, in 1993 and 1999, turning A Parreira into an events destination like no other.

After nearly five decades, several expansions, and countless nights of dancing and dining, A Parreira now boasts four rooms with a combined total of 900 seats. This “empire,” as locals call it, is a testament to António’s vision, hard work, and passion for sharing Madeiran culture. Alongside his family, including his supportive mother, D. Maria Júlia, and a loyal team—some of whom have worked there for over 35 years—António turned A Parreira into a true Madeiran icon.

Today, António is not only the proud owner but also a husband and father of four. Reflecting on what he’s built, he’s grateful for his journey but not done dreaming. There are still more plans and aspirations waiting to unfold at A Parreira. After all, when you’ve built something this special, why stop here?