The Madeira classic
Espada com Banana
Black scabbard fish, caught in the deep Atlantic waters off Madeira, fried golden and crowned with a caramelised island banana. It sounds unusual — until you taste it. Sweet, salty, and unmistakably Madeira.
At Sabores da Andreia we cook it the homemade way — fresh fish, a light crisp fry, and a banana from the island's own plantations. It's on our menu at €17, and it's often our dish of the day.
€17 · on the menu
What is espada?
The black scabbard fish (peixe-espada preto) lives almost a kilometre deep in the Atlantic. Madeiran fishermen have caught it for generations with long lines — it's one of the oldest deep-sea fisheries in the world.
Why banana?
Madeira grows some of the sweetest bananas in Europe. Pairing them with the delicate white fish became the island's signature combination — the banana's caramel sweetness balances the rich, savoury espada.
How we serve it
Golden-fried fillet, caramelised banana on top, served with potatoes and a simple salad. Ask Andreia what's fresh that day — the fish comes from the island's own markets.
Try it in Caniço
Estrada José Avelino Pinto, Ed. Vip IV 64G, 9125-024 Caniço, Madeira Island. Open Tuesday to Saturday 11:30–23:00 (kitchen 12:00–21:30), Monday until 17:00, closed Sundays.