Bella Ciao to relocate Swansea restaurant to former Madeira site on The Kingsway

The family-run business, which opened its second restaurant on Castle Street nearly two years ago, will move into the former Madeira Restaurante premises at 46 The Kingsway. The new venue is set to open on Monday 2 December, offering a larger space for diners.

Move follows closure of long-standing Portuguese restaurant

The relocation follows the closure of Madeira Restaurante earlier this year, a venue that had served Portuguese cuisine on The Kingsway for more than two decades. Bella Ciao will now take over the site, bringing its Italian menu to the heart of the city centre.

The restaurant confirmed the move in a social media post, saying:

“Some of you may already be aware that we are relocating our Castle Street restaurant… I can now confirm we will be opening in the former Madeira Restaurante Swansea on the 2nd of December.”

Customers with existing bookings will be contacted directly, and the team says the Port Talbot branch remains open as usual.

Family-run restaurant with a passion for Italian cuisine

Bella Ciao is run by Giovan, Tyrone, Domina and Jessica, alongside a team of chefs and waiters. The restaurant describes its approach as a “culinary adventure through the flavours and traditions of Italy,” offering a menu of pasta, pizza, meat and seafood dishes.

More information is available on their website: bellaciaorestaurants.co.uk

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Much‑loved Madeira Portuguese Restaurante closes its doors on Swansea’s Kingsway
Coverage of the closure of the long-standing Portuguese venue now set to become Bella Ciao’s new home.

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Much‑loved Madeira Portuguese Restaurante closes its doors on Swansea’s Kingsway

End of an era for a city favourite

One of Swansea’s best‑known restaurants has closed after more than a decade as a fixture on the Kingsway. Madeira Portuguese Restaurante announced on Saturday that it had served its final meals, bringing to an end a chapter that saw the venue become a go‑to spot for celebrations, family gatherings and authentic Portuguese cuisine.

In a heartfelt message shared on Facebook, the team said:

“We’re sad to announce that, after many wonderful years as part of the Swansea landscape, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Madeira Swansea. Today is sadly our last day. It’s been a true privilege to serve you all, and we want to thank every guest who has supported us over the years.”

The owners added that while the Swansea restaurant has now closed, diners can still enjoy the same flavours at their sister venue, Ty Madeira in Cardiff.

A site with a long history

The closure also marks the latest chapter in the story of 46 The Kingsway, a building that has been part of Swansea’s social life for generations.

• The Milkmaid (1958–early 2000s) – Opened in 1958, The Milkmaid was branded as a milk bar. It was popular with both adults and young people, decorated with dairy‑themed images on its walls, and became a familiar meeting place in the city centre.
• Café Mambo (2000–2010) – In early 2000, the site was transformed into Café Mambo, a bar and restaurant specialising in “Miami Fusion Cuisine.” Following a £110,000 refurbishment and a full on‑licence, it served meals, snacks, cocktails and coffees throughout the day. It quickly became a popular spot to meet before heading out to the Kingsway’s nightclubs.
• Madeira Portuguese Restaurante (2011–2025) – The site’s most recent chapter began in 2011, when Madeira opened its doors, bringing Portuguese dining to Swansea. For 14 years it was a staple of the city’s restaurant scene, known for its warm welcome, generous portions and lively atmosphere.

Warm tributes from loyal customers

News of Madeira’s closure prompted an outpouring of affection from customers who described it as their favourite restaurant in the city.

• Veryan Walters said the family had “many happy memories of celebrating with you” and wished the team well in Cardiff.
• Claire Novelli thanked staff for “excellent food, a wonderful welcome and great service,” adding: “We shall miss you.”
• Emma Reed called it “our favourite restaurant” and praised Marlene and the team as “amazing people.”
• Beverley Ann Edwards said dining there had always been “amazing” thanks to the “fabulous staff which give a very warm welcome.”
• Melanie Gravelle described herself as “absolutely devastated,” saying she would miss “Marlene’s beautiful smile.”
• Wendy T Hitchings called it “yet another sad loss for Swansea,” while Danny Nicholas summed up the mood with: “Gutted! My favourite restaurant in Swansea… you will be missed.”

A lasting legacy on the Kingsway

From milkshakes in the 1950s, to cocktails in the 2000s, to Portuguese cuisine in the 2010s and 2020s, the building at 46 The Kingsway has been woven into Swansea’s social fabric for nearly 70 years.

While Madeira’s closure marks the end of its latest chapter, the memories of meals, celebrations and nights out shared there will remain part of the city’s cultural story.

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