Restaurants in Faro

Restaurants are divided into various categories in Portugal. Some of the common terminology you will come across is: tasca which is a tavern; casa de pasto is a set three course meal; ementa turistica is a three course tourist menu; a cervejaria is a place serving beer with food; a marisqueira specialises in seafood and a churrasqueira serves grilled food.

As a rule lunch is eaten between 12 noon and 14.30 hours and dinner is from about 19.30 to 23.00 hours. As soon as you are seated it is normal for the traditional bread and olives to appear. There is a good reason for this, as you will probably have a bit of a wait for your food as everything tends to be freshly cooked.

You really are spoilt for choice for fine dining in Faro and the surrounding area. Despite the number of restaurants, it is still worth reserving a table if you know where you want to eat as during the high season they can get very busy.

Cuisine in Faro

A lot of the wine sold in the Algarve comes from other parts of Portugal (Bairrada in the north, Estremadura near Lisbon and Alentejo). The Algarve does also produce its own wine which comes from the Lagoa, Portimão and Tavira areas and most restaurants will only have Portuguese wines on their wine list.

The house wine (vinho da casa) in white (branco) and red (tinto) is nearly always a local wine and good value. You can also opt for "vinho verde" which is a young wine, slightly sparkling, light and refreshing which goes well with fish and chicken dishes.

If you prefer to drink beer (cerveja) there are three national brands: Sagres, Super Bock and Cristal. There are also a number of imported beers and lagers but these may be a little more expensive. If you are ordering draft beer ask for “um imperial” for a regular glass or “uma caneca” for half a litre.

Listed below are just a small selection of restaurants with a brief description and their contact details:

A Tasca

Small restaurant serving traditional dishes at moderate prices. Does not accept credit cards.

Address: Rua do Alportel, 38 – Faro

Telephone: 00351 289 824 739

 

 

Camane

Very up market gourmet restaurant on the beach specialising in Portuguese cuisine. Trendy place frequented by social set. Closed on Mondays.

Address: Praia de Faro

Telephone: 00351 289 817 236 or visit www.restaurantecamane.com

Dois Irmaos

Oldest restaurant in Faro operating since 1925 and famous for its seafood dishes. Located in old small corner house with beautiful gardens opposite the Cathedral close to the main shopping street.

Address: Largo Terreiro do Bispo, 20 – Faro

Telephone: 00351 289 823 337

Flor da Ameixa

Relaxed and informal restaurant just outside Estoi with indoor grill area. Specialises in chicken piri piri and grilled meat and fish dish of the day. Good quality and value for money. Closed on Monday.

Address: Lagos e Relves-Alface, Faro 8000

Telephone: 00351 289 991 116 or visit www.flordeameixa.com

Monte do Casal

Beautiful restaurant in an eighteenth century rural country home which is also a hotel. Serves gourmet cuisine. Slightly inland at Estoi.

Address: Estrada de Moncarapacho a Estoi

Telephone: 00351 289 990 140 or visit www.montedocasal.com

O Costa

Traditional Portuguese food situated to the south of the airport.

Address: Ilha de Faro

Telephone: 00351 289 817 442

Pousada de Sao Bras

Excellent traditional food and extensive wine cellar in beautiful setting.

Address: Poco dos Fereiros – Sao Bras de Alportel

Telephone: 00351 289 845 171 or visit www.pousadadesaobras.com