by Faro, the capital of Portugal’s Algarve region, is a destination that offers far more than stunning beaches and historical landmarks—it’s a culinary haven as well. On my recent trip to Faro, I quickly discovered that the food scene here is an incredible reflection of the region’s rich history, cultural diversity, and close proximity to the ocean. Whether you’re a fan of fresh seafood, hearty stews, or sweet desserts, Faro has something to tempt every palate. I indulged in the local dishes and explored some of the best restaurants in town, and I’m excited to share my experiences in this foodie’s guide to Faro.
The Flavors of Faro: What to Expect
The cuisine of Faro is rooted in traditional Portuguese fare but with a heavy emphasis on seafood due to its coastal location. From clams and sardines to octopus and sea bass, seafood takes center stage in many dishes. But Faro’s culinary treasures don’t stop at seafood. You’ll find influences from Moorish, Mediterranean, and even Roman traditions, which together create a rich, flavorful, and diverse food culture. Olive oil, garlic, fresh herbs, and citrus fruits play a key role in many dishes, making the food aromatic and full of flavor.
Key Dishes to Try in Faro:
- Cataplana de Marisco (Seafood Stew)
- Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato (Clams in White Wine and Garlic)
- Sardinhas Assadas (Grilled Sardines)
- Polvo à Lagareiro (Roast Octopus)
- Bacalhau à Brás (Salted Cod with Potatoes and Eggs)
- Dom Rodrigos (Traditional Algarvian Sweets)
- Frango Piri-Piri (Piri-Piri Chicken)
Now, let’s dive into the details of some of my favorite dishes and the restaurants that serve them!
1. Cataplana de Marisco at Restaurante O Gimbras
I knew I had to try the Cataplana de Marisco, one of the most iconic dishes of the Algarve, and I found the perfect place to do so—Restaurante O Gimbras. The restaurant is located just outside the bustling tourist area, giving it an authentic, laid-back vibe. I arrived on a warm evening, and the staff was incredibly friendly, offering recommendations that I could tell were from the heart.
The Cataplana de Marisco arrived steaming in a traditional copper pot. This stew, made with fresh prawns, clams, mussels, and white fish, was bursting with the flavors of the sea. The dish also had chorizo and bell peppers, adding a smoky and slightly spicy note that perfectly complemented the briny seafood. The broth, infused with garlic, onions, and a splash of white wine, was so delicious that I couldn’t resist dipping pieces of bread into it.
My Verdict:
This dish was everything I hoped it would be—rich, savory, and comforting. The seafood was cooked to perfection, and the combination of flavors was both complex and balanced. I would highly recommend Restaurante O Gimbras for anyone looking to try this traditional dish.
2. Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato at Estaminé
Another must-try dish when visiting Faro is Amêijoas à Bulhão Pato, a dish of clams cooked in white wine, garlic, and olive oil. I had the pleasure of trying this dish at Estaminé, a restaurant situated on the remote Ilha Deserta, accessible only by boat. The journey itself was an adventure, and the view from the restaurant—set against the backdrop of the Ria Formosa Nature Park—was nothing short of spectacular.
The clams were incredibly fresh, harvested just that morning from the surrounding waters. The simplicity of the dish was what made it so special—the flavors of the garlic and wine were delicate, allowing the natural sweetness of the clams to shine through. Each bite tasted like the ocean, and the lightness of the sauce made it the perfect dish for a sunny day by the sea.
My Verdict:
The experience of dining at Estaminé, combined with the freshness of the ingredients, made this one of my most memorable meals in Faro. If you’re a seafood lover, taking the boat ride out to Ilha Deserta and enjoying this dish at Estaminé is an experience you simply can’t miss.
3. Sardinhas Assadas at Tasca do Ricky
You can’t visit Portugal without trying Sardinhas Assadas, or grilled sardines. While they are enjoyed all over the country, Faro offers some of the freshest sardines you’ll ever taste. I decided to try them at a small, local favorite, Tasca do Ricky.
The sardines were grilled to perfection, their skin slightly crispy with a smoky, charred flavor, while the meat inside was tender and moist. Served with a simple salad and boiled potatoes, this dish exemplified the beauty of Portuguese cuisine—fresh ingredients cooked simply but with great skill. Eating grilled sardines is a hands-on experience, and I loved the communal, rustic feel of pulling apart the fish with my hands while chatting with the friendly locals around me.
My Verdict:
Tasca do Ricky made me appreciate just how flavorful and satisfying grilled sardines can be. This is a dish for those who appreciate simple, honest food that’s rooted in tradition. Plus, the relaxed, no-frills atmosphere of the restaurant made it feel like a true local experience.
4. Polvo à Lagareiro at Adega Nova
I had heard rave reviews about Adega Nova, a cozy restaurant in Faro known for its traditional Portuguese dishes, so I made a point to try their Polvo à Lagareiro (Roast Octopus). When the dish arrived, I was immediately struck by how beautifully presented it was—large, tender pieces of octopus drizzled in olive oil, garlic, and fresh herbs, served alongside potatoes roasted to golden perfection.
The octopus was incredibly tender, with a rich, slightly smoky flavor from the roasting. It melted in my mouth, and the combination of the olive oil and garlic gave the dish a depth of flavor that was both rich and light. The roasted potatoes were the perfect complement, soaking up the olive oil and adding a satisfying texture to the dish.
My Verdict:
If you’ve never tried octopus before, this is the dish to start with. Adega Nova’s Polvo à Lagareiro was a revelation, and I left the restaurant feeling full and content, yet eager to try more of the local fare.
5. Bacalhau à Brás at O Castelo
Bacalhau, or salted cod, is a staple in Portuguese cuisine, and one of the most beloved variations is Bacalhau à Brás. I had the pleasure of trying this dish at O Castelo, a restaurant located in Faro’s Old Town with breathtaking views of the Ria Formosa.
The dish consists of shredded salted cod mixed with finely chopped onions, fried potatoes, and scrambled eggs, all garnished with parsley and olives. When I first tasted it, I was surprised by the combination of flavors and textures—the saltiness of the cod, the softness of the eggs, and the crunch of the potatoes. It was a comforting and hearty dish that felt both familiar and exotic at the same time.
My Verdict:
Bacalhau à Brás is a dish that embodies the heart of Portuguese home cooking, and O Castelo’s version was exceptional. The atmosphere of the restaurant, combined with the rich flavors of the dish, made this one of my favorite dining experiences in Faro.
6. Dom Rodrigos at Pastelaria Coelho
To round off my culinary journey through Faro, I had to try a traditional Algarvian dessert, and Dom Rodrigos was the perfect choice. I found a small, charming bakery called Pastelaria Coelho, where they specialize in traditional sweets.
Dom Rodrigos are made from egg yolks, sugar, and almonds, wrapped in colorful foil. They’re sweet but not overwhelmingly so, with a delicate almond flavor that makes them a light and satisfying end to a meal. I enjoyed mine with a strong Portuguese coffee, which balanced out the sweetness perfectly.
My Verdict:
If you have a sweet tooth, Dom Rodrigos are a must-try when visiting Faro. Pastelaria Coelho was the perfect spot to indulge in this traditional treat, and I highly recommend stopping by for a taste of Faro’s sweet side.
Faro’s culinary scene is as rich and diverse as its history, and I was thoroughly impressed by the variety of flavors and dishes I encountered. From fresh seafood to hearty traditional stews, Faro offers something for every type of foodie. Whether you’re looking for a Michelin-starred dining experience or a casual meal at a local taverna, Faro has it all. My time in Faro was not just a feast for the eyes, but a feast for the palate as well, and I left the city with a newfound appreciation for Portuguese cuisine.
