In this article, you’ll discover our suggestions for the best restaurants to eat out at in Faro, along with our experiences and image tips.
Traditional gastronomy is the order of the day in the capital of the Algarve! Numerous establishments offer innovative, tasty and authentic dishes. The local flavours and products were a real treat!
In our opinion, culinary discovery is an integral part of travel, so take the opportunity to awaken your taste buds!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
1. Restaurant Alameda (mentioned in the Michelin Guide)
Restaurant Alameda stands out as one of Faro’s must-visit gastronomic addresses. Located in the heart of the city, this Michelin-starred establishment offers a refined culinary experience in a warm, contemporary setting. We were particularly taken with the open kitchen in the center of the restaurant. This makes it possible to observe the ballet of the kitchen brigade in action, offers total transparency and creates a unique interaction between the kitchen and the dining room.
We had the pleasure of enjoying a memorable meal, starting with a delicious and refreshing cocktail with fig liqueur, sparkling water and fig oil. For starters, the skate and squid served with a beurre blanc with vinegar and garlic surprised us with their finesse. The main course, cod served with a miso bell pepper sauce, semi-cooked acras and popcorn, is a testament to the chef’s inventiveness. To finish on a high note, we recommend a dessert. Ours combined white chocolate cream, almond crisp and almond milk ice cream. It was one of the best meals we’ve had in Faro!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown
- Type of restaurant: gastronomic
- Capacity: minus 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €65 and €115 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: no
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- We advise you to book online here
WHERE TO STAY IN Faro
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Best apartment hotel
Amália Boutique Suites & Studios – See prices, photos and availability
Best boutique-hotel
Roots Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Best luxury hotel
3HB Faro – See prices, photos and availability
2. Restaurant CHECKin (Bib Gourmand)
Led by Michelin-starred chef Leonel Pereira, Restaurant CHECKin is located in a fully renovated former grain and wine warehouse. It offers a gustatory journey (hence the name) through the flavors of the Algarve, revisited with a modern touch. The culinary experience was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide.
We liked the restaurant’s concept of sharing, encouraging customers to try a variety of dishes. The menu changes frequently, and the chef emphasizes health in his cooking, using local seasonal produce, natural fats and cooking vegetables al dente. We learned that the dishes are light and use as little sugar, fat and salt as possible. A godsend if, like us, you like to punctuate your travels with culinary experiences!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: historical center
- Type of restaurant: gastronomic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €50 and €100 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- We advise you to book online here
3. Restaurant Old Tavern (traditional tapas)
Old Tavern is a Portuguese tapas restaurant located in the heart of Faro’s old town. Nestled in historic alleyways, this charming establishment offers an authentic and friendly culinary experience that captures the essence of Algarvian gastronomy. We loved its rustic decor and warm, authentic atmosphere!
We had the pleasure of tasting the chef’s mussels, octopus grilled to perfection and a roasted piquant sausage, flambéed at the table by the waiter, providing welcome entertainment! The establishment excels in the preparation of traditional Portuguese dishes, but sometimes adds a touch of creativity. We also sampled a glass of the famous vinho verde, the lightly sparkling wine typical of Portugal.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: historical center
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €20 and €40 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended online here or by telephone on +351 965 391 296
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Portugal
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Don’t take a car that’s too wide, as old towns have narrow streets and small parking spaces.
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
4. Restaurant A Tasca do João (traditional cuisine revisited)
A Tasca do João is an authentic Portuguese restaurant nestled in Faro’s city center. We enjoyed a warm, traditional culinary experience here, loved its intimate, relaxed atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff. In our opinion, it’s an ideal place to discover authentic local cuisine, away from the main tourist areas. We had the pleasure of tasting their tournedos accompanied by a delicate cauliflower purée, as well as a delicious oven-grilled octopus served with roasted potatoes.
For starters, we tried shrimps with ginger, and at the end of the meal, we went for the famous Bolo de bolacha. It’s a typically Portuguese dessert, and every mama has her own secret recipe! These carefully prepared dishes showcased Algarve produce and allowed us to discover the region’s typical flavors. To accompany your meal, we recommend you try one of their delicious cocktails. This establishment is well worth a visit for its warm, friendly atmosphere, which we particularly appreciated.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €35 and €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended online here or by telephone on +351 969 229 035
5. Restaurant Outro Lado (vegan)
Outro Lado is a vegan restaurant tucked away in a narrow alleyway in the historic center. This establishment offers a unique culinary experience that will appeal to vegetarians and omnivores alike! The establishment, whose name means “the other side” in Portuguese, won us over with its creative cuisine. We’ve also discovered that Outro Lado is one of the top 10 restaurants in its category in Portugal. Enjoy a gourmet break in our modern, Scandinavian-influenced interior.
For example, you can try a vegan version of Porto’s famous Francesinha, and other dishes based on vegetables and plant proteins. The menu also includes several gluten-free and lactose-free dishes. And for those of you who are in a hurry but aren’t prepared to compromise on quality or diet, the restaurant offers takeaway meals!
In short, we think this establishment is a must in Faro, even for the curious, who will be pleasantly surprised by all that plants have to offer! What’s more, by opting for a local, plant-based meal, you’re doing your bit for the climate.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: historical center
- Restaurant type: vegan
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: no
- Price range: between €15 and €25 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended online here / by telephone on +351 911 000 359
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay in Portugal a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
If you would like to be informed when our guide to Portugal is published, please register:
6. Restaurant Pigs and Cows (world cuisine)
We discovered that the Pigs & Cows Restaurant was born of its creators’ passion for flavors from the 4 corners of the globe. Inspired by their travels, the founders got into the habit of organizing themed meals on their return trips, to share with their friends the riches of the world’s gastronomies. The establishment’s warm, cosy space, where you feel “at home”, perfectly reflects this concept.
The menu evolves with the seasons, featuring simple yet delicious cuisine, with a focus on quality products. Meat and fish options are varied. For the curious and lovers of unique culinary experiences, this place is an invitation to a gustatory journey in the heart of Faro. Please note that vegetarian options are available if you inform the establishment at the time of booking.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown
- Restaurant type: world cuisine
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €40 and €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: no
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended online here or by telephone on +351 966 096 850
7. Sal’Mare Restaurant (sea view)
With a breathtaking view over the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve, Restaurant Sal’Mare offers classic yet varied cuisine to suit all palates and tastes. We enjoyed a delicious squash soup as a starter, followed by a fresh, crisp Caesar salad.
The classic cheddar burger was tasty and comforting. To extend the meal, you can try some good artisanal ice creams, but we opted instead for a homemade cheesecake for dessert, which we found very good. We also liked the spacious terrace, ideal for soaking up the Algarve sunshine while enjoying delicious food.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: Faro Beach
- Restaurant type: classic
- Capacity: more than 25 place settings
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €20 and €35 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: no
- Particularly suitable for children: yes (children’s menu and possibility of supervising your child playing on the beach from the terrace)
- Reservations recommended online here or by telephone on +351 938 965 725
FUN in the Algarve: activities
Caves and cliffs by boat
Kayak Tours
Dolphin watching
Jeep tour
8. Restaurant-Snack Papaya (healthy and light)
For a light, vitamin-packed lunch break, Papaya is the ideal address! We enjoyed a chicken salad with mango, hazelnuts and parmesan, the perfect accompaniment to a hot day visiting Faro.
The establishment offers a varied menu of salads, wraps and smoothies, ideal for a quick, healthy break at any time of day. You can also compose your own salad! The decor of the small room is simple and uncluttered, and the staff pleasant.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown, near Faro Marina
- Restaurant type: light
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €10 and €25 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
9. Restaurant Cidade Velha (remarkable setting)
Restaurant Cidade Velha, located in the heart of the old town at the foot of Faro Cathedral, offers an authentic culinary experience in a historic setting. Here you can enjoy Portuguese cuisine featuring the local flavors of the Algarve.
Specialties include iconic dishes such as seafood cataplana, fried octopus and seafood rice. Not to mention vegetarian alternatives! We recommend this restaurant for a meal exploring the world of Portuguese cuisine, in a remarkable historical setting.
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: historic center, near Faro Cathedral
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €25 and €60 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: children’s menu available
- Reservations recommended by telephone on +351 289 827 145
10. Restaurant Taberna Zé-Zé (typical tavern)
Taberna Zé-Zé embodies the very essence of traditional Portuguese cuisine. Situated in a picturesque alleyway in the town center, this family-run establishment welcomes you in a warm atmosphere. The menu features seafood, including grilled fish dishes and freshly caught seafood. We recommend you try a cataplana, for example, a seafood stew cooked in a typical Algarve copper utensil. Generous portions and reasonable prices make this the place to go for a taste of authentic local gastronomy!
Practical information:
- Neighborhood: downtown
- Restaurant type: traditional
- Capacity: less than 25 covers
- Terrace: yes
- Price range: between €15 and €35 per person (excluding drinks)
- Portuguese specialities: yes
- Particularly suitable for children: no
- Reservations recommended online here or by telephone on +351 938 735 167
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO THE algarve
- Best of
Things to do in the Algarve
Most beautiful landscapes (coming soon)
Most beautiful towns and villages (coming soon)
Algarve’s most beautiful beaches
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in the Algarve (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Ponta da Piedade (coming soon)
Benagil cave (coming soon)
Praia da Marinha
Dolphin watching (coming soon)
What to do in Lagos
What to do in Portimao
What to do in Albufeira
What to do in Faro
