Eating out in Portugal is a delight for the senses and never more so than in Faro, on the Algarve. There are restaurants in Faro to suit every taste and budget here, from small “cantinas” to contemporary modern emporiums and just about everything in between.
Eating options in Faro are divided more or less equally between restaurants on the beach, right on the golden sands of the Algarve; city centre restaurants located in the downtown area; quirky eateries nestled right in the heart of the Old Town and some out-of-town retreats designed to take you back in time and away from the stresses and strains of everyday life to a place where little else matters than the taste of hearty rustic food and the sound of the crickets chirping in the greenery.
Head downtown to one of the city’s best-loved institutions, the Adega Nova Restaurant, located just two blocks from the beach. Built in an old tile and brick warehouse the restaurant has the look and feel of a traditional Portuguese bodega and serves well-cooked national favourites to an appreciative audience.
Other options in the area include Republica Restaurant, a cosy “cantina” with fresh blue and white-tile-themed décor and a friendly welcoming atmosphere and the delightful Belle Epoque Restaurant, where you can sample some of the best Argentinian steaks outside of Argentina.
The Ria Formosa Restaurant is located right on the edge of the Old Town and seems to sum up Faro, and indeed Portugal in its location, décor and food. The restaurant has one foot in the past, with sweeping views across the spires and rooftops of the Old Town and one foot in the future, with contemporary décor and forward-looking international cuisine.
For a modern twist on old Faro head the Faz Gostos Restaurant right in the heart of the Old Town. This modern interpretation of the Portuguese barbecue has become such a success that it has spread its wings to open a branch in Lisbon to great acclaim.
Undeniably, part of Portugal’s major charm is in its beautiful Algarve beaches and thankfully many of the Restaurants in Faro embrace the city’s beachside location. Try Camané for fine dining in a fine location, right on the sands of the Ilha de Faro or for sophistication and modernity at the other end of the spectrum head to Suigeneris, a Portuguese-Asian fusion restaurant with bar, terrace and dancefloor, serving some of the best sushi and seafood in the city.
For an escape from the sun and sea, head inland for an alternative culinary experience at Le Marquis Restaurant at Monte da Palhagueira Villages Gorjões. Set in the converted stable buildings of an authentic seventeenth-century country house, this is a delightfully quirky yet homely ambience in which to enjoy what is quite possibly the best Sunday lunch on the Algarve.
There are plenty of restaurants in Faro to suit every taste and the largest and smallest of budgets. Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it here.
