Faro is the capital of the Algarve and is located in the south of Portugal. Its culinary scene blends rich history with the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean and Atlantic, creating a unique and delicious dining experience.
From coastal-inspired delicacies to traditional favorites, here are the must-try dishes in Faro.
Related read: Things to Do in Faro with Kids
In a hurry? Skip straight to booking this fantastic food tour in Faro!
↳ Food & Drink Walking Tour in Faro: Enjoy local food, wines, beers and cocktails, in places only the locals know about.
Friendly and fun, this is a private-guided tour where you get to sample a slice of life in Faro, while enjoying some locally produced wines, beers and cocktails.
Here’s What to Eat in Faro
Faro’s culinary delights reflect the region’s rich traditions and coastal influence, offering a feast for the senses. From freshly caught seafood to hearty meats, every dish tells a story of local flavors and heritage. One standout experience is savoring Portuguese chorizo, a classic dish that captures the essence of Faro’s love for simple yet bold flavors.
Grilled over an open flame, Portuguese chorizo transforms into a mouthwatering treat. The heat intensifies its rich, smoky flavor while the fat renders, creating a crispy, caramelized exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy inside. Infused with garlic, paprika, and aromatic herbs, each bite delivers a burst of traditional Portuguese taste, enhanced by the charred notes from the flames.
Ready to explore more? Here are some other must-try dishes that define Faro’s vibrant food culture.
Not to miss Portuguese dishes to eat in Faro
Bacalhau à Brás (salted codfish) is a beloved dish across Portugal, and Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most popular ways of preparing it. The fish is shredded and mixed with onions, straw fries, scrambled eggs, and parsley, creating a flavorful and hearty dish.
Pica-pau is a popular Portuguese dish that is both savory and satisfying, often enjoyed as a petisco (small plate) in social settings, especially at bars or taverns. The name “pica-pau” literally translates to “woodpecker,” but it’s believed that the dish’s name is derived from the way the meat is cut into small, bite-sized pieces that resemble the pecking action of a woodpecker.
Frango Piri Piri is a flavorful Portuguese dish that features chicken marinated in a spicy sauce made from piri piri (also known as peri peri), which is a fiery chili pepper originating from Africa. The sauce typically includes ingredients like garlic, lemon, vinegar, olive oil, and various spices to give it a tangy and spicy kick. The chicken is usually grilled or roasted after being generously coated with the sauce, allowing the flavors to infuse the meat.
The result is a smoky, crispy exterior with a juicy, tender interior, all enhanced by the bold heat and tang from the piri piri marinade. Frango Piri Piri is often served with side dishes like rice, fries, or salad, making it a popular and flavorful meal in Portuguese cuisine, as well as in several former Portuguese colonies like Mozambique and Angola.
Fun fact! The Portuguese are experts when it comes to grilled chicken. Some restaurants serve only chicken. Even the grilled chicken from the supermarket is delicious! You can easily find a line at the supermarket of people grabbing grilled chicken for lunch and dinner.
Pastéis de Nata – These famous Portuguese custard tarts are a must-try when visiting Faro. The crisp, flaky pastry crust filled with creamy, rich custard is utterly irresistible. While these tarts are enjoyed throughout Portugal, Faro is home to some excellent bakeries where you can taste them freshly baked.
What to Drink in Faro
You just can’t forget about drinks to pair with your meal. To complement your culinary experience in Faro, explore the region’s excellent wines and beverages.
Portuguese wine is a treasure trove of diverse and unique flavors, shaped by centuries of winemaking tradition and the country’s varied landscapes. Portugal is home to over 250 indigenous grape varieties, many of which are grown in distinct regions like the Douro Valley, Alentejo, and the Vinho Verde region. This wide array of grapes results in wines that range from crisp whites to bold reds, and from sweet dessert wines to refreshing rosés.
Among the most famous Portuguese wines is Port wine, a fortified red wine from the Douro Valley, known for its rich, sweet, and complex flavors. Vinho Verde, from the northwest, is another iconic wine, typically light, crisp, and slightly effervescent, perfect for warm weather. Madeira, a fortified wine from the island of Madeira, is prized for its intense flavors and remarkable aging potential.
Red wines in Portugal are often full-bodied, with rich flavors of dark fruits, spices, and earthy notes. Grape varieties like Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo), and Alfrocheiro are the backbone of many red wines. Portuguese whites, such as those made from Alvarinho and Arinto, are fresh, aromatic, and well-suited for pairing with seafood and light dishes.
Portuguese wines reflect the country’s diverse terroir and rich cultural history, offering something for every palate.
Fun fact! Except for the Port Wine, most wines in Portugal are dry.
Vinho Verde is a refreshing white wine is popular in Faro, especially during the hot summer months. It is slightly fizzy, light, and perfect for pairing with seafood or light appetizers.
Port Wines in Faro
Port wine is a renowned and fortified wine originating from the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, one of the oldest wine regions in the world. It has a long history that stretches back centuries, and its unique production process, rich flavor profile, and cultural significance make it a prized beverage both in Portugal and around the globe.
Port wine is a sweet, fortified red wine, although white port and other variations also exist. The term “fortified” refers to the practice of adding grape spirit (aguardente) to the wine during fermentation. This process increases the alcohol content and halts fermentation, preserving the grapes’ natural sugars and creating a rich, sweet wine. The resulting wine is usually higher in alcohol content than most wines, typically ranging from 19% to 22% alcohol by volume (ABV).
There are several types of port wine, each with its own unique characteristics. Below more info on the common ones:
- Ruby Port: This is the most common and affordable type of port. It is rich and fruity, with a deep red color and flavors of dark fruits such as blackberries, plums, and cherries. Ruby Port is typically aged for a few years in large oak barrels, which allows it to maintain its fresh, fruity flavors. It’s best enjoyed young and is often served as a dessert wine or paired with chocolate and cheese.
- White Port: Made from white grapes, White Port can range from dry to sweet. It’s lighter in color and flavor than its red counterparts, with notes of citrus, almonds, and floral aromas. It is often served chilled and can be enjoyed as an aperitif or in cocktails, such as the popular “Port and Tonic.”
- Reserve Port: Reserve Port is a delightful blend of vintages that is aged in barrels for four to six years before it’s bottled and ready to enjoy. This aging process helps it retain the rich, dark ruby color and delicious fruity flavors that make it so special!
- Tawny Port: Tawny Port is a popular fortified wine from northern Portugal. It’s slightly lighter in color and aroma compared to Vintage and Ruby Ports, making it a delightful choice for those who like something different. This wine is typically made from grapes grown in the cooler regions of the Douro Valley, adding to its unique character.
Join This Food & Drink Walking Tour in Faro
Explore the vibrant culinary scene of Faro with a guided walking food and drink tour, perfect for foodies looking to uncover the city’s hidden gems. This private, friendly tour takes you off the beaten path to savor the authentic tastes of Faro, from local wines and craft beers to traditional tapas and desserts.
Operated every Wednesday and Saturday, with extended availability in summer, this tour is your gateway to the good life in the Algarve’s capital.
What to expect:
- Start with an introduction: Meet at the designated starting point for a warm welcome and a brief overview of the tour highlights.
- Savor Brazilian appetizers: Begin your journey with a stop at a hidden gem to enjoy delicious Brazilian-inspired bites.
- Beer tasting with a view: Head to a trendy rooftop bar to sample a selection of beers paired with tasty tapas, hosted by a friendly local expert.
- Fish tapas & a surprise dish: Discover Faro’s seafood heritage with fish tapas and a signature traditional dish at a local hotspot.
- Indulge in sweet treats: Treat your sweet tooth with a stop for some of the city’s favorite ice cream flavors.
- End with local wine tasting: Conclude the tour with a curated wine tasting session featuring exceptional local wines.
Price: from €86
Duration: 3 hours
What’s included:
- Food and drinks
- Snacks
- Alcoholic drinks
Good to know:
- This tour is not tailored for specific diets and is not recommended for pregnant travelers or children.
- Perfect for food lovers who want a true taste of Faro’s culture and cuisine!
