Faro is the capital of the Algarve, located in the south Portugal. Its cuisine blends rich history with the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean and Atlantic Ocean to create a unique and delicious dining experience.
From coastal cuisine to traditional favorites, here are the must-try dishes in Faro.
Related reading: Things to do in Faro with kids
hurry? Jump straight to booking this fantastic food tour in Faro!
↳ Faro Food and Wine Walking Tour: Enjoy local food, wine, beer and cocktails at a place only locals know.
This is a friendly and fun private guided tour where you can experience a slice of life in Faro while tasting some of the locally produced wines, beers and cocktails.
This is Faro’s food
Faro’s gastronomy reflects the region’s rich heritage and coastal influences, creating a feast for the senses. From freshly caught seafood to hearty meats, each dish tells a story of local flavor and tradition. One of the standout experiences is tasting Portuguese sausage, a classic dish that embodies the essence of Faro’s love for simple yet bold flavours.
Portuguese sausages grilled over an open fire are transformed into a mouth-watering delicacy. The heat enhances its rich, smoky flavor, while the fat imparts a crispy, caramelized exterior that perfectly contrasts with the tender, juicy interior. Infused with garlic, paprika and herbs, each bite delivers traditional Portuguese flavors, enhanced by the charred flavor of the flames.
Ready to explore more? Here are some other must-try dishes that define Faro’s vibrant food culture.
Don’t miss the Portuguese food in Faro
Ma Jiexiu (Salted cod) is a beloved dish throughout Portugal, and Bacalhau à Brás is one of the most popular ways to prepare it. Chop the fish and mix it with onions, chips, scrambled eggs and parsley for a delicious and hearty dish.
picapo It is a popular Portuguese dish that is both delicious and satisfying, often served as a small plate in social settings, especially in a bar or tavern. The name “pica-pau” literally means “woodpecker,” but the dish is believed to have gotten its name from the way the meat is cut into bite-sized pieces, similar to the pecking motion of a woodpecker.
Franco Piri Piri is a delicious Portuguese dish that features chicken marinated in spicy sauce Pilipili (also known as Perry Perry), a fiery chili pepper native to Africa. The sauce usually includes ingredients such as garlic, lemon, vinegar, olive oil, and various spices to give it a rich and spicy flavor. Chicken is often grilled or baked after being generously basted with sauce to allow the flavors to infuse into the meat.
The result is a smoky, crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, all enhanced by the rich heat and flavor of the piri piri marinade. Frango Piri Piri is usually served with side dishes such as rice, chips or salad, making it a popular delicacy in Portuguese cuisine as well as in several former Portuguese colonies such as Mozambique and Angola.
Fun fact! The Portuguese are experts when it comes to grilled chicken. Some restaurants only serve chicken. Even the rotisserie chicken bought in the supermarket is delicious! You can easily see people queuing up in supermarkets to buy roast chicken for lunch and dinner.
Egg tarts – These famous Portuguese egg tarts are a must-try when visiting Faro. The flaky pastry crust is filled with a rich, creamy custard that’s completely irresistible. While these pies are popular all over Portugal, Faro has some excellent bakeries where you can try freshly baked pies.
What to drink in Faro
You can’t forget the drinks to go with your meal. To round out your gastronomic experience in Faro, sample 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 diverse landscapes. Portugal has over 250 indigenous grape varieties, many of which are grown in different regions, such as douro valleyAlentejo and Vinho Verde regions. A wide variety of grape varieties produce everything from crisp whites to rich reds, from sweet dessert wines to refreshing rosés.
Among the most famous Portuguese wines are port wineis a fortified red wine from the Douro Valley known for its rich, sweet and complex flavour. green wineHailing from the Northwest is another iconic wine that is typically light, refreshing and slightly effervescent, perfect for warmer weather. Madeirais a fortified wine from the island of Madeira, prized for its rich flavor and excellent aging potential.
Portuguese red wines are typically full-bodied, with rich dark fruit, spice and earthy aromas. Grape varieties such as Touriga Nacional, Tinta Roriz (Tempranillo) and Alfrocheiro It is the backbone of many red wines. Portuguese white wines, such as those made from Alvarinho and Arinto, are fresh, aromatic and great with seafood and light dishes.
Portuguese wines reflect the country’s diverse terroir and rich cultural history and have something to suit every taste.
Fun fact! With the exception of Port, most wines in Portugal are dry.
Vinho Verde is a refreshing white wine popular in Faroespecially in the hot summer. It’s slightly fizzy and light, making it perfect with seafood or light appetizers.
Port wine from Faro
port wine It is a famous fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley in northern Portugal, one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world. It has a rich history dating back centuries, and its unique production process, rich flavor profile and cultural significance make it a treasured beverage in Portugal and around the world.
Port is a sweet, fortified red wine, but white port and other variations also exist. The term “fortification” refers to the practice of adding grape spirit (aguardente) to wine during the fermentation process. This process increases alcohol content and stops fermentation, preserving the grapes’ natural sugars and creating a rich, sweet wine. The resulting wine typically has a higher alcohol content than most wines, typically 19% to 22% alcohol by volume (ABV).
There are many types of Port wine, each with its own unique characteristics. Here’s more information about common content:
- Ruby Harbor: This is the most common and affordable port type. It is rich, fruity and deep red in color, with flavors of dark fruits such as blackberries, plums and cherries. Ruby Port wine is usually aged for several years in large oak barrels, which preserves its fresh, fruity flavour. It is best enjoyed young, often as a dessert wine or paired with chocolate and cheese.
- White Port Wine: White Port wine is made from white grapes and is available in dry and sweet varieties. It is lighter in color and flavor than its red counterpart, with citrus, almond, and floral aromas. It is usually served chilled, as an aperitif or in cocktails such as the popular “port and tonic”.
- Reserved port: Reserve Port is a delightful blend of wines that are aged in barrels for four to six years before being bottled and ready to be enjoyed. This aging process helps it retain its rich deep ruby color and delicious fruity flavor that makes it so special!
- Tawny Port: Tawny Port is a popular fortified wine from northern Portugal. It is slightly lighter in color and aroma than Vintage Port and Ruby Port, making it a pleasant choice for those who prefer a different flavour. This wine is typically made from grapes grown in the cooler regions of the Douro Valley, adding to its unique character.
Join a Faro Food and Wine Walking Tour
Explore Faro’s vibrant gastronomic scene with you Guided walking food and wine tourperfect for foodies who want to discover the city’s hidden gems. This private and friendly tour will take you off the beaten path to taste the authentic flavors of Faro, from local wines and craft beers to traditional snacks and desserts.
The tour operates every Wednesday and Saturday, extended during the summer, and is your gateway to the best of life in the Algarve capital.
What to expect:
- First let me introduce: Meet at the designated starting point for a warm welcome and a brief overview of the tour highlights.
- Try the Brazilian appetizers: Your trip will stop at a hidden gem for delicious Brazilian-inspired cuisine.
- Enjoy the scenery while drinking a beer: Head to the stylish rooftop bar for a selection of beers hosted by friendly local experts, paired with delicious snacks.
- Fish snacks and surprise dishes: Discover Faro’s seafood heritage with fish snacks and signature traditional dishes at popular local spots.
- Indulge in sweet treats: Treat your sweet tooth with a taste of the city’s most popular ice cream flavor.
- End with a tasting of local wine: End the tour with a carefully planned wine tasting of fine local wines.
price: from 86 euros
period:3 hours
What’s included:
- food and drink
- snack
- alcoholic beverages
Good to know:
- This tour is not suitable for certain diets and is not recommended for pregnant women or children.
- Perfect for food lovers who want a true taste of Faroese culture and cuisine!
