Why Locals Love Tasca do Ricky: Faro’s Hidden Gem for Traditional Portuguese Food
When visitors wander through the cobbled streets of Faro’s old town, they often look for that one place where locals actually eat — a spot that feels like home, with flavours that speak of the Algarve’s land and sea. That’s exactly what they find at Tasca do Ricky, a small, family-run restaurant where Portuguese tradition and warm hospitality come together in every dish.
A Taste of the Real Algarve
Tasca do Ricky isn’t about fancy décor or modern fusions. It’s about authenticity — real food, cooked with care, using ingredients that reflect the region’s heart and history. The Algarve is famous for its seafood, and here you’ll find it at its best: fresh clams simmered in garlic and olive oil, octopus cooked to perfection, and the beloved cataplana, a local seafood stew served in the traditional metal pot that gives it its name.
One of the dishes that locals can’t stop talking about is the arroz de lingueirão, or razor clam rice. It’s a comforting, aromatic dish that captures the essence of the nearby Ria Formosa lagoon, where fishermen collect these delicate shellfish by hand. For meat lovers, carne de porco com amêijoas — pork cooked with clams — is another favourite, combining land and sea in one classic Algarve recipe.
Each meal is made from scratch, the way Portuguese families have cooked for generations. And it shows — both in flavour and in feeling.
A Family Story Behind Every Meal
What makes Tasca do Ricky special goes beyond the menu. It’s the people.
Ricky and his family run the restaurant with a sense of pride that guests can feel from the moment they walk in. There’s a warmth to the welcome, a personal touch to the service, and a genuine care for every detail — from recommending the right local wine to explaining the story behind a traditional dish.
With only a few tables available, the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed. Conversations flow easily, laughter fills the air, and guests often end up chatting with Ricky himself about life in Faro or the secret to a perfect seafood rice. It’s this connection that turns a simple dinner into an experience that guests remember long after they leave.
Loved by Locals, Celebrated by Travellers
While many visitors find Tasca do Ricky through word of mouth, it has also become a favourite among Faro locals. They come not only for the food but for the familiarity — the comfort of knowing they’ll be treated like family, the consistency of flavours that remind them of home, and the pride of supporting a local business that stays true to Portuguese roots.
Reviews often highlight the authentic atmosphere and personal service as much as the food itself. Tasca do Ricky doesn’t just serve meals — it tells the story of Faro’s culinary heritage, one plate at a time.
A Hidden Gem Worth Finding
In a city full of restaurants catering to tourists, Tasca do Ricky stands out because it doesn’t try to be anything other than what it is: a true Portuguese tasca, focused on quality, tradition, and hospitality. The restaurant’s intimate size means reservations are essential, but that’s part of the charm — it keeps the experience personal and genuine.
Pair your meal with a glass of Algarve white wine, finish with a local dessert like Dom Rodrigo, and take your time. Here, dining is never rushed — it’s meant to be enjoyed slowly, with good company and great conversation.
Experience Faro Like a Local
If you want to taste the real Algarve — not the tourist version, but the one locals cherish — Tasca do Ricky is where you’ll find it. It’s a place where food has soul, service comes from the heart, and every visit feels like coming home.
