Restaurante Cidade Velha

Restaurante Cidade Velha is an Algarve seafood restaurant at Rua Domingos Guieiro 19, beside the cathedral (the Sé) in Faro's walled old town, in southern Portugal. The setting is among the most atmospheric in the city, a short walk from the Arco da Vila gateway and the cobbled lanes of the Cidade Velha, which the restaurant takes its name from. The cuisine is regional seafood prepared in traditional style. The signature dishes are seafood rice with lobster, a rich, soupy rice typical of the Algarve coast, fried shrimp with garlic, and fish cataplana, the copper-pot stew of fish and shellfish steamed with tomato and peppers. These are the dishes most associated with the restaurant, and the seafood rice is generally prepared for sharing. The dining room and any outdoor seating benefit from the old-town location beside the cathedral square, creating a relaxed, traditional mood that suits visitors after sightseeing. There is no dress code, and the noise level is moderate, with more activity at lunch and in the early evening. Drinks follow Portuguese custom, with local house wines, vinho verde, beer and coffee. The restaurant sits in the moderate $$ price range, though lobster rice will cost more than the simpler fish and shrimp dishes. Listings for opening hours conflict, with one giving daily service from 09:00 to 22:00 and another giving Monday to Saturday from 11:00 to 22:00, so visitors should confirm by phone on +351 289 827 145. Reservations are not stated as required, but booking is sensible for groups and in July and August when the old town is busy with day visitors. The restaurant fits naturally into a walk through the old town, the cathedral, the municipal museum and the marina, all of which are within a few minutes on foot.