A Faro institution founded in 1925, famous for generous and extremely fresh seafood platters in a no-frills environment beloved by locals. The cataplana and seafood rice are the house specialities and portions are enormous.
Restaurante Dois Irmãos, founded in 1925 in central Faro, is one of the city's oldest continuously operating seafood restaurants and remains a benchmark for generous, no-frills seafood platters nearly a century after opening. The kitchen is known for arroz de tamboril (monkfish rice) and percebes (goose barnacles), both served in portions large enough to be shared, alongside a broader menu of cataplana and grilled fish typical of Algarvian seafood cooking. The dining room is functional and unpretentious rather than styled for visitors, with simple furnishings, brisk service and a noise level that reflects its popularity with local families who have eaten there for generations. There is no tasting menu; the format is à la carte, and given the size of the portions, ordering fewer dishes than the number of diners at the table is a common and sensible approach. The wine list is basic but adequate, focused on affordable Portuguese house wines rather than a curated programme. Reservations are advisable for dinner, particularly on weekends, since the restaurant's reputation and central Faro location keep it consistently busy.
Signature dishes
- Arroz de Tamboril (monkfish rice) — €18
- Percebes (barnacles) — €20
Good to know
- Known for
- Traditional Faro seafood since 1925
- Hours
- 12PM–3PM, 7PM–10PM Mon–Sat
Location
Praça Ferreira de Almeida 15, 8000 Faro, Algarve
37.0172, -7.9319 View on map
Highlights
- Faro seafood institution operating continuously since 1925
- Generous arroz de tamboril (monkfish rice) portions
- Fresh percebes (goose barnacles) among the specialities
- No-frills, authentically local dining atmosphere
- Central location in Faro near Praça Ferreira de Almeida
Tips for visiting
- Order fewer mains than diners at the table given the very generous portion sizes
- Book ahead for weekend dinners, as the restaurant is consistently busy
- Percebes are a distinctly Portuguese delicacy worth trying if available
- Lunch tends to be slightly quieter than the evening service
- Cash is often useful at long-standing local restaurants of this kind
When to visit
A weekday lunch offers a quieter setting to enjoy the large seafood portions without the weekend crowds.
Accessibility
The restaurant is at street level in central Faro with straightforward access, though the interior can be crowded during peak service.
Frequently asked questions
How long has Restaurante Dois Irmãos been open?
It was founded in 1925 and has operated continuously in central Faro ever since.
Are the portions large?
Yes, portions are notably generous, and ordering fewer dishes than the number of diners is common practice.
Is it necessary to reserve a table?
Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends, given the restaurant's long-standing popularity.