A tiny and atmospheric petiscos bar in Faro's old town serving outstanding small plates of Portuguese snacks with a exceptional selection of regional wines. The queijo frito (fried cheese) with honey and walnuts and the presunto ibérico are not to be missed.
Tasca do Celso is a small, atmospheric petiscos bar tucked into Faro's old town, focused on Portuguese small plates paired with an exceptional selection of regional wines rather than a conventional main-course menu. The kitchen turns out classics of the petiscos repertoire, with queijo frito (fried cheese) served with honey and walnuts and presunto ibérico among the standout orders that regulars return for. The dining room is genuinely tiny, with close-set tables and a warm, convivial noise level that encourages sharing plates and conversation rather than quiet formal dining; there is no dress code and the atmosphere leans toward a wine-bar sensibility. Because the format is built around small plates rather than a tasting menu, the best approach is ordering several dishes to share across the table rather than one plate per person. The wine list is a particular strength, with a strong focus on Alentejo producers alongside other Portuguese regions, curated more carefully than at most casual restaurants in Faro. Given the very limited seating, reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekend evenings when the small room fills quickly with both locals and visitors.
Signature dishes
- Queijo Frito com Mel — €6
- Chouriço Assado — €7
Good to know
- Known for
- Petiscos and local Alentejo wines
- Hours
- 12PM–3PM, 7PM–11PM Mon–Sat
Location
Rua do Alportel 25, 8000 Faro, Algarve
37.0181, -7.9306 View on map
Highlights
- Outstanding petiscos small plates in a tiny, atmospheric setting
- Signature queijo frito with honey and walnuts
- Exceptional selection of regional Portuguese wines
- Presunto ibérico among the standout cold plates
- Intimate, convivial dining room in Faro's old town
Tips for visiting
- Order several small plates to share rather than a single main course each
- Book ahead for weekend dinners, as the tiny dining room fills quickly
- Ask the staff for wine pairing suggestions given the strong regional list
- Arrive early for a better chance of a table without a reservation on weekdays
- Save room for a second round of petiscos rather than filling up on the first order
When to visit
An early evening visit before the dinner rush offers the best chance of comfortable seating and unhurried service.
Accessibility
The venue is a small, tightly arranged space at street level; wheelchair users should call ahead to confirm table access given the compact layout.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tasca do Celso a full restaurant or a bar?
It functions primarily as a petiscos bar, serving Portuguese small plates alongside a strong wine selection rather than full main courses.
How many dishes should be ordered per person?
A sharing approach works best, with a few small plates ordered across the table rather than one dish per diner.
Is booking necessary?
Yes, reservations are recommended for dinner given the very limited seating in the small dining room.