Modesto Tavern — Restaurant in Faro

So, we decided to have lunch here while waiting for the train to Tavira on a Sunday afternoon.

What can I say, the food was as good, as the service was bad. Firstly, they let us sit at a tably only to tell us to move to another one just minutes later, because that one was reserved, although the reserved sign was on the table next to us, not on the one we were sitisit at. I didn't mind because we haven't had any food brought to us yet.

After having finished the main course in about 40 minutes, we had to wait another 20 to ask someone to bring us the dessert and the coffee. Never happened until my wife went inside and asked the guy serving our table to bring her the coffee, to which he answered that 'he's busy and has work to do' ( the place indeed got quite crowded after we arrived there). So, it's sounded a bit like she was bothering him for her coffee while he had more serious stuff to do. Quite funny :)

I had the to go myself as well to ask for my coffee. Twice. Because first time they forgot apparently (or not).

And last but not least, there was no soap, no paper towels, and there is no hand dryer in gents toilet.

So, 3 stars although 2 would be fair. They really need to do something about their staff. I think hiring more people...

We visited Taberna Modesto twice in two days — it was that good. This family-run gem in the quiet old town of Faro delivered some of the best fish we've ever eaten.

On the first night, we went for the local specialty — a traditional fish stew (cataplana) — rich, hearty, and bursting with flavour. It came in a huge pot, far more than we could finish, paired perfectly with a bottle of crisp Vinho Verde. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, surrounded by locals and looked after by a genuinely friendly family team.

On the second night, we returned on the recommendation of the brilliant waiter (who spoke excellent English). We started with king prawns in a delicious garlic and herb sauce, then shared a whole sea bass, grilled to perfection in the local style — salty, crispy skin with a garlic oil on the side and simple veg. Absolutely faultless.

This place made our 48-hour stay in Faro. Fresh food, real hospitality, and a proper local experience. Thank you,...

Food was good but service was awful. I actually can't remember the last time I went somewhere where the service was that bad. We sat down but then waited 20 minutes before anyone even came over to offer menus, drinks etc. At one point I tried to get the waitress attention and she shooed me away. I appreciate that were busy but people seated after us where served quicker and we had our baby with us who was getting more tired as time went on and we just wanted to eat and go. We went for the set menu which was €18 for soup of the day, bread, olives, salad, a main meat or fish dish and dessert and coffee which was amazing value and the food was fair but we almost gave up on the...