Breakfast in Faro: Chelsea – O Coreto – Cherry

O Coreto

Anyone who speaks Portuguese knows this, of course—but for the rest of us (myself included): o coreto translates to “bandstand.” This is a nod to the restaurant’s origins in the neighboring Jardim Manuel Bivar, where a bandstand built in 1894 (and restored in 2023) has enhanced this important and central square. Today, the restaurant is located right on Faro’s marina—not bad at all!

There are two entrances to catch the attention of passersby (so-called “window shoppers”). That might sound a bit harsh, but it’s really not meant that way. But if you’re feeling a little peckish and/or in the mood for a drink or a snack (which is basically always the case), someone from the staff is guaranteed to approach you in a friendly way. Not pushy—because then you might just walk away defiantly. More like this: helpful and inviting. So yeah, that works—go right ahead. Which table would you like? Sun or shade? Maybe that one over there. Of course: that one! Welcome aboard!

Breakfast right by the harbor at O Coreto (Photo: Ulrich van Stipriaan)

Actually, I just wanted a cup of coffee. But the menu and the curious glances—which, of course, were drawn to the table next to me—prompted a change of plans. Breakfast—why not? You can tell from the breakfast menu that English tourists make up a large portion of the visitors here; the combination of fried or scrambled eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, toast, grilled tomatoes, and rösti (€14.90) is a big hit with English-speaking visitors. I opted for the bean-free combination of toast, avocado, fried eggs, bacon, and cherry tomatoes (€10.90)—the folks at the next table, by the way, were delighted with the “O coreto” platter featuring four types of cheese, tempura shrimp, squid, garlic bread, and homemade bread (€19.50)—a fitting maritime start to the day.

Since it was breakfast, I ordered a Café duplo to go with my meal, that is, a double espresso (€3) and a freshly squeezed orange juice (€3.90), which was served with a separate glass full of ice cubes—a small gesture, but in such a touristy location, it’s actually a nice sign of hospitality. Here, too: friendly staff, so all’s well. The menu—which I didn’t get to try—is extensive; you could easily find something for lunch and definitely for dinner, since it ranges from crêpes to pizza and pasta, fish, meat, and cataplana (the traditional Portuguese fish stew, though it’s only available for at least two people) to various desserts and an extensive ice cream menu—you can find just about everything at O Coreto.

O Coreto
Praça Dom Francisco Gomes
8000-168 Faro
ocoreto.pt

Pastelaria Cherry

A completely different category for a tasty breakfast—but certainly not one with bad memories! Cherry is a pastry shop with a few tables out front. It smells just as you’d expect a bakery or pastry shop to: irresistible. Anyone with a sweet tooth will feel like they’re in the Land of Milk and Honey (or, if they’re watching their beach body, will quickly move on).

It can also be simple: Pasteleria Cherry—but you can also indulge in something more lavish there… (Photo: Ulrich van Stipriaan)

The third option: be brave and keep it simple. On my way to a podcast appointment, I just needed a quick coffee and a plain croissant—there’s not much to discuss there. You order at the counter and they bring you what you asked for. The people at the other tables weren’t quite so spartan or masochistic—if I’d had more time, a second visit (even in the afternoon—coffee and something sweet are always a good idea) would have been a great plan.

Pastelaria Cherry
Rua Tenente Valadin 38
8000-437 Faro
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