O Murta

Chanced upon this restaurant while they were opening for lunch in Faro. Restaurant is cosy with indoor and outdoor dining. Seems to be quite a popular local spot but we did not have to reserve or wait for a table. We ordered the white sangria which was really good - fruits were fresh n sweet too. We also ordered the fried squid (not exactly fried though) for starters but it was tasty and fresh. For mains we ordered the prawn and bamboo clam rice, Iberian grilled pork chops, tuna steak and a grilled fish. All of which were delicious and freshly cooked! The pork has a really nice grilled meat flavour but personally would have enjoyed if there was an accompanying sauce to make the dish have a stronger flavour. The seafood rice had a really rich seafood broth which we enjoyed. Grilled fish and tuna were all fresh and really good. The viscosity of the chocolate mousse is quite good and the chocolate is rich and not too sweet. Personally I thought the orange cake was orange fruit flavoured (like the fruit) but it doesn’t have the fruity taste and is quite dense and sweet. Staffs are really nice and patient. We are English speaking so there is a language barrier but the lady used translation to explain the dishes and our order to us! Great restaurant in Faro.

The fish soup was tasty! It comes on a medium size bowl. It looks like it’s good for two or maybe sharing. The man who served us was so nice, welcoming and checked us everytime to make sure everything is okay. Will definitely come back to try more on their menu!

Very disappointed by the experience here. We came in genuinely wanting to eat and enjoy, but the staff was careless and unprofessional from the start, even though the restaurant was empty. The waitress, clearly not Portuguese, was especially arrogant, far too arrogant for someone in hospitality. There was no basic courtesy, no effort to welcome or serve us properly. It felt like she didn’t even want us there just because my wife is headscarf wearing and modestly dressed. I don’t know what the goal is, if you want to own a restaurant and be rich, good for you, work for it. But when you’re a waitress, you should at least respect customers. It’s not about pride, it’s about doing your job right. Honestly, we’ve never faced this kind of attitude from native Portuguese staff. Sadly, it always seems to come from Portuguese speaking immigrants who act like they’re doing us a favor just by showing up. Maybe I’m wrong, they tend to show excessive respect toward Europeans, often seeking approval or status, while treating others with less courtesy. Just cold, uninterested service. Won’t be coming back.

I came here doing my travels through Portugal and Spain. I experienced some fine cuisines from Michelin guided restaurants to local places such as this one. I came across this lovely space O Murray, by reading the reviews online and oh boy did they live up to their expectations. Located in a beautiful neighbourhood beside this magnificent view and ancient archeological castle, this restaurant served the freshest fish I had. It was better than the Michelin food we ate. I had a white fish. I forgot the name grilled, with this lovely stew of beans and veggies and more seafood, along with some rice and wine. I highly recommend you coming here and having seafood and the stews and wine and beer. The place is definitely more low-key and gives you a homie vibe.

We stumbled upon this place and were delighted by our experience. The food was delicious, simple grilled sea bass, dourada, and swordfish. All freshly caught today. With vegetables (yeah!) Puddings to due for, almond tart, orange cake and creme caramel. The service was so good too. I highly recommend this place, away from the hoards of tourists too!

Non pretentious, good quality local restaurant. Good service, clean, tasty food, deserves to do well. Will come back.Away from the touristic rubbish and good value for the quality.

Amazing humble and wonderful homey restaurant. The gazpacho is amazing and, the cataplana had the best fish I had tried in years. To finish, the chocolate mousse was delicious. The staff is very sweet and can recommend you great dishes. Be aware that you need to pay cash as they only accept Portuguese cards.

Amazing local cuisine at a very affordable price. Grilled fish - mixed platter for 2, could easily feed 3. Very nice & friendly owners. Don't expect a posh restaurant, it's small and more for locals than tourists. Can recommend for an authentic experience!

This locals restaurant was recommended by Lonely Planet Portugal Guide. My own take is that it was not bad. Menu does have an English version but it is shorter than the Portuguese version. Not sure what they left out. Had a clam dish cooked in a buttery garlic sauce. Was excellent and stock made for good bread dipping. Main course was the salted cod with piri piri spices. It was tasty but not too spicy. Comes with potato, carrots, and green beans. There was a desert list but we opted to go to an outdoor cafe to enjoy some people watching. Oh, note, there was no wifi here.