Pigs & Cows, in Faro, is delicious, fun…and different. Expect expert culinary technique, creative presentation, and a wacky (but professional) staff. If you’re lucky, a French lady will burst out of the kitchen, belting out Édith Piaf songs. When you’re looking for a delightful dinner in the Algarve…that is not typical Portuguese, nor pretentious fine dining…make a reservation at Pigs & Cows.
A quick look at the Pigs & Cows website reveals a quote proclaiming “this is not an ordinary restaurant,” while the signage that greets you at the entrance reads “world food and good vibes for happy people.” No doubt, these expressions foretell the tasty and festive experience you are about to enjoy.
Inside, the ambiance is modern and intimate, with a cosmopolitan, chic vibe (a stark contrast from the historic city center where the building is located). An open kitchen allows guests to observe the chefs in action. In back, outside terrace seating offers a more cozy and casual feel—ideal for cool Algarvian evenings.
The Pigs & Cows project is wholly conceived and managed by ebullient couple Lilia and Didier, Portuguese and French natives, respectively. She’s responsible for the kitchen; he’s the charming and professional maître d’. They are self-proclaimed epicureans and enjoy travelling the world, tasting local cuisines. Their travels are the inspiration for the innovative dishes–fusing international flavors with more familiar Portuguese and French products and recipes.
But, don’t let the name fool you. Sure, there is pork and beef on the menu, but meats are only a small selection of a menu that also features, fish, seafood and vegetarian dishes.
Descriptions of the dishes on the menu are quite vague…but fear not! Lilia herself leaves her cheffy duties in the kitchen to visit your table to discuss each dish in detail. Highlights the night we visited include tuna tartare, pork bao and smoked codfish carpaccio to start. Beef loin, chicken salad, shrimp curry shined as mains. For dessert, the coconut mango sablé was as pretty as it was scrumptious, and the Lebanese flan came with a mist of vodka from a perfume bottle.
In Summer months, Didier’s sister visits from France to lend a hand. When the mood strikes her, she’ll pop out of the kitchen, strolling from table-to-table, serenading guests with Édith Piaf classics. This tiny bit of levity and entertainment is the cherry on top of a multi-faceted dining experience.
So, what’s the deal with the name? Well, the animal monikers refer to the owners. To know more, you’ll need to ask them directly.
Pigs & Cows is open Thursdays to Sundays for dinner only. For more information, visit the Pigs & Cows website.
Pigs & Cows
Rua Batista Lopes 57
Faro
Phone: +351 966 096 850
Email: pigsandcowsld@gmail.com
Dinners Only: Thursday to Sunday – 18:30 to 23:30
