Restaurant Review: daTerra Faro

A Healthy Food Buffet Gem

Located in the heart of Faro, a historic port city, daTerra resides in a stunning historic building. Parking is conveniently available right in front of the door, albeit for a fee.

As we stepped inside, we were greeted by the grandeur of high ceilings and a seating capacity of 60, evoking a distinct atmosphere reminiscent of New York City's unique dining establishments.

The concept of this café is truly one of a kind, combining a historic setting with a focus on healthy cuisine. The buffet presented an array of 23 vegetarian dishes, featuring an abundance of salads, vegetables, and proteins such as tofu, lentils, and beans. There are also many gluten-free options.

What amazed us further was the affordability, with a mere cost of 10.50 euros on weekdays and 13.50 euros on weekends per person, while children enjoyed a discounted rate of 7 euros.

For those seeking a more tailored dining experience, daTerra also offers an à la carte menu. The menu boasts a variety of options, including bowls, sandwiches, pancakes, and a selection of mouthwatering burgers. This ensured that every palate would find something to delight in.

As for desserts, daTerra did not disappoint. Indulge your sweet tooth with delectable treats like chocolate cake, apple pie, cheesecake, pumpkin pie, and hazelnut cake. The selection provided a delightful conclusion to our healthy feast.

daTerra is part of a chain of 14 healthy food restaurants in Portugal, making it a trusted franchise with other locations in eg Porto and Lisbon.

Our experience at daTerra was made all the more memorable by the exceptional service provided by Marina, a delightful waitress from Brazil. She single-handedly took care of our needs, while four talented chefs worked diligently in the kitchen to create the mouthwatering dishes we enjoyed.

For our brunch, we started with a superbly flavorful carrot soup accompanied by freshly baked focaccia bread. The appetizers that followed were equally delightful and tantalized our taste buds. Our main course featured fried tofu paired with an assortment of vegetables and rice, forming a harmonious and satisfying combination.

Even after indulging in the abundance of healthy options, we couldn't resist the allure of the decadent brownie, which proved to be the perfect ending to our meal.

If you prefer to savour the flavours of daTerra at home, you'll be pleased to know that they offer takeout services as well. For 6.50 euros for a medium box and 8.50 euros for a big box, you can fill an entire box with your choice of healthy fare.

This reminded us of our time in New York City, where we frequented Whole Foods at Central Park, a larger-scale buffet where you could scoop up whatever you desired and pay by weight. Such takeout options eliminate any temptation to opt for unhealthy fast food alternatives.

In conclusion, we highly recommend daTerra to anyone seeking a delightful restaurant experience that is both budget-friendly and health-conscious. Whether you're in search of a memorable (Sunday) brunch or a satisfying meal at any other time, this café is sure to exceed your expectations.

Additionally, their takeaway services make it convenient for those seeking nutritious options on the go. daTerra truly embodies the essence of "from the earth" dining and deserves its place among the best healthy food establishments in Portugal.

Look for more information and the menu:

https://www.hotspotsalgarve.com/restaurants/grand-cafe-da-terra/

Rating: 8.5 Price: $ Vegan friendly: 5/5

Food 8.0 - Service 8.0 - Price/quality 9.0 - Atmosphere 9.0

Meet Peter Cruiming, an Algarve-based food blogger. Residing in Almancil with wife Marlot Anna, a professional photographer, and their 7-year-old son, Elyas. Explore daily Algarve dining stories at www.HotspotsAlgarve.com, focused on Peter's passion for healthy and vegetarian food.  Photo by www.MarlotAnna.com. 

Peter Cruiming