Green Buddha is a restaurant devoted to Asian flavours, without limiting itself to any single country or region within Asia. It’s located in central Faro, but far enough from the touristy area to draw a mostly local clientele from the middle to upper-middle class.
From outside, you can already read the fixed menu and see the dish of the day, offered at an appealingly reduced price that includes a drink, a small starter, and a coffee.
On entering, a member of staff greets you and shows you to a table suited to the size of your group. Background music plays quietly, adding to the pleasant atmosphere, with themed decor that has some original touches, attractive furniture, and a single dining room that’s nonetheless spacious.
The service is excellent — polite and attentive without being intrusive, quick to clarify anything about the menu and quick to take orders. The waiting time is well judged too: just long enough to settle into the room and chat a little before the drinks and starters arrive.
The main courses also arrive at just the right moment, impressing right away with their flawless presentation — great material for anyone who likes photographing their food.
Then comes the taste, which shows itself from the first bite. Delicious. On my visit I ordered the vegetarian chili (€15.90), while my companion chose the menu of the day (€14.90), which included a portion of Tuscan-style shrimp with lovely rice. A small starter came before that dish, though not before mine, since I’d ordered à la carte. To drink we went for the natural juices, without doubt one of the house’s strong points: watermelon and mint for me, and for her a more elaborate blend listed as Detox Juice. Both excellent.
The dish was well prepared and, unlike what often happens at quality restaurants, the portion was generous. It was a great meal — the first of a visit that will surely have others follow. The room stayed calm throughout, neither empty nor packed, with guests talking quietly and the background music at just the right volume.
The bill came quickly, with figures that were both correct and easy on the wallet: around €36 for two people.
Green Buddha’s location is good, within quick walking distance from anywhere in the city centre.
Open for lunch from 12:00 to 15:00 and for dinner from 19:00 to 22:00. Closes on Sundays. Phone number for reservations: +351 289 109 675. Their food is also available with Uber Eats and Glovo.
