Located in the beautiful Sidi Ben Arous Street, not far from the Place du Gouvernement, this restaurant & tea house welcomes its guests in a former medina's palace. It was built by Hamouda Pacha at the end of the 18th century and has been magnificently restored. The big patio has been converted into a dining room and is surrounded by a beautiful archway supporting a colonnade upstairs, and the walls are covered with tiles. This is an ideal setting to savour the Tunisian (different kinds of briqs, Salade Mechouia, lamb dishes like the Mosly or fish dishes) and Mediterranean cuisine. In the tea house (open from 8a to 8p) you can sample a Turkish coffee or a mint tea while smoking a shisha (water pipe) in a refined and convivial atmosphere frequented by the wealthy youth of Tunis. N.L.
The marina and the vast terrace of Le Grand Bleu ("The Big Blue") that overlooks the Gulf of Tunis are just perfect and have long-past secured its fame among the upper Tunisian classes. Moreover the food, mainly some delicious fish and seafood, gives the mouth a view of its own that equals the vista outside. Proper attire required.
It's just impossible to miss the Café des Nattes' flight of stairs, beautiful arched door, and terrace that overlooks the main street. The columns and ceiling inside the coffee house are red and green, and the mats welcome the guests taking tea or smoking a water pipe around the green coffee tables. The Café des Nattes is a genuine institution where artists and intellectuals gather alongside Tunis youth and tourists. It can consequently be overcrowded on weekends and holidays. There is a little shop two steps away from the Café where the famous Sidi Bou Saïd "bambalounis," delicious sugar donuts served hot, are prepared.
The Bœuf Sur Le Toit, in the chic suburb of Soukra, is a popular place for the night in Tunis. The trendy community of the capital city as well as foreigners gather here to have a drink (beers, wine and liquors) or dinner (around TND 30 the meal) and to dance while listening a live music concert or the DJs. The kind of music differs from one day to the other: house music parties, Reggae music, Jazz (on Thursday), Rock music (on Friday) and theme nights in the summer. The night owls will be gratified by nice Jam Sessions. The atmosphere of the place is always very good. The concert timetable varies. N.L.
The restaurant Au Bon Vieux Temps ("in the good old days") absolutely deserves its name. It is located in an old building in the heart of the village and its well-groomed setting immerses the customer in a quiet and luxurious atmosphere that defines Sidi Bou Saïd's charm in the past century. This restaurant is known, not only for its French and Tunisian cuisine, but also for its terrace and its great sea-view. The fish dishes are served in generous quantities and the meat or fish couscous are delicious. -N.L.
The Dar Zarrouk restaurant belongs to the hotel Dar Saïd and is located in the heart of the village. Its charming white terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Tunis Gulf. It has a fair Tunisian and Mediterranean specialties menu, and a memorable fish couscous. Making reservations are strongly advised in the summer. -N.L.
For those who are in the mood to tantalize their taste buds, certainly consider heading to El Walima for a great meal. Known for serving dishes like Juicy Grilled Jumbo Shrimp, Rice Fish and Beef Tagine, the restaurant is a popular dining destination among the locals and the tourists alike. Desserts and teas can also be called along with the food to complement the savory flavors. If you are in the mood for a Tunisian meal in great surroundings, then an evening at El Walima will not disappoint.
If you find yourself in the mood to dig into decadent breakfast delicacies at any time of the day, then certainly head to La Flore. Known for serving a buffet spread that features international dishes as well besides the range of Middle Eastern and Tunisian flavors, the restaurant is popular with the locals and tourists alike. A live pancake and egg counter, sausages, butter and chocolate croissants and boiled eggs are some of the other dishes than one can dig into here. English Cake is also available for those who want to pamper their sweet tooth. If you are in the mood for a delicious meal, then certainly head to La Flore for a great time.
Set in a cozy place with bright lights, wooden flooring and premium furnishings, Peppino is one of the best restaurants in the city for authentic Italian fare. Set in a great space, the restaurant is known for serving a variety of freshly cooked flavors like Chicken Tikka, Gosht Patiala Shahi, Fish Moeli and more. Even if you make a random selection from the menu, you won't be disappointed with the tasty offerings. The staff of the place is also quite attentive and friendly. If you are looking forward to a hearty meal, then head to the Taj MaHal with friends or family and treat yourself to some sumptuous Indian delicacies.
Despite being in the Mercure El Mechtel, Le Cyres doesn't have the throngs or the loud out-of-towners. Soft sitar music wafts in the air, lending evidence that Le Cyres chooses not to play up to tourists. For those in the know, seafood is what attracted them in the first place. Fruits de Mer of all sorts, the St. Jacques and the Calamari tend to overshadow the meat and poultry preparations. With all of this backed by prompt and efficient service, Le Cyres has managed to distance itself from the rest and caters to but the discerning diner.
Set in a cozy space with a number of ornate decorations traditional to the Lebanese Culture, Afandi is a great place to be for those who are in the mood to dine. Peppy music in the background also adds to the relaxed vibe of the place. As for the food, Baba Ganoush, Salmon Fume Tagliatella and Aubergine Spread are just some of the dishes one can call for here. If you are in the mood for a great meal, then certainly consider heading to Afandi for a great time.
For those who are in the mood to dig into traditional vegan Tunisian dishes, then heading to Badra can be a great idea. Known for its range of breakfast dishes, the restaurant is popular for its Vegan Chickpea Soup and its Eggs with Olive Oil. If you are in the mood for a quick snack, a great meal for breakfast or simply wish to skip the meat for once, then heading to Badra early in the morning can be a great idea.