Good food! Although the service was a little mixed when I went in, and the portions could serve to be a bit larger. I definitely intend to go back, though.
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When I visited: Weekday evening
Booths? No
Noisy? No
Lives up to it’s name? Less of a cafe, more of a restaurant. No alliteration there though I suppose.
Candies with Bill? Yes but boring.
This is one of those restaurants that provide a little basket of complimentary bread with your meal – though I read somewhere they charge for refills. We tried the Moroccan iced tea which was fine, and my date had the seafood bouillabaise -fish of the day, scallops, tiger prawns and mussels in saffron broth and she said it was decent. I really appreciate restaurants that have ‘sampler’ plates where I can try a bunch of different stuff in one entree, so I chose the Couscous Carthage – steamed couscous, chicken, lamb, merguez and autumn vegetables in tomato sauce. It was pretty good. Service was good. Music was light and jazzy and Frenchy but not offensively so.
Although this is indeed a unique dining experience, the food won’t knock your socks off. Desserts “all made on site” but still overpriced. I could get that tart in a deli for half the price. I’ve been here twice – I probably won’t go back, I feel like I’ve got the experience and don’t need to spend the money a third time. I would recommend it though if you haven’t been, are looking for something a bit (but not wildly) different, and don’t mind spending some money.
Biggest Rave: If you’re looking for some fine dining that is open past 9pm this is an option!
Biggest Rant: Unnecessarily hoity-toity. Also – I don’t understand these thin, dry sausages. Who likes them?
TRIVIA: Carthage is a seaside suburb of Tunisia’s capital, Tunis…in Africa! It was once the center of the ancient Carthaginian civilization.
Very good. We had El Atlas mussels, seafood soup and salad Nicoise. Everything tasted good with very French touches. Ie. capers and anchovies in the salad,well made fish stock in the soup. Mussels were plump in a saffron and ginger broth. Service was excellent. Restaurant was clean and chairs were comfortable(this is a pet peave of mine). Next time I'll try the tagine items.
Nice surprise. Came here for dinner because they have escargot. When we arrived, the server noticed us immediately and told us our table will be ready in few mins which was fine. Although this place doesn't really have a waiting area so it can be a little awkward standing in the middle.
Anyway, food was done great especially for the price. Unfortunately when I was they were out of muscles. Server was attentive and polite. Will come back for sure.
Impressed. I am a good cook so when I eat out I tend to be quite picky. The food was delicious! I had the carthago mussels to start, it's a spicy harrisa sauce, delicious but definitely not for those scared of hot dishes! My boyfriend started with the french onion soup, it was nothing special but not bad either. I had the rack of lamb... amazing! So tender, they made mine with the peppercorn jus because i don't like mushrooms. Most restaurants slop over cooked carrots and broccoli on the side of your plate and try to call that 'seasonal vegetables' but I was quite happy to see a nice variety of fresh, crisp, well seasoned vegetables. My boyfriends NY steak was done to perfection, really quite nice.
Altogether I was quite happy with the food and service. Better than I expected.
Lovely restaurant, lovely decor, comfy tables, good service, quality food at reasonable prices. Would go again.
I can't believe i waited all this time to try this little gem on commercial! the food was great - seafood tagine, the falling-off-the-bone lamb shank and as if we weren't blown away yet, we had the chocolate ganash cake. orgasmic is the only way to describe it; and i'm not even a dessert person! i can't find any faults in carthage. service was attentive and warm. maybe i'll just have to come back to make sure they are consistent - and to sample more items in their menu. especially that cake!
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A pleasant surprise!. My husband and I rarely get to go out for a decent meal without having to leave early because either our kids were tired or wanted to go home before we finished our meal. He took me to Carthage Cafe for our anniversary lunch in October while the kids were in school (isn't he wonderful?). I ordered the Cumin mussels, and French onion soup. He ordered the Bouillabaise. I expected a small plate of mussels; therefore, I ordered onion soup to fill me up. However, I didn't expect a huge bowl of mussels! The cumin Mussels smelled wonderfully and when I dipped the warm bread into the broth, I was glad it was raining in Vancouver because I felt warm. Not uncomfortable warm, but a sitting in front of a fireplace, reading a good book, wearing your favourite sweater, cozy/warm! The French onion soup was delicious (I know my French onion soup, it's my favourite soup)! My husband enjoyed his meal and he ordered 1/2 litre of wine which we drained! He was happy with our bill and I was content. We walked hand-in-hand and picked up our kids at school a bit giddy from wine, full of comfort food.
Casually Elegant. Carthage Cafe has a bistro atmosphere, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our server gladly went through the menu with the chef and came back with several gluten-free choices for my partner. In the end, he decided on a beautiful Bouillabaisse. My chicken tagine was equally good. The French/Tunisian menu offers mussels with a variety of sauces, a number of couscous dishes and a selection of French and Tunisian entrees. I'm looking forward to trying more of these on future visits.
We decided that this is the perfect restaurant for dinner with the parents and were vindicated when two separate parties arrived for just that purpose. It's also a perfect place for a quiet and casual celebration.
Great place for a date. Yummy steak-frites.
I adore this place for a date night. It's a cozy spot on vibrant Commercial Drive. Tonight the folks and I celebrated early Mother's day and my father's birthday.
I suggest to make a reservation as it is a small restaurant and fills up quickly. Catherage Cafe serves up a wonderful mix of French & Tunisian fare, Wine, Cocktails, Beer and non alcoholic beverages such as espresso and tea.
The staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The chef and their team clearly love what they do as the food is so good!
I really wish I had saved room for dessert as the table next to us had this amazing looking strawberry tart...next time!
Pictured: The Beef Medallions Special, The Lamb Chops, and Trio of Seafood.
Each plate priced $30 or less.
Great dinner with friends here. Very large salad portions, great mussels, Amazing lamb chops!
If strong but flavourful coffee is your thing, be sure to have some Tunisian coffee after dinner!
Excellent experience! French and Tunisian (North Africa) cuisine with a big variety of choices! Taste is very rich and portions are generous, service and atmosphere was also great! It is a must try if you are lover of fresh and flavoured food! I definitely recommend it and definitely will go there often! In my last visit I got strawberry, cheese salad and sea bus fish with capers and vegetables. It was amazing!!! I loved it ❤️
I don't regret. Awesome service and amazing tasting food. Everything is well seasoned. Can't believe I would say this (as a heavy meat eater), I am okay no meat when having their cuscus 😁
Went here for lunch on a weekday and ordered the Carthago Mussels and Lamb Shank Couscous and beer. Food is authentic and very delicious. Great Service, inviting atmosphere and excellent Value. The Bill was less than $40 and was so filling that we had to take some food home. Will be back to try other flavors of mussels and couscous. Highly recommend giving it a try.
Authentic and amazingly delicious Tunisian cuisine. Very nice atmosphere and ambient. Friendly and knowledgeable service. It's a semi fine dining suitable for either a date or just casual friend gathering. Seats are limied since the place is small so if going in a large group call ahead to reserve. Highly recommended.
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