Review Carthage Cafe

Prince Hakim

Terrible terrible stay away from that place nothing French Tunisian. The french waiter was very nice but the food is disgusting. The owner doesn't know nothing about french food or Tunisian. I order a salad nicoise I end up with a mix of green with balsamic dressing. The rest of food was a fusion of her interpretation which means eat at own risk.. please be careful pictures are deceiving.

Tabatha Stahl

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.

Robin Johnson

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!

Asma Hamdi

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 ❤️

Declan Tran

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 😁

Key Thing

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.

Ahmed Etman

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.

CTO

Quaint place on commercial that's pretty easy to miss. Service is fine except they wouldn't accomodate the window seat despite it not being reserved. Lamb chops were too sweet. However, couscous was tasty and I don't even like couscous.

Jonny

We’d walked by Carthage Cafe a few months ago and made a mental note to check them out after seeing the French Tunisian sign. Their food is influenced by French, Tunisian and Turkish food. We dropped in on a Saturday evening (6:00pm with reservations). All the tables seemed to be reserved for the evening. Only one waiter manning the front and doing the bartending. The inside has about 9-10 tables. It’s nice that both the windows and doors are open to give the place an open air vibe.

Chicas

Came here for dinner once and found the food was very average but the price is higher than what I would pay for the taste. I ordered the steak and my husband ordered the salmon. We also got the escargot as appetizer. The taste was a bit on the bland side and lack of seasoning. The place was full when we were in there so they seem quite like a popular restaurant.

Kabir

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.

Nosh And Nibble

One-liner: Slightly overcooked seafood and so-so meat dishes at this French/Tunisian restaurant Highlight: Seafood Bouillabaise Recommended for: Seafood lovers Would I go back? No. Read my blog post for the full review!

Toren Atkinson

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.

Ctaylormag

SALTY1. Six of us had dinner - we all agreed - too salty! Overpriced! Had the seafood special - should have sent it back. Would never go back. Waste of money and time.

TheHappySloths

Good couscous but all the meats are tough and overcooked. Tried the couscous and the bouillabaisse. The couscous with the eggplant sauce is absolutely delicious but the chicken, turkey, and sausages within the dish is so tough and dry. The mussels in the bouillabaisse was nice but all the fish were so overcooked!

Netpctek4u

Would so recommend this restaurant. Service equally as good as the food. Sam

Jo

Went for first time expecting good - after reading reviews and was very disappointed & unfortunately the food was disgusting. Perhaps they have good days but not when I went. :(

Martine Duflon

First time I went, it was great. Second time was a complete disapointment: they were slow (we waited an hour) and when we got our food it was gross. The fish we got was overcooked and the tajine was bitter. The waiter told us it was because the cook had drank too much alcohol and was late! The place was frigid. I ordered a tea and it took half an hour for it to come. Overall very disapointed!

Joanne Cee

Had their mussles, a little salty. Friend ordered their Carthage couscus and in all honesty, it was the hardest thing to scarf down....it was dry as ever!!! We didn't want to send it back because we had plans to get to, but that thing....oh my god water could not have helped it. I had the seafood special and it was nothing "special" about it, just small peices of salmon, shrimp and some other fish ....also quite salty

Mersey-g

Dinner. Sea bass wonderful, other dishes so marvelous. Would so recommend this restaurant. Service equally as good as the food. Only minus is the wine menu needs revamping and a better selection of good, quality,French wines. I would return

Whitlock_cj

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.

Food

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.

Via

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.

Following Flavour

Lovely restaurant, lovely decor, comfy tables, good service, quality food at reasonable prices. Would go again.

Icouncil

Had better. I've been to many restaurants in Vancouver. The food at Carthage was so so, typical french cuisine. The restaurant is small so if you sit near the door, keep your coat on in the winter time. I wouldn't mind it that much except we had a surly waiter who had a comment for everything. Definitely would not go back and would not recommend to anyone. It only takes one bad experience.

Anne Thrope

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!

ForTheLoveofFood

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.

Beanie

I don't like the food and I don't think it's worth the price.

Junior

Charge 2nd bread without notice.. The waitress asked us 5 different times if we want more bread. We only ask to give us the second one and refused all other bread offers. Guess what? there is a $2.00 charge for the additional bread.

Teresa McCarthy

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.

Pickle

Great place for a date. Yummy steak-frites.

Karine Dubois

I went there on a date and thanks god the food was amazing because the guy.... Well, I'm french and the mussels poulette are the best I had in bc so far!

Grant G

Astounding experience!. The decor & ambience, the service -- and best of all -- the food -- all warrant an evening out at the Carthage Cafe!! Succulent. Delightful. Has me craving a return a.s.a.p.

Marcy

Best Mussels in Town (Take that, Chambar and Stella's. Although I have eaten at Carthage a number of times, I only now decided to review it, perhaps because on our most recent visit, Friday, March 5th, we were so warmly welcomed and well fed. Dressed casually, we had just walked up the Drive, planning an equally casual dinner. Approaching the Carthage, the promise of mussels proved irresistible and in we went, reservation-less. We were seated promptly, and found ourselves near (impossible not to be in this intimate, cozy place) Cate, Shane, Dan, and Elaine. We exchanged greetings and then ordered. Mussels Carthago (with Harissa spiced broth, lively and addictive) for me, Lamb for him, both with frites. I'd like to be able to substitute a green salad, but as the potatoes were before me, I ate them lustily and slurped up the shellfish: plump, tender, delectable. While Peter sucked on his lamb, we noticed that other walk-ins were being turned away. Then, in came past and present neighbours Dianne and Damian who greeted us warmly and sat beside us at the last available table. Good thing they'd reserved. The place was full, conversations and lovely aromas drifted through the room. Carthage is an East Van gem, offering inviting comfort food with a north African twist, attentive, competent service and good value.

Tim

Excellent. Colleague recommended CC but I was a bit worried to hear bad things about the place. Invited my parents who are both excellent cooks and foodies. The three of us were all very impressed. Worst part was that I kept eating my rabbit after I was full it was so good. The two wait staff were excellent and worked as a tandem so we never had to flag them down. One even offered to go put change in the meter in the middle of a downpour. Even the bread was amazing which they told us they baked themselves. Nice and cosy on a rainy night and very good value.

Samuel

Weired place. That small restaurant was the worst experience I ever had in my life, I still can`t forget it, rude and impolite employees , we only lost our time and money that day.

Guiltyofgluttony

I have never been to a Tunisian restaurant before, so I was super excited. The place looks classy and friendly, with purple and white table cloth and a couple of glasses for each person on the table (the French look). I thought this one is going to be a pricey lunch, but turns out.. it was not. The menu was not as foreign as I thought it will be. In my opinion, many of the food are French food with Tunisian touch. After much consideration, we ordered the mussels and fries (Poulette style = cream and scallion) ($14) and the Couscous Carthage (with lamb, chicken, sausage, and tomato base) ($18). When the mussels arrived, we went crazy for it. Mussels and fries are truly the one dish that I actively compare every time I visit a French restaurant in Vancouver. And this one is sitting at the top so far, wearing a crown. The mussels were big, meaty, and perf

Maggi Mei

I like allowing my guests to choose where we dine, because sometimes I end up visiting places I wouldn't normally go, or discovering a hidden gem. Today at "Carthage Cafe" this was not the case. This was definitely not a place I am drawn to, or one I would return to. When I think cafe none of what "Carthage" was offering comes to mind. It almost felt too fancy, and all too much. There was no theme and as a result nothing matched. This just makes it all the more difficult for me to describe now. As a whole the place was old, and you felt the generation gap as soon as you took a seat. I was unimpressed by the white board with scrawlings of today's specials in blue and red dry erase markers. Inside walls were amber, the drapes were rust, and the table cloths maroon. At least the flowers in the vases matched all the above. There was a lot of little details that made the cafe look like a thrift shop. Miniature cast iron lamps on every table, jeweled metal rods holding the drapes in place,

Second Stomach

- What I find a bit unusual about the mussels here is that sometimes the mussels are not uniformly sized. I’m not sure exactly what type of mussels are used – I don’t think they are from PEI since these are usually very small but they didn’t seem like the large Pacific ones either.

AILI

WOW – I couldn’t believe it when this dish was placed on our table. The Lamb Shank with couscous – a large slow-braised lamb shank served in a spice-induced tomato sauce atop steamed couscous and veggies. The meat fell off the bone with barely a poke from the fork and the tomato sauce was light enough to prevent the dish from feeling overly heavy.

Lulu Tai

Although the main courses were very delicious, I would recommend ordering a variety of dishes and sharing everything instead of ordering a main entree each. Because of the rich flavour, having one main dish all to yourself may be too filling or even boring.

Gracecheung604

I have been to Carthage Cafe before after they were featured in the Vancouver Courier a few months ago. See my previous review. For our tasting, we started off with Doigts de Fatima, served with a side of Tunisian Salad. This spring roll style appetizer was filled with a blend of cheese, tuna, and boiled eggs. The mixture is held together with more eggs. I found the texture more spongy than crispy, though I was surprised by how light the wrapper was. The filling was rather dense as well. I did enjoy the salad, which had a refreshing mix of apple, tomatoes, and bell peppers in a tangy vinaigrette, served on a butter lettuce leaf.

Gracecheung604

Last week, we decided to give The Drive a shot and discovered a hidden gem at Carthage Cafe . They have been around for seven years, completely under my radar, but I found out about them after they were written up in The Vancouver Courier recently. I've never had Tunisian food before so was really looking forward to the experience. We started off with freshly warmed French baguette which is always a good sign. So many places serve bread but few care to warm it up. For our appetizers, we started off with the classic northern French dish of Moules Frites . They have quite a few variations available but the one we got was the El Atlas, with hints of saffron, ginger and bell peppers, all in a white wine broth. The mussels are very big and juicy. We asked the waitress where they were from, and was surprised to find out that they were from Salt Spring Island. Very delicious! The fries were just alright, since most of the pieces were not as crunchy as I like, but they well salted and if y

Eating In Vancouver

We started with a Tunisian Salade Mechouia served with Doigts de Fatima, a mixture of cheese, bean, tuna and egg in a crispy spring roll. Then we tried Merguez Couscous, which consisted of steamed couscous, grilled lamb sausage and hearty vegetables in spicy tomato sauce served alongside Lamb Tagine with mushrooms and sweet bell peppers.

F O O D O S O P H Y

It has been a horrific winter here in Vancouver so far. The incessant snow and now the subsequent downpour has really been cramping my eating. We have had rare respite

Review Carthage Cafe - Vancouver