Category: Restaurants

You can have all of the sandy beaches and fancy cocktails that your heart desires, but something that practically all holidaymakers demand these days is a good supply of restaurants.

Most tourist hotspots have a wealth of them, and Monastir is no different. Whether you are a seasoned local or one of the latest visitors to Tunisia, this is a region which is awash with restaurants that blow most of the competition out of the water. Here, we take a look at our favourite ten.

Pictures are courtesy of TripAdvisor.

 

Ali Bar

As the name suggests, this is an establishment which acts as a bar as well as a restaurant. It’s officially regarded as providing Tunisian cuisine, although the fact that many British visitors pop in and grab a bacon butty’ says everything you need to know about its versatility. It provides a great array of food and drink, while many visitors enjoy the vibrant atmosphere which is engaging to say the least. In relation to the latter, any sports fans will immediately fall in love with Ali Bar with the establishment having countless televisions to showcase the latest action.

 

Salsa Posada

This can probably be described as your typical Tunisian restaurant (even if it specialises in Mexican cuisine!). While it doesn’t look overly enticing from the outside, once you do take the plunge to go inside you won’t be disappointed. It’s seen as one of the friendliest restaurants around and the food is of impeccable quality, as well as being very easy on the wallet.

 

Marina the Captain

While the name sounds quite ‘touristy’, Marina the Captain is actually very popular with locals as well as foreign visitors. Its speciality is international cuisine although if we were to hone in on a specific section of the menu, the fish is thoroughly recommended. It’s a little more rowdy than some of the other restaurants on the list, but unless you are looking for a quiet evening you will not be disappointed with this pick.

 

Le Pirate

The fact that you have to call up to two days in advance highlights just how popular this restaurant has become. For the seafood fans out there, it’s a definite winner and is regarded as one of the best facilities of its kind in Monastir. Le Pirate also often puts on live shows during the evenings and this just makes the whole experience even more exuberating but more importantly, tasty.

 

Dar Chakra

This is another restaurant that is popular with the locals as well as tourists – both at lunchtime and in the evening. The food is once again regarded as excellent, although there is far more to Dar Chakra as well. Many visitors often compliment the quiet outside terrace which can make your meal utterly tranquil, while even the locals can’t believe the prices which are exceptionally low to say the least.

 

Restaurant La Plage

Restaurant La Plage might be classed as a restaurant which mainly dabbles in Tunisian cuisine, but on the whole its reputation is based upon fresh fish and seafood. Some have classed this as the best restaurant in Monastir, while the views that surround the facility are panoramic to say the least. In relation to the latter, La Plage looks directly onto the sea making any meal you have completely picturesque.

 

Safari Centre

As one might assume by the name, the Safari Centre isn’t merely classed as a restaurant. Instead, it’s the perfect place for an evening’s worth of entertainment. Armed with a nightclub, steak house, gift shop, multiple coffee bars and even a supermarket, you can comfortably kill a night off in this place. Whatever restaurant you opt for you’ll be guaranteed a scrumptious meal, with this regarded as one of the premier destinations for any tourist that visits Monastir.

 

Alhambra

Alhambra combines Tunisian and European cuisine and gets the recipe spot on. Whatever dish you select, the food is seen as some of the best around and the portions are absolutely gigantic. To add to the plus points, this is a facility which also prides itself on exceptionally cheap meals and visitors won’t have spent an arm and a leg when they eventually leave. If there was to be a downside it would be in relation to the drinks menu, with Alhambra being one of the few restaurants that does not serve alcohol.

 

Ristorante da Piero

For those that want a taste of Italy in Monastir, the Ristorante da Piero could be a very good option. It’s not just any old food served here either; it’s your typical, hearty Italian cuisine that is usually only found in its home country. However, while the pizza and pasta usually grab all of the headlines, we should also make a case for the deserts that are served up in this restaurant. They are of some of the best you will ever taste and are worth visiting Ristorante da Piero alone for.

 

Soprano

The final restaurant on our list is Soprano and once again, it’s not uncommon to find both locals and tourists donning this establishment. Its main speciality is pizza and this is probably the reason why it has sought such a superb reputation amongst the local student population. Following on from the last sentence, one will not be surprised to hear that Soprano is another exceptionally cheap establishment and one that will ultimately leave plenty of change in your pocket.

It’s one of the smaller destinations for tourists in Tunisia, but that doesn’t mean to say that the options for eating are sparse in Tabarka.

On the contrary, this is an area that is still home to some of the best restaurants around and we’d go as far as saying that a lot of visitors may even prefer the choice that’s on offer.

Rather than be subjected to large establishments, maybe even restaurants that are part of a multi-national chain, you’re instead going to get small, local businesses that rely on recipes that have been passed through generations.

There might not be a huge number of restaurants in Tabarka, but those that do exist are certainly worth visiting. Here are the best ten.

Pictures are courtesy of tripadvisor.

 

Le Festival

First and foremost, Le Festival is probably going to be one of the friendliest restaurants that you step foot in. The staff here really do go the extra mile and it means that the service is just second to none.

As for the food, well this is just as impressive. The selection is vast while everything on the menu is freshly made. For example, one member of your table could be tucking into seafood – while someone else could have spaghetti. There really is enough to suit everyone and naturally, this means that it’s perfect for families.

Le Festival also has an upstairs area where you can drink the famous Tunisian tea or smoke a shisha. This will also allow you to take advantage of the glorious sea views from the building.

 

Le Mondial

Le Mondial is another restaurant which is situated near to the sea and it means that you can immediately take advantage of that fresh air, if the weather suits. You can dine outside in an utterly tranquil setting – watching boats dock up in the nearby waters.

Again, this is a restaurant which will satisfy plenty of visitors. The menu is hugely varied while many guests are quick to comment that the prices are really cheap for the standard of food as well.

 

Touta

If you’re looking for a traditional Tunisian restaurant, Touta could be the place. The fresh seafood here is some of the best around and this is undoubtedly their specialty. Of course, other Tunisian dishes are also on the menu and if you’re looking for something like brik, you again won’t be disappointed.

Touta is situated next to the marina which naturally provides a perfect setting. Once again, the service is always lauded – the waiters really will cater to your every need. In fact, with some of the staff speaking as many as five different languages, it really doesn’t matter where you are from if you’re looking to have an enjoyable time.

Unlike some restaurants which you may find in Tabarka, Touta does serve alcohol.

 

Pizzeria Bellevue

Every area needs a good pizza restaurant and suffice to say, the best in Tabarka comes in the form of Pizzeria Bellevue.

Little else needs to be said about the food – this is a traditional Italian joint that will tick all of the boxes.

However, some people also decide to visit Pizzeria Bellevue just for a drink. This is mainly due to the glorious setting, with the restaurant perched on a balcony that offers a really pleasant place to sit.

Once again, many visitors pass comment on the prices which are regarded as being really cheap.

 

Khemir

This is another traditional Tunisian restaurant which should be high on your list if you are serious about trying the local cuisine.

Everything from brik to ojja is available here, while if you do want something a little more international there are umpteen fish and seafood dishes available. Just like most of the restaurants we have looked at, the fact that Khemir is based in Tabarka means that the fish and seafood is some of the best that you will ever try.

 

Les Mimosas

It’s rare that a hotel makes one of our lists, but an exception has to be made for Les Mismosas.

The restaurant within this hotel is yet another that should be on your bucket-list before you depart Tabarka – particularly if you are in the mood to tuck into French cuisine.

It might have some of the most sophisticated furnishings around, but the fact that set meals cost between 45 and 89 TND says everything you need to know about its value for money.

 

Barberousse

We’ve just spoken about the inexpensive nature of the previous suggestion, but Barberousse is even cheaper. It’s here where a set meal is generally available for less than 45 Dinar – although this by no means detracts from the quality of the dishes.

Barberousse tends to attract a lot of attention from locals, with its fish dishes being some of the most popular around.

 

Andalous

This is another establishment which is traditional in every sense of the word. As soon as you approach Andalous you will note the mosaic walls and pleasant outdoor seating area which just makes this restaurant a joy to dine in. In fact, some travel companies have classed this restaurant as one of the most beautiful in the area – which speaks volumes itself.

There is slightly less variety when it comes to the dishes, with visitors tending to take advantage of the shisha and tea. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for a pure Moorish experience – Andalous is a good choice.

 

Restaurant Samara

Situated right beside the sea, Restaurant Samara is another establishment that allows you to dine in surroundings that are simply beautiful. In fact, while many will flock to Samara just for the varied cuisine, you will find that a lot of locals will simply buy drinks there – such is the beauty of the seating area.

 

Resto La Reine

Our final suggestion comes in the form of Resto La Reine and this is somewhere which prides itself on a Mediterranean menu.

It’s another restaurant which has a cozy interior, while it also serves shisha for those of you who really wish to digest the local culture.

With tropical waters, white beaches and everything else you expect from a Mediterranean island, Djerba Island is proving quite the catch amongst tourists.

Of course, with this popularity comes a demand for all of the typical tourist requirements. This time, we’re talking about food and unsurprisingly, Djerba Island has a wealth of restaurants that must be visited if you’re around.

Some of them serve delicious food, others are perched in prime location – while some are lucky enough to combine both elements. Here, we’ll take a look at our favorite ten Djerba Islands to show what you can take advantage of.

 

Les Palmiers Chez Neji et Catherine

This is one restaurant which continuously reaps the plaudits. Most past visitors can’t get over the taste of the food, which is of traditional Tunisian cuisine.

Furthermore, it’s priced extremely competitively, which is perhaps understandable when you consider the simplicity of the whole building. While it might be simple and by no means a sophisticated establishment – don’t hold this against Les Palmiers Chez Neji et Catherine.

It serves great food, has plenty of variety and even has its own terrace for you to enjoy your dish on.

 

La Lagune

Next on the list is a restaurant which really prides itself on its location. It’s situated right next to the beach, allowing you to enjoy your meal in an utterly picturesque setting.

While the view is obviously going to be a talking point here, we should also point out that the food on offer is most definitely worthy of a visit. The restaurant prides itself on fish and if you happen to be a fan of this cuisine, you won’t be disappointed.

Again, the establishment might be seen as “run down” by some – but others will appreciate the simplicity and charm that it provides.

 

Chez Maman

For those of you who appreciate a restaurant for its friendliness, Chez Maman ticks all the boxes. The service here is fantastic to say the least and the staff have infectious smiles which simply make your visit very warm.

It’s another restaurant which is perfect for those of you on a budget and provides daily specials as well as plenty of a la carte dishes.

 

Delice Resto

Delice Resto is one of those restaurants which will be recommended by plenty of locals – a real endorsement in itself.

Situated in the second largest town on the island, it would be fair to say that the location is convenient and pleasant to say the least.

Once again, Delice Resto is a small restaurant and one that prides itself on service.

While it cooks a variety of dishes (you can get anything from fish to pasta), it’s the fish which receives the best feedback and is some of the most flavored around. And, for those of you wondering, “Delice” translates to “delicious” – need we say anymore?

 

Restaurant Essofra

This is one of the most visually pleasing restaurants on our list, with Restaurant Essofra boasting an interior which can be compared to something of a farmhouse.

A family run establishment, the restaurant always has decent music playing in the background which will accompany food that always receives great feedback.

Most people like this restaurant due to the fact that the dishes are quite unique – not ones that you could drum up in your own kitchen. Despite this, don’t expect to pay a small fortune – Restaurant Essofra might be unique and charming but it’s most definitely affordable.

 

Rachid et Sophie

Again, simplicity is the key with this next restaurant. With seating available both indoors and outdoors, Rachid et Sophie is perfect regardless of the time of year you visit.

With both French and Tunisian cuisine available, there is more than enough variety. Again, most people will recommend the fish-based dishes though, with the sea bream fillet with lemon butter receiving particular acclaim.

 

Ristorante Haroun

Not for the first time on our list, Ristorante Haroun is an establishment which prides itself on its fish menu.

While there are some traditional Tunisian dishes that are available, if you’re looking for another fish specialist there will be few that beat this one.

The setting is worthy of a mention as well and as you eat, you’ll be surrounded by chords of Tunisian music.  It has a great general ambience and with a fire burning in the corner, it can make for a completely romantic and quaint evening.

 

Adel

It might be based in the middle of nowhere, but don’t let this detract from Adel. In fact, view it as a positive, the remoteness of the restaurant makes it quite alluring and also means that it’s survived on word-of-mouth alone – surely a good thing.

With a cave-like exterior, outdoor seating and local boats making up the furniture, the setting that Adel offers is fantastic.

Furthermore, the range of seafood is something else. All in all, this is one of the most all-round restaurants you’ll find and you should make the effort to find it.

 

Chouchou

This is one of the busier restaurants on Djerba Island and boasts one of the best menus around. It’s by no means set in luxurious settings, but instead relies on its reputation because of its food.

Its home to some of the more traditional Tunisian dishes and if you are looking to sample true local food, this is one establishment that should at least be considered.

 

Restaurant Le Fort

It might be slightly pricier than some of the other restaurants we have looked at, but Restaurant Le Fort is still worthy of a mention.

It mixes both local and French cuisine, to create a varied menu that will satisfy even the most hard-to-please diners.

The interior of the establishment is very homely and its popularity over the last few years means that you sometimes have to queue to be seated. However, with a pleasant sofa area to wait in while your table is prepared, this isn’t enough to deter most visitors.