Discovering Out-Of-This-World Flavours in Tunisian Capital Tunis

Discovering Out-Of-This-World Flavours in Tunisian Capital Tunis - More Cravings by Marriott Bonvoy™

Discovering Out-Of-This-World Flavours in Tunisian Capital Tunis

Posted Rashmi Narayan on 19th April 2023.

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Tunisia has an astonishing culinary heritage and, thanks to its favourable position on the Mediterranean coast, can point to a long history of wine production. Tunis, the country’s capital, does this tradition proud today, offering a melting pot of unforgettable flavours and heady scents that evidence Tunisian cuisine’s Phoenician, French and Andalusian influences. Tables throughout the city are graced with delicious creations that Tunisia lays claim to, like harissa, shakshuka and couscous. Here are 8 restaurants that prove Tunisian food is among the world’s very best.

L’Onzième Rooftop Grill and Bar

Head to the eleventh floor of the Tunis Marriott Hotel and treat your senses to a magnificent meal by the pool at L’Onzième Rooftop Bar and Grill, the lights of the city twinkling below you. The menu here, by chef Laurent Brun, is a culinary work of art: expect beautifully presented plates of food that showcase both modern techniques and traditional wood-fired cooking.

Dar Slah

Nestled under a canopy of bougainvillaea flowers along Rue de la Kasbah you’ll find Dar Slah. ‘Dar’ translates to ‘home’ in Arabic and charming owner Sadri Smoali, who opened his restaurant some thirty years ago, certainly makes you feel like you’ve been welcomed into one.

L’Urbain

With its wood-panelled decor fringed by delicate ferns, the delightfully bright and airy L’Urbain is a relaxing place to start your day in Tunis. Crepes, pancakes with red berries, freshly baked French pastries, a moreish dry fruit medley of apricots and prunes, and even a deep red ojja (another term for shakshuka) are all on offer, and executed perfectly.

Dar El Jeld

Occupying what was once an eighteenth-century mansion, complete with a courtyard dotted with lemon trees, the elegant Dar El Jeld is one of the most atmospheric restaurants in Tunis. The main dining room is stunning: think twinkling chandeliers, large mosaic walls, gilded ceilings, Ionic columns and marble floors.

Walima

Luxurious, vibrant Walima, located in the Sheraton Tunis Hotel, is a great choice for a special occasion. With a colourful glass ceiling and mural-adorned walls, the decor dazzles in true Tunisian style – as does the menu.

Fondouk Al Attarine

Fondouk El Attarine was formerly a caravanserai – a place for travellers to break their journey, rest and refuel – and today it fulfils those same functions, just with added contemporary sophistication. Evoking its historical identity, the restaurant occupies an open-air courtyard complex of Corinthian columns and Ottoman arches, with live music often accompanying proceedings.

Essaraya

Tucked away in the UNESCO-listed Tunis Medina is the locally revered Essaraya. Knock on the restaurant’s mustard-yellow ornamental door and you’ll be greeted by a lantern-touting gentleman who will escort you to your table. The decor is sumptuous: pistachio-coloured wooden chairs, crimson-red satin table cloths, mosaic-embellished walls and big brass lamps, while a marble staircase leads to a turquoise-hued mezzanine level.

Pang’s

Chinese-Japanese restaurant Pang’s is a joyous celebration of the abundant fresh seafood landed at the port of Tunis. Housed in the Sheraton Tunis Hotel and led by Chinese Chef Tang Duoling, Pang’s offers a broad selection of sushi, along with other popular Asian dishes such as dim sum and fried rice.