Restaurants in Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia

Where to eat in Sidi Bou Said

My favorite place to eat in Sidi Bou Said is at Au Bon Vieux Temps (71-774-322). Au Bon Vieux Temps is not cheap, but it's worth splashing out for the excellent service, romantic ambience and good food. Its location is also excellent, with a nice garden with views of the Mediterranean. I always stick to traditional food wherever I go, and their fish Kabkouba did not disappoint, in fact I went back a few nights later just to have it again. Tunisian wine is quite delicious as well, a bottle of Selian Vin Blanc will set you back 20 Dinar. This nice fresh white wine pairs perfectly with the spicy appetizers. And of course every meal starts with some Harissa, a fiery little condiment made primarily from red peppers much beloved by Tunisians, served with crusty french bread.

Sid Bou Said's other upscale restaurant is affiliated with the hotel Dar Said. The Dar Zarrouk (71 740-591) is a little more expensive than the Au Bon Vieux Temps but it doesn't have nearly the same intimate atmosphere. Large groups dine here, so you have to book a few nights in advance. The service isn't so great but the food is good and the menu offers a good selection of Tunisian and French fare. For starters I had the Tagine, which is a pastry pocket with a tasty combination of meat (usually chicken or tuna) and a lightly cooked egg. This will surprise you when you cut into it, as the yolk basically explodes over your plate. I had the chicken couscous for my main meal, which was very tasty.

Both the above restaurants will set you back around 80-100 Dinar for two, that includes appetizers, wine, main course, desert and coffee.

For a quicker, cheaper dinner, try Tam Tam or any of the kebab/pizza places closer to the center of town, near the train station. Coffee and ice-cream is available at numerous little places dotted around town, check out Cafe de Nattes for excellent people watching.