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Carthage Café
Categories: Restaurants French Restaurants Mediterranean Restaurants Middle Eastern French, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern [Edit]
1851 Commercial DrVancouver, BC V5N 4A6
Neighbourhoods: Grandview-Woodlands, The Drive
(604) 215-0661
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 11 pm
Tue-Sat 11:30 am - 3 pm
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
16 reviews for Carthage Café
Review Highlights
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"...Shank Couscous made with Steamed couscous, lamb shank slow..." In 3 reviews -
"And don't pass up the Tunisian coffee, it completes the..." In 4 reviews -
"The lamb was perfectly prepared." In 5 reviews
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16 reviews in English
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Review from Megan S.
12/19/2011
Totally, utterly impressed with our date night dinner here over the weekend; in fact, probably one of the best dining experiences I've had in at least the last year.
As soon as we walked inside I felt like, "Ahhh....yes, this is a place I could spend some time in." The walls are painted a cozy saffron colour, beautiful ornamental lanterns are hung from the ceiling and a symphony of smells danced in my nostrils. Thankfully we had a reservation, as the place was totally full. Our server apologized for seating us at the worst table in the restaurant (near the back by the bathrooms), but it didn't end up mattering in the slightest - the restaurant is pretty small and most of the other tables are tightly packed in, so we were actually pleased to have a little extra room to ourselves.
We ordered a bottle of viognier, a mimosa salad and escargot to start. My only complaint with the whole meal was the cheese on the mimosa salad that wasn't listed in the description. Not a big deal, as my husband and I were splitting everything and he dutifully took the cheese-laden butter lettuce leaves for himself. The escargot was lovely and tender and was served in a dish brimming with hot garlic butter, which we soaked up afterward with yummy baguette.
For mains we shared the Provencal-style mussels and fries and one of three daily specials - the lamb tagine. The mussels were PERFECT, super fresh and plump. The fries were also top-notch; actually a lot better than any fries I had in France, they were more like the ones we had in Belgium - medium thick, super crispy and of course, served with real mayonnaise (swoon!). The lamb tagine was similarly spectacular - perfectly tender meat, carrots and potatoes in a warm cinnamon and raisin sauce...it tasted like Christmas. We perused the dessert menu after consuming the last of our entrees, but we were both too full to indulge in anything more.
The service the whole night was impeccable and very professional. Both servers popped by regularly to check on us and top us up with wine and cucumber water (a nice touch). Being seated so close to the back, we were also able to hear a lot of conversations between staff, and I must say I was blown away by how extremely polite they are to each other - sadly, this is not always the case when restaurants are packed to the gills on a Saturday night. At the end of the night our server even helped me into my coat; totally unnecessary, but a nice touch nonetheless!
Although most dishes had a bit of a higher price point than Les Faux, overall I found this place to be a bit more refined (and much preferred the décor/ambiance). I'm looking forward to coming back and trying the couscous...hopefully for Valentine's Day ;) -
Review from Jessica H.
Vancouver, BC
2/15/2012
I was a little unsure when I looked through the window the afternoon before my dinner reservation...but I always tell myself not to judge a book by its cover...well this time I wish I listened to my gut.
I found the decor to be dated, as well as the menu offering.
The service was good, but left me wanting more. The reason they are getting two stars is for the food more so then the service or the decor.
We ordered the Escargots to start, followed by the Asian Mussels and the Merguez Couscous. The Escargots were swimming in garlic butter - they were probably the best part of the meal and I'm not sure if that is because I love butter so much. The Asian Mussels had an off flavour (almost metallic), they were described as coconut milk, ginger, cilantro and white wine - none of these fresh flavours were anywhere to be found. I was hopeful for the Merguez Couscous, but when it came I was really disappointed. Our plate had a messy heap of couscous and sausage links around the outside of the plate. The flavours were ok - but somewhat bland almost like the spices didn't break down and the couscous was too wet. The lamb sausage was the most disappointing, seemed like really poor quality.
All in all, I wouldn't return. We had dessert (disappointing) and a couple glasses of wine and our bill was $120.00 for that money my expectations are far greater then what I received. -
Review from Louise G.
I'm absolutely stunned that I haven't yet written a review of this amazing spot, although by the looks of it, it isn't missing anything given that so many others have already chimed in with stellar reviews of this place.
I've have many wonderful meals here. It is the ultimate romantic date place. We love the mussels here - a delicious shared start to a meal. Don't forget the coffee to finish.
Not a gigantic space but it's special from the atmosphere, to the service, to the menu. Highly recommended. -
Review from Pinar p.
11/6/2011
My girlfriend and I chanced upon this jewel of a restaurant while searching for several other restaurants highlighted in the Lonely Planet during our visit from the East Coast. As luck has it, those restaurants had closed down and this wasn't even listed (shame on Lonely Planet).
Service: Excellent. Our server, an older gentleman, was friendly, humorous and attentive.
Ambiance: Cozy and elegant. Initially, the elegance turned us off because we were looking for something more low key, but it's not an uppity stiff place. It's friendly and inviting.
Food: Amazing!
Carthage soup: this was by far the one of THE best soups I've had. It was full of fresh, healthy vegetable, chickpeas and the flavors were in perfect harmony. A good portion size too.
Chicken Tagine: The chicken was savory and falling off the bone, the flavors were perfect, the vegetables delectable.
I am so, so happy we found this restaurant and gave it a chance. It was a truly memorable feast.
Price: Entrees run about $15-20. Well worth the price.
Bon Appetit! -
Review from Doug G.
8/25/2010 2 Check-ins Here
French and Tunisian. A great mix.
It was our first visit to Carthage Cafe. With so many great dining options to chose from on the Drive, we really agonized before deciding to walk in the door. We were very happy we did.
The menu is notable for a couple of things. First, the Mussels, which we did not try, and secondly the couscous. I had the Lamb Shank Couscous, a tender lamb shank on a bed of steamed couscous in a mild tomato sauce. It was delicious and a good size portion. The lamb was perfectly prepared. The service was quick and attentive. The ambiance is cozy and comfortable. The restaurant is small, so if you have a large group definitely call ahead to reserve.
Definite thumbs up. -
Review from Mark H.
11/30/2010
So I didn't order the couscous, which I supposedly is the must try according to the other reviews.
To start we had the Coquilles St. Jaques (baked scallops with mashed potatoes and cheese) and escargots. Not too shabby.
We shared the Steak Frites. I know, very unadventurous but I was craving dead AAA Canadian cow. Cooked medium rare (of course), it was tender and was complemented well by their sauce. French fries were crispy and not oily. Definitely fresh cut not frozen.
Service was a little off putting. You know the feeling when you go to a somewhat 'upscale' place and get the 'oh so you aren't going to spend a crapload' after only ordering water and not wine kind of service? Yea, that's what we got.
But hey, I love good couscous, so I'll give it another shot. -
Review from geraldine g.
Toronto, ON
10/3/2009 ROTD 3/23/2010
You know the pressure you get when your friends know how much you love food and go out aot? You know what I mean. They come to you to recommend an entirely different cusine for dinner that you haven't tried and neither have they.
Out of my mouth came the words, 'Tunisian food.' I've never tried it before and for the life of me I couldn't think of one in town until I googled.
Cafe Carthage came up and that is where we went.
It's a small and dimly lit cafe on commercial drive. Fabulous for dates is what I would thrown in, just in case, you were on the hunt for an intimate setting.
We tried the following: Spinach Salad made with
Baby spinach, candied pecans, gorgonzola cheese, saffron & poached pear with raspberry vinaigrette. Coquilles St. Jaques made with Scallops, julienned leeks, carrots, mashed potatoes & cheese. Trio of seafood made with Grilled prawns, scallops and Paulette mussels. Lamb Shank Couscous made with Steamed couscous, lamb shank slow braised in tomato sauce with Hanout spices & autumn vegetables.
Every single dish was incredible! Flavourful but not overpowering. The portions were incredible. I swear I thank my lucky stars I was wearing a stretchy leg pant outfit. When I ordered I asked the waiter what he recommended. He said, it's all about the couscous. This what they are all about and specialize in.
My friends, if you go, get something with couscous. They have plenty of vegetarian options as my friend noted and he was saying it was one of the best dinner experiences he has had.
I had the Lamb Shank Couscous and I want to go back and order it again. The couscous sent me into some sort of tastebud orgasm (Yeah, that's right) .
You know a place is good when you want to go back and try more on their menu let alone what I already had. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmm!
If you want to expand your culinary world just a wee bit, this place will not let you down! -
Review from Sarah P.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2010
I started out loving this place, when it first opened, but it seems like the quality of the food has gone down quite a bit since then.
As with all restaurants, this varies with different dishes. Now when I eat here I always get the couscous, because that seems like a very safe choice. I've become particular cautious after I once got a seafood special that was utterly, disgustingly bleh--perhaps because of the sauce rather than the fish. Granted, I have a sensitive stomach, and as a result am more sensitive than most to unfresh tastes.
An objective problem, though: I loved the profiteroles. LOVED them. But after awhile it became clear that they were previously frozen, and were not being sufficiently heated up; they interior of the pastries were still frozen. That really ruined the charm for me.
Eventually I'll go back here and check to see if the quality of the food has gone up again. -
Review from Kassim D.
5/29/2010
This place is awesome. I was here on a friday night for dinner - note: it's a really small place. Make reservations - we were lucky as there was 1 table left when we arrived. The rest were reserved and the place filled up super quick.
We were not super hungry and opted to share the spinach salad which was amazing - gorgonzola cheese, spinach (of course), candied pecans, and poached pear dipped in raspberry vinagrette. Just awesome...
Next up - the carthage couscous: Steamed couscous, chicken, lamb, merguez & autumn vegetables in tomato sauce. The meat was super tender the couscous was super flavorful. Portions were large -sharing was the right move for sure.
only negative - the tables are a rectangles vs. squares and they are too close together with the others. Feel like you're eating with the couple next to you! -
Review from Barry M.
2/1/2010
Had the lamb sausage with couscous and vegetables. The sausage is made in-house and very thin, which is actually a great idea so when it cooks it's not all raw in the middle.
I also had the Carthage soup, which I was happy that the portion size was large enough.
I will be back! The other food coming out of the kitchen looked tasty.
Hopefully the waitress takes a minute to remember the specials a little better as she stumbled through them like a nervous 7th grader giving their first ever speech. -
Review from James J.
Vancouver, BC
11/17/2011
We liked to go the this restaurant for the mussels - the are the best in the city. However, a huge damper was placed on the enjoyment of the evening by the abrupt, rude service of the waiter. The first waiter we had was a gem and we came back for him as well as the food. Alas, it seems he was replaced and the replacement drove us away. I now buy my own mussels and prepare them at home - almost as good, without the bad attitude.
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Review from Nic T.
Vancouver, BC
6/23/2010
Went for an anniversary dinner on a Sunday. Made resos, got a table at the front.
Portions are extremely generous. Service was friendly and professional.
I had a daily special-seafood tajine that was quite tasty.
The mister had the Couscous Carthage which comes with more meat than you can shake a stick at. We were both glad that we hadn't ordered any appetizers/salads as there would not have been room for our mains.
We each had a good lunch with the leftovers.
Cute little place. Would definitely go back. -
Review from Jason D.
Vancouver, BC
6/6/2009
UPDATE:
My second experience at Carthage was not as bright as my first. The ambience was fantastic, the service a bit goofy but enjoyable, but my lamb, my sacred lamb, had sooo much fat. To my disappointment, I found myself spitting fat into my napkin - not an enviable position to be in. The rest of the evening was enjoyable and the Turkish coffee was great but the lamb was the reason I returned in the first place. Minus one star.
INITIAL REVIEW
Aww, first review. Thankfully I'm a big fan! The lamb...out of this world! So tasty! The one drawback (if you can call it that) is space. I hosted a party for 10 and it was too small a space for that many. But the ambience is gorgeous, the French/Tunisian food exceptional, and I would recommend Carthage as a great place to take a special companion. -
Review from Jessica W.
Vancouver, BC
4/3/2010
Easily my favourite restaurant in Vancouver. Delicious couscous in a charming setting make this hidden gem a winner.
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Review from Jasmine O.
Vancouver, BC
5/25/2010
A lovely date place. Romantically casual. The carrot ginger soup started us off nicely. Our french waiter knew his stuff and the ambiance was just right. A good way to impress someone without breaking the bank (roughly $100 for 2 soup, main courses and a bottle of wine).. On a nice night with the front opened to the street.. you will be sure to walk away happily.
Listed in: Greatest Hits, date night late night
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Review from Eben A.
Vancouver, BC
4/17/2010
The food is great and the service fast. And don't pass up the Tunisian coffee, it completes the evening.
