Carthage Express specializes in a robust selection of Lebanese and Middle Eastern culinary staples prepared for rapid service. The menu features heavily seasoned grilled meats served alongside freshly prepared hummus and crisp vegetable salads. Authentic preparation techniques ensure that traditional flavors remain at the forefront of every platter and wrap served to diners. The kitchen balances high-volume efficiency with consistent recipe adherence to maintain distinct regional profiles in every dish. Guests access a straightforward menu focused on savory kebabs, falafel, and pita-based configurations that highlight essential Mediterranean ingredients. Each component emphasizes the core characteristics of Middle Eastern cooking while integrating diverse influences from the broader Asian category to satisfy specific flavor requirements. This establishment prioritizes functionality and culinary tradition, offering a streamlined approach to international comfort foods that emphasizes texture and deep spice integration.
Carthage Express is widely regarded by visitors as a hidden gem in Quebec City, celebrated for its authentic and flavorful Tunisian cuisine, which many patrons describe as homemade and delicious. Guests frequently praise the high quality of dishes like couscous, Ojja, and Shish Taouk, often highlighting the warm, welcoming atmosphere and the genuine kindness of the staff. While the majority of reviews are glowing regarding the affordable prices, generous portions, and beautiful traditional decor, a small number of visitors have noted inconsistencies in portion sizes, occasional service challenges during busy periods, or a lack of clarity regarding menu specials. Despite these isolated experiences, the overall sentiment remains overwhelmingly positive, with many diners expressing a strong desire to return for the unique spices and hospitable environment.
Had lunch. Very patient & enthusiastic proprietor explained they only could serve the chicken pita lunch special, the rest of the menu was not available. The food was tasty & full portioned for lunch. I would have liked to have tried many different menu items.
I want to give this place the benefit of the doubt- maybe they were having an off day? Was looking forward to lunch here after seeing the reviews & photos of delicious looking food. Ordered one of the plates of the day - chicken & rice - & it was literally three chicken nuggets on top of a pile of rice. To make matters worse, they charged me more than $20. It seemed like the people working there didn't quite know what they were doing.. maybe they were new or filling in? Anyway I hate to give bad reviews but maybe don't order the special when you go there.
Had high expectations based on the online photos & reviews. Ordered the 3 meats platter & portion size was insanely disappointing, had literally three bites of meat in the entire meal. The food was very basic, chicken felt like thawed frozen chicken, merguez was insanely dry, could tell the wedges were store bought. Salad was very basic. For the price, definitely NOT worth it.
Feb 7, 2026
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So delicious! Kind staff who made sure we understood the menu & took the time to explain things. Got the Shish Taok special combo- well seasoned perfectly crunchy potato wedges, a drink of choice, & a tasty, fresh chicken pita all for $13. It was fairly empty but not surprising for a Tuesday, which allowed us to take our time & talk comfortably. HIGHLY recommend especially for anyone who needs a break from the poutine & burgers in the surrounding area.
What can I say? Absolutely sublime.
My partner & I ordered Ojja avec Merguez, Couscous avec Poulet & Sandwich Tawouk. The flavours, textures, & temperature were PERFECT. This is the epitome of authentic, homemade delight; food cooked with love & care.
I have never had chicken this tender & juicy, nor couscous with enough bite & exploding notes of spices.
Excellent excellent food!! I ordered a variety of dishes including the Ojja, chicken couscous, & chicken pita & all was top notch. Great quality ingredients it felt like a genuine home cooked meal absolutely delicious! The chicken was so tender & the food arrived so fast. Also insane prices!! You would pay 15-20$ for a proper full meal. Highly recommend!!
A Hidden Gem in Quebec City: Carthage Express Delivers a Terrific Family Meal!
We recently had the absolute pleasure of dining at Carthage Express, a charming Tunisian restaurant tucked away at 20 Côte du Palais in the heart of Old Quebec City, & it was nothing short of spectacular! This cozy eatery is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic, flavorful cuisine served with genuine warmth & hospitality.
From the moment we walked in, the owner greeted us with an enormous smile & a welcoming vibe that instantly made our family of four feel at home. The atmosphere is a delightful blend of cozy & stylish, with authentic Tunisian decor that transports you straight to the heart of North Africa. The vibrant colors & thoughtful touches in the design added a special charm to our dining experience.
The food? Simply phenomenal! Every dish was a burst of Tunisian flavor, prepared with love & care. We opted for the Trio Shish Taouk, & oh my gosh, it was a highlight of our trip! The chicken was perfectly seasoned, tender, & juicy, paired with wonderfully crispy, flavorful potatoes & fresh salads that added a delightful crunch. The portions were generous, & the prices-around $12-13 CAD per person-felt like a steal for such high-quality, homemade fare. The couscous was another standout, spiced to perfection & served with tender meats & vegetables that left us all raving. We also couldn't resist the mint tea, which was refreshing & the perfect complement to our meal.
What truly sets Carthage Express apart is the exceptional service. The owner's kindness & attentiveness made us feel like royalty. Despite the restaurant being busy, they took the time to offer personalized recommendations & ensure every detail of our meal was perfect. It's clear that this is a family-run gem where passion for Tunisian cuisine & customer satisfaction shine through.
For a family looking for a delicious, affordable, & heartwarming dining experience, Carthage Express is an absolute must-visit in Quebec City. We're already looking forward to our next trip back to savor more of their incredible dishes-don't miss the merguez or the homemade Tunisian pastries! Thank you to the wonderful team at Carthage Express for making our family meal unforgettable. Five stars all the way
We noticed this unassuming restaurant on our way back to our hotel. We are from NYC & we love to try different cuisines. We are pleasantly surprised how delicious the food is & how friendly the Lady who served us. We felt at home the moment we walked in & the food tasted like it's homemade. We regret to discover this gem on our last day in Old Quebec but had we found it a little earlier on our trip we would have frequented this place. We ordered the Shish Taouk (sp), Chicken couscous, Beef Pita & the soup & did not disappoint. All of it tasted authentic & savory. The fresh mint tea was perfect & refreshing even it was served hot. I feel bad that these kind of places do not get appreciated as much because there's not much of a foot traffic. I recommend this place for those who are looking for a great food & the price is not too bad at the same time. Highly recommended. ❤?❤?❤?
This place has the best food that you can imagine. The chicken was super delicious & tender & the fries/wedges were excellent. This was the best potato wedges that I have ever had in my entire life.
