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.
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.
Discover the culinary treasures hidden within Old Quebec's walls - your taste buds are in for a treat! Whether you're craving the rich flavors of slow-cooked tagine or a fresh Tynusian tabouli salad, your perfect meal awaits. Authenticity & deliciousness combine to create surprisingly delicious meal. Don't let appearances fool you - this place serves fantastic food! Our only regret? Not having time to come back for another meal.
You are so lucky that you found this restaurant online, because you are in for a treat. There are many excellent restaurants in Quebec City, but this was our favorite meal of our entire visit. Incredible service & ambience, & oh my goodness the FOOD. Tremendously fresh & flavorful. With every bite we were mmmmming & commenting on how delicious it was. Large portions & reasonably priced. Also, we initially planned on just getting a couple wraps & tabbouleh but the server suggested that we'd save money & get more food if we ordered the lunch formule. We are so glad he suggested it, because every bite & every flavor was wonderful. This restaurant is now on our itinerary every time we visit Quebec City.
Sep 6, 2025
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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. ❤?❤?❤?
Strongly recommend this place, The food was absolutely delicious, with fresh & vibrant flavors that truly captured the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. The hummus was creamy & perfectly seasoned, the grilled meats were tender & flavorful, & the fresh salads & sides added a wonderful balance to the meal !!! Coming back for sure
We were visiting Quebec City for a day & stumbled upon this special restaurant. I was trying to find a place that would provide a unique experience & is not touristy, & this place went well above my expectations. The waitress was so kind & took the time to explain all the items on the menu & what the traditional dishes are. We ended it up getting one combo plate (half & half) & the vegetarian couscous. The flavors were wonderful, portions were generous, & the mint tea was fresh & fragrant. We ended our meal with a couple of Tunisian desserts that were so nutty & indulgent. Thank you for making our day to Quebec City so memorable!
AMAZING!!! Amazing service, amazing tasty ethnic food. The food came fresh & hot, very tasty. if you're looking for an ethnic place with decent prices, this is the place for you. The service is top notch, & the staff is very nice, the food also arrived very fast & you are taken care of the second you enter the restaurant. I ordered the chicken pita combo, & absolutely no regrets. The sandwich came hot & freshly made with a few vegetables, with a side of delicious wedges with house sauce. I devoured the meal under 5 minutes. Definitely recommend!!
