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.
L'assiette shish taouk du Carthage est ridiculement petite. On dirait quelque chose qu'on m'aurait plutôt servi à l'hôtel Dieu de Québec juste en face.
Elle est remplie surtout de laitue romaine, sans sauce ni vinaigrette. Dès qu'on te la remet, l'assiette est si légère que tu te demandes comment tu vas survivre avec ça.
En l'ouvrant, c'est encore pire : presque pas de sauce, très peu de poulet, & le poulet était tellement sec qu'il fallait boire de l'eau pour réussir à l'avaler.
Extrêmement décevant. J'y étais déjà allé par le passé & ce n'était vraiment pas comme ça…
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
Jun 27, 2025
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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. ❤?❤?❤?
If you're looking for a culinary experience that captures the vibrant flavors of Tunisia, this restaurant is a must-visit. I had the pleasure of enjoying a lunch that included shish taouk pita, couscous, & Moitei/Moitei. The food was simply excellent, with the shish taouk perfectly seasoned & cooked to perfection, wrapped in a thin bread. The vegetable couscous was light & fluffy, yet rich in flavor, complementing the main dish beautifully.But it wasn't just the food that made the experience memorable; the service was also top-notch. The staff was attentive & friendly, making sure every detail of the meal was to our satisfaction. Overall, this restaurant offers a delightful taste of Tunisia, with a warm & welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Highly recommended!
Incredible food served by lovely people. The Shish Taouk/Chicken was delicious & well worth the price. The woman who helped us recommended the Couscous which was exceptional. We chose the Royale Couscous which comes with lamb, chicken, sausage, some carrots, & potatoes, & everything was perfect. We came for lunch & it was quick & priced very well for the large portion.
Amazing lunch here - Trio Shish Taouk was so delicious! A gem of a place & we are happy we just arrived in Quebec so we can come back for another meal.
