L'arbre A Couscous - La Marsa

That was my best meal in Tunis. I chose the fennel couscous with vegetables, chicks peas and beans. Just delicious and very generous portions. Could not have the vegetarian « meat »balls (egg) but they did not need anyway. Owner, Gerard, very friendly. Fast service.

What a fabulous place! You compose your own plate and the staff is warm and helpful. Enough vegan options to choose from. The kitchen arm works very clean. I could hug the owner. What a pearl of a restaurant!!!

The Couscous Tree “L’Arbre à Couscous” in a quiet street in La Marsa offers a rare and welcome vegan turn on this traditional North African dish. The restaurant is small, with seating for about twenty-four, and everything appears neat and clean and comfortable. In two visits, one of which was on Saturday, we had no trouble getting a table immediately; it was popular, but not crowded. After a cordial greeting by the hostess, we were led to a buffet table on the back of the restaurant where she spoke through the menu and invited us to serve us. Despite our limited French / Arabic, we could easily determine which dishes were vegan and which were not. On the buffet were several types of couscous, including spinach, full wheat, and the traditional “Harisa”, a spicy local favorites prepared all without animal products. Best toppings for vegans were mixed brewed vegetables potatoes, carrots, celery, squash and zucchini), with a pot of beans Garbanzo and Fava), and one of the sauces, mild or spicy as you wish. Make sure to ask for the vegan Spinat Boulettes that were delicious! When we sat on our table, a waiter brought three small side salads to share: thinly cut radishes, lemon peel and cubed cucumbers/tomatoes. Soft pop music Eva Cassidy, Eric Clapton, Adelle) played in the background as we enjoyed our meal. The owner came to check us, and everyone was super friendly. For Dessert we drank mint and ate a small dish of traditional date cookies that can be made with honey – I could not confirm in French). The costs were moderate at the local economy, but inexpensive to American/European standards. In a part of Tunis, where vegan menu options are rare and vegan restaurants still have to catch lunch in L’Arbre à Couscous is a welcome pleasure!

My favourite traditional Tunisian restaurant, excellent, fresh food and pate tomate, soya oil or industrial harissa. This is the real deal and Gerard who runs it with his wife and the team are all adorable.

The owner of this beautiful place is a gentleman with incredibly beautiful and welcoming attitude willing to share the very interesting history of the place. Ambient, hospitality and great food on top makes a fantastic place to have your lunch.