Carthage Express

20 Côte du Palais, Québec, QC G1R 2J6, Canada
+1 418-692-1001
$$$ Tunisian restaurant
(598 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Carthage Express offers a cozy slice of Tunisian culture right in the heart of Old Québec. Nestled on Côte du Palais, this modest spot stands out amid the busier streets with a relaxed and inviting atmosphere that suits anyone looking for a casual yet flavorful meal. The dining area is unpretentious, with simple decor that lets the focus rest on the food and the authentic experience it delivers.

Specializing in Tunisian cuisine, Carthage Express brings to the table a range of dishes featuring rich spices and hearty ingredients. You’ll find staples such as couscous with vegetables and various grilled meats, including traditional merguez sausages and mixed kebabs, which cater well to diners craving bold, middle-eastern flavors. The menu also features lighter options like shawarma sandwiches and fresh salads, making it flexible for various appetites.

This place works well for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner, especially for those who appreciate halal choices and enjoy generous portions without straining the wallet. Visitors often mention the steady flow of locals and tourists alike, pointing to the restaurant’s appeal for anyone exploring Old Québec and seeking something beyond the usual French-Canadian fare. Because of its central location, lunchtime and early evening tend to be busier, so a bit of patience might be needed during peak hours.

What stands out is the balance between affordability and taste, with dishes that are fresh and well-seasoned. The accompanying mint tea and traditional Tunisian pastries provide a nice finish without fuss. Service tends to be warm and attentive, contributing to a feeling of familiarity that makes repeat visits common.

Overall, Carthage Express suits those interested in sharing plates rich in texture and flavor, ideal for small groups eager to sample a variety of Tunisian tastes. It’s a comfortable stop for diners wanting to add a bit of North African spice to their culinary explorations in Québec City’s Old Town.

Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves halal food
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Best for
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

Closed

Tuesday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Wednesday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Thursday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Friday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Saturday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

Sunday

11:00 AM - 9:30 PM

598 Reviews
Fahmi Albaheth

28 Dec 2025

I recently dined at Carthage Express, and it was a delightful journey through the rich and vibrant flavors of Tunisian cuisine. From the moment I stepped in, the warm and welcoming atmosphere set the stage for an exceptional experience. The menu offers an impressive variety of authentic dishes. The Brik was a crispy, golden delight filled with a perfectly cooked egg, and the Couscous was simply outstanding—fluffy couscous served with tender lamb and vegetables. The restaurant’s ambiance is cozy yet stylish, with decor that reflects the beauty of Tunisian heritage. The staff was friendly and attentive, making sure every aspect of our visit was enjoyable. Whether you’re familiar with Tunisian cuisine or trying it for the first time, Carthage Express is a must-visit. I’ll definitely be returning to explore more of their delicious menu!

Arshii Anjum

27 Dec 2025

Lovely little place in the most busiest downtown of Old Québec... I had to wait for a while to place order, but I loved the food, service and decor of the place... And the best is the food is sooo inexpensive, absolutely a must try!

Kristi S.

21 Dec 2025

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 and ambience, and oh my goodness the FOOD. Tremendously fresh and flavorful. With every bite we were mmmmming and commenting on how delicious it was. Large portions and reasonably priced. Also, we initially planned on just getting a couple wraps and tabbouleh but the server suggested that we’d save money and get more food if we ordered the lunch formule. We are so glad he suggested it, because every bite and every flavor was wonderful. This restaurant is now on our itinerary every time we visit Quebec City.

AMINUR RASHID KHAN NAYEM

21 Dec 2025

best halal food in quebec city. budget friendly and unique environment. food taste 10/10. we went their twice in a day. specifically the lamb on the platter was my fav and the taste was proper middle eastern

Rob W

16 Dec 2025

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 and 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.

Chuck P

18 Nov 2025

Beautiful restaurant with a charming Arabic atmosphere. The prices are reasonable and the food is very tasty! I suspect the kitchen forgot to add oil/vinegar/lemon to the Tunisian salad, would highly recommend for the full flavor!

Jonah De Leon

27 Sep 2025

Came to Quebec City a few months back for a trip with friends and easily one of, if not the best meal I had in the city. The restaurant interior was very nice was decorated with art, carvings, and motifs from Tunisia and North Africa. Community seemed tight-knit between the owners and regular customers and I really respected the hospitality from the restaurant managers. Our group even got a complementary salad (not sure if this was because our group was ~7 though). I ordered the Couscous Tunisien which was around 23 CAD, the dish had an amazing flavor with hearty chunks of lamb and potatoes to combo the couscous. Portion size was definitely worth the price—or even more—and the manager even offered to wrap our seconds with plastic wrap on an aluminum tin so we could take some back to the hotel. Overall, I recommend Carthage Express to anyone visiting Quebec City.

Huihua Chang

21 Sep 2025

Dined early in the evening while passing through Quebec; very friendly service and tasty food. The waitress spoke only French but the menu had English. Small and charming place. We had lamb and sausage wrap combos. My husband's favorite was the potato side -- delicious! But all good, Nice combination of salad, potatoes, and wrap. Made our evening enjoyable.

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