Restaurant Phénicien – Bizerte

04 October 2011 | 0 Comments

The Old Port of Bizerte is among the most picturesque and photogenic places in Tunisia. It’s lost-in-time feel gives it the evocative air of the pre-industrial world. One thing, however, sticks out like a sore thumb. It is the Restaurant Phénicien, designed to resemble an ancient Phoenician war barge and takes the Old Port from the 18th century into the 3rd century B.C.

If you were to simply write the Phenicien off as a tourist-trap, you’d only be half correct. The Phénicien, is in fact, a reasonably priced and quite good Tunisian and seafood restaurant. This is quite shocking given the extravagance of both the exterior and the interior. The interior, as well, has glass bottom panels so that one is able to view the fish swimming underneath the craft.

The menu is posted outside of the ship on the dock side where you enter. The biggest shock is discovering that the prices for this place are if not cheap, then very reasonable. Mussels begin at 9.500 Dinars. You’ll pay more for food here than at a standard plastic-table La Goulette eatery but much less for the service, quality and ambiance.

Upon entering the Phénicien, we were greeted warmly and allowed to choose any available table in the restaurant. The Tunisia Live crew quickly sat and was brought a plate of fresh fish, which was declined and then menus came out instantly. Bread, harissa and other garnishes followed. Our team ordered two beers, a Boga Lime (Sprite), mussels, calamari and quattro formaggi Penne.

The beverages came out right away. They were cold and glasses were clean. It wasn’t much longer before our main courses came out. The mussels were steamed open and served in a ‘marine’ style – meaning cooked in garlic. They were plentiful and delicious. The two whole grilled calamari were cooked simply with parsley, salt and pepper. The Quatro Formaggi had enough pasta and cheese to fill the plate. Our plates were accompanied by servings of fries and Keftaji as well. Needless to say, we were filled and satisfied.

The service was generally friendly and responsive. We did not have to wait long to have beverages refilled or for any of our food. The prices were also astoundingly low. It was about 3 Dinars per beer (Heineken on tap, they didn’t have Celtia), 9.5 for the mussels, 14 Dinars for the Calamari and 10 for the pasta. Of course, there are more expensive dishes on the menu depending on your dining preference. Considering what you get for the price, when in Bizerte the Phénicien is well worth a visit. How many people can say they’ve dined on an ancient Phoenician war ship?

Reservations are not required, but recommended for weekend nights. The deck upstairs is open at night for people to drink on.

4/5 Stars

Address: Vieux Port, Bizerte, Tunisia

Specialties: Seafood, Tunisian, Italian

Atmosphere: Fine Dining, Touristic

Average Cost: 20-25 Dinars

Alcohol: Beer and Wine served

Other: Terrace, A/C, Sea View, WiFi, Handicapped Access