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Le Golfe

La Marsa

Exemplary Italian-inspired seafood from a Tunisian mainstay

Local institution: Le Golfe opened in 1955 in the coastal town of La Marsa, around 30 minutes from Tunisia’s capital. Originally named Le Cabanon, the restaurant has become a mainstay of La Marsa’s dining scene in the half-century since, thanks to its sun-soaked Mediterranean plates served to the backdrop of a stunning panorama of sea and golden sands.

Chic design: The interior of the restaurant acts as a natural extension of the sunny surrounds, with olive trees and natural woven fibres sitting alongside immaculate white linen and vases of dried foliage. Not connected enough to nature? Lunch and dinner are also served on the outdoor terrace.

What should I order? Dishes opt for a mostly Italian flair, with a focus on plates of boat-fresh seafood. Kick-off with a bowl of classic fritto misto before moving onto grilled octopus with white grape meunière and pumpkin mousse and the signature bottarga spaghetti. Pair the dishes with a bottle of Tunisian red wine for a local touch.

Chef’s table: In 2023, the restaurant opened La Table du Golfe: a new space housing just 16 seats and offering one service per evening for a more intimate and high-brow dining experience. A rotation of leading chefs takes the reins of the kitchen, with Slim Douri of Cult Bistro (No.47 in the Middle East & North Africa’s 50 Best Restaurants 2023) currently offering a six-course tasting menu.

Something to drink? Le Golfe also houses a notable bar, offering a small-but-honed selection of classic cocktails with a few Tunisian twists, such as the Figstar Martini, devised by mixologist Pierre Marquet.

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