10 Best Restaurants in Djerba

Situated on the water’s edge, near the Houmt Souk marina, Ristorante Haroun is one of Djerba’s most visually arresting eateries, with an expansive outside deck that replicates a pirate ship. Showcasing an array of succulent seafood dishes, as well as traditional Tunisian favourites, this is the place to come for a memorable al fresco meal. 

Sample ojja merguez (also known as shakshuka), which are eggs poached in spicy tomato sauce and layered with slices of sausage, or treat yourself to perfectly grilled lobster, fragrant royal couscous and Monte Cristo shrimp. Finish off the affair with creme brulee and a Princess Haroun cocktail which is made with fruit juice and Boukha (an old-school Arabic spirit that’s distilled from sun-kissed figs). 

One of Tunisia’s most aesthetically beautiful restaurants, El Fondouk mesmerises with its sprawling interior courtyard that’s walled by 2 levels of historic arches. It’s adorned with gigantic wicker ceiling lamps that hang like illuminated jellyfish. Situated in the heart of Houmt Souk medina, this Instagrammable hotspot seduces with its electrifying ambiance and a menu that features North African fare as well as French pastries.   

Reserve one of the chic wooden tables in the centre of the restaurant or take a seat in its balcony area for a unique vantage point of the buzzing tables below. Try the Tagine El Bey, a thick, oven-baked omelette, or the Le riz Djerbien, an aromatic rice dish made with spinach, coriander, potatoes and chickpeas.  

Situated in the commune of Midun, on Djerba’s east coast, Chez Moktar is a riot of colour, culture and culinary prowess. The brainchild of an all-female team who dish up home-cooked fare in vibrant surrounds. Come here for the fabulous wall murals, friendly service that makes one feel like family and a menu that spans North African dishes and sumptuous Italian classics. 

Plunge your fork into Tunisian-style lasagna, chicken couscous and juicy pan-fried shrimp, or treat yourself to a pizza like chorizo, 4 cheese or margarita. If you’ve got a mammoth appetite, don’t miss out on the restaurant’s famous Istanbul Brunch which includes cold meats, olives and gooey Nutella pancakes. 

Situated in Grand Casino de Djerba, El Ferida serves upscale gourmet cuisine in highly ornate surroundings. Seat yourself at a table under the restaurant’s stunning golden ceiling, complete with geometric Islamic patterns and enjoy a sumptuous multi-course meal served by a team of impeccable wait staff. 

Indulge in dishes such as creamy lentil bisque with shrimp, beef carpaccio with truffle oil, salmon tartare with avocado and green apples and gnocchi gorgonzola with scamoraza smoke. Finish this heady gastronomic experience with one of El Ferida’s delectable sweets, like the deconstructed lemon tart or the glazed parfait with dates and walnuts. 

Set in the heart of bustling Houmt Souk, Pasta & Basta is modelled on a traditional Italian taverna, complete with rustic whitewashed interior, checkered tablecloths and atmospheric outdoor patio. Located just minutes from the city’s major attractions including its colourful souk, it’s the perfect restaurant to dine at after a busy day in the medina.  

Enjoy freshly made pappardelle with porcini mushrooms, pumpkin, cinnamon and parsley gnocchi and succulent steak with thyme potatoes. For dessert, dip your spoon into Italian classics like torta di amaretti, chocolate panna cotta and coffee-infused tiramisu. 

Famed for its blissful beachside setting, thatched parasols and succulent seafood selection, Chez Ali (known affectionately as Uncle Ali's Fish Restaurant) is a must-visit spot on Djerba’s southeastern coast. Foodies flock here for the venue’s laidback lunches and sunset dinners that never fail to please with their generous portions. 

There’s no menu here. Depending on what the catch of the day is, you might be treated to helpings of king-sized prawns, grilled sea bass and pan-fried dorade served with golden chips and crisp summertime salad. Once you’ve finished, order a round of sodas and a plate of cookies and gaze at the deep blue water and the lazy palm trees. 

Located in Houmt Souk’s cobbled medina, Restaurant De L'île is instantly recognisable with its eye-popping façade that’s painted in contrasting hues of blue and white. In a rustic interior that’s reminiscent of Mediterranean trattorias (think wooden tables and crisp blue and white tablecloths), you’ll enjoy tantalising Tunisian fare spanning meats, seafood and salads.  

Treat yourself to freshly caught lobster, juicy grilled lamb chops, Roquefort beef fillet and zesty prawn salad. For a taste of Tunisia, nothing beats classic dishes like royal couscous (an aromatic medley of chicken, beef and spicy merguez sausages) and shrimp ojja (eggs poached in a sauce of tomatoes, chili, onions and cumin). 

Situated in the off-the-beaten-track seaside town of Sidi Jmour, Le Petit Marin is a class act in relaxed beach dining. Think rustic wooden tables and chairs, an endless stretch of golden sand and idyllic turquoise waters that cast gentle waves when the tide comes in. Grab a table under a giant parasol or dine inside a curtained cabana and enjoy some of the freshest seafood in all of Tunisia. 

Order generous helpings of grilled dorado, salted fish, golden calamari and spaghetti tossed with shellfish. The dessert is a simple platter of seasonal fruit, which you can enjoy with a Mojito cocktail or a glass of strawberry juice.  

With branches located in both Houmt Souk and Midun, Baba Slim Pizza is becoming something of a Djerba institution. There’s nothing Tunisian about this place because its menu is dedicated to Italian pizzas that are handmade on-site and loaded with toppings. 

Meat lovers can order hearty classics like Tex Mex, Ham and Pepperoni, while vegetarians can indulge in slices loaded with Mediterranean olives, 100% milk mozzarella, onions, chillis and gorgonzola. If you’d like something different, Baba Slim also serves up juicy hamburgers and zemni sandwiches that are stuffed with crispy chicken, melted cheese, chopped steak and streaky bacon. 

L’Autre Monde is an undiscovered gem that’s tucked away in Mezraia, Djerba, only minutes from Plage de Sidi Mahrez beach. Charming visitors with its colourful stained-glass windows, pretty patio and hanging indoor plants, it’s the perfect spot to visit for lunch after you’ve spent the morning swimming in the sea.  

There are plenty of Mediterranean dishes on the menu here including shrimp risotto, molten camembert infused with thyme, steak tartare and beef carpaccio. If you’re looking for authentic North African fare, you won’t be disappointed either with helpings of tuna brik and ojja merguez.