CAFÉ DES NATTES

❌ A Complete Tourist Trap – Beware!

I visited Café des Nattes in Sidi Bou Saïd two days ago with my family — four adults and a child — and had one of the worst experiences during our time in Tunisia.

We ordered just 3 non-alcoholic beers and 1 fresh orange juice. Without asking, we were served a few small, stale-looking croissants, which we assumed were complimentary. No one told us otherwise.

We politely asked for a menu multiple times — they refused to give us one. Luckily, we had photos of the outdoor menu, so we were aware of the pricing. Still, when the bill came, instead of a printed check, the waiter simply drew “28€” with his finger on the table. Yes, that’s right — no receipt, no breakdown.

We asked how that was even possible. After some arguing, they “generously” lowered the amount to 23€, which was still way overpriced. We ended up paying only 20€, which they reluctantly accepted, and we left the café extremely disappointed.

Later, we noticed a printed slip with a charge of 15 TND (approx. 4.4€) for the croissants, and when we questioned it, the cashier (Mahjoub Aouadi, bill number 220525, table 220, April 3rd, 2025 at 14:47) claimed each croissant was 3€! Insanity. We never received a proper receipt for the drinks, and it felt like they were trying to scam us for nearly 100 TND total.

This place survives on its historic reputation and tourist location, but make no mistake — it's a money trap with no transparency, no service ethics, and rude staff who try to overcharge unsuspecting visitors.

⚠️ If you’re considering visiting — don’t. There are plenty of other places in Sidi Bou Saïd that are honest and welcoming.

Un endroit incontournable de Sidi Bou Saïd pour siroter un thé à la menthe et aux pignons. Après avoir gravi quelques marches bien raides, on accède à une jolie terrasse avec une superbe vue sur la rue principale du village et au loin la mer et Korbous, on franchit une magnifique porte jaune et noire et on pénètre dans la belle salle où on peut se reposer sur les nattes en fumant la chicha et/ou en dégustant des pâtisseries tunisiennes. La douceur de vivre...

Un café typique qui reste un incontournable à Sidi Bou Saïd, entre un bambalouni et une glace!
Sa vue sur la rue principale qui descend vers la ville nouvelle permet d'observer les vas et viens des passants, tranquillement, en sirotant un thé aux pignons.

BIen plus authentique que le Café des Délices mais aussi bondé de monde en saison touristique. Belle vue sur la placette devant et sur la baie.

More authentic, at least the opening, tourist Chabaane. You will encounter this hour buildings, and it is much more pleasant.