
Café des Amis
A quirky, colourful diner with modern art, serving a unique blend of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Café des Amis

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A quirky, colourful diner with modern art, serving a unique blend of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine.
"One of the best Mexican restaurants you'll ever eat, a must-visit pilgrimage!"
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your spot.
Share Platters
Consider ordering shared platters to enjoy a wider variety of the restaurant's diverse flavors.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican / Mediterranean Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1227 464390
Address
95 St. Dunstans St, Canterbury, CT2 8AA, United Kingdom
Website
cafedez.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Quirky & Colorful Atmosphere
Vibrant diner adorned with modern artworks available for purchase, creating a lively and unique dining experience.

Duck in Mole Sauce
Juicy and tender duck served in a rich mole sauce, perfectly complemented by salsa and mash.

Pulled Lamb Fajitas
Flavorful and amazing pulled lamb fajitas, a must-try for any visitor seeking authentic Mexican taste.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your spot.
Share Platters
Consider ordering shared platters to enjoy a wider variety of the restaurant's diverse flavors.
Happy Hour Deals
Take advantage of happy hour for great deals on cocktails, beers, and wines, especially frozen drinks.
Try Unique Dishes
Don't shy away from unique offerings like spinach, leek, and cheese tacos or duck with mole sauce.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, to secure your spot.
Share Platters
Consider ordering shared platters to enjoy a wider variety of the restaurant's diverse flavors.
Happy Hour Deals
Take advantage of happy hour for great deals on cocktails, beers, and wines, especially frozen drinks.
Try Unique Dishes
Don't shy away from unique offerings like spinach, leek, and cheese tacos or duck with mole sauce.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Café des Amis is a beloved spot praised for its delicious and addictive food, with many highlighting the duck in mole sauce and pulled lamb fajitas. The cocktails are also a hit, often described as nice and strong. While the atmosphere is generally lively and upbeat, some diners have noted it can get a bit noisy. Service is frequently commended for being friendly and helpful, though a few reviews mentioned minor issues with salty dishes or less-than-ideal takeaway packaging.
"Went on the recommendation of a local, was not disappointed; the place is really quirky, the walls bedecked with art which is available to buy. Loved it. Starters were really tasty, great flavours and nicely presented. For my main I had a burrito which was delicious and not too massive (you know those overstuffed ones that become a bit soggy and grim after a while) this was good, fresh and a real treat. Staff were friendly and it did busy up, I’m not surprised!"
Charlotte
"They serve fusion food Mexican/Mediterranean. The Antojitos for two - mixed starter was good but some combinations didn’t really work well. The ceviche was not great. The paella was good. The huevos rancheros were nice. It is good in general but pricey for what you get. We had left overs and they packed them in paper foil that broke easily. For the price paid, one would expect something better to take the food away. The waitress was very friendly and helpful. The place was a bit noisy. The toilets were dirty."
M Miranda
"The food at Cafe des Amis is absolutely delicious. we had a lot of different dishes and each one was cooked to perfection. the cocktail menu is also great with loads of different options and types of alcoholic variety. Sophia was our waitress and she made the experience even more enjoyable, she was kind and friendly and couldn’t have been more helpful. i would highly recommend Cafe des Amis!"
katy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Café des Amis offers a unique fusion of Mexican and Mediterranean cuisine, with a vibrant and eclectic menu.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekend dining, as the restaurant is very popular.
Popular dishes include duck in mole sauce, pulled lamb fajitas, and unique tacos like spinach, leek, and cheese.
Yes, Café des Amis is very vegetarian and vegan-friendly, offering options like vegan quesadillas and vegan chili.
The restaurant has a quirky, colorful decor with modern artworks, creating a lively and upbeat atmosphere.
Yes, they have a happy hour from Monday to Friday, offering deals on cocktails, beers, and wines.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
The Best Restaurants In Canterbury, England
Supposedly one of ex- Canterbury resident Orlando Bloom’s favorite restaurants, Café des Amis is Canterbury‘s original Mexican restaurant. The menu combines the flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine with the freshness of Mediterranean dishes. As the name suggests, the restaurant is a popular place for friends to gather.
Best restaurants Kent, Southeast England
Located off the beaten track on a quiet road running up from the main drag through town, this groovy community cafe offers great coffee and homemade cakes…
15 Best Cafes In Canterbury
Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5/5Location: 95 St. Dunstans St, CanterburyTimings: Sunday to Thursday: 12 pm - 9.30 pmFriday and Saturday: 12 pm - 10 pmBudget: £20-£25 per person Feel fancy in one of the best Canterbury coffee shops, with blue paint, mosaic tiles, and wooden tables interior. This cafe in Canterbury has a complete bar, serving a selection of Mexican wines, beers and cocktails. Besides its range of exotic beverages, it has a wide variety of Mexican cuisine.
Kent’s 18 best restaurants you simply need to visit in 2025
Moving from a KentLive favourite to a spot that’s a hit with the stars, Pirates of the Caribbean star and former Kent local Orlando Bloom has raved about this esteemed Mexican restaurant near the Westgate Towers. Described as a "quirky and colourful diner with modern artworks", Bloom has certainly been more than impressed with the establishment, which has been open over a decade now. Bloom has even said it's one of the best Mexican restaurants you'll ever eat.
Best Canterbury Restaurants - Reviews & Restaurant Guide
Still zinging after all these years”, this colourful Westgate outfit (est. 1988) is not the Gallic eatery you’d expect from the name, but rather a “very popular” and “lively” Mexican. Between the “happy atmosphere” and “scrumptious” cuisine, “a pilgrimage to Canterbury for Café des Amis is a must” (with the option to check out their local sibling Café du Soleil – part of a three-strong mini-empire that surprisingly includes a Hawaiian spin-off).
The Best Places To Eat In Canterbury Revealed
Cafe Des Amis is a quirky, colourful restaurant that brings the flavours of Mexico to Canterbury. From zesty tacos to hearty burritos to mouth-watering fajitas to cheesy enchiladas, you’ll find an array of authentic Mexican dishes to satisfy your cravings. Their Happy Hour is 5 to 6 Monday-Friday, where you can choose from Mexican favourites like Tequila and Mezcal, as well as cocktails, beers, and wines.
A Weekend in Canterbury | Kent
Another Canterbury business that has stood the test of time, Café Des Amis has been in operation for over 30-years. Housed in a 15th century building just next to the Westgate Towers and overlooking the river, they offer cheap and cheerful frozen cocktails (have the passionfruit) and steaming plates of fajitas. Booking ahead is advisable, as is leaving enough room to fit everything in.
4 great vegan eateries in Canterbury
Cafe des Amis is a popular Mexican restaurant located in the heart of Canterbury with views overlooking the West Gate. While they are not a fully vegan restaurant, they offer a range of vegan options, including their Vegan Quesadilla, made with grilled vegetables and vegan cheese. They also serve up a delightful Vegan Chilli, made with mixed beans, tomatoes, and spices.
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO VISITING THE BEST OF CANTERBURY
This is very much a quirky, colourful diner with modern artworks, serving Mexican fare alongside Mediterranean dishes. Choose from a variety of plates such as spinach, leek and mozzarella tacos, roast vegetable Tostadas, End with churros and the vegan banana split as well as a great range wines, beers, cocktails and cocktails. Super vegetarians and vegan friendly too.
A Food Lover's Guide to Canterbury
Café Des Amis is a city institution, beloved by celebrities and locals for its outstanding Mexican cuisine with a Californian twist. This place books up fast, so secure a table for dinner swiftly or try their excellent mid-week set menu offers. Across the road overlooking the river, you can find Cafe Du Soleil serving up exquisite wood fired cuisine for all tastes.
Ultimate Guide: Best Things to Do in Canterbury
Café des Amis, located on Dunstans Street, is renowned for its innovative Mexican cuisine, which combines Mexican and Mediterranean flavors. The restaurant boasts dishes like the exceptional and delicious Seafood Burrito. While prices may be slightly higher, guests can enjoy a great view of Westgate Gardens and the River Stour from the restaurant.
45 best places to eat in Kent: Our favourite restaurants, pubs and cafes
The restaurant is popular with students, couples and families, with many dishes designed for sharing, such nachos or antojitos starters. Don’t waste time when ordering your main – head straight for the fajitas, chicken, lamb, duck or mushroom. They come with plenty of salsa, sour cream, black beans and jalapenos to add to your tortilla.
10 Restaurants in Canterbury for Affordable Dining
Cafe des Amis is another fantastic restaurant in Canterbury for international students, offering delicious food with a Mexican touch. This cafe offers a variety of Mexican-inspired dishes, including pastries, crepes, and savoury options. If you are looking for a cosy and elegant restaurant in Canterbury, this is the place for you!
20 Best Food Restaurants In Canterbury
Tucked away in one of Canterbury’s busiest streets, Des Amis is a little haven that serves up some of our favorite cuisine. With beautifully presented and fresh Food Restaurants In Canterbury, from sweet to savory; you’ll find yourself wanting to try something new each time. If you’re just here for a cup of coffee with a friend,
5 restaurants to visit in Canterbury
If you like Mexican food, make sure you book a table at Cafe Des Amis. It’s only a small eatery but it’s incredibly popular and if you manage to get a table on a Saturday or Sunday, treat it like gold dust. They serve Mexican classics such as fajitas, burritos and tacos, as well as some lighter salad-based options too.
Canterbury’s top 10 restaurants and cafes – Kent Students
At Café Des Amis they have created a menu that draws not only on the exotic and earthy flavours of ancient Mexico but also the fresh and healthy ingredients associated with its rich Mediterranean heritage. Many of the dishes are for sharing, and this makes for a sociable and informal atmosphere, great for a group.
Dog-Friendly Fine Dining in Canterbury
A vibrant spot near Westgate Towers, Cafe des Amis serves up Mexican-inspired cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. Dogs are welcome in their outdoor seating area, where you can savor dishes like slow-cooked lamb tacos and vegetable enchiladas. The lively ambiance makes it a great choice for casual dining.
8 Great Things to Do on a Day Out in Canterbury
At the end of all the different tour experiences on a day out in Canterbury, grab some dinner at Café des Amis. This great spot offers a lunch and dinner menu with lovely local and foreign cuisines. Café des Amis is an airy restaurant with excellent spacing between tables for maximum comfort.
38 Best Things to Do in Canterbury
Indulge in authentic Mexican cuisine at Cafe des Amis: Awarded the TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice in 2021, Cafe des Amis is the place to tuck into proper Mexican food in Canterbury. The menu’s full of dishes that draw on the earthy flavours of ancient Mexico, with a Mediterranean flourish.
Al fresco dining in Kent: 10 great restaurants to try
Café des Amis serves modern Mexican cuisine comprised of fresh ingredients and plenty of produce from the local area. Spiced with chillies from Mexico, the substantial menu includes tempting dishes such as crab and prawn tacos, spicy pulled pork enchiladas, or roast vegetable tostadas.
Top 28 Gluten-Free Dining Spots Across Canterbury
The lively atmosphere, enhanced by quirky hand-made wall paintings, creates a welcoming setting where gluten-free diners can enjoy. Dear Sir/ Madam, My partner and I attended your restaurant yesterday afternoon around 4pm. We had not a booking but your helpful manager found as a table.
THE 30 BEST Restaurants in Canterbury
Came in for dinner on Saturday night so it was busy but the service was still great, food arrived super quickly and everything was delicious. The pork belly fajitas to share were our favourite, the pork was sizzling hot and super tender. Would also recommend the pork belly enchiladas.
Top Canterbury Pubs: Discover the Best Local Haunts
If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, head over to Cafe des Amis. This vibrant eatery serves up a delightful array of dishes inspired by the flavors of Mexico. From sizzling fajitas to zesty tacos, you can indulge in a fiesta of taste sensations.
Best restaurants in Canterbury
A rumoured favourite of Hollywood star Orlando Bloom, this lively Mexican offers a menu of crowd-pleasing sharing dishes in a colourful dining room. Check out the weekday happy hour for half-price cocktails, beers and wines.
Canterbury Travel Guide (From Someone Who Lived There!)
Cafe Des Amis This is also a very popular restaurant, so pre-booking is essential. Cafe Des Amis is a Mexican restaurant located directly opposite Westgate Gardens. Their food is very authentic and everything is so fresh!.
Gluten Free Canterbury – The Ultimate Guide for Locals and Visitors
Café Des Amis is probably my all-time favourite Canterbury restaurant. I’ve been eating here for nearly 40 years (pre and post-Coeliac). It’s independent, unique and should be on any guide to gluten free Canterbury.
City Guide: Best Breakfast Spots in Canterbury
Café des Amis: For a taste of Mexico in Canterbury, Café des Amis is the place to go. They offer a Mexican-inspired breakfast menu, including huevos rancheros and breakfast burritos.
Is Canterbury A Good Place To Live?
Some good examples are Café St Pierre, The Ambrette, Tiny Tim’s Tearoom and Café des Amis. Cocktails are offered at The Pound Bar & Kitchen.
The best places to eat
Located just opposite the west gate of the city, Café des Amis is a nice stop for all francophiles looking for a good meal and per
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit