Harden's survey result
Summary
Long-established, lively Canterbury Mexican – despite the Gallic name – which “never disappoints (must have eaten here over 100 times since it opened in 1988 and it hasn’t lost its sizzling, upbeat vibe: you can’t fail to leave feeling well fed and happy”). Well-travelled founders Bill & Emmanuelle Beetham also own Café du Soleil on the opposite side of the river – and a restaurant in Hawaii!
Summary
“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).
Summary
Ignore the Gallic name – this “busy, bustling and friendly” outfit in Westgate in fact deals in “excellent” Mexican fare and is “just such a happy place” where “the atmosphere sizzles” as much as the fajitas; the “long-established” venture (“it’s been going since 1987 and hasn’t lost its spark…in fact it just gets better and better”) has a namesake sibling in Paia, Hawaii, and is also related to Canterbury’s Café du Soleil.
Summary
A fixture of the Westgate for 35 years, this “colourful and very popular” spot serves “good portions of fairly priced and fresh-tasting Mexican food”, “with lots of choices for non-meat eaters”. The “good staff” ensure a “fun, buzzing atmosphere”, and it “always seems to be busy, so best to book”. Well-travelled owners Bill & Emmanuelle Betham have another Café des Amis in Hawaii, and a Café du Soleil serving Mediterranean food in Canterbury.
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Have you eaten at Café des Amis?
95 St Dunstan’s St, Canterbury, CT2 8AA
Restaurant details
Café des Amis Restaurant Diner Reviews
"For nearly 40 years Cafe des Amis has been fun,fun, fun. Great atmosphere, colourful zizzling food & decor. Fajitas are fantastic."
Prices
| Availability | 2 courses | 3 courses |  |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lunch | £22.00 | £27.00 |  |
 |
|
Traditional European menu
| Starter | Main | Pudding |
|---|---|---|
| £11.30 | £21.00 | £7.25 |
| Drinks |
|
|---|---|
| Wine per bottle | £21.50 |
| Filter Coffee | £2.95 |
| Extras |
|
|---|---|
| Service | 10.00% |
95 St Dunstan’s St, Canterbury, CT2 8AA
Opening hours
| Monday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Thursday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
| Friday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Saturday | 12 pm‑10 pm |
| Sunday | 12 pm‑9:30 pm |
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