Aux Deux Violons (Montcalm)

Tucked away on boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest, in the Montcalm district, the restaurant Aux Deux Violons is one of Quebec City's fine little-known addresses — a genuine small corner of North Africa hidden in the middle of the city. Eating at this restaurant is like a trip to North Africa for the length of a meal. A decor carrying objects from faraway sunlit countries, rhythmic music and Maghrebi specialties, such as Berber-style lamb tagine, couscous and chicken-and-almond pastilla, all make the experience a pleasant one. The atmosphere is warm, convivial, almost familial. It often gives you the feeling of being at home, with attentive staff and good value for money. Dishes such as couscous royal, pastilla, lamb tagine and shish taouk draw frequent praise. On the menu, you are spoiled for choice: couscous (with vegetables, with chicken, with merguez, with lamb shank, royal), assorted tagines, brochettes, grilled meats, falafel, shawarma, lamb méchoui and even a few poutines for the undecided! A welcome extra: it is a "bring your own wine" place, which lets you extend the experience at lower cost. An address to discover without fail for anyone looking to get off the beaten track in Quebec City and to be carried away, for the length of a meal, by the sunlit flavours of the Maghreb!