Dar El Jeld Restauraunt — Restaurant in Tunis

just returned from my third stay at Dar El Jeld, and while each time I think it could not improve, somehow it manages to improve on perfection. Each time has been as a solo business traveller (which always seems a bit of a shame as it is just perfect for romance). The Dar being together the best of Tunisian culture, architecture and design, and hospitality, with every possible convenience and luxury (I even found a (albeit very small) fitness room I had not previously known about, this time round). The staff are welcoming and consummately professional, and nothing is too much trouble. Fresh fruit and chocolates in the suite every evening, efficient housekeeping and laundy, and always super discrete, not overwhelming. ||The rooftop terrace remains the best place in the Medina (if not Tunis) for sundowners, or, if you can brave the already hot sun (it was unseasonably hot, as it has been in Europe) for breakfast. I feel that the menu and service at La terrace has improved, and I did not have a single bad meal. Also treated to a rooftop, sunset opera performence, on my last day there. One of the most perfect endings to a trip (and that's based on over 45 countries visited!). ||The intimate little guest lounge, with espresso, detox water and mineral water, as well as the most divince citrus Tunisian dai;ly snacks, is a great place to work (if one HAS to), or wait for taxi's, or just relax in a peaceful space. (on work, the wifi is fast and stable, also a pleasure). ||I had previoulsy found the lack of French (or Arabic) as a bit if a barrier, but this time, there was absolutely no issues or miscommunication (and it would be my fault for knowing only English). ||Having had to stay at one of the 5* 'chain'/established international hotels this trip as well for business, the difference in the english fluency of the staff is marked, as is the general levels of professionalism and service. I have always felt that these hotels (without mentioning any brands) are really not up tpo 5* standards in Tunisia, and Dar El Jeld just shows that it is purely a matter of management, dedication and team selection. And a massive shout-out to not one, but the whole team. ||Each time I leave there, I feel a little more like I am leaving home. What more could I want. Looking forward to my next...

This review is based on the Dar El Jeld traditional resturant:

I Do not recommend.

Food was nice, not overly amazing but quite pleasing to the pallete. However AND THIS IS WHERE THE REVIEW STARTS, absolutely horrendous service. The most dismissive waiters I have ever experienced. As far as fine dining goes this is the least fine experience. Our plates where removed mid food. Just swept in and took them, even though one person on our table literally had the bread and fork in hand. We were served water when first seated, but after that we weren't offered a drinks menu, and I had to call and call to finally be able to get a waiters attention ask for more water.

We don't speak French and aren't visibly European (British tho!) So we were seated off to one side. And literally had to flag down wait staff the entire experience.

First meal where I couldn't eat fast enough and ask for the bill. Upon requesting the bill a suited gentleman came with the bill and card reader for 3 people only mains the bill was only 210 TND so again not something which I was going to complain about (I spend more then this on takeaway). I spoke to him very nicely and asked if there was a problem with us, as we have been seated to the side and had such a dismissive service he just laughed and said no why, no no... I asked for the manager he said no, I said ok if I wanted to speak to the manager how could I do so and he responded the owner, shrugged his shoulders took the card machine and walked off....

If you have ever eaten a medicore meal in any other major city in the world then please hold onto that experience, and relish in the moment you were given a half hearted smile when you first walked in, beacuse here you can forget what basic customer service and manners are as you won't be getting any.

My local chicken shop in London and cafeterias in Dubai feel like a more fine dining experience then here .

All beacuse I don't speak French, and I'm brown (my basic Arabic was dismissed)... honestly feel like that was all held...

Fantastic stay at a lovely top class hotel within the medina of Tunis

I had a wonderful stay at the Dar El Jeld, where the room was fantastic and the staff very helpful. The ambiance of the hotel was great and the location was within the medina (which was ideal for me as I could walk to all the tourist sites). It was quite difficult to find but only as I was departing on my last day, did I realise there was a simpler route to the hotel via a back road.

The hotel was clean and the breakfast options were plenty. The rooftop view across the surroundings was excellent and quiet, so you can spend a lot of time here in peace. The breakfast area was large, if you include the outside rooftop terrace part. The hotel had all the necessary facilities you would expect (eg. Gym, spa, swimming pool).

My room was very spacious and it felt very homely. Each day, dates and chocolates were provided which was a nice touch. The staff were very helpful and provided me advise on airport transport (there is an issue of taxi’s getting into the medina but luckily the taxi company the hotel uses, is able to park very close to the hotel). They were very accommodating in allowing us stay an extra hour before checking out and the security guard at the front always greeted us with a smile like the rest of the staff.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this hotel if you want stay within the medina in Tunis as it’s a great point to explore the sites from. I think if you are travelling with young children, you might prefer to base yourself outside the medina, otherwise the hotel is a great...