Café des Amis stands out as a gem in the heart of Canterbury, offering an authentic Mexican dining experience that delights both locals and visitors alike. Nestled at 95 St. Dunstans St, this quirky venue boasts a vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by colorful artwork adorning its walls and the sounds of engaging Mexican music. Diners rave about the fresh and flavorful dishes, such as the Chicken Fajitas and the Chimayo Rubbed Ribeye Steak, which showcase the full spectrum of Mexico’s culinary richness. For those seeking something unique, the Duck Breast With Mole Sauce is a highlight, providing a distinctive taste that’s both tender and richly seasoned. Patrons like Gaayen Sahgal emphasize the importance of booking ahead, as this popular spot fills up quickly. Many reviews mention the friendly and attentive staff, contributing to a welcoming dining experience. While some have noted slower service during peak hours, the overall sentiment reverberates with positive vibes, like Charlotte’s praise for the perfectly portioned burrito, avoiding the common pitfall of overstuffing. From the appetizers to the decadent desserts, including delectable churros, every dish at Café des Amis invites you to savor the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine. Whether visiting for a casual meal or celebrating a special occasion, this restaurant promises an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
No wheelchair-accessible car park
No wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
Serves dine-in
No delivery
No takeaway
Highlights
Has great beer selection
Serves great cocktails
Serves great coffee
Serves great dessert
Has great wine list
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves food
Serves happy-hour drinks
Serves healthy options
Serves late-night food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Serves spirits
Serves vegan dishes
Serves vegetarian dishes
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has bar on site
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Romantic
Trendy
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Brunch reservations recommended
Lunch reservations recommended
Reservations required
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
High chairs available
Has kids' menu
Parking
Paid parking lot
Paid street parking
Photos
Reviews For Café des Amis
V G
May 21,2025
The food is a true representation of Mexican cuisine — everything was full of flavour. The taste was spot on, genuinely delicious and authentic. The only thing that could be improved is the serving time, as it was a bit slow. But apart from that, this place is definitely worth a visit if you're in Canterbury. Absolutely recommend it!
Charlotte
Apr 27,2025
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!
Mark Thomas
Apr 17,2025
We visited Cafe des Amis on a Saturday afternoon. The food was delicious, the atmosphere and general buzz of the place was great, as was the decor and Mexican music which helped to make the whole experience seem more authentic. The service was also very good, as the staff were all very friendly and helpful. Highly recommended.
Gaayen Sahgal
Apr 14,2025
Authentic Mexican Dining in the Heart of Canterbury Cafe des Amis was a very interesting visit in the heart of Canterbury. First of all, it was fully booked, which was a great sign—and the food definitely did not disappoint. We started with the sharing platter of appetizers, which had a fantastic selection: duck tacos, confit, ceviche, guacamole, meatballs, salsa, and more. Every bite was fresh and flavorful. For the main course, we went with the duck, which was served beautifully—slightly pink, paired with mole sauce. I had never tried mole before, only seen it in videos, and I must say, it had a very unique taste. This was a completely new experience—authentic Mexican cuisine, not just Taco Bell or random street food tacos. If you’re looking for real Mexican flavors, this is the place to go. Highly recommend booking in advance to secure a spot!
Saher J
Mar 29,2025
I went to visit my daughter at Uni over the Easter weekend and if my late husband was alive, it would have been our 22 year wedding anniversary. So to celebrate and remember my late husband, we went out for a lovely lunchtime meal. My daughter has been here before and she said you have to book over the weekend. We had lovely mocktails. The starters were delicious and pulled lamb fajitas were amazing. She shared the churros for dessert. It was a lovely meal and the service was great, very friendly staff. My daughter was well fed when mummy went to visit her.
Bailey
Mar 28,2025
Friendly staff, fun decor and delicious food. First time visiting and am new to Mexican foods so the staff helped me understand the menu items better to make my choice. Went for the spinach leek and cheese tacos and they were so good and paired wonderfully with the beans and guac. Excited to return and try more!
Lily
Mar 7,2025
Wow. The duck is just fantastic. The server asked me how I wanted to duck, which was the first time I’ve ever been asked that. He explained to me that the duck tastes better and has a nicer texture if it id a bit pink. And he was right. The duck was the highlight of my entire trip to Canterbury! There’s also a student discount, which is really nice. This place is very popular, so be sure to make a reservation. Luckily they were able to fit us in without needing to make one.
heeliya charishma
Feb 24,2025
Such a lovely place and the food was on top notch. There is good blend of flavours. We tried the burritos and they were just amazing
Reviews For Café des Amis