In 1988 Bill and Emmanuelle Betham opened Café des Amis in this 16th century building. Travelling in Mexico they fell for the food and the Mexicans' love of fiesta, and Bill, a chef who had worked in Paris, Sydney and Durban, knew there was far more to it than chilli con carne. He tracked down real Mexican ingredients, researched authentic recipes and wrote the menu. Emmanuelle, who is French, gave the place its name and its café spirit, and the menu still carries that French influence today.
Tacos, fajitas and margaritas in a colourful corner building on St Dunstan's Street. Bill and Emmanuelle opened the doors in 1988, and the room is still full of friends sharing plates.
By 1995 the room was so busy they took over the 15th century building next door. Students, residents, tourists and more than a few celebrities have squeezed into the booths since, drawn by the food and the friendly noise of the place.
There is something for absolutely everyone: tequila and mezcal, frozen and shaken cocktails, beers, wines and soft drinks. A third of our wines come from Domaine Gayda in the Languedoc, the winery of Canterbury local Tim Ford and his partners, grown biodynamically and a lovely match for the food.
Prices as shown on the restaurant's own menu.
Bill and Emmanuelle still own the restaurant, and the shopping is done close to home. Our meat comes from Hedgers of St Dunstans, a traditional local butcher near enough to deliver on foot, and Tota of Canterbury brings our fruit and vegetables.
| Monday | 12:00 - 21:30 |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Wednesday | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Thursday | 12:00 - 21:30 |
| Friday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Saturday | 12:00 - 22:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 - 21:00 |
Diners keep coming back to the fajitas, which arrive at the table still sizzling, and the nachos, which many call some of the best they have had.
People mention the staff by name and talk about the energy of the room: busy, friendly and welcoming even on a packed night.
A common tip is to book ahead, especially at weekends, because the place is rightly full most evenings.
Been in recently and left with good memories?
Leave us a review on Google.