Caf Mauresque is an atmospheric Andalucan/ North African Oasis located in the heart of the historic City of Canterbury. Escape the hustle and bustle of Canterbury's cobbled streets and be swept below into our intimate, lantern lit cellar restaurant. The restaurant has a warm and friendly atmosphere renowned for its Moorish food and service which stems from the strength of its team.
Our food is passionately prepared in OUR kitchens, offering a fresh combination of distinctive herbs and warm spices, slow-cooked stews and delicate flavours, originating from Southern Spain and Northern Africa, a unique marriage of cuisine.
Our food is passionately prepared in OUR kitchens, offering a fresh combination of distinctive herbs and warm spices, slow-cooked stews and delicate flavours, originating from Southern Spain and Northern Africa, a unique marriage of cuisine.
Services
Our iconic Seafood Saffron Paella topped with Squid & Chorizo Brochette with Tiger Prawns (GF) Layer upon layer of authentic flavours with the intense & distinctive perfume & characteristic colour of Saffron - the Gold of Spices. Served in its traditional steel pan for unbeatable flavour.
Served with Patatas a lo Pobre & Salad (GF) (Please allow 15 mins) Membrillo is a popular Spanish paste made from Quince which adds a subtle, fruity sweetness to the sauce.
Served with Patatas a lo Pobre & Salad (GF) (Please allow 15 mins) Membrillo is a popular Spanish paste made from Quince which adds a subtle, fruity sweetness to the sauce.
Please let a member of staff know if you have any allergies or intolerances. Although we take the greatest of care in the preparation of our dishes, it is always possible that they may contain traces of allergens. Aubergines cooked in Tomatoes and Red Wine, Tabouleh salad, Hummus, Marinated Olives, Falafel and Flaked Paprika Almonds.
Reviews (23)
Andrew Nash
Sep 25, 2021
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Kill Uminati
Sep 22, 2021
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Alison Swinney
Sep 11, 2021
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We booked a table for our daughter's birthday through the on-line service and received a confirmation email reply. However, when we arrived the restaurant was shut. People at the next door venue told us it had been closed for 3 weeks. Such a disappointment as we used to love coming here. It was impossible to find anywhere else that wasn't already fully booked on a Saturday night so our celebration was ruined.
Tanya Malki
Aug 29, 2021
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Food was absolutely delicious, really enjoyed what I ordered, and presentation was beautiful. The reason for the 3* review is the waitress was quite rude. First took ages to get her attention to take our drinks orders (seemed she forgot we were even there!), then when I asked her to explain what some dishes were she came across patronising/not friendly. So service from her definitely could have been better.
Callum Stubbs
Aug 21, 2021
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E. H.
Jul 14, 2021
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I came here for lunch on a rainy Saturday and I am so glad I did! The halloumi sandwich was so yummy and the date pudding was delightful. Although it said ice cream on the menu, they brought me cream but that was soon rectified. The whole decor and bathrooms were beautiful also. The staff were friendly and the vegan menu was very accommodating.
Larissa K.
Nov 28, 2020
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We had the tapas dishes which were more Spanish inspired. Every dish was good and we had some house wine as well.
We wanted to book a table over the phone but there were none available at the time. In the end, we managed to get a table without a booking or queuing. It was overall a nice environment and dinner.
We wanted to book a table over the phone but there were none available at the time. In the end, we managed to get a table without a booking or queuing. It was overall a nice environment and dinner.
CaribbeanSeoul
Aug 24, 2020
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The ambience and decor is amazing and you really feel like you're in Morocco. Its really cosy (and you can comfortably be socially distanced). The food was great and there were many vegan options. The houmous, aubergine stew, calamari and pork belly were top notch, everything was well seasoned. Tea was a bit over priced.
Ryan S.
Nov 22, 2019
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My wife and I got into town later in the evening after a long day of traveling, and were looking for a good meal to relax us. After reading the limited reviews (all good though), we thought we should give it a chance. This was an incredibly amazing meal!! We split the sampler platter and the lamb shank. The sampler platter was one delight after another, and hands down the best hummus we have ever had. The lamb shank was second to none, and it took all we had not to order another one. A must visit.
Shemaia
Aug 13, 2019
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Good food, Great service, beautiful atmosphere. This cozy restaurant offers large and small dishes of Spain and Morocco and is great for tapas and tangines. Loved the separate vegan menu with a plethora of choices. While I prefer food with a little more spiciness and flavor, everything here was fresh and appetizing. Very lovely staff. Beautiful, authentic decor and music.
Catalina Lara
Jan 26, 2019
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D. S.
Aug 14, 2017
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A friend and I had been meaning to try the food at this place ever since we arrived in Kent as students. We'd heard a lot about it and happily, it lived up to all the good reviews we'd heard!
We went for a rather late lunch at 4 pm on a dreary cold Saturday in the first week of Spring that actually brought us snow. Not that we felt any of that once inside- the decor and place is warm and softly lit which would also make the place ideal for a date! Since we arrived at an odd time, in between regular meal times, we had our pick of where we wanted to be seated and we chose to be downstairs
We went for a rather late lunch at 4 pm on a dreary cold Saturday in the first week of Spring that actually brought us snow. Not that we felt any of that once inside- the decor and place is warm and softly lit which would also make the place ideal for a date! Since we arrived at an odd time, in between regular meal times, we had our pick of where we wanted to be seated and we chose to be downstairs
Aj W.
Jun 25, 2017
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Dee-lightful! Good food. REALLY good food. The waitstaff is a treat and...god, this food was good! I couldn't have been more delighted with our food choices. My friend had the lamb shank, and it was perfectly tender and the sauce was lovely. I had the salmon and prawns tangine. It was better once I added salt. Loved this place!
Marc K.
May 27, 2017
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We found Cafe Mauresque on Yelp on our first evening in Canterbury and decided to give it a try for a light supper. We found it easily, located on the picturesquely named, Butchery St. just off of high.
Although the ground floor room was packed and several people snuck in just before us to go to one of the other dining rooms, we were more than happy to sit at one of the several outside tables in the pleasantly cool evening.
We decided to have four tapas plates, lamb meatballs, crispy calamari rings, spiced chicken skewers, and lamb sausage. They were all excellent and served in good-sized portions
Although the ground floor room was packed and several people snuck in just before us to go to one of the other dining rooms, we were more than happy to sit at one of the several outside tables in the pleasantly cool evening.
We decided to have four tapas plates, lamb meatballs, crispy calamari rings, spiced chicken skewers, and lamb sausage. They were all excellent and served in good-sized portions
Kristin R.
Apr 08, 2017
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Wonderful dinner. Was a bit concerned when we walked into the restaurant, as it was empty. We were lead downstairs to a bustling, yet quaint dining area. The atmosphere is comfortable. We had delicious wine and shared the Moorish platter. The platter was amazing! The lamb meatballs were exquisite. The staff is friendly. Highly recommend.
Mark D.
Mar 27, 2015
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If I could sum it up to one word- I would say that this place was scrumptiously delicious! You will NOT be disappointed. There were three of us together and we ordered a chicken entry dish- a two person appetizer plater along with tabloah salad and falafels with Moroccan wine- simply delicious and filling. We even had the Praline Chocolate Truffles and Baklavas to wrap up the evening. Excellent food- great staff and a real cozy and neat set up downstairs with candles and lighting. Highly recommended! We spent almost 3 hours relaxing and chatting. If I lived locally I would come regularly!
Matt R.
Dec 22, 2013
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A lovely hidden gem just off of the high street that's great value and has an amazing atmosphere!
The thing I love most has to be the feeling that you're sitting in at a family dinner. The times I've been here I've sat alongside the owners family as they enjoy a large tapas meal. This is quite a unique experience and may be off putting for some but I really feel it made the evening.
I had a selection of tapas dishes and they were all delicious, from tender lamb to grilled halloumi. I'm not sure I have a bad word to say!
Recommend it without hesitation.
The thing I love most has to be the feeling that you're sitting in at a family dinner. The times I've been here I've sat alongside the owners family as they enjoy a large tapas meal. This is quite a unique experience and may be off putting for some but I really feel it made the evening.
I had a selection of tapas dishes and they were all delicious, from tender lamb to grilled halloumi. I'm not sure I have a bad word to say!
Recommend it without hesitation.
Qype User Bertie
Jan 25, 2011
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This is a very popular place tucked away in a Canterbury side street. Most of the restaurant is under ground in a crypt type of cellar, which is very old. We come here for a treat. The food is different and well worth sampling. A refreshing change from the Italian food that is everywhere in Canterbury. I don't remember there being any 'specials' on though.
Qype User Hayfor
Aug 11, 2010
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One of my favourite places to go in Canterbury, and one we bring visitors to as well. It is over-priced but the food is delicious. I especially love the vegetarian mezze selections like houmous and spinach tortilla. And the sangria of course! If you are a carnivore try the roast pork belly or one of the tagines (the lamb in particular). Yum!
Qype User Klam
Mar 26, 2010
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Best meal I've had thus far in Canterbury (I've been here for 7 months). Ambiance is perfect and the staff was very accommodating. Came early on a Saturday night and hadn't booked a reservation but they managed to seat the three of us before the dinner rush. Couscous was amazing! As was the pork belly, the sauce was so luxurious. Had the baklava for dessert in the end and it had me begging for more. I would recommend this place to everyone!
Qype User Jm
Oct 14, 2009
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Me and my work colleagues had a meal there last week and we were all delighted with the warm welcome we received. The stewards were friendly and knowledgeable, add a good attention to details and genuinely cared about our group. Everyone was impressed with the excellent food and drinks and will definitely come back privately with their partners. we had a selection of Tapas to start with with French bread, then a main meal + the usual desert and tea/coffees. the atmosphere was very pleasant, actualy the restaurant was quite busy too. the music was unobtrusive but clear enough to hear without shouting
Qype User Skeniv
Jun 12, 2009
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Great place tucked away into the packed, Butchery lane.
The early evening, £11 for 2 courses deal (and a drink) is a winner!
I had lamb meatballs for my starter which were really good! And I had the lamb brochette (spelling?) for the main. The lamb kebab was cooked excellently, the little sausages were good and it is a plentiful plate of food. So I was well filled!
Highly recommended!
The early evening, £11 for 2 courses deal (and a drink) is a winner!
I had lamb meatballs for my starter which were really good! And I had the lamb brochette (spelling?) for the main. The lamb kebab was cooked excellently, the little sausages were good and it is a plentiful plate of food. So I was well filled!
Highly recommended!
Qype User Philip
May 15, 2009
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An excellent place to eat; an expansive yet cosy cellar makes a nice change from the horrifically busy above ground restaurants. Especially good in this day and age to find good food for an agreeable price. Make good use of the offers for early evening - you can find yourself a proper meal with a drink for £8.50. Go Morroccan!
