Café Tanja

North African restaurant · Surry Hills

Café Tanja

North African restaurant · Surry Hills

638 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia

Highlights

Homemade North African food, mint tea, friendly owners

638 Crown St, Surry Hills NSW 2010, Australia Get directions

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@cafetanjasurryhills

A$20–40

@eater

The 38 Best Restaurants in Sydney, Australia | Eater

"Cafe Tanja is named after Tangier, but the menu stretches far beyond the Moroccan port city. Sanah Djebli and her husband, Nadim El-Zein, run this North African eatery with help from Djebli’s mother, Linda. Menu highlights include fried Algerian eggs jolted with cumin seeds and sizzling plates of tchouktchouka: a Tunisian equivalent of shakshuka that’s rich with tomatoes and a 21-spice ras el hanout blend. The sandwiches are named after family members, just one of many ways Cafe Tanja feels welcoming and personal. Vibe check: You can thank Linda for the restaurant’s striking soup bowls, terracotta tea cups, and other hand-crafted wares, which she delicately transported in her carry-on baggage from Morocco." - Lee Tran Lam

https://www.eater.com/maps/best-restaurants-sydney-australia

View Postcard for Café Tanja

Amine AD

Google

Authentic Moroccan flavors right here at Café Tanja! The couscous was light and fluffy, served with perfectly cooked vegetables and tender meat just like back home. The chicken with preserved lemon and olives was incredibly flavorful, tangy, and juicy. I also tried the meat with prunes, and it was beautifully sweet and savory, with tender slow-cooked meat falling apart in the sauce. Their msemen was fresh, warm, and flaky perfect to dip in honey or just enjoy with tea. And speaking of tea, the Moroccan mint tea was the real deal sweet, aromatic, and poured the traditional way. It felt like a piece of Morocco in every bite. Great atmosphere and friendly service. I’ll definitely be coming back for more!

Sonia CHABANE

Google

Amazing experience, it’s always a big pleasure to come here. For me, with Algerian backgrounds, it’s the best place around the city to have a taste of North African food and vibe. The service and the people are always kind and warmth. Sanaa, with Algerian and Moroccan backgrounds, surely knew how to do it as it feels like home 🫶🏽 (This tasty dinner was a special menu during ramadan time. You can find some of it on the normal menu). Will visit again for sure!

Yassie

Google

This was my second visit to this beautiful restaurant, and it felt like coming home. The food is absolutely delightful, and the warmth and kindness of the staff make the experience truly special. I’ll definitely be returning it’s a place that fills both heart & belly!

Alyssia Berchet

Google

The staff is very welcoming and friendly. We ordered the Lamb Tajine and the Chicken Couscous it was good but for the price that you paid it is a bit pricey. Unfortunately the Lamb Tajine was overcooked so we had less sauce than on a previous visit, but was still enjoyable. Overall this is a good place and will still go back

Da Costa Marion

Google

Finally, a restaurant that truly honors Maghrebi culture! From the food to the ambiance, the decor, and the warm hospitality, everything is perfect. The staff is incredible welcoming and friendly, making you feel right at home. I’ve personally tried the entire menu, and every single dish has been a delight. And as a bonus, their Moroccan tea is simply amazing! 1000% recommended! Thank you

Riyad Djedid

Google

As someone from Algeria, Café Tanja instantly felt like home. The aromas, the warmth, the sounds, everything reminded me of my childhood. It’s rare to find a place that captures that feeling so naturally. I had the lamb tagine and it was full of flavour, just like the ones my mother used to make. The mint tea was perfect, sweet and fragrant, just like back home. You can really taste the authenticity in every dish. The staff were genuinely kind and welcoming. I even noticed a small Algerian flag behind the counter, which made me smile. I was wearing my Zidane jersey that day, my childhood idol, and somehow it just all felt right. If you’re North African and missing home, go. And if you’re not, go anyway. You’ll discover something beautiful.

Bronwyn Hallis

Google

Delicious food made with love. We came for one of the Ramadan special menus which was reasonably priced and so yummy. This is a very special place because the service is so so lovely. Everyone who works here is so warm & hospitable, you really feel like you are among friends/family. We had leftover food so it was a treat to be able to have some the next day too! We also got to take away some sweets made by the owner’s mother which were fantastic. Can’t wait to come back!

Isha Dhib

Google

This North African cafe is truly a hidden gem! Every time I visit, I’m greeted with such warmth and hospitality—it feels like coming home. The staff go above and beyond, always remembering not just my order but also little details that make the experience special. The food is consistently amazing, full of rich flavors and authenticity that transport you straight to North Africa. Whether it’s a quick coffee or a full meal, every visit leaves me feeling happy and satisfied. I can't recommend this place enough!