Café des Amis is a long-running Mexican restaurant on St Dunstan’s Street, just outside Canterbury’s medieval Westgate Towers. It pairs Mexican cooking with Mediterranean plates, and locals and visitors alike return for its colourful, art-filled dining rooms and generous, sociable food.
Step inside and you meet a riot of colour: bold walls, eclectic furnishings and modern artworks that give the place a playful, gallery-like personality. The menu leans Mexican, with sizzling fajitas, burritos, enchiladas and shared starters such as nachos and guacamole. Mediterranean-style dishes widen the choice for groups with mixed tastes. Cocktails, especially margaritas, suit the lively mood, and vegetarian options are easy to find. Expect a convivial atmosphere that gets loud on busy nights, which works well for celebrations and casual dinners with friends.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Friday and Saturday evenings fill quickly, particularly during university term and the summer tourist season, so book ahead for weekend dinners or larger parties. For a calmer meal, go at lunchtime or on an early weekday evening. Canterbury West station sits just around the corner, which makes the restaurant an easy first or last stop for day-trippers from London. Pair your visit with a stroll through Westgate Gardens beside the River Stour, or walk through the Westgate and along the high street to Canterbury Cathedral, about 10 minutes away on foot. Opening hours can change seasonally, so confirm them directly with the restaurant before you travel.
