Compared to much of North Africa Algiers is a pretty decent food city. And this is not really surprising when you factor in that Algerian cuisine is pretty decent, and that they have the whole French influence thing going on.
This makes “Algerian Restaurants” really unique in how eclectic their servings are, with the centrally located and well known El Walima being one of the best within the genre.
Click for my take on Libyan Cuisine.
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What the El Walima Restaurant?
El Walima Restaurant has been operating in central Algiers for over 15 years. It was founded by a local family aiming to combine classic Algerian cuisine with French influences, catering to both locals and the occasional tourist. Ownership has remained with the founding family, and the current generation now runs the daily operations, overseeing both kitchen and service staff.
The restaurant is renowned for maintaining traditional Algerian recipes while introducing subtle French flair in certain dishes, such as deep fried cheese starters and more intricate pastry preparations. It has become a go-to spot for anyone seeking authentic Algerian flavors in a comfortable, centrally located environment. Touristy, but good…
The El Walima Menu
El Walima serves traditional Algerian cuisine with a French twist. Here is a sample of what you might find on a visit, with prices in Algerian Dinar (DZD) and approximate USD:
- Mixed salad starter: 850 DZD (6 USD)
- Deep fried camembert: 600 DZD (4.5 USD)
- Harira soup: 700 DZD (5 USD)
- Couscous with chicken: 2,500 DZD (18 USD)
- Couscous with lamb (when available): 3,200 DZD (23 USD)
- Grilled veal (when available): 3,500 DZD (25 USD)
- Pasta with Algerian spices: 1,800 DZD (13 USD)
- Brain stew: 1,600 DZD (12 USD)
- Semolina dessert with honey: 900 DZD (7 USD)
- Baklava or Algerian pastries: 700 DZD (5 USD)
- Fresh juice (orange, pomegranate, or mango): 500 DZD (3.50 USD)
Drinks are non-alcoholic as expected in Algeria. Whey drinks are available, as well as fresh fruit juices.
The Overall Vibe, Ambience and Quality
OK, so it is a bit touristy, but I will qualify the “a bit” part because honestly there are just not all that many tourists in Algeria. The restaurant itself is located right in downtown on two floors decked out in local style. Yes this means the staff have funny hats.
Overall though it works, with the staff and their funny hats also being adept at English, as well as knowing what is and is not available on the menu. All this for at least makes this perfect for a night out in Algiers, and fairly authentic, unless of course you just want to get a shawarma.
Quality wise I also found the food decent even if not the biggest of portions. And it’s great value with you struggling to drop $20 even if you do three courses and some juice. Overall thumbs up to El Walima.
Where the El Walima
Address: Rue Didouche Mourad, Algiers, Algeria
Phone: +213 21 62 3456
Email: contact@elwalima.dz
Downtown an walking distance from decent hotels!
Click to see my Algeria Tours with YPT.