Barbary Fig
720 Grand Ave, Saint Paul, MN, 55105
Barbary Fig Menu
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Appetizers And Small Plates
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Soup & Salad
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Entrees
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Warm Sandwiches
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Other Specialties
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Gryos
Healthy Meal suggestions for Barbary Fig
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Appetizers And Small Plates
-
Soup & Salad
-
Entrees
-
Warm Sandwiches
-
Other Specialties
-
Gryos
Visit below restaurant in Saint Paul for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Saint Paul for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
720 Grand Ave
Saint Paul, MN, 55105 - Phone (651) 290-2085
- Website https://barbaryfigrestaurant.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : No
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Michael P.
Without a doubt one of the best restaurants in St. Paul. I went there for the first time today and had a wonderful experience...greeted with a smile and the service was prompt. The restaurant is beautiful and features artwork of local artists on display. I had the lamb hash which was flavorful and the right portion size. The bread pudding for dessert and the Barbary Fig blew out of the water.
(5)William C.
Some people are fans, some are not, but I'll tell you about my experience :-) A couple things you should know... * Parking can be tricky (street only); plan accordingly. * It's LOUD; especially upstairs (even with only a couple patrons). * They do take credit cards! I love one of kind places, run by families, there is something special about that. I was greeted by the owner (and thanked on my way out); he's so genuine and truly cares about his clients that dine at his restaurant. It was a Thursday night and not super busy; so, getting a seat at dinner time wasn't a challenge. It's kind of cozy inside, designed inside a home converted into a business. The dining area is in sections, based on the layout of the original house. We ordered a couple appetizers, of which I got Brik. It's deep fried and filled with spicy tuna, green onion and parsley...it's delicious and reminds me of a Jamaican meat pocket. I looked through the menu and finally landed on the chef special, which was lamb over rice (with figs)...mostly because a neighboring table ordered it and it looked/smelled fantastic (hey...pics are worth a thousands words!). I hope they put this as a regular menu item (because it's not)...the lamb was super tender, fall off the bone; combined with a bed of seasoned rice with sweet figs. Every bite had a crazy combination of sweet, salty, savory...taste buds were going wild! I'll have to make my way back and try new items, but I believe you should give Barbary a chance!
(4)Rick T.
Man this place is oh so good, I may kidnap the chef and start a gyro truck back home and make some money. Still great food and service and still a bitch to find parking. But when your this good i don't give a fiddlers fart about the parking situation.
(5)Ngoc N.
I'm starting to realize that St. Paul boasts a larger number of better restaurants than Minneapolis. Minneapolis has the quantity, but can sometimes lack the quality. Morroccan food? Never tried it until I went here. I don't know what it's suppose to taste like or if this is authentic and truly have no frame of reference to judge it. All I can say is it tastes good when I put it in my mouth. Good flavors, balanced and cooked well. That's all you really need right? Very small place in a renovated old 2 story home. The staff are super friendly people and make you feel at home while you're there. Definitely more of going to a neighbor's for a home cooked meal than it is eating out. I don't eat here enough!
(4)Rowena N.
Cute, quaint house turned restaurant. The owner is super nice. Once you enter, you see a counter. The seating is actually upstairs... I didn't have any pictures because I ate the food too fast. I had the chicken gyro which was bomb. They had lean chicken breast that were shredded and marinated. The only con was that they had the sauce and filling on top of a large pita that sat flat on the plate. By the time it was in front of me and i tried to eat it folded, the sauce got the pita bread little soggy. I basically ate this with a fork and knife. Regardless, delicious. Made fresh. I also had the bread pudding which was drenched in warm milk. I actually was a bit meh about this. I like french meadow's version better. Barbary fig's bread pudding was a bit too much cinnamon for me. Also, the amount of milk in the bowl made me think that the bread is really that old and stale. I felt like i was eating texture of soggy cereal. However, my friends really liked their desserts (i believe one had a flan-like pudding and the others had pastry rolls). They were very good and on point. Overall, great experience. Server was nice and owner is a sweet man. I would definitely come back again. Also I heard there is a parking lot in the back (I didnt realize this and we parked on the streets instead).
(4)Melaney S.
Although the service was great and the personalities of the staff was inviting some of the food and the atmosphere are the reason for my three star rating. We were seated upstairs it was very loud. If it had been busy it would have been understandable, but there was only one other table with two people at it. The grape leaf appetizers was odd a bit mushy with a strong bitter flavor. I enjoyed the specials, but the portions were not the same. I found that odd on the same four top. The Fig has been feature on Grand Ave for decades, maybe it's time for a update.
(3)Whitney G.
I love Greek food. I really do. However, the consistency of the tahini sauce was a bit off. The dish I ordered, the Mint and Dill Lentils, was kind of bland at best. I still brought my leftovers home so I could add some spice to it. What was really concerning was the fact the waitress spilled oil from the appetizer all over my purse. She apologized profusely, but did not offer to take it off of our tab.
(2)Vincent W.
Amazing Moroccan and North African food. The Brik, which is a traditional North African dish is super great. It is fried and suprr crispy with tuna green onions and a hint of spice. I do not like spicy foods at all and I enjoyed the dish. I had the shek-shu-ka which was a african version of a brrakfast scramble. Eggs, seasoned lamb, caramelized onions with warm french bread. This dish is also highly recommend. Enjoy
(5)Carol R.
Enjoying a Sunday out with my restaurant adventurous sister. We happened on the Barbery Fig and popped in for brunch which turned out to be an excellent find. We tried turkish coffee for the first time and loved it. I ordered the smoked salmon, sheep cheese and scrambled eggs. Done perfectly and just the right amount of food. Sis had the Breek, a flaky turnover dish with egg, potato, sheep cheese and harisa sauce. Just the right amount of spicy and crispy. I wish I was going to be in town long enough to come back for dinner. Excellent service, very clean, and well decorated. 5 stars with no reservations.
(5)Tanya F.
The food is unique and I enjoyed sampling it. I had the brik. It was delicious and unlike anything I had tried before but seemed a bit greasy. I also tried the mint tea iced. It comes presweetened. It was a little too sweet for my liking but I'm not that sweet tolerant. Nonetheless, I really liked it, and I'm not mint's biggest fan. We sat outside on the patio. It is a nice space but the tables themselves left much to be desired. They were the cheap white plastic kind. They were covered with a cheap vinyl table cloth that was taped tightly around the table. It felt old and not particularly clean.
(4)Abi M.
Best restaurant on Grand Ave. The lamb gyro and combo royale are our staple orders and they are consistently delicious. The owner and staff are nice and friendly. If we ever move out of the area, we'd certainly make a special trip back for this place.
(5)Lorraine N.
Had a lovely little early dinner here with my daughter. She had some type of lamb that she kept saying was oh-so good. I had a Gyro. It was really good. The service was top-notch and I found this place to be charming, quaint and relaxing and very authentic. If you like greek food you cannot go wrong here....
(4)Linda H.
I hate to be the oddball but I really did not care for this place. I agree with my fellow yelpers in that the Owner could not be any nicer..Nice, Sweet, welcoming man! Had the food just been a little better, I would have bumped it up a star but the only item I really liked was the Falafel. I went with a few fellow yelpers and we ordered a variety of items. Rhonda had their soup which she was said was excellent. I didn't try it. It looked way too thin for me. They also ordered Grape leaves. I was a Grape Leave virgin so I tried just a tiny little bite and Whew....Am I glad that's all I tried!! I hated it...The leaf was chewy and crunchy like a bay leaf. The filling was odd, the temperature was luke warm, and I barely could choke down my one bite. The plate got eaten by the rest of the crew but they all agreed these were not the best they have had. I ordered the chicken special which was chicken in a puff pastry with veggies. It looked amazing when it was served at a table beside us but when mine came, it didn't look the same! Don't you hate that?? One bite in, and I didn't care for this dish either. It tasted way heavy on the cinnamon. I really did not like the chicken filling. I am not a fan of shredded chicken and this was mixed with something odd. I let Will taste it and he was impressed with the explosion of different spices going on. Too much was going on in this dish for me. The one item I loved was the falafel...I love to try falafel everywhere and this was some of the best I have ever had. if I were to ever come back, I would get falafel and hummus. Free Parking in the back which is nice. Go in the alley and park behind the building if you cant find a spot on Grand. They also have a nice patio for summer.
(3)Lj N.
Fantastic Morroccon cuisine! Owner/chef is from Algeria and what a meal! He's been here in this location for 25 years! Execellent customer service too! Our waitress was the best and gave us such attention, so friendly with great meal suggestions, but I'm sure nothing we could have chosen wouldn't have been anything but excellent. Another new fav in St. Paul! Try the bread pudding...morroccon style! EXCELLENT! Street parking can be had, but go around to the back alley, there is private Barbery Fig parking behind the restaurant.
(5)Mark F.
A Great feed! Affordable real food.....
(4)Ellen C.
This place is adorable. It's in a house and customers sit on the second floor of the house, which can be a little confusing. Because when you first enter, this place looks like an empty deli with a working, lit kitchen. There is only one girl that is working the entire floor and so the service is a bit slow. Everything is old school including how they take orders, which adds to the charm. When we asked to have our bill split, they were fine doing it but they had to do it by hand. In all honesty, I'm a value shopper. Barbary Fig did not deliver on expectations when it came to value - their portions were all over the place for different dishes. We ordered a house appetizer to start which was octopus for the night on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes that turned out to be very garlicky and somewhat grainy, probably pushed through a ricer. The octopus was very tender and all in all it was a very flavorful, yummy dish for $8. The salad was HUGE and was definitely worth the price on the menu, and looked delicious! My dining friends confirmed its deliciousness. The entrees were what surprised me. I ordered two dishes - the combo royale and the shek-suka (can't remember actual name). The combo royale was about $14, and for the portion and the flavor it was definitely worth it. Quality was there, perfectly seasoned, quantity was good, but it was very greasy and my dining friends thought that everything was too salty. We all needed refills of water within 10 minutes of starting to eat, although it really did enhance the dishes. The shek, which was about $10, was meager. It was a very thin layer of scrambled eggs with lamb sausage, caramelizing onions, and seasonings. It tasted good but the quantity should've considered more an appetizer. The apricot fava over a bed of rice looked good but my friend was continuously salting her plate. All in all the dishes we got were tasty, but the quantity and quality could be somewhat inconsistent. I give it 4 stars because of the good value dishes and the ambience, but you've got to know and set your expectations when you order. Otherwise you may leave disappointed. Worth the trip if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)Tracie A.
This place is vastly underrated. Barbary Fig has so much to offer: great food, pleasant service, and an owner-cook who knocks you over with kindness. It's a small enough place that hearing conversation isn't a struggle even on busy nights. Ask and the owner will set you up with a special bottle of wine, just a tich higher than those on the menu. Open on Mondays! One caveat: unfortunately accessibility isn't great - there's a flight of steps up to the dining room.
(5)Brad S.
Maybe best Mediterranean food ever had. We had two of the chef specials, can't imagine you ever going wrong there. Super value and casual = WINNER. COME GET SOME.
(5)Joshua M.
This place is fantastic. You have to order the brik as an appetizer. It's pan-fried tuna an scallions wrapped in phylo dough, with harissa on top. One of the best appetizers around. We ordered the rabbit special and the lamb shank special- both were perfect. It's a great spot.
(5)Jennifer S.
Sunday Brunch served 10:30am-2pm, as posted on their front door. On this grey and rainy day, we were warmly welcomed by Haj when we arrived and we happily accepted his suggestion of the Lamb Sausage-Egg Hash with a side of Harissa sauce, Mimosa with pomegranate and a Turkish coffee. The mimosa was nice and refreshing, not at all too sweet. The hash was mildly spicy and salty, and the harissa was delightfully spicy and flavorful. The hash jumble came with slices of a french-type bread on top. The Turkish coffee arrived when I had a few bites of food left on my plate, which allowed a perfect amount of time for the coffee to settle before I began drinking it. Mmm... Rich tasting and sweet. Another fine meal and I look forward to my next one here (perhaps it will be on a lovely and warm summer evening...).
(5)Latha P.
Unique restaurant name , great reviews but I rate the food average Tried the soup, lamb shank special , Shek-Shu-ka ( lamb sausage hash) and Dill lentil over cracked wheat. Everything except the soup was under seasoned . Shek-Shu-ka was the only one worth trying. Bourek- flaky pastry rolled with Belgian chocolate served warm drizzled with honey and fresh lavender. - the description is divine but not the dessert itself. Another average dessert. Overall this place is worth just a one time visit.
(2)L R.
I find it challenging to keep my eyes on the road to avoid hitting pedestrians while also checking out exciting spots to visit on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul. The strip is densely adorned with cute boutiques, spectacular coffee shops, and a broad range of diverse restaurants/bars. The parking situation will piss off just about all of humanity but once you catch your breath from jogging three blocks, the frustration dissipates (until you have to figure out where you've parked). Anyway, it was date night with my husband and we wanted to try something new. I had driven by the Barbary Fig several times that summer and would have missed it over and over again but I read the menu online and was sold. So was he. So we decided to give it a whirl. It was a beautiful, breezy end of summer evening. The sun was still out so we sat on the patio. I don't remember the inside of the restaurant being too spacious but I could see a bakery display case with baked goods inside it. I cannot recall the name of the dish that I ordered but I was very amazed at the complicated yet simple layers of flavor it offered. Here's what I remember very well about my dish: Perfectly cooked orzo pasta with black olives and artichokes, orange infused chicken and toasted bread. There were other dishes that I wanted to try on their menu that sounded if not, more adventurous. The waitress was new but provided fair service. Overall, we had a good experience and we enjoyed great food. I plan on dining there again soon.
(3)Susi R.
Found this place on Yelp & it did not disappoint!! Very quaint atmosphere. People super nice! Food was amazing!! Can't wait to visit St Paul again ... will definitely be eating here when I do!! The signature soup is a must! PS there is parking in rear ;)
(5)Sunny T.
Came here with a friend for my late birthday dinner upon her suggestion. Since I don't live in St. Paul but my friend does, she suggested we try something different than our per usual Cafe Latte dinner date. Before arriving, my friend informed me it was no upscale restaurant but rather situated in a house with simple, but yummy Mediterranean food. Being the adventurous eater I am, I was excited. Upon entering, we were greeted right away by a young waitress who seemed to be the only one waiting that night (a Sunday around 8 PM) who immediately brought us upstairs to their dining area. She was super nice the whole night and very attentive. My friend ordered their Greek Chicken and Orzo dish and after hearing all of the specials, I immediately ordered the Lamb Shank since I'm a sucker for lamb. We ordered the hummus plate to share as a starter. Hummus plate came out quite fast and it was odd that the dish came out with bread instead of pita, but no complaints since the bread was fresh and crispy. Overall a fine dish. Our entrees came out about 15 min. later and the lamb shank was HUGE. Basically covered the entire dish! The meat was very tender, served over yellow rice with leeks and some veggies (sweet potatoes? or maybe sweet carrots?). Besides the fact that it could've used a little more salt, I absolutely loved the dish. Finished the whole thing and was tempted to lick the plate. What I loved most was that I didn't feel overly stuffed-just perfectly full. Not to mention the prices here are excellent! My dish was only $14.95 and the amount of lamb they gave me made me feel like I was robbing them of their money's worth! A great, cute, and comfortable spot. Would definitely return here for a warm home-cooked meal accompanied with lovely service!
(4)jenel f.
The food is fresh, creative, perfectly spiced and always delicious. The service is lovely. Everything is always perfect, intimate and exceedingly enjoyable.
(5)St. P.
Amazing meal! This was our first time at the Barbary Fig, and we will definitely be back. We started with the brik (& wanted to order another round). The bastila entree special was delicious with a well-balanced chutney. We also had the lamb gyro - the best gyro we've ever had on a perfectly grilled pita. Last, but certainly not least, our service was excellent.
(5)adrian z.
I'm getting seriously pissed about good reviews for places like this. I had the lamb shank sitting in a pool of broth and overcooked noodles. Average taste with very poor presentation. Bread pudding was a f'ing joke. Seriously how could you call pieces of stale bread inside a pool of milk a bread pudding. That's something I would feed my cat. And you're supposed to ask if I want my Turkish coffee sweet as hell. Good service but food is very very dissapointing.
(1)Andrea B.
Absolutely awesome spot for a casual dinner. My boyfriend and I were visiting St Paul and stopped by and had a meal outside. We split the artichoke goat cheese appetizer (which is more of a salad) - very light and tasty. We both had the combo plate which truly was a 5 star meal - lamb gyro and yogurt sauce was delicious! The chef was so sweet and friendly - made me feel right at home ;)
(5)Nathan N.
Having very little dining experience in St. Paul, I didn't know which restaurant would provide both an ideal setting and menu. We went at 5pm on a Thursday when it opens again for dinner. As I was a bit preoccupied with conversation, I can't really give a good review of the setting and atmosphere other than they had neatly colored walls; however, the food was excellent. The portion sizes are what they should be everywhere with just enough so that you're not stuffing yourself and not so little that you're still hungry. And for the dollar, it was perfectly cooked and delicious. My date and I had the falafel combo and chicken tagine. The staff was polite and responsive. Also my date and I were able to talk to the chef about his business and compliment him on his tasty cuisine. He was really friendly and it was just a nice way to get to know one of the small business owners who provides a superior product and service. I will for sure come again when I'm in the mood for a Mediterranean meal in the St. Paul area!
(5)John W.
An excellent meal as usual at this gem of a restaurant on St Paul's Grand Avenue. The sautéed shrimp over rice was delicious. One of our party had the Merguez couscous while another had the Chicken couscous. We sat outside on a beautiful night. A great evening!
(5)Emily W.
My favorite restaurant in St. Paul. I love the cozy, funky space upstairs and the amazing menu.
(5)Paul J.
First experience was ok, my gyro was excellent but my girlfriend's dish was bland. Went back a second time the other day and it was an awesome experience. We got there about 20 minutes before they closed and were worried we wouldn't be able to get in. A super friendly guy greeted us with a smile and said it's never too late to come in and eat. They let us stay until a half hour after close and we never got a look or comment to rush us to leave. Felt like a valued customer rather than just another "cha-ching" in their cash register. Had the gyro again (which was excellent again) and my girlfriend tried one of their specials and loved it. Only complaint (and it's very minor) was that their hummus appetizer was served with french bread instead of pita bread. Anyone else think that's a little strange? Atmosphere was nice, considering they rehabbed an old house. Definitely will go back again.
(4)D N.
Stopped in for turkish coffee on the deck on a lovely spring eve. Let me bring my little dog (awesome). People watching with a little wine or turkish coffee and dessert... great staff and good food. Not my everyday place, but a def winner. Will be back.
(4)Eric S.
Pleasantly surprised on a recent return to Barbary Fig. The dearth of Moroccan food in the Twin Cities has always been a disappointment to me. It meant that I'd given this place many chances, but it had never become one of my favorites, worth the trip out to St. Paul. Brik was as I remember it in Tunisia - flaky pastry shell around spiced tuna, with a side of harissa. Normally I would've opted for a tagine, but the shekshuka piqued my interest. I've only had the vegetarian Israeli version in the past. The dish really benefits from the Fig's inclusion of lamb sausage. It was a bit oily, but olive oil's good for you, right? The owner of this place is always warm and welcoming, without being overbearing about it. Nestled into a Grand Avenue house, the atmosphere is warm and intimate - great for a date.
(4)Cherry L.
Great Food @ reasonable price Couple friends and I went there for a birthday dinner...even though I am never a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine, their food is very flavorful and has a lot of details.... however, their food are in smaller portions, so make sure you order a lil more :D
(4)Rona Y.
Really, Really amazing turkish coffee... I mean I guess I have nothing to compare it to except normal coffee, but I thought it was pretty amazing! I went in the summer, can't remember what I had, but remember it was all really good. My friend and I sat outside because I don't think they had AC and it was really really hot inside.
(4)Andrew P.
Yum - Haj ran out of the Lamb when I went, but he treated me to a Semolina and fig/blue cheese mix with a piece of Mahi Mahi that was outrageously good - my gosh was that a meal. The Brik we started with was awesome - the place is a good value and has some of the best food in the cities.
(5)Lorenzo B.
I dined here on a Sunday night. The dining room is on the second floor of a home converted to restaurant. Ambience is casual, yet cozy and intimate, with wooden tables. There were only two other parties that night, but I could imagine the small dining room getting busy on a peak night. We shared some appetizers (an African street food dish and hummus with pita bread). I had lamb gyros as a main. The food was well prepared, very flavorful but not overwhelming. They sold me on a bread pudding that was really good, and I would highly recommend their Turkish coffee, very dense and tasty (you can almost stand a spoon in it). Only critique was the price, I would have expected to spend a little less in a casual, local place such at this one. Granted we had a three course meal, we ended up spending north of $80 for two, including tip, which I think is a bit much for this type of place. Other than that, great casual dining experience.
(4)Alphonso J.
I went here with my friend to celebrate our new employment. I have to say, if I hadn't been spoiled by other places I've been, I would have liked it a lot more. I ordered the chicken tangine. First mistake, I had the pleasure of eating the seafood tangine at Faces in Lowertown which is a lovely dish of great complexity. This one fell short. I found the tomatoes were too sweet and the savory spices were missing...something. It reminded me of something I've made before...but the issue is I never personally cook in Mediterranean style. My friend on the other hand had the lamb special served on the bone, with cous cous and a cucumber sauce. She adored it. To drink we both had pomegranate lemonades, honestly I could take that with an IV, just right eating outside on a hot day. For desert, I had the bread pudding. Again, I was spoiled by what I ate at Doolittle's. I found theirs a bit dry and lacking in flavor, they put milk or cream in theirs which cooled it down. I prefer mine warm. Overall, I'd probably go again but try something new. Not a bad place, but didn't knock my socks off.
(3)Leah Z.
I loved the food. There was a complexity to each dish that I've rarely found elsewhere. The tagine of lentils and the hummus appetizer were particularly notable. A good place for interesting vegetarian fare. The restaurant had a nice ambiance to it -- definitely a good value, and I will definitely go back.
(4)Susan M.
Love this place. Food is truly "Mediterranean" -- North African with a francophone flair. I am in love with the Lamb dishes. This was my choice for my recent birthday with a friend. She is vegetarian -- the chef specially made one of his favorites (not on the menu) just for her. Reasonably priced. Nice wine list. Tend to go with my French or France loving friends. Can't wait to try the brunch. Will be missing the patio this winter.
(5)Paul N.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the cities. The menu isn't large, but everything on it is amazing. The owner is a great guy and is always there to greet you.
(5)Carrie S.
We ate here as a large group last week. I wasn't bowled over by the experience but it certainly wasn't bad either. Our server was attentive, the pacing of the meal was great, the food was just 'meh'. I had the sausage/egg/onion dish and it was good - maybe better for breakfast but still good. Others said that their food wasn't as flavorful as they'd expected. The desserts weren't their highlights. Hummus was good - as was their appetizer special of the day, a portabella mushroom pate with melted brie served on french bread slices. Quite tasty. We ordered a sampler of several and I don't know that we'd do it again. I'll chalk it up to experience for sure but I'm not sure I'd ever find myself there again.
(3)Yvonne G.
Delicious food fabulous and friendly service.
(5)Chanstay Y.
I went here on with my daughter and my bf who is from Morocco and was really craving some Moroccan food and according to Yelp this was a Moroccan restaurant but when we get there we find out that it is actually Mediterranean. So my bf decided to talk to the chef, who we later found out was the own, and requested a traditional Moroccan dish. He happily obliged and made a very authentic dish that we all loved, my bf even ordered a 2nd dish. My daughter devoured it. So I can't say much about the menu food but the service and food we had was fantastic. I will definitely be back soon.
(5)Heidi O.
I went this past weekend with my two girlfriends and we really enjoyed. The reviews of the decor are right on - not very subtle. But the service was fantastic. Our waitress was patient with our indecisiveness and when we elected to share dishes - had them split in the kitchen. The kalamata olives and french bread were fantastic - as was the goat cheese salad. I had a glass of the house red and really liked it. We shared the Chicken Tagine, which was very good. I've only had it once before and it was quite different from the one I've previously had, but I enjoyed both. I would definitely recommend!
(4)Elisabeth A.
Actually a 4.5 of five, which works perfect for averaging with the extant review. The owner is wonderfully friendly and the ambiance is charming. Portions are a little on the small side, but I could just be saying that because I loved every bite. I think the desert we ordered was called bourek--it was awesome.
(4)Kelsey K.
YUM! I had heard about this place for years but just hadn't been motivated enough to check it out. Finally decided to make my way over on a random Friday night a few weeks ago. We did not make reservations but didn't have a hard time getting in which was nice. Parking was kinda a bear but it all worked out....later out found out they have parking in the back. The menu is shorter than I thought it might be. However the specials all sounded amazing. We got 2 appetizers. Mine being what sounded like a spanikopita (filo dough and cheese) with a tomato chutney. LOVED IT. The tomato chutney rocked!!! We also got something with tuna that was less memorable. I ordered the lamb which was perfect and warm. Good stuff for a cold night. We left saying we would have to come back. Really enjoyed the food and loved seeing the chef looking like he enjoyed cooking it too. Draw back is that the prices were higher than I thought they would be and seating is a bit more casual than I expected for the price. But these obviously have to do with my preconceived notions just not aligning up no fault to the restaurant.
(4)Michelle P.
Returned. Wasn't too hungry to order an actual meal, so we ordered multiple appetizers. Everything was delicious especially the foccacia. Mmm.
(4)Matt G.
My first impression of the Barbary Fig was uncertain due to its bright orange plaster interior and cold dining area. However, it is one of those restaurants that keeps to a small menu and this was a good omen. When it was all said and done, I found that the food was good if not a bit light on the portions and the atmosphere had grown on me. Now, to begin my gastronomical experience, I went for something familiar and ordered a salad for starter and a gyro for my entrée, which hides the real breath of choice available. For instance, the specials that night featured lamb shanks with caramelized apples and avocado while another dish had rabbit as the centerpiece. Their dessert menu also had an interesting assortment ranging from the poached pear with chocolate I had to the more traditional bread pudding Tori (my girlfriend) ordered. As for the quality of the food, the gyro was one of the most balanced and full flavored I have had. Both Tori's lamb soup and chicken couscous were delicious and complex. The desserts were perhaps the low point of the meal with the poached pear seeming a bit lost when compared to the gyro and the bread pudding being a bit on the milky side. That being said, the Barbary Fig strikes me as the kind of restaurant you bring people on for second or third, but not first dates. The atmosphere is a bit quirky and could put someone off, but once you get to the food the place grows on you. Final Judgment: I would recommend the Barbary Fig to everyone who appreciates balanced flavors and the Mediterranean palette, except the very "Hungry" who will be disappointed in the more reasonable portions.
(4)Joe I.
Ate here with some coworkers for lunch. It was a little odd, as we were the only folks in the place besides the owner/chef and the server. The layout is interesting, enter on the lower level, seating in the upper. I did not see any accessibility features, so I don't know what happens with folks who can't do stairs and the patio is not open. Anyway, there were five of us, and the server described two specials. We each ordered one of the two - mine was a vegetarian something or other with spinach. I can't recall what it was exactly, except that it was delicious! I was initially bummed at the serving size, it was plenty of food, but it was so good I wanted more, but the price was perfect, so no complaints. I had Turkish coffee for the first time too...yum! And the owner? OMG, I have never been more warmly welcomed and warmly thanked. Truly incredible. I will totally return, and I look forward to the opportunity!
(4)Erik G.
Simply okay. Brunch on the porch on a lovely Sunday afternoon is nice, though one shouldn't hope for anything more than cheap lawn furniture and crooked beer umbrellas. The portions are small or overpriced depending on how you look at it. The Fig is very kid friendly, which is redeeming. I am not sure I would go back unless someone else paid.
(3)Dee T.
It's a nice place for a casual dining experience. The portions are not huge for the price, which is disappointing for African cuisine. I thought that the chicken tagine was just fair but hubby raved over his lamb special. My food was very mildly spiced; is that a polite way of saying bland? We sat on the front patio for our first visit, so I can't comment on the apparently scary interior.
(3)Kevin R.
This was a lucky find today. I walked in randomly in search of something on Grand that looked friendly, less commercial and not Cafe Latte. It's a spacious place, and I was able to sit upstairs. The chef, who I assume is the owner other reviews mention was just as friendly as they say. I ordered the special and had the most tasty and healthy late afternoon lunch. I will def return in the summer.
(5)k j.
Think it's possible to get this re-categorized as Algerian? I know he advertises as Mediterranean, not even Algerian, but the owner is Algerian, and then we'd at least have the right country if it's going to be listed as a single North African country. Anyway, food is great here! Love it!
(5)Nimisha D.
Cute restaurant, funny/weird first level entrance (I thought it was an abandoned deli!) but the seating upstairs is cosy and the staff is very nice. The shekshuka was perfect for a cold night, the lamb dishes my fellow diners ordered were even better.. I need to go back for more. This is not a fancy spot but it's cosy, like eating at a friend's house where their talented uncle is serving up homecooked Moroccan food. And they had decent wine! Vibe reminds me of my favorite cosy restaurant, Namaste Cafe in Minneapolis. Must go.
(4)T W.
Nice outside deck seating for a relaxed lunch. My combo plate was great with lots of flavor and texture. Very similar to plates I've eaten in Greece or Turkey. Servers were polite and attentive but quite meek. Price was inexpensive. Thought it was a good value. I would definitely return if I lived in the area.
(4)Jay Dee E.
It's hard to imagine having not visited this establishment these past three decades. And it's absurd to look elsewhere for grand cusines with complex mediterranean flavors. Expect great food, from the appetizers down to desert. We spoke with the Chef after and his enthusiasm for cooking only adds to the charm. This trip to Saint Paul to find out what Chef Brahim is serving will be repeated often.
(5)Patrick H.
The Barbary Fig is kinda funky, in a homey sort of way. The diner enters on the bottom floor, into a deli space that seems (at least at the hour of our visit) to be shut down. Normally, this would be disconcerting, but someone appeared and assured us that we would be seated promptly. We were, but it appears that only the second floor was open for seating, which might prove unwieldy or impossible for those with mobility limitations (it is possible that seasonal patio seating is available in warmer months, from the looks of things). The dining area features rough-plastered, orange-painted walls, giving everything a warm glow. Our servers were pleasant and welcoming. Both of these factors gave me and my girlfriend a good first impression, even though the food was a bit hit-or-miss. We split the Brik appetizer (basically, tuna and scallions in a fried flaky pastry crust). In retrospect, we should have each ordered our own -- or perhaps a couple of plates each -- because it was quite tasty and satisfying. The accompanying harissa consisted of a somewhat generic red chili, and would be inoffensive to the average Minnesotan palate. While I could have used some extra kick, it complemented the dish well. Both of us ended up choosing the same entree, which consisted of merguez sausage, vegetables, and eggs. Frankly, this was a little bland, and a little more like "breakfast" than I had been expecting. It was also a little skimpy, considering the menu price. I didn't notice any major variances in the price points for other menu items, but (based on observation of other tables receiving their meals) there do seem to be significant differences in portion size and plating effort/appeal. I guess we picked a dud. In a similar vein, our desserts were okay, but nothing to gush over. Uneven quality of the food aside, there was definitely something about the overall vibe of the Barbary Fig that really spoke to me. The comfortable-if-ramshackle nature of the space, the laid-back-yet-on-point staff, and the surrounding tables of relaxed, happy customers, all combined to create an appealing alchemy. I look forward to returning someday.
(3)Sylvain P.
One of my favorite restaurants in Minneapolis-St-Paul! The food is always amazing and the chef is extremely friendly and personal. If you are looking for authentic North-African (maghreb) food, you will find it there.
(5)Bobbi B.
Unlike the other reviewers, my experience at the Barbary Fig was not good at all. After being seated and being given menus, our waitress didn't bother to stop by our table for another 15 minutes. It then took 50 minutes for us to get our food. Meanwhile, the empty table next to us wasn't cleared for a full hour. I would like to note that there were only five other tables occupied at the restaurant (most of which already had food), so I don't think that it was because the kitchen was horribly behind. Then when we got our food, my Merguez Sausage Couscous tasted and looked as if they had dumped half a cup of oil onto it. However, my friend got the Minty Dill Lentils, which were ok. All and all, the service was terrible and the food wasn't good.
(2)Mark John M.
After almost 25 years still a top choice. Not a meal served without Chef Owner Hadj Brahim at the helm. And it shows in care, cleanliness and consistency! Great standby dishes and wonderful specials. Also a smart, knowing staff. Perfect on a sunny day or a blustery winter night! A true gem!
(5)Annie G.
Just a heads up for those who eat a vegetarian diet...there isn't much to choose from. Even some falafel would have been nice. The dish we chose was bland and we left still hungry:( Perhaps this place has tasty meat dishes, but we won't be returning. Too expensive and left hungry after spending twice than some of the other restaurants in town. We really wanted to like this place since the reviews are positive and it's a cute looking place. The best part was the server who was really nice.
(2)Danielle G.
We weren't exactly sure what to expect upon our first visit here. Thankfully, we were pleasantly surprised with the friendly wait staff who shared their knowledge of each menu item in great detail and offered her suggestions based on our replies to what my husband and I both preferred. When the food was served we were a bit hesitant as to the portion size, BUT it was perfect and very filling. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed the nice breeze and low key atmosphere. We will visit here again.
(4)Savannah B.
My friend Judi treated me to dinner here for my birthday, and I'm glad she did. We sat outside, and had a fantastic meal. I'm looking at the menu right now, and while the vegetarian lentils doesn't sound quite right (I was there a month ago), that must have been what I had. All I know is there were beans and the undertone of flavors were a delight to my taste buds as they were being treated to flavors they don't always get. I know it was both healthy and delicious. It was definitely a positive experience.
(4)Lisa O.
For me, there was nothing palate-awakening, harissa nothwithstanding. I ordered the lamb shank and it was extremely bland, even after a copious sprinkling of salt. The cucumber/yogurt sauce was good but there were only sparse dots of it along with sweet figs that were perhaps chopped a little too smail. The bread served with the hummus was warm and had a nutty deliciousness but the hummus itself wasn't particularly flavorful and I don't think the sweet tomato ginger chutney was the right accompaniment. The Brik (flaky pastry and tuna) was just okay, a little greasy and not that exciting. My husband liked his lamb gyros but ironically it would have been way too salty for me though I liked the spicing. We were a large party and had a nice upstairs corner to ourselves. Our waitress was very charming and there was a hospitableness about the place that made me wish the food was better. One nice gesture was that long after we had paid the bill and were stlll chatting, a different waitress came around and refilled our water glasses. SInce I love this kind of food and the staff was friendly, I might give it another try, despite the lackluster first impression.
(3)Jeff D.
I made reservations for 10 on a Friday afternoon and got us in - with outdoor deck seating no less. NIce! The food was very good, the service was great! The locals in our part all said they are looking forward to going back and trying more of the menu. (I had the duck - delicious!
(4)Geoffrey R.
I went on my first date with my boyfriend here so it's kind of a sentimental favorite. The first time we dined here was really nice. I had a fish special and a good Pilsner beer and we sat on the patio on an August evening. Just a very pleasant evening with good, solid food at reasonable prices. The second experience was less sensational. We sat indoors and the walls were painted in this loud, garish color. It was noisy and kind of uncomfortable. The food and wine were middling at best. But we'll probably try it again sometime.
(3)Andea S.
Amazing Turkish coffee! I had the Poached eggs with homemade lamb sausage and roasted potatoes! - so good! i have also tried the lamb sausage hash before and it is so flavourful! I will definitely go back there!!! Simple and fast service, great hostess and customer friendliness overall! They were serving brunch late too (i was there at about 1:30pm) , which works for me as I am a late riser on the weekends!
(4)Tori M.
Had a hankering for some sort of couscous-y dish this evening so the Beard and I decided to try out the Barbary Fig. We were greeted by the gorgeously sweet owner, who showed us to our table and was all smiles. The waitress gave us the lowdown on the specials, which all sounded kinda cool and adventurous, but I ended up getting a cup of the house soup (gorgeous lamb/chicken broth with cracked wheat and grains... great broth. Slightly tangy, lamby taste with a savory kick) and then chicken couscous. Nice, subtle flavor on the couscous, some cinnamon savoriness and the mix of veggies was pretty good, but I wasn't totally blown away. Still, it was satisfying and homey. Beard had a gyro. I liked that the portions weren't crazy big. I hate leftovers and the guilt I feel when I don't eat them, so to be able to comfortably finish a sensible-sized meal for a good price gets an extra star in my book. I also liked that the owner thanked us on the way out and was chit-chatting with customers. They also have a parking lot in the back, which on a cold night is all kinds of awesome. For the money and the good flavors, and the very sweet owner and waitress, Barbary Fig is a solid place for a quiet dinner. It also might be a good starter place for people just getting into Mediterranean-y food, too, as everything on the menu seems to be nice and mellow, and tasty enough to whet the curiosity.
(4)Julian P.
Went here for lunch today. Good, not great experience. Interesting setting with the kitchen downstairs and the dining room upstairs. Like others, I found the decor to be a bit loud but sparse at the same time. The wall to wall, ceiling crazy paint look is not working. It could also use some drapes, rugs, textiles to warm the place up. Also, the art for sale on the walls was 6th grade level....hmm, maybe it was? I ordered the lamb and bleu cheese sandwich with the house soup. The soup was delicious. A lemony broth with herbs, very light. The sandwich was served open faced, to my surprise, not very "sandwichy." It was tasty, only a couple bites of lamb, a bit buttery, nothing I couldn't have made in my own kitchen (and maybe I will recreate it). The real winner here was dessert. A crispy pastry tube served warm with hazelnut chocolate inside, drizzled with honey and lavender. Delicious! The Turkish coffee is sure to have me going all afternoon. Yum! My lunch companion, not so adventurous, was very pleased with the lamb sausage and chicken over rice. Our total bill came to $30, which after adding tip is a tad high for me for lunch, but overall worth it. The server was attentive and did a very good job considering she was the only one on for lunch. However, she did have that attitude like "everything here is sooooo fancy." I think specials should be explained in terms people can understand. It's just food. Let the customer decide if it's a masterpiece or not. The chef/owner greeted us as we arrived and as we left. Both him and the server said they'd hope to see us again. That was cute. I'll probably return...I mean, they asked me to!
(3)Alex H.
Truly amazing cuisine, he always has truly splendid dishes. I really enjoyed the marinated olives.
(5)Ashley J.
very cute place and i'll echo the other reviews: the owner is delightful! the menu is small, but all looks great. i got the chicken special....i'm trying to remember what was on it, but it was a great blend of sweetened/caramelized items (onion; i believe i tasted some pear, too!...not sure though). i LOVED it. my mom got the couscous and it was pretty good, but as couscous can be: it was lacking a little flavor.... good after taste, but not really the most stellar thing on the menu.
(4)Rick T.
Man this place is oh so good, I may kidnap the chef and start a gyro truck back home and make some money. Still great food and service and still a bitch to find parking. But when your this good i don't give a fiddlers fart about the parking situation.
(5)Abi M.
Best restaurant on Grand Ave. The lamb gyro and combo royale are our staple orders and they are consistently delicious. The owner and staff are nice and friendly. If we ever move out of the area, we'd certainly make a special trip back for this place.
(5)Tanya F.
The food is unique and I enjoyed sampling it. I had the brik. It was delicious and unlike anything I had tried before but seemed a bit greasy. I also tried the mint tea iced. It comes presweetened. It was a little too sweet for my liking but I'm not that sweet tolerant. Nonetheless, I really liked it, and I'm not mint's biggest fan. We sat outside on the patio. It is a nice space but the tables themselves left much to be desired. They were the cheap white plastic kind. They were covered with a cheap vinyl table cloth that was taped tightly around the table. It felt old and not particularly clean.
(4)William C.
Some people are fans, some are not, but I'll tell you about my experience :-) A couple things you should know... * Parking can be tricky (street only); plan accordingly. * It's LOUD; especially upstairs (even with only a couple patrons). * They do take credit cards! I love one of kind places, run by families, there is something special about that. I was greeted by the owner (and thanked on my way out); he's so genuine and truly cares about his clients that dine at his restaurant. It was a Thursday night and not super busy; so, getting a seat at dinner time wasn't a challenge. It's kind of cozy inside, designed inside a home converted into a business. The dining area is in sections, based on the layout of the original house. We ordered a couple appetizers, of which I got Brik. It's deep fried and filled with spicy tuna, green onion and parsley...it's delicious and reminds me of a Jamaican meat pocket. I looked through the menu and finally landed on the chef special, which was lamb over rice (with figs)...mostly because a neighboring table ordered it and it looked/smelled fantastic (hey...pics are worth a thousands words!). I hope they put this as a regular menu item (because it's not)...the lamb was super tender, fall off the bone; combined with a bed of seasoned rice with sweet figs. Every bite had a crazy combination of sweet, salty, savory...taste buds were going wild! I'll have to make my way back and try new items, but I believe you should give Barbary a chance!
(4)Whitney G.
I love Greek food. I really do. However, the consistency of the tahini sauce was a bit off. The dish I ordered, the Mint and Dill Lentils, was kind of bland at best. I still brought my leftovers home so I could add some spice to it. What was really concerning was the fact the waitress spilled oil from the appetizer all over my purse. She apologized profusely, but did not offer to take it off of our tab.
(2)Vincent W.
Amazing Moroccan and North African food. The Brik, which is a traditional North African dish is super great. It is fried and suprr crispy with tuna green onions and a hint of spice. I do not like spicy foods at all and I enjoyed the dish. I had the shek-shu-ka which was a african version of a brrakfast scramble. Eggs, seasoned lamb, caramelized onions with warm french bread. This dish is also highly recommend. Enjoy
(5)Cherry L.
Great Food @ reasonable price Couple friends and I went there for a birthday dinner...even though I am never a big fan of Mediterranean cuisine, their food is very flavorful and has a lot of details.... however, their food are in smaller portions, so make sure you order a lil more :D
(4)Lorenzo B.
I dined here on a Sunday night. The dining room is on the second floor of a home converted to restaurant. Ambience is casual, yet cozy and intimate, with wooden tables. There were only two other parties that night, but I could imagine the small dining room getting busy on a peak night. We shared some appetizers (an African street food dish and hummus with pita bread). I had lamb gyros as a main. The food was well prepared, very flavorful but not overwhelming. They sold me on a bread pudding that was really good, and I would highly recommend their Turkish coffee, very dense and tasty (you can almost stand a spoon in it). Only critique was the price, I would have expected to spend a little less in a casual, local place such at this one. Granted we had a three course meal, we ended up spending north of $80 for two, including tip, which I think is a bit much for this type of place. Other than that, great casual dining experience.
(4)Ellen C.
This place is adorable. It's in a house and customers sit on the second floor of the house, which can be a little confusing. Because when you first enter, this place looks like an empty deli with a working, lit kitchen. There is only one girl that is working the entire floor and so the service is a bit slow. Everything is old school including how they take orders, which adds to the charm. When we asked to have our bill split, they were fine doing it but they had to do it by hand. In all honesty, I'm a value shopper. Barbary Fig did not deliver on expectations when it came to value - their portions were all over the place for different dishes. We ordered a house appetizer to start which was octopus for the night on a bed of garlic mashed potatoes that turned out to be very garlicky and somewhat grainy, probably pushed through a ricer. The octopus was very tender and all in all it was a very flavorful, yummy dish for $8. The salad was HUGE and was definitely worth the price on the menu, and looked delicious! My dining friends confirmed its deliciousness. The entrees were what surprised me. I ordered two dishes - the combo royale and the shek-suka (can't remember actual name). The combo royale was about $14, and for the portion and the flavor it was definitely worth it. Quality was there, perfectly seasoned, quantity was good, but it was very greasy and my dining friends thought that everything was too salty. We all needed refills of water within 10 minutes of starting to eat, although it really did enhance the dishes. The shek, which was about $10, was meager. It was a very thin layer of scrambled eggs with lamb sausage, caramelizing onions, and seasonings. It tasted good but the quantity should've considered more an appetizer. The apricot fava over a bed of rice looked good but my friend was continuously salting her plate. All in all the dishes we got were tasty, but the quantity and quality could be somewhat inconsistent. I give it 4 stars because of the good value dishes and the ambience, but you've got to know and set your expectations when you order. Otherwise you may leave disappointed. Worth the trip if you're in the neighborhood.
(4)Tracie A.
This place is vastly underrated. Barbary Fig has so much to offer: great food, pleasant service, and an owner-cook who knocks you over with kindness. It's a small enough place that hearing conversation isn't a struggle even on busy nights. Ask and the owner will set you up with a special bottle of wine, just a tich higher than those on the menu. Open on Mondays! One caveat: unfortunately accessibility isn't great - there's a flight of steps up to the dining room.
(5)Brad S.
Maybe best Mediterranean food ever had. We had two of the chef specials, can't imagine you ever going wrong there. Super value and casual = WINNER. COME GET SOME.
(5)Alphonso J.
I went here with my friend to celebrate our new employment. I have to say, if I hadn't been spoiled by other places I've been, I would have liked it a lot more. I ordered the chicken tangine. First mistake, I had the pleasure of eating the seafood tangine at Faces in Lowertown which is a lovely dish of great complexity. This one fell short. I found the tomatoes were too sweet and the savory spices were missing...something. It reminded me of something I've made before...but the issue is I never personally cook in Mediterranean style. My friend on the other hand had the lamb special served on the bone, with cous cous and a cucumber sauce. She adored it. To drink we both had pomegranate lemonades, honestly I could take that with an IV, just right eating outside on a hot day. For desert, I had the bread pudding. Again, I was spoiled by what I ate at Doolittle's. I found theirs a bit dry and lacking in flavor, they put milk or cream in theirs which cooled it down. I prefer mine warm. Overall, I'd probably go again but try something new. Not a bad place, but didn't knock my socks off.
(3)Sunny T.
Came here with a friend for my late birthday dinner upon her suggestion. Since I don't live in St. Paul but my friend does, she suggested we try something different than our per usual Cafe Latte dinner date. Before arriving, my friend informed me it was no upscale restaurant but rather situated in a house with simple, but yummy Mediterranean food. Being the adventurous eater I am, I was excited. Upon entering, we were greeted right away by a young waitress who seemed to be the only one waiting that night (a Sunday around 8 PM) who immediately brought us upstairs to their dining area. She was super nice the whole night and very attentive. My friend ordered their Greek Chicken and Orzo dish and after hearing all of the specials, I immediately ordered the Lamb Shank since I'm a sucker for lamb. We ordered the hummus plate to share as a starter. Hummus plate came out quite fast and it was odd that the dish came out with bread instead of pita, but no complaints since the bread was fresh and crispy. Overall a fine dish. Our entrees came out about 15 min. later and the lamb shank was HUGE. Basically covered the entire dish! The meat was very tender, served over yellow rice with leeks and some veggies (sweet potatoes? or maybe sweet carrots?). Besides the fact that it could've used a little more salt, I absolutely loved the dish. Finished the whole thing and was tempted to lick the plate. What I loved most was that I didn't feel overly stuffed-just perfectly full. Not to mention the prices here are excellent! My dish was only $14.95 and the amount of lamb they gave me made me feel like I was robbing them of their money's worth! A great, cute, and comfortable spot. Would definitely return here for a warm home-cooked meal accompanied with lovely service!
(4)jenel f.
The food is fresh, creative, perfectly spiced and always delicious. The service is lovely. Everything is always perfect, intimate and exceedingly enjoyable.
(5)Jennifer S.
Sunday Brunch served 10:30am-2pm, as posted on their front door. On this grey and rainy day, we were warmly welcomed by Haj when we arrived and we happily accepted his suggestion of the Lamb Sausage-Egg Hash with a side of Harissa sauce, Mimosa with pomegranate and a Turkish coffee. The mimosa was nice and refreshing, not at all too sweet. The hash was mildly spicy and salty, and the harissa was delightfully spicy and flavorful. The hash jumble came with slices of a french-type bread on top. The Turkish coffee arrived when I had a few bites of food left on my plate, which allowed a perfect amount of time for the coffee to settle before I began drinking it. Mmm... Rich tasting and sweet. Another fine meal and I look forward to my next one here (perhaps it will be on a lovely and warm summer evening...).
(5)Latha P.
Unique restaurant name , great reviews but I rate the food average Tried the soup, lamb shank special , Shek-Shu-ka ( lamb sausage hash) and Dill lentil over cracked wheat. Everything except the soup was under seasoned . Shek-Shu-ka was the only one worth trying. Bourek- flaky pastry rolled with Belgian chocolate served warm drizzled with honey and fresh lavender. - the description is divine but not the dessert itself. Another average dessert. Overall this place is worth just a one time visit.
(2)L R.
I find it challenging to keep my eyes on the road to avoid hitting pedestrians while also checking out exciting spots to visit on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul. The strip is densely adorned with cute boutiques, spectacular coffee shops, and a broad range of diverse restaurants/bars. The parking situation will piss off just about all of humanity but once you catch your breath from jogging three blocks, the frustration dissipates (until you have to figure out where you've parked). Anyway, it was date night with my husband and we wanted to try something new. I had driven by the Barbary Fig several times that summer and would have missed it over and over again but I read the menu online and was sold. So was he. So we decided to give it a whirl. It was a beautiful, breezy end of summer evening. The sun was still out so we sat on the patio. I don't remember the inside of the restaurant being too spacious but I could see a bakery display case with baked goods inside it. I cannot recall the name of the dish that I ordered but I was very amazed at the complicated yet simple layers of flavor it offered. Here's what I remember very well about my dish: Perfectly cooked orzo pasta with black olives and artichokes, orange infused chicken and toasted bread. There were other dishes that I wanted to try on their menu that sounded if not, more adventurous. The waitress was new but provided fair service. Overall, we had a good experience and we enjoyed great food. I plan on dining there again soon.
(3)Susi R.
Found this place on Yelp & it did not disappoint!! Very quaint atmosphere. People super nice! Food was amazing!! Can't wait to visit St Paul again ... will definitely be eating here when I do!! The signature soup is a must! PS there is parking in rear ;)
(5)St. P.
Amazing meal! This was our first time at the Barbary Fig, and we will definitely be back. We started with the brik (& wanted to order another round). The bastila entree special was delicious with a well-balanced chutney. We also had the lamb gyro - the best gyro we've ever had on a perfectly grilled pita. Last, but certainly not least, our service was excellent.
(5)adrian z.
I'm getting seriously pissed about good reviews for places like this. I had the lamb shank sitting in a pool of broth and overcooked noodles. Average taste with very poor presentation. Bread pudding was a f'ing joke. Seriously how could you call pieces of stale bread inside a pool of milk a bread pudding. That's something I would feed my cat. And you're supposed to ask if I want my Turkish coffee sweet as hell. Good service but food is very very dissapointing.
(1)Andrea B.
Absolutely awesome spot for a casual dinner. My boyfriend and I were visiting St Paul and stopped by and had a meal outside. We split the artichoke goat cheese appetizer (which is more of a salad) - very light and tasty. We both had the combo plate which truly was a 5 star meal - lamb gyro and yogurt sauce was delicious! The chef was so sweet and friendly - made me feel right at home ;)
(5)Nathan N.
Having very little dining experience in St. Paul, I didn't know which restaurant would provide both an ideal setting and menu. We went at 5pm on a Thursday when it opens again for dinner. As I was a bit preoccupied with conversation, I can't really give a good review of the setting and atmosphere other than they had neatly colored walls; however, the food was excellent. The portion sizes are what they should be everywhere with just enough so that you're not stuffing yourself and not so little that you're still hungry. And for the dollar, it was perfectly cooked and delicious. My date and I had the falafel combo and chicken tagine. The staff was polite and responsive. Also my date and I were able to talk to the chef about his business and compliment him on his tasty cuisine. He was really friendly and it was just a nice way to get to know one of the small business owners who provides a superior product and service. I will for sure come again when I'm in the mood for a Mediterranean meal in the St. Paul area!
(5)John W.
An excellent meal as usual at this gem of a restaurant on St Paul's Grand Avenue. The sautéed shrimp over rice was delicious. One of our party had the Merguez couscous while another had the Chicken couscous. We sat outside on a beautiful night. A great evening!
(5)Emily W.
My favorite restaurant in St. Paul. I love the cozy, funky space upstairs and the amazing menu.
(5)Nimisha D.
Cute restaurant, funny/weird first level entrance (I thought it was an abandoned deli!) but the seating upstairs is cosy and the staff is very nice. The shekshuka was perfect for a cold night, the lamb dishes my fellow diners ordered were even better.. I need to go back for more. This is not a fancy spot but it's cosy, like eating at a friend's house where their talented uncle is serving up homecooked Moroccan food. And they had decent wine! Vibe reminds me of my favorite cosy restaurant, Namaste Cafe in Minneapolis. Must go.
(4)T W.
Nice outside deck seating for a relaxed lunch. My combo plate was great with lots of flavor and texture. Very similar to plates I've eaten in Greece or Turkey. Servers were polite and attentive but quite meek. Price was inexpensive. Thought it was a good value. I would definitely return if I lived in the area.
(4)Lorraine N.
Had a lovely little early dinner here with my daughter. She had some type of lamb that she kept saying was oh-so good. I had a Gyro. It was really good. The service was top-notch and I found this place to be charming, quaint and relaxing and very authentic. If you like greek food you cannot go wrong here....
(4)Michael P.
Without a doubt one of the best restaurants in St. Paul. I went there for the first time today and had a wonderful experience...greeted with a smile and the service was prompt. The restaurant is beautiful and features artwork of local artists on display. I had the lamb hash which was flavorful and the right portion size. The bread pudding for dessert and the Barbary Fig blew out of the water.
(5)Patrick H.
The Barbary Fig is kinda funky, in a homey sort of way. The diner enters on the bottom floor, into a deli space that seems (at least at the hour of our visit) to be shut down. Normally, this would be disconcerting, but someone appeared and assured us that we would be seated promptly. We were, but it appears that only the second floor was open for seating, which might prove unwieldy or impossible for those with mobility limitations (it is possible that seasonal patio seating is available in warmer months, from the looks of things). The dining area features rough-plastered, orange-painted walls, giving everything a warm glow. Our servers were pleasant and welcoming. Both of these factors gave me and my girlfriend a good first impression, even though the food was a bit hit-or-miss. We split the Brik appetizer (basically, tuna and scallions in a fried flaky pastry crust). In retrospect, we should have each ordered our own -- or perhaps a couple of plates each -- because it was quite tasty and satisfying. The accompanying harissa consisted of a somewhat generic red chili, and would be inoffensive to the average Minnesotan palate. While I could have used some extra kick, it complemented the dish well. Both of us ended up choosing the same entree, which consisted of merguez sausage, vegetables, and eggs. Frankly, this was a little bland, and a little more like "breakfast" than I had been expecting. It was also a little skimpy, considering the menu price. I didn't notice any major variances in the price points for other menu items, but (based on observation of other tables receiving their meals) there do seem to be significant differences in portion size and plating effort/appeal. I guess we picked a dud. In a similar vein, our desserts were okay, but nothing to gush over. Uneven quality of the food aside, there was definitely something about the overall vibe of the Barbary Fig that really spoke to me. The comfortable-if-ramshackle nature of the space, the laid-back-yet-on-point staff, and the surrounding tables of relaxed, happy customers, all combined to create an appealing alchemy. I look forward to returning someday.
(3)Sylvain P.
One of my favorite restaurants in Minneapolis-St-Paul! The food is always amazing and the chef is extremely friendly and personal. If you are looking for authentic North-African (maghreb) food, you will find it there.
(5)Bobbi B.
Unlike the other reviewers, my experience at the Barbary Fig was not good at all. After being seated and being given menus, our waitress didn't bother to stop by our table for another 15 minutes. It then took 50 minutes for us to get our food. Meanwhile, the empty table next to us wasn't cleared for a full hour. I would like to note that there were only five other tables occupied at the restaurant (most of which already had food), so I don't think that it was because the kitchen was horribly behind. Then when we got our food, my Merguez Sausage Couscous tasted and looked as if they had dumped half a cup of oil onto it. However, my friend got the Minty Dill Lentils, which were ok. All and all, the service was terrible and the food wasn't good.
(2)Mark John M.
After almost 25 years still a top choice. Not a meal served without Chef Owner Hadj Brahim at the helm. And it shows in care, cleanliness and consistency! Great standby dishes and wonderful specials. Also a smart, knowing staff. Perfect on a sunny day or a blustery winter night! A true gem!
(5)Jay Dee E.
It's hard to imagine having not visited this establishment these past three decades. And it's absurd to look elsewhere for grand cusines with complex mediterranean flavors. Expect great food, from the appetizers down to desert. We spoke with the Chef after and his enthusiasm for cooking only adds to the charm. This trip to Saint Paul to find out what Chef Brahim is serving will be repeated often.
(5)Ngoc N.
I'm starting to realize that St. Paul boasts a larger number of better restaurants than Minneapolis. Minneapolis has the quantity, but can sometimes lack the quality. Morroccan food? Never tried it until I went here. I don't know what it's suppose to taste like or if this is authentic and truly have no frame of reference to judge it. All I can say is it tastes good when I put it in my mouth. Good flavors, balanced and cooked well. That's all you really need right? Very small place in a renovated old 2 story home. The staff are super friendly people and make you feel at home while you're there. Definitely more of going to a neighbor's for a home cooked meal than it is eating out. I don't eat here enough!
(4)Annie G.
Just a heads up for those who eat a vegetarian diet...there isn't much to choose from. Even some falafel would have been nice. The dish we chose was bland and we left still hungry:( Perhaps this place has tasty meat dishes, but we won't be returning. Too expensive and left hungry after spending twice than some of the other restaurants in town. We really wanted to like this place since the reviews are positive and it's a cute looking place. The best part was the server who was really nice.
(2)Paul J.
First experience was ok, my gyro was excellent but my girlfriend's dish was bland. Went back a second time the other day and it was an awesome experience. We got there about 20 minutes before they closed and were worried we wouldn't be able to get in. A super friendly guy greeted us with a smile and said it's never too late to come in and eat. They let us stay until a half hour after close and we never got a look or comment to rush us to leave. Felt like a valued customer rather than just another "cha-ching" in their cash register. Had the gyro again (which was excellent again) and my girlfriend tried one of their specials and loved it. Only complaint (and it's very minor) was that their hummus appetizer was served with french bread instead of pita bread. Anyone else think that's a little strange? Atmosphere was nice, considering they rehabbed an old house. Definitely will go back again.
(4)Danielle G.
We weren't exactly sure what to expect upon our first visit here. Thankfully, we were pleasantly surprised with the friendly wait staff who shared their knowledge of each menu item in great detail and offered her suggestions based on our replies to what my husband and I both preferred. When the food was served we were a bit hesitant as to the portion size, BUT it was perfect and very filling. We sat out on the patio and enjoyed the nice breeze and low key atmosphere. We will visit here again.
(4)Chanstay Y.
I went here on with my daughter and my bf who is from Morocco and was really craving some Moroccan food and according to Yelp this was a Moroccan restaurant but when we get there we find out that it is actually Mediterranean. So my bf decided to talk to the chef, who we later found out was the own, and requested a traditional Moroccan dish. He happily obliged and made a very authentic dish that we all loved, my bf even ordered a 2nd dish. My daughter devoured it. So I can't say much about the menu food but the service and food we had was fantastic. I will definitely be back soon.
(5)Leah Z.
I loved the food. There was a complexity to each dish that I've rarely found elsewhere. The tagine of lentils and the hummus appetizer were particularly notable. A good place for interesting vegetarian fare. The restaurant had a nice ambiance to it -- definitely a good value, and I will definitely go back.
(4)Susan M.
Love this place. Food is truly "Mediterranean" -- North African with a francophone flair. I am in love with the Lamb dishes. This was my choice for my recent birthday with a friend. She is vegetarian -- the chef specially made one of his favorites (not on the menu) just for her. Reasonably priced. Nice wine list. Tend to go with my French or France loving friends. Can't wait to try the brunch. Will be missing the patio this winter.
(5)Paul N.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in the cities. The menu isn't large, but everything on it is amazing. The owner is a great guy and is always there to greet you.
(5)Linda H.
I hate to be the oddball but I really did not care for this place. I agree with my fellow yelpers in that the Owner could not be any nicer..Nice, Sweet, welcoming man! Had the food just been a little better, I would have bumped it up a star but the only item I really liked was the Falafel. I went with a few fellow yelpers and we ordered a variety of items. Rhonda had their soup which she was said was excellent. I didn't try it. It looked way too thin for me. They also ordered Grape leaves. I was a Grape Leave virgin so I tried just a tiny little bite and Whew....Am I glad that's all I tried!! I hated it...The leaf was chewy and crunchy like a bay leaf. The filling was odd, the temperature was luke warm, and I barely could choke down my one bite. The plate got eaten by the rest of the crew but they all agreed these were not the best they have had. I ordered the chicken special which was chicken in a puff pastry with veggies. It looked amazing when it was served at a table beside us but when mine came, it didn't look the same! Don't you hate that?? One bite in, and I didn't care for this dish either. It tasted way heavy on the cinnamon. I really did not like the chicken filling. I am not a fan of shredded chicken and this was mixed with something odd. I let Will taste it and he was impressed with the explosion of different spices going on. Too much was going on in this dish for me. The one item I loved was the falafel...I love to try falafel everywhere and this was some of the best I have ever had. if I were to ever come back, I would get falafel and hummus. Free Parking in the back which is nice. Go in the alley and park behind the building if you cant find a spot on Grand. They also have a nice patio for summer.
(3)Rowena N.
Cute, quaint house turned restaurant. The owner is super nice. Once you enter, you see a counter. The seating is actually upstairs... I didn't have any pictures because I ate the food too fast. I had the chicken gyro which was bomb. They had lean chicken breast that were shredded and marinated. The only con was that they had the sauce and filling on top of a large pita that sat flat on the plate. By the time it was in front of me and i tried to eat it folded, the sauce got the pita bread little soggy. I basically ate this with a fork and knife. Regardless, delicious. Made fresh. I also had the bread pudding which was drenched in warm milk. I actually was a bit meh about this. I like french meadow's version better. Barbary fig's bread pudding was a bit too much cinnamon for me. Also, the amount of milk in the bowl made me think that the bread is really that old and stale. I felt like i was eating texture of soggy cereal. However, my friends really liked their desserts (i believe one had a flan-like pudding and the others had pastry rolls). They were very good and on point. Overall, great experience. Server was nice and owner is a sweet man. I would definitely come back again. Also I heard there is a parking lot in the back (I didnt realize this and we parked on the streets instead).
(4)Melaney S.
Although the service was great and the personalities of the staff was inviting some of the food and the atmosphere are the reason for my three star rating. We were seated upstairs it was very loud. If it had been busy it would have been understandable, but there was only one other table with two people at it. The grape leaf appetizers was odd a bit mushy with a strong bitter flavor. I enjoyed the specials, but the portions were not the same. I found that odd on the same four top. The Fig has been feature on Grand Ave for decades, maybe it's time for a update.
(3)Savannah B.
My friend Judi treated me to dinner here for my birthday, and I'm glad she did. We sat outside, and had a fantastic meal. I'm looking at the menu right now, and while the vegetarian lentils doesn't sound quite right (I was there a month ago), that must have been what I had. All I know is there were beans and the undertone of flavors were a delight to my taste buds as they were being treated to flavors they don't always get. I know it was both healthy and delicious. It was definitely a positive experience.
(4)Joshua M.
This place is fantastic. You have to order the brik as an appetizer. It's pan-fried tuna an scallions wrapped in phylo dough, with harissa on top. One of the best appetizers around. We ordered the rabbit special and the lamb shank special- both were perfect. It's a great spot.
(5)Lisa O.
For me, there was nothing palate-awakening, harissa nothwithstanding. I ordered the lamb shank and it was extremely bland, even after a copious sprinkling of salt. The cucumber/yogurt sauce was good but there were only sparse dots of it along with sweet figs that were perhaps chopped a little too smail. The bread served with the hummus was warm and had a nutty deliciousness but the hummus itself wasn't particularly flavorful and I don't think the sweet tomato ginger chutney was the right accompaniment. The Brik (flaky pastry and tuna) was just okay, a little greasy and not that exciting. My husband liked his lamb gyros but ironically it would have been way too salty for me though I liked the spicing. We were a large party and had a nice upstairs corner to ourselves. Our waitress was very charming and there was a hospitableness about the place that made me wish the food was better. One nice gesture was that long after we had paid the bill and were stlll chatting, a different waitress came around and refilled our water glasses. SInce I love this kind of food and the staff was friendly, I might give it another try, despite the lackluster first impression.
(3)Jeff D.
I made reservations for 10 on a Friday afternoon and got us in - with outdoor deck seating no less. NIce! The food was very good, the service was great! The locals in our part all said they are looking forward to going back and trying more of the menu. (I had the duck - delicious!
(4)Eric S.
Pleasantly surprised on a recent return to Barbary Fig. The dearth of Moroccan food in the Twin Cities has always been a disappointment to me. It meant that I'd given this place many chances, but it had never become one of my favorites, worth the trip out to St. Paul. Brik was as I remember it in Tunisia - flaky pastry shell around spiced tuna, with a side of harissa. Normally I would've opted for a tagine, but the shekshuka piqued my interest. I've only had the vegetarian Israeli version in the past. The dish really benefits from the Fig's inclusion of lamb sausage. It was a bit oily, but olive oil's good for you, right? The owner of this place is always warm and welcoming, without being overbearing about it. Nestled into a Grand Avenue house, the atmosphere is warm and intimate - great for a date.
(4)Tori M.
Had a hankering for some sort of couscous-y dish this evening so the Beard and I decided to try out the Barbary Fig. We were greeted by the gorgeously sweet owner, who showed us to our table and was all smiles. The waitress gave us the lowdown on the specials, which all sounded kinda cool and adventurous, but I ended up getting a cup of the house soup (gorgeous lamb/chicken broth with cracked wheat and grains... great broth. Slightly tangy, lamby taste with a savory kick) and then chicken couscous. Nice, subtle flavor on the couscous, some cinnamon savoriness and the mix of veggies was pretty good, but I wasn't totally blown away. Still, it was satisfying and homey. Beard had a gyro. I liked that the portions weren't crazy big. I hate leftovers and the guilt I feel when I don't eat them, so to be able to comfortably finish a sensible-sized meal for a good price gets an extra star in my book. I also liked that the owner thanked us on the way out and was chit-chatting with customers. They also have a parking lot in the back, which on a cold night is all kinds of awesome. For the money and the good flavors, and the very sweet owner and waitress, Barbary Fig is a solid place for a quiet dinner. It also might be a good starter place for people just getting into Mediterranean-y food, too, as everything on the menu seems to be nice and mellow, and tasty enough to whet the curiosity.
(4)Mark F.
A Great feed! Affordable real food.....
(4)Lj N.
Fantastic Morroccon cuisine! Owner/chef is from Algeria and what a meal! He's been here in this location for 25 years! Execellent customer service too! Our waitress was the best and gave us such attention, so friendly with great meal suggestions, but I'm sure nothing we could have chosen wouldn't have been anything but excellent. Another new fav in St. Paul! Try the bread pudding...morroccon style! EXCELLENT! Street parking can be had, but go around to the back alley, there is private Barbery Fig parking behind the restaurant.
(5)Alex H.
Truly amazing cuisine, he always has truly splendid dishes. I really enjoyed the marinated olives.
(5)Rona Y.
Really, Really amazing turkish coffee... I mean I guess I have nothing to compare it to except normal coffee, but I thought it was pretty amazing! I went in the summer, can't remember what I had, but remember it was all really good. My friend and I sat outside because I don't think they had AC and it was really really hot inside.
(4)Andrew P.
Yum - Haj ran out of the Lamb when I went, but he treated me to a Semolina and fig/blue cheese mix with a piece of Mahi Mahi that was outrageously good - my gosh was that a meal. The Brik we started with was awesome - the place is a good value and has some of the best food in the cities.
(5)Elisabeth A.
Actually a 4.5 of five, which works perfect for averaging with the extant review. The owner is wonderfully friendly and the ambiance is charming. Portions are a little on the small side, but I could just be saying that because I loved every bite. I think the desert we ordered was called bourek--it was awesome.
(4)Julian P.
Went here for lunch today. Good, not great experience. Interesting setting with the kitchen downstairs and the dining room upstairs. Like others, I found the decor to be a bit loud but sparse at the same time. The wall to wall, ceiling crazy paint look is not working. It could also use some drapes, rugs, textiles to warm the place up. Also, the art for sale on the walls was 6th grade level....hmm, maybe it was? I ordered the lamb and bleu cheese sandwich with the house soup. The soup was delicious. A lemony broth with herbs, very light. The sandwich was served open faced, to my surprise, not very "sandwichy." It was tasty, only a couple bites of lamb, a bit buttery, nothing I couldn't have made in my own kitchen (and maybe I will recreate it). The real winner here was dessert. A crispy pastry tube served warm with hazelnut chocolate inside, drizzled with honey and lavender. Delicious! The Turkish coffee is sure to have me going all afternoon. Yum! My lunch companion, not so adventurous, was very pleased with the lamb sausage and chicken over rice. Our total bill came to $30, which after adding tip is a tad high for me for lunch, but overall worth it. The server was attentive and did a very good job considering she was the only one on for lunch. However, she did have that attitude like "everything here is sooooo fancy." I think specials should be explained in terms people can understand. It's just food. Let the customer decide if it's a masterpiece or not. The chef/owner greeted us as we arrived and as we left. Both him and the server said they'd hope to see us again. That was cute. I'll probably return...I mean, they asked me to!
(3)Geoffrey R.
I went on my first date with my boyfriend here so it's kind of a sentimental favorite. The first time we dined here was really nice. I had a fish special and a good Pilsner beer and we sat on the patio on an August evening. Just a very pleasant evening with good, solid food at reasonable prices. The second experience was less sensational. We sat indoors and the walls were painted in this loud, garish color. It was noisy and kind of uncomfortable. The food and wine were middling at best. But we'll probably try it again sometime.
(3)Andea S.
Amazing Turkish coffee! I had the Poached eggs with homemade lamb sausage and roasted potatoes! - so good! i have also tried the lamb sausage hash before and it is so flavourful! I will definitely go back there!!! Simple and fast service, great hostess and customer friendliness overall! They were serving brunch late too (i was there at about 1:30pm) , which works for me as I am a late riser on the weekends!
(4)Heidi O.
I went this past weekend with my two girlfriends and we really enjoyed. The reviews of the decor are right on - not very subtle. But the service was fantastic. Our waitress was patient with our indecisiveness and when we elected to share dishes - had them split in the kitchen. The kalamata olives and french bread were fantastic - as was the goat cheese salad. I had a glass of the house red and really liked it. We shared the Chicken Tagine, which was very good. I've only had it once before and it was quite different from the one I've previously had, but I enjoyed both. I would definitely recommend!
(4)Kelsey K.
YUM! I had heard about this place for years but just hadn't been motivated enough to check it out. Finally decided to make my way over on a random Friday night a few weeks ago. We did not make reservations but didn't have a hard time getting in which was nice. Parking was kinda a bear but it all worked out....later out found out they have parking in the back. The menu is shorter than I thought it might be. However the specials all sounded amazing. We got 2 appetizers. Mine being what sounded like a spanikopita (filo dough and cheese) with a tomato chutney. LOVED IT. The tomato chutney rocked!!! We also got something with tuna that was less memorable. I ordered the lamb which was perfect and warm. Good stuff for a cold night. We left saying we would have to come back. Really enjoyed the food and loved seeing the chef looking like he enjoyed cooking it too. Draw back is that the prices were higher than I thought they would be and seating is a bit more casual than I expected for the price. But these obviously have to do with my preconceived notions just not aligning up no fault to the restaurant.
(4)Michelle P.
Returned. Wasn't too hungry to order an actual meal, so we ordered multiple appetizers. Everything was delicious especially the foccacia. Mmm.
(4)Matt G.
My first impression of the Barbary Fig was uncertain due to its bright orange plaster interior and cold dining area. However, it is one of those restaurants that keeps to a small menu and this was a good omen. When it was all said and done, I found that the food was good if not a bit light on the portions and the atmosphere had grown on me. Now, to begin my gastronomical experience, I went for something familiar and ordered a salad for starter and a gyro for my entrée, which hides the real breath of choice available. For instance, the specials that night featured lamb shanks with caramelized apples and avocado while another dish had rabbit as the centerpiece. Their dessert menu also had an interesting assortment ranging from the poached pear with chocolate I had to the more traditional bread pudding Tori (my girlfriend) ordered. As for the quality of the food, the gyro was one of the most balanced and full flavored I have had. Both Tori's lamb soup and chicken couscous were delicious and complex. The desserts were perhaps the low point of the meal with the poached pear seeming a bit lost when compared to the gyro and the bread pudding being a bit on the milky side. That being said, the Barbary Fig strikes me as the kind of restaurant you bring people on for second or third, but not first dates. The atmosphere is a bit quirky and could put someone off, but once you get to the food the place grows on you. Final Judgment: I would recommend the Barbary Fig to everyone who appreciates balanced flavors and the Mediterranean palette, except the very "Hungry" who will be disappointed in the more reasonable portions.
(4)Carrie S.
We ate here as a large group last week. I wasn't bowled over by the experience but it certainly wasn't bad either. Our server was attentive, the pacing of the meal was great, the food was just 'meh'. I had the sausage/egg/onion dish and it was good - maybe better for breakfast but still good. Others said that their food wasn't as flavorful as they'd expected. The desserts weren't their highlights. Hummus was good - as was their appetizer special of the day, a portabella mushroom pate with melted brie served on french bread slices. Quite tasty. We ordered a sampler of several and I don't know that we'd do it again. I'll chalk it up to experience for sure but I'm not sure I'd ever find myself there again.
(3)Yvonne G.
Delicious food fabulous and friendly service.
(5)Ashley J.
very cute place and i'll echo the other reviews: the owner is delightful! the menu is small, but all looks great. i got the chicken special....i'm trying to remember what was on it, but it was a great blend of sweetened/caramelized items (onion; i believe i tasted some pear, too!...not sure though). i LOVED it. my mom got the couscous and it was pretty good, but as couscous can be: it was lacking a little flavor.... good after taste, but not really the most stellar thing on the menu.
(4)Joe I.
Ate here with some coworkers for lunch. It was a little odd, as we were the only folks in the place besides the owner/chef and the server. The layout is interesting, enter on the lower level, seating in the upper. I did not see any accessibility features, so I don't know what happens with folks who can't do stairs and the patio is not open. Anyway, there were five of us, and the server described two specials. We each ordered one of the two - mine was a vegetarian something or other with spinach. I can't recall what it was exactly, except that it was delicious! I was initially bummed at the serving size, it was plenty of food, but it was so good I wanted more, but the price was perfect, so no complaints. I had Turkish coffee for the first time too...yum! And the owner? OMG, I have never been more warmly welcomed and warmly thanked. Truly incredible. I will totally return, and I look forward to the opportunity!
(4)Erik G.
Simply okay. Brunch on the porch on a lovely Sunday afternoon is nice, though one shouldn't hope for anything more than cheap lawn furniture and crooked beer umbrellas. The portions are small or overpriced depending on how you look at it. The Fig is very kid friendly, which is redeeming. I am not sure I would go back unless someone else paid.
(3)Dee T.
It's a nice place for a casual dining experience. The portions are not huge for the price, which is disappointing for African cuisine. I thought that the chicken tagine was just fair but hubby raved over his lamb special. My food was very mildly spiced; is that a polite way of saying bland? We sat on the front patio for our first visit, so I can't comment on the apparently scary interior.
(3)Kevin R.
This was a lucky find today. I walked in randomly in search of something on Grand that looked friendly, less commercial and not Cafe Latte. It's a spacious place, and I was able to sit upstairs. The chef, who I assume is the owner other reviews mention was just as friendly as they say. I ordered the special and had the most tasty and healthy late afternoon lunch. I will def return in the summer.
(5)k j.
Think it's possible to get this re-categorized as Algerian? I know he advertises as Mediterranean, not even Algerian, but the owner is Algerian, and then we'd at least have the right country if it's going to be listed as a single North African country. Anyway, food is great here! Love it!
(5)D N.
Stopped in for turkish coffee on the deck on a lovely spring eve. Let me bring my little dog (awesome). People watching with a little wine or turkish coffee and dessert... great staff and good food. Not my everyday place, but a def winner. Will be back.
(4)