La Villa Bleue

Dinner was wonderful, and Villa Bleue made my 27th birthday in Tunisia feel better than I could have imagined. The setting was warm and refined, with an atmosphere that brings elegance together with Tunisian authenticity.

The restaurant had two lovely halls, and we were seated in one with glass walls looking out over the sea, the pool, and the greenery around the building. Service there was clear and fitting for the place. They did miscalculate the bill by 40 dinars, but we decided not to argue over it. The building dates to 1991 and brings together Arabic and Andalusian styles. A well-known designer created its distinctive interiors, highlighting the old ceramics and authentic materials. It opened as a luxury hotel in 2011 after the renovation of the house formerly called Villa Boissida. We liked the hotel and its terrace sea view, though an espresso cost 15 dinars, an outrageous amount by local standards. For comparison, that could cover a 30-minute taxi ride from the hotel to the airport. You’re paying for the views and interiors more than the coffee, which isn’t very tasty in most places around here.

I went to reception on the morning of May 4, 2026, and the woman at the desk seemed completely untrained, almost like a high school student. Other staff also gave me conflicting information. For dinner, I asked her to reserve a good table for my partner’s birthday and made that clear, but we were seated at a random table near the stairs. For a five-star hotel, that was awful. I knew service in Tunisia could be poor, but this was by far the worst I’ve experienced. If the hotel doesn’t want its reputation damaged, it should dismiss staff who haven’t been properly trained.

The view and the Sidi Bou Said atmosphere make this a lovely spot for a relaxing break or a romantic moment. Service isn’t always consistent, though, and the prices feel a little high for the experience. Still, it’s worth a visit for the setting and sea view... ❤️