Barbary Fig
(651) 290-2085
720 Grand Ave
St Paul,
MN
55105
44.9399
-93.1304
Neighborhood: Summit Hill
What People Are Saying About Barbary Fig
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
The interior is as plain as the exterior at this two-story, converted house on St. Paul's Grand Avenue: bare wood floors and bright-blue walls. But the vibe is always warm--chef-owner Hadj Moussa greets guests, leading them to tables before dashing downstairs to cook. A sophisticated crowd includes MPR hosts and well-known local chefs. The comforting North African cuisine has French style and Moroccan spice: chicken in tomato-ginger chutney and garlic lamb sausage are popular choices.
User Reviews
STP13
August 10, 2008
1. The food is phenomenal, particuarly the less "safe" food. The house made merguez garlic lamb sausage in the merguez couscous and shekshoka (garlic lamb sausage, scrambled eggs, onion, tomatoes...) is to die for. Don't be afraid to order something besides chicken couscous (because it's boring and we eat enough chicken as it is.) 2. Each week the chef/owner comes up with three new entree specials (chicken, sliced leg of lamb, duck, seafood, or rabbit) and one new appetizer special (anything from fava bean humus to steamed mussels to savory tarts). The specials are more southern French inspiried whereas the menu items have a more north african feel. You can never go wrong with a special! 3. Try the appetizers. Sauteed black olives...tuna filled pastry leaves....they are brilliant and at only about $5 an appetizer really adds to the fig experience. 4, Also note the beer/wine list is short but has your basics and a great red wine from Algeria...glasses and bottles all reasonably priced. I like the Barbary Fig so much because it is one of the few places where the portions aren't large or small but the price isn't bad at all ($8-$14 for entrees). And the quality is unbeatable. The chef uses spices and unique, quality ingredients to make the food taste so good without all the butter, salt and sugar other restaurants use to compenstate for lack of freshness. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone looking to try something new! The service is very, very friendly and there is a parking lot behind the restaurant. Enjoy!
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JustBen
June 26, 2008
I really enjoyed the meal that I had here. I ate the shekshouka with French bread and it was very satisfying. My friend also thought his sandwich was good too. The wait staff was friendly, as well as the owner who greeted us. I will be returning!
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jjmjjm
February 22, 2008
Great bread. The Shekshouka is my favorite dish. It can be noisy inside during prime hours. I've been there multiple times, and I'll be going back, even though I'm not a fan of their desserts.
read full reviewThe Details on Barbary Fig
Where to Sit:
In warm weather, locals love sitting at tables on the front deck, eating olives, bread and sipping wine.
What to Drink:
A miniscule wine list includes one North African red wine. At $4.50 a glass ($21.95 a bottle), it's the perfect accompaniment.
Parking:
Parking around Grand Avenue is always a hassle. Make sure you check permit signs before leaving your car on a side street.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Outdoor Dining, Hidden Find, People Watching
