Restaurant in Multiple locations in Algiers, Algeria
Chez Fares
Popular local chain known for quick service, generous portions, and consistent quality. The mixed grill platters and sandwiches are favorites among students and office workers.
Chez Fares is a popular fast-casual restaurant group with multiple locations across Algiers, catering to the capital's broad appetite for quick, affordable, and reliable grilled food. The brand has built a loyal following among students, office workers, and families who return for its consistent execution of Algerian grill staples in settings that are efficient without being austere.
The kitchen centers on charcoal grilling, and the Mixed Grill Platter is the menu's anchor: a generous spread of merguez sausages, chicken skewers, kefta (spiced minced-meat patties), and lamb chops, served alongside flatbread, a green salad, and a ramekin of harissa. The merguez — made in-house and distributed to each branch — has become something of a calling card; the sausages are notably punchier than many competitors, with paprika and cumin balanced by dried chilli. The Merguez Sandwich is the single most ordered item across all locations, a portable version that folds the sausage and its juices into a crispy baguette with tomato and pickled vegetables.
Chicken Shawarma, cooked on a vertical rotisserie visible from the counter, rounds out the core offering alongside a rotating selection of seasonal side dishes. Opening hours run from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily, making Chez Fares one of the more reliable mid-morning and late-evening options in a city where many full-service restaurants operate on compressed schedules.
The dining rooms vary by location but share a broadly similar format: bright lighting, functional furniture, open kitchen counters, and a fast table-turnover rhythm that suits the lunch hour well. There is no dress code, no reservations, and no pretension. Per-head spend stays between $8 and $15, making it one of the better-value sit-down options for grilled food in Algiers. All meat served is halal-certified, which is standard practice across Algeria.
Signature dishes
- Mixed Grill Platter — $12
- Merguez Sandwich — $6
- Chicken Shawarma — $7
Hours: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily
Reservations: Walk-in
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +213 21 66 78 90
Location
Multiple locations in Algiers
36.7550, 3.0500 — View on map
Highlights
- Mixed Grill Platter combining merguez, chicken skewers, kefta, and lamb chops — the chain's defining preparation
- House-made merguez sausages with a bold paprika-and-cumin spice blend, the most ordered item across all locations
- Chicken Shawarma cooked on a visible vertical rotisserie, available from morning through late evening
- Multiple Algiers locations open daily 10 AM–11 PM, one of the city's most consistent fast-casual options
- Budget-friendly pricing at $8–$15 per head for substantial grilled-meat meals
Tips
- The Merguez Sandwich is the fastest and cheapest way to eat well here; the Mixed Grill Platter offers better value for groups sharing.
- Lunch peaks sharply between noon and 1:30 PM — arriving before noon or after 2:00 PM avoids the longest queues.
- Harissa is available on request but not always brought automatically; ask if it is not on the table.
- All Chez Fares locations share the same menu and production standards, so any branch delivers a consistent experience.
- No alcohol is served at any location; soft drinks and fresh-squeezed orange juice are the standard beverage options.
FAQ
How many Chez Fares locations are there in Algiers?
Several branches operate across central Algiers and the inner suburbs, with locations concentrated in the commercial centre and around university campuses. The exact number varies as the chain continues to expand.
Does Chez Fares take reservations?
No. All locations operate on a walk-in basis. During peak lunch hours, short waits for a table are common at more central branches.
Is the food halal?
Yes. All meat served at Chez Fares is halal-certified, which is the standard practice for restaurants across Algeria.
Can vegetarians find options at Chez Fares?
The menu is primarily meat-focused. Side salads and fries are available, but the kitchen's strength is squarely in its grilled-meat offering. Vegetarians will find limited choices.
Is English spoken at Chez Fares?
French and Arabic are the main languages in use. Basic ordering is manageable by pointing at menu items, which are displayed on boards above the counter.
Accessibility
Most Chez Fares branches are located at street level with minimal steps at the entrance, though interior layouts vary and some older branches have narrow aisles between tables. Ground-floor seating is available at all central Algiers locations.
When to visit
Mid-morning (10:00 AM–noon) and mid-afternoon (2:30–5:00 PM) are the quietest periods for an unhurried meal; the kitchen is consistently active from opening to closing.