Restaurants

This place has put a great deal of effort into its decor, letting the quality of food fall by the wayside. It’s an intimate spot with tiled tables tucked closely together, striped rugs on the walls, and lanterns scattered about. On our recent visit, every table was occupied with laughing young people and couples on first dates. The food doesn’t stray far beyond tagines, brochettes and the café’s namesake dish. Several items were off the menu on our visit, and others didn’t live up to their exalted descriptions. Lamb couscous would have benefited from the promised harissa-kick, raisins and chickpeas that failed to materialise. Likewise, vegetable briouats would have been much improved had the flavour of cumin and saffron been perceptible. Our meal had its high spots too, however; perfectly cooked chicken tagine was tangy with preserved lemon, and there are few nicer ways to end a meal than with a pot of mint and orange-blossom tea. Service was achingly slow and inattentive, but no one seemed to mind. People come here to enjoy themselves.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009