Looking for the top Moroccan restaurants in London? These are the places to get your flavour fix in the capital.
Words by Karen Olney
Moroccan food is having a little bit of a moment in London. And we’re here for it.
Fusing earthy spices, locally sourced vegetables and tender meats alongside an easy-going vibe, this is a cuisine that packs a punch.
Moroccan food is designed to be shared and enjoyed at a leisurely pace, making it the perfect choice of restaurant for kicking back with friends. Plus, the Moroccans know how to dial the tempo up a notch or two when the night falls.
With such an abundance of Moroccan restaurants in London, choosing wisely is key to an enjoyable experience.
Fortunately, we have done all the hard work and narrowed them down for you.
Here’s our pick of the best.
Best Moroccan Restaurants in London
Souk Medina
££
Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Souk Medina feels a world away from the streets of London. Low-level seating, a rich kaleidoscope of colour and amber-hued candles set the tone here in what might just be the best Moroccan restaurant in Central London.
The menu is full of classic dishes and spices. Order their slow beef couscous for unrivalled depth and flavour.
Moroccan food newbie? We recommend one of their set menus. If you are particularly peckish, the Royal Feast Menu has a vast selection of starters and main courses to share.
Afterwards, take advantage of the Shisha, which is served throughout the day and a lush cocktail or two.
With spot-on service, belly dancing and a vibrant atmosphere, Souk Medina is the perfect place to dine pre- or post-theatre.
Argan
Clapham
£
Venture into Clapham, and you will find the family-owned Argan. The menu blends the Middle Eastern elements of Moroccan and Lebanese ingredients.
Begin with their selection of hot and cold mezes and move on to the fragrant dishes. Meat-eaters will love the Argan special mix grill, a combination of grilled minced meat, chicken and succulent lamb.
If a quick but tasty lunch is what you are after, Argan regularly has reasonably priced lunch deals. Great food and even better service. But don’t just take our word for it, head down to Clapham to find out for yourself.
Zizou Tagine
££
Head over to Balham and you will find Zizou Tagine, easily one of the best Moroccan restaurants in London. It is relatively large, so there’s room for a crowd. The décor is chic, with low hanging lights and Moroccan themed décor.
There’s an open plan kitchen so you can keep an eye on the chefs at work, and this place encourages you to bring your own booze- which is pretty handy if you want to save the pennies.
Dishes rustled up here include Chicken Djaj, mixed grills and, of course, tagine. Vegetarians and vegans won’t struggle, either, to find something tasty on the menu.
Trust us; you won’t leave Tagine disappointed.
Bab Mansour
£
If you need a respite from the West End, then step inside the Bab Mansour. This cosy Moroccan restaurant in Covent Garden is a true gem.
The food is a mixture of warm and enriching spices, and the family-owned restaurant takes pride in its food and service.
Dishes are served in traditional clay dishes, and authentic music plays in the background. Finish with their delicious baklava and mint tea, for a meal to remember.
Tucked away down a side street, this is one of the best Moroccan restaurants in central London.
Azou
Hammersmith
££
For those looking to experience the diversity of North African cuisine, then Azou ticks all the right boxes. This family-run restaurant serves up traditional Moroccan, Tunisian and Algerian dishes, all in a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere.
The restaurant is decked out in a mixture of traditional low and conventional seating, glowing Moroccan lamps and rich fabric draping the ceiling.
This place has also a stack of awards to boast about – and rightly so. The food is exceptional and rightly earns its position as one of the best Moroccan restaurants in central London.
The Palomar
£££
Not just defined by Moroccan food, The Palomar includes Southern Spain, the Levant and North African dishes. The menu promises a rich cultural mix with a contemporary twist, and it certainly delivers.
The Palomar presents their food to perfection. We recommend their spiced lamb cutlets infused with confit garlic yoghurt.
Seafood is about as fresh as it can get, as fish is delivered daily from the Cornish sea.
Complete your experience with one of the incredible cocktails on tap… Gin Bumblebee, anyone?
Kenza
Liverpool St
£££
A snake charmer or a fire-eater show with your couscous? That’s a choice you get to make at Kenza.
Kenza serves a mixture of Lebanese, Middle Eastern and Moroccan food and offers a variety of entertainment guaranteed to provide you with a lively night.
A stone’s throw from Liverpool Street station, this Moroccan restaurant is bursting with energy and a top-notch menu to boot. Alongside a delicious selection of mezze and mains, you will find plenty of seating with some snug alcoves for private dining.
Once the night falls, Kenza has an array of events, including a DJ on Fridays and Saturdays.
Need to lunch in a hurry? Their express menu is divine.
Dar Marrakech
Paddington
££
Not only does Dar Marrakech cook up a storm, it’s another spot where you can dine and let your hair down. Weekend belly dancing shows and mid-week DJs accompany the food here, and you will be hard-pushed to find a livelier Moroccan evening.
Visit in the daytime, and the vibe shifts down a gear. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the menu is full of Moroccan classics. If you are in the mood for a burger, the falafel and halloumi burger is divine.
It’s no wonder that Dar Marrakech earns its place as the top Moroccan restaurant London boasts.
Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine
£
This no-frills Moroccan café is a great shout if you are near London Bridge. Open until 4 pm, Shrigley’s is ideal for breakfast, brunch or lunch. And the food is on the cheaper side too.
The food is so good people are willing to queue here, so be prepared to wait a while during peak times. The portions are generous, and dishes such as the gorgeous Moroccan chicken and kofta will have you unbuckling your belt.
Look no further for affordable Moroccan food in London.
Practical Tips for Exploring the Best Moroccan Restaurants in London
- Moroccan restaurants are an excellent choice for vegans and vegetarians. Dishes are versatile and often laden with vegetables, grains and spices.
- If you aren’t a fan of the average herbal brew, don’t write off their mint tea. It is the traditional tea in Morocco, and has rich, intense flavour, with heaps of sugar. It’s the perfect end to a hefty meal.
- The culture is famous for its hospitality. Here, eating is an experience and an opportunity to bond and socialise so it’s a fantastic option for a crowd.
