There’s nothing quite like the flavours of Moroccan cuisine, which to use a mild cliche, is often a real assault on the senses. A blend of Berber, Andalusian, and Mediterranean cuisines with slight hints of European and sub-Saharan influences too, it’s certainly unique and packed full of all kinds of gorgeous flavours. So, if you’re looking to get your fix, make sure you have a gander at this roundup of the best Moroccan restaurants in London. You can thank us later.
1. Bab Mansour, Covent Garden
Another Covent Garden gem here, Bab Mansour takes its name from a monumental gate in the city of Meknes, Morocco, and you can see why. This place is nothing if not impressive. A ‘home away from home’, this place’s menu is filled to the brim with traditional Moroccan tagines, charcoal-grilled dishes and a plethora of hot and cold mezzes.
Dishes here are all served in traditional clay pots, and you’ll wine and dine while authentic Moroccan music plays on the speakers. Don’t miss the chance to finish your meal off with a delicious slice of baklava – it’s to die for trust us!
📍You’ll find Bab Mansour at 57 Endell Street, London, WC2H 9AJ.
🚇 Nearest station is Covent Garden.
2. Argan, Clapham
Kicking off this roundup of the best Moroccan restaurants in London is Argan – a Clapham-based spot run by a lovely family who specialise in both Moroccan and Lebanese fare. All the tagines here are pretty much to die for, though we’d recommend the fish one, which comes with juicy cod and prawns as well as olives in a tasty tomato and basil sauce.
They also do a great lunch deals here which offer really good bang for your buck, and there’s a cracking wine list to boot too. And if you’re thinking of having a celebration or birthday meal, then this is a great spot as they’ve got party rooms which hold up to 30 punters – party on!
📍You’ll find Argan at 73 Venn Street, Clapham Common, London, SW4 0BD.
🚇 Nearest station is Clapham Common.
3. Tagine, Balham
A South London institution, Tagine whips up some of the best Moroccan cuisine you can find anywhere in town. Situated in Balham – just down the road from Tooting Bec Common – this lively spot is all about great food, authentic Northern African interiors and lovely staff, who have been serving the local community since they first opened their doors back in 2004.
Starters like hummus, pastilla of chicken and carrot salad make for a great stomach warm-up before you take on hearty entrees such as vegetable tagine, chicken with preserved lemons, olives, onion compote and saffron or the vegetarian couscous. This is real food for the soul, and boy is it good – no wonder it’s a frontrunner for being one of the best Moroccan restaurants in London.
📍 You’ll find Tagine at 3 Fernlea Road, London, SW12 9RT.
🚇 Nearest station is Balham.
4. Souk, Covent Garden
Set right in the heart of Covent Garden, Souk is a cosy spot that is designed to emulate an actual souk (duh) in the winding alleyways of Marrakech. They specialise in delicious tagines and couscous dishes here, and they’re all served up at affordable prices to a laid-back crowd.
Low-level seating, candles and belly dancers all add to the romantic kasbah atmosphere, and they also do set menus here for groups which costs just £25.95 per person and it comes with refills of hummus, chicken tagine and couscous for no extra charge. Winner, winner.
📍You’ll find Souk at 27 Litchfield Street, London, WC2H 9NJ.
🚇 Nearest station is Leicester Square.
5. Azou, Hammersmith
Well worth making your way out West for, Azou specialises in Moroccan, Algerian and Tunisian cuisine, and Head Chef Chris Benarab’s menu is full to the brim with all the flavours, colours and textures which make these three countries so special and unique.
A mixture of traditional low rise and conventional seating, North African crafts and tent-like drapes, give the restaurant a real traditional feel and make you think you’re in North Africa and not Hammersmith. And the food? Well, it’s got everything from sardines and baba ganoush to tagines and slow-braised lamb shank, so you’re well and truly set here!
📍You’ll find Azou at 375 King Street, Hammersmith, London, W6 9NJ.
🚇 Nearest station is Stamford Brook.
6. Dar Marrakech, Stratford
Heading East now to Stratford and you’ll find Dar Marrakech, a family-run spot spread over two floors which whips up some of the most flavoursome Moroccan and Lebanese food you’ll find in town.
Halal-certified, the traditional interior of this popular spot is decked out with small trinkets and lanterns, and you’re even allowed to BYOB – always a winner in our books. All tagines are under 20 quid, and you can even finish them up with a puff on a shisha – what more could you ask for?
📍You’ll find Dar Marrakech at 403 High Street, London, E15 4QZ.
🚇 Nearest station is Stratford High Street.
7. Mamoumia Lounge, Mayfair
If you’re looking for something a bit more bougie and luxe, then you could do worse than heading to Mamoumia Lounge in Mayfair. Though they specialise in predominantly Lebanese food, they’ve also got a fair few Moroccan options on the bill, so you don’t need to worry if that’s what you’re going for.
One of our favourite dishes here is the ‘meshoui’ – a delectable shoulder of lamb marinated in Moroccan spices and slowly roasted for eight hours. Served with dried dates, apricots and fresh orange, it’s a delightful concoction which is well worth a try!
📍You’ll find Mamoumia Lounge at 37A Curzon Street, London, W1J 7TX.
🚇 Nearest station is Green Park.
8. The Barbary Next Door, Neal’s Yard
Taking inspiration from airy Moroccan courtyards and backstreet Andalusian bars, The Barbary Next Door, is a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant and wine bar and the ‘little sister’ to The Barbary. The menu here is filled with the fragrant spices and smoky flavours of Moorish Spain and North Africa, and standout dishes include lamb mechouri and chicken and apricot tagine.
There’s an amazing wine list here too and don’t miss the chance to try their ‘easal koumatra’ – a heavenly dessert which is well worth ending your meal with!
📍You’ll find The Barbary Next Door at 16A Neal’s Yard, London, WC2H 9DP.
🚇 Nearest station is Covent Garden.
9. Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine, London Bridge
Just a stone’s throw from London Bridge and Borough Tube stations, Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine is a chill, colourful cafe that whips up a whole delicious variety of Moroccan comfort food like Moroccan chicken, falafel and salad plates.
They also do a fantastic brekkie here that will be just exactly what the doctor ordered if you’re a tad hungover, and there’s also seating if you don’t want to just grab and go.
📍You’ll find Shrigley’s Moroccan Cuisine at 125 Borough High Street, London, SE1 1NP.
🚇 Nearest stations are London Bridge and Borough.
10. Moroccan Café, Brixton
Rounding off this list of the best Moroccan restaurants in London is this tiny, hole-in-the-wall style joint in Brixton. All the food served here is absolutely delicious, and they’ve got everything from chicken skewer baguettes to lamb merguez to couscous, harissa and tagines – and the rumour is that they’ve also got some of the best falafel here too!
The staff are absolute gems, and it’s a great spot to come for lunch if you’re in the area as the outside seats catch the sun at the right time of day. Oh – and don’t miss out on their coffee either!
📍You’ll find Moroccan Café at 4 Brixton Station Road, London, SW9 8PA.
🚇 Nearest station is Brixton.
So there you have it – a roundup of the best Moroccan restaurants in the big smoke. So if you’re looking to get your fill of tagine or mezze grills, then you know exactly where to head!