Over recent years, Canterbury has succumbed to an influx of chain restaurants which - while they serve their purpose - makes the city centre look just like any other. However, there are a few gems which really deserve a special mention. Café Mauresque is one such place.
The Moroccan / Spanish restaurant can be easily missed down the dark and narrow side street. It has a couple of tables and chairs outside but these are not often used since the pedestrianised road is so narrow it hardly gets any light.
It has a small dining area on the ground floor which is nicely done out in Moroccan décor (hookah pipes and all) but if you are lucky enough to be seated downstairs, you eat in a wonderland of Bedouin beauty. The walls are adorned with Moroccan artefacts, there are cushioned cubby holes ideal for small groups or low chairs and tables. It should be noted that these are not ideal for the taller eater as my poor six-foot-something-tall brother found out. (Normal height chairs and tables are upstairs so it might be an idea to specify when you book - and you do have to book!) I love the lampshades and candle holders which add a sparkly feeling to the evening. Outside it could be a howling blizzard. Inside, you're in a world of wonder.
Now, sod the décor, what's the bloody food like?! Thankfully, it's blooming marvellous. There is an ordinary menu and a tapas menu and you can mix and match to your tastebuds' content. The humous turned me from a pulse-fearing non-believer to a worshipper at the alter of chick-pea goodness. And I'm no squid-lover but the squid and chorizo skewers are excellently cooked and not even a touch rubbery. There are tagines, Spanishy specials like paella or roasted pork belly, salads and a lighter lunchtime menu. My favourites are the brochettes (skewers to me and you) which come in chicken, lamb (which both come with gloriously spicey merguez sausages) or haloumi and olive for the vegetarians. A substantial jug of some sort of very tasty sauce is on the side which you can add to the generous portion of cous cous and vegetables which you didn't expect with your order. Beautiful.
I've been here numerous times - it's my restaurant of choice for a special evening out - and I've yet to have space left for dessert even though the sticky date cake and toffee sauce has to be on my list of things to try before I die.
Things to note: it's advisable to book, especially on a Friday or Saturday night. As of the last time I went, you cannot book a table for 7.30pm. Not really sure why, they said something about it being their busiest time so they don't seat people then but I've never heard of this sort of policy before! And the front of house people aren't always very friendly if you haven't booked and want squeezing in. The serving staff are great though and will advise if you're unsure about the more unusual ingredients.
If you want a place to take someone special that will blow their senses, this is the place. Enjoy. read more
