Went there on a Saturday around 4 pm and it was closed and no sign of anyone inside. Disappointing.

What was I thinking these past 20 years? I used to go to this place all the time when I lived in Cherry Creek. But in 2000 I moved to Lakewood and it just went under my radar. I forgot how absolutely delicious this place is! After Mantaan fez closed I have not found Bastilla anywhere that's any good. I honestly don't know what made me think about it today. The place I usually get lamb shanks it's really starting to take a dive. So discovering Cafe Paprika again is very opportune. And they have so many choices. I so prefer couscous to rice. The lamb shank the couscous the vegetables is at least two meals if not more. And I'm looking at the menu and remembering all the other really delicious things that I used to get. OK it's a bit of a drive from Lakewood but the owner told me I didn't need a Visa to go to Aurora! 30 minutes is totally worth the drive. I even got a lovely cup of hot mint tea to go on the house. Well this gem of a place has been there 28 years and I missed 20 of them. But there's a new tradition! This is gonna be my go to spot! read more

Cafe Paprika - Lamb Shank, Couscous, veggies - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

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Bummer! It LOOKS so good but the taste is so BAD. Here's the gist of it: We stopped in and were charmed by decor and the owner. What a wonderful friendly man. Everything on the menu looked great. Mint tea was great. We started with the Middle Eastern combo appetizer. The falafel was good but the hummus was MUSHY and the baba ghanouj was pasty and tasted something awful. Really AWFUL. Bad eggplant maybe? The chicken couscous was DISAPPOINTING. It had no flavor. Both the chicken and the vegetables. I know! How could it be? The vegetables were surely cooked but they didn't taste stewed. You know, the kind of stewed that seeps into the couscous on your dish? I think it needed some sauce to round it out. WORSE? The couscous came out COLD. I think they just prepared it the day before and then heated up some chicken on the plate. I mean, this couscous came out temperate COLD like straight out of the freezer. The apricot chicken was pretty alright. I'll spare you the..um..bathroom aftermath. read more

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Yes! Yes! & Yes!!! If I lived out this way, this would be my go to. This is a Mediterranean restaurant, not Greek butit is Moroccan so a little different than what most people think when they think of Mediterranean food. I wanted to try a little of everything, so we started off with the appetizer combo, which was veggies, pita, hummus, and falafel. Deliciousness, ate every single bit of it, perfect. I ordered the Apricot Chicken with veggies and couscous for my main, and my husband ordered the lamb with artichokes & couscous. Seriously... savored every single bite, perfectly cooked and fantastic flavors, so different than anything I have had before. Of course we had to have desert, and who says no to Baklava? This one was made with peanuts, in lieu of walnuts and they had this sauce not sure what it was but I know it was tasty. To be honest it taste like the best dang peanut butter & jelly I have ever had, it was fantastic. Everything from beginning to end was perfect! Great service, great food, great atmosphere. Would highly recommend to anyone who is in the area, and we will be back once were on this side of town again. This is delicious - (hadshi bneen) - read more

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I come to this small cozy restaurant when I come to Aurora for business. The food is warm, fresh and nice. They serve complimentary mint tea. I tried veggies kabab plate and soup. Nothing would have been better for a cold day. read more

Cafe Paprika - Veggie falafel plate - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

Cafe paprika provides an outstanding dining experience with excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere. The dishes are delicious and authentically prepared, making it a must-visit for anyone craving flavorful cuisine. Highly recommended!" read more

Maybe I was here on a bad day but I thought that the couscous could have been fresher and overall the food was good, just didn't have that effect on me that I see others talk about (including my friends that I had lunch with). I should definitely try this again - different day, different mood maybe, and maybe different food too. The Bastilla is an interesting combination of sweet and savory that I've never seen before and definitely worth trying. I would recommend to share as an appetizer between 2 people or have one all for yourself if you're super hungry just be aware that the entrees aren't small either. The Tajin entrees are very good, I personally like to go with lemons and olives and if you're like me ask for extra lemons and olives, they add great flavor. Excellent service here and the food is authentic as much as I can tell based on food I've tried at some of my friends of Moroccan descent. You'll probably meet the owner, a very nice man that takes a lot of pride in his food and restaurant and for good reason too. read more

All together, the combination of three things will have me venturing through Cafe Paprika's doors again. Food, service, and the lovely owner. The lamb tajine dish was so flavorful and tender and the rice was to die for. A true indication that they know what their doing is the Moroccan rice. Definitely try the pastille! It's traditionally served at weddings but it's beautifully translated into a delicious app here. read more

Cafe Paprika - Tajine - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

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Small quaint Moroccan restaurant with good service. Really nice man who was patient and helped me figure out what to get. Guided me to the bastilla which is a unique Moroccan sweet and savory dish served at weddings. It must be an acquired taste, I wanted to like it so much but found it just OK. The hummus, falafel and baba ghanoush were OK. The baklava was the best part. I liked the mural on the wall. It smells a little funky and could use more ventilation. I wish them the best! read more

Owner has been at it for 25 years from moroco. Cute place makes it feel like middle east with murals of palace archways and dessert backgrounds. Hospitality is on par for mom and pop shop. The booths are worth it for comfort. Mint tea is delicious. great presentation for all the food. .. powdered sugar criis cross of cinnamon ground nuts, chicken, and saffron in flaky pastry crust. So good. Not really sweet not salty. Must try. Entree lamb falls off the bone, so tender. Comes in several version based on your tastes. Got garlic and parsley. The couscous is so light and airy and the vegetable gravy just makes it even more flavor. But the nuts add a texture of crunch to the dish that makes it over the top. perfect. $33 read more

Cafe Paprika - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

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This place is one of my new favorite restaurants in the area! The lamb with prune entree doesn't sound appetizing to most Americans (unless you're me) but my fiancé and I both loved it and he is much more into traditional American fair so that says a lot. Please please please do yourself a favor and go!!!!! You WILL LOVE IT!!! The owner is a sweetheart too! Visits every table to see how you are doing. read more

Yummy bastilla. The only disappointment the last time I went was that they were unable to accept credit cards. I think it was a glitch, not typical problem. read more

I have been trying different restaurants and looking for food that taste like my mom food ...finally I found it .... Chef shaker was thank you for the amazing food. read more

Cafe Paprika - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

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YUM! What a hidden gem! This is fantastic and authentic middle eastern food. We will be back!

Absolutely Fantastic. Authentic. Charming. The Mint tea was filled throughout our meal over a course of 2 hours. The bastille is something everyone should taste. Food that will please your taste buds. read more

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Was a great place to try with a friend I had the Apricot Chicken was excellent and very tender so worth a try will be going back again I wonder if they will change their hours now and will do take out since so delicious want to have some and worth going to pick up if you want to tey read more

Best Moroccan food I had in a while and the owner is an awesome guy that was a pleasure to meet during our visit to Colorado.

So thankful to have stumbled upon this place! The owner was our server, and I can't remember a more hospitable host in recent history. I'm shy, but even so, I felt comfortable chatting with him. Nice mural inside, which was a welcome contrast to the strip mall exterior. We started with the Chicken Bastilla, and I recommend you do the same. I've had Mediterranean food before, but never anything like this! The owner told us that every wedding or celebration in Morocco starts with this dish. The mint tea was lovely, and served traditionally in small, faceted glasses. My gyro sandwich was not the best I'd ever had, but still quite good. However, I will sample something else the next time I go. And there WILL be a next time! M'hencha for dessert was another new dish for me, and quite tasty. Prices were slightly higher than in the pictures shown here, but still a good value for the food. They've been in that location for 24 years, and it's no surprise why they've been successful! read more

Cafe Paprika - The owners are heading to Casablanca. Note the temporary closure. - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

The food is great! Service and warmth in a family-owned restaurant that adds to your dining experience. My wife and I love Mediterranean restaurants. We usually go to non-chain restaurant. Very happy to have found this place. read more

Cafe Paprika - Flan with home made sauce - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

Oh my. My happy belly. Hubs and I stopped by for lunch because we wanted something different. This place does not disappoint. Start with the bastille. It sounds so weird but the flavors are amazing together. Get the hummus. (So light. So creamy) Get the soup. (So flavorful. So comforting) Get the lamb. This dude know how to keep it fall off the bone tender. Wow. Just wow. Yum. read more

Cafe Paprika - Lamb shank (near) and apricot lamb (far) - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

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The restaurant is tucked away in a small plaza so can be quite hard to find. Good food for a good price. I got the kabob and it was juicy and tender. The rice was a little different because it had dried raisin, peas, and carrots. read more

Came here for lunch today based on the excellent reviews. Service was friendly, fast and efficient. I quickly decided upon the chicken kabobs with saffron basmati rice and grilled vegetables. I did not try the hummus or baba ganoush today. I did however order a Moroccan coffee. It came out quickly and smelled of cinnamon and cardemom. I asked the host (also the owner) about it and he told me he ground the beans together with the two spices. It was excellent and not over-flavored. The food came out quickly and was very good. The chicken was lean and moist. The rice and vegetables were good too. Finally, I was enticed to try the homemade baklava. Nom nom. Can't wait to come back. No wonder they've been here 20 years. I will definitely return soon. read more

Cafe Paprika - Chicken kabobs with saffron basmati rice and Moroccan coffee. - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

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Food is outstanding and service is exceptional. We are waiting and hoping that full service and in person dining will start soon. Gyros are among the best I've ever had. read more

I love Moroccan food and this cozy place doesn't disappoint. While on a recent business trip, I found Cafe Paprika on Yelp and decided to check it out. It was easy to locate off Mississippi in a small corner shopping center. When I got out of the car, I thought I smelled a skunk, but it later occurred to me that it was more likely pot. (There's a smoke shop nearby, so I can only assume.) I was the first customer to arrive for dinner on a weeknight around 6:30. The owner graciously allowed me to sit anywhere, so I found what may be the only two-person table in the small dining room, which holds maybe 50 guests or so. He carefully walked me through the menu and was patient with me as I looked over appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and traditional dishes. I finally settled on the mixed appetizer sampler with crispy falafel, delicious hummus (not oily but the perfect consistency), and a lovely cucumber and tomato salad. If I'd been with someone else or a group, I'd have definitely ordered the bastilla with chicken--it's one of my favorite things about Casablanca on O'ahu. I didn't think I would be able to finish the hummus and falafel, which came with a generous plate of thinly cut pita slices, but incredibly, the taste just kept me coming until the next thing I knew, I'd finished off the entire heaping plate! When my main course of sweet couscous with lamb arrived, I had maybe five bites and realized I was completely full. But it was OK because I ended up taking it home and having it for lunch the next day. The sweet couscous was a new food adventure for me. My favorite non-homecooked dish of all time is the Kabuli Pilau at The Helmand Restaurant in Cambridge, MA and this dish had very similar flavors (but no carrot). The cinnamon and raisins really brought out the delicious lamb flavor and the texture of the couscous was welcome on the palate. It's tasty and not too sweet at all. I think this is one thing I truly love about Moroccan food--it doesn't wait until dessert to satisfy your palate with a little sweetness. When the owner came to check on a very full me, he asked if I was interested in dessert. Of course I was not going to be able to down any dessert right then, but I opted for an order of baklava to take home. I ended up taking it to my friend for her birthday the next night and we both agreed it was incredible. It came in the form of two small cubes and had a drizzle of some sort of herbal sweetness (almost like rosewater, but I'm not certain) with an unusual peanut-buttery taste. I think it is made with at least 3 different kinds of nuts. I highly recommend it--it's not too big and best to share after a large meal. To wash down my meal, I opted for the herbal Moroccan mint tea, which was refilled without asking and was delicious and hot, but not scalding. Overall, I have to give Paprika high marks. Though Casablanca in Hawai'i provides a much more of a Moroccan experience with the cushions and tapestry decor, Paprika does not disappoint and I can tell it has many regular customers thanks to its gracious host. I will definitely be back to try the salads and sandwiches next time I'm in Denver! read more

Had a lovely meal with friends last week! Food was delicious and the owner was so welcoming! Don't miss a chance to have a meal at this little gem! read more

If you want authentic Moroccan food look no further. You don't come here for the decor or the ambiance, you come here for the food! The place is in a random plaza in the middle of aurora but the drive is worth it. The apricot chicken is amazing; the lamb tajine is excellent as well. Both come with couscous which is moist. Really nice. To start we got a pastilla of chicken and hummus. Excellent as well. Only drawback, they don't sell alcohol. The Moroccan tea is very nice but I wish I could wash down those amazing meals with a cab. read more

This is the spot for your Mediterranean cravings fasho! The people there are also very welcoming. I walk in and I feel like I'm walking into my grandmas house. Very cozy, cultural, and warm feeling. I love the Baba Ghanoush, hummus, and pita bread platter and than I get my self a gyro with lamb meat. Best Mediterranean food in Aurora. read more

One of our favorite restaurants. We are hoping to have them cater our wedding. Very good food and service. Small restaurant and small staff. Must try the Bastilla and Apricot Lamb! read more

Cafe Paprika - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

5-Star meal and service! The owner said they have been there for 23 years! How have I not been here before!?! Started with the chicken bastilla and it was a combination of flavors and textures I've never experienced before, delicious. Also had the hummus/falafel app that was fantastic. Hub's had the lamb shank with cous cous that literally fell off the bone from being perfectly cooked in a pressure cooker. All kosher lamb, no after taste, beautifully done. I had the chicken tangine with the garlic, parsley, onion sauce.... Flavor magic in my mouth! We took baklava to go that has 5 different nuts and a combination of berry/rose waters flavoring them. I can't wait to eat them for breakfast and can't wait to come back. Nicely done Cafe Paprika, nicely done! read more

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This was such a great find! The food was AMAZING! Not having much experience with this cuisine, the waiter was happy to recommend the traditional Moroccan foods. We began with the Bastilla, which is a sweet and savory appetizer..... AWESOME! Then got the Middle Eastern Combination that had hummus, falafel, and Baba Ghanouj. The olive oil was so tasty and fresh. Then the three kebab combo (lamb, chicken, and kefta), it was all so delicious. The staff were very friendly and the food was great! This was a great find, and it's always so enjoyable with small family restaurants, the unparalleled service you receive. Definitely 5 stars for the food and experience! read more

Cafe Paprika - Baklava! - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

Great tasting lamb and tender. Slow because of lack of help. We need to continue to help out our eateries when we can. read more

We love the food at Cafe Paprika!! The owner is typically always at the restaurant and he's super friendly. Service is great, food is amazing. Can't wait to go back. read more

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In the next building over from Señor Ric's (see previous review) is a mouthwatering Moroccan masterpiece. Cafe Paprika has been around for what seems like forever in this little stripmall, and with good cause. Each culinary offering is a delight for multiple senses. To begin, sample Bastilla (traditionally made with pigeon but here consisting of either chicken or seafood blanketed by Ouarka pastry then dappled and dotted with powdered sugar). Harira is a light yellow lentil and rice soup used for Iftar, the fast-breaking repast occurring each night during Ramadan (month nine of the Muslim calendar). Cafe Paprika's elegant edition will no doubt have you burbling in Berber in no time. For a main course, you can't go wrong with a Tajine (long-simmered casserole in a cute earthenware pot). Styles include Tfaya (with deeply-caramelized onions and raisins), or with preserved lemons (traditionally only the rind is used) and olives. Or maybe try fish M'schermel, an ever-changing fillet marinated in the Moroccan spice blend called Chermoula and then baked to flaky softness. Yea, for dessert they have baklava - blabbity blabbity blab. Why not try M'hencha instead? This coiled-snake pastry is ready to spring and surprise you with hints of almond and orange-flower water. Finish the meal with some hot mint tea. Many Moroccans, Sahrawis and Mauritanians (among others) drink three glasses - the first is bitter, like life; the second is sweet, like love; and the third is gentle, like death. Shukran! And I hope you enjoy. read more

Came here for a quick take out lunch on a Thursday. Place was pretty busy and there was only one guy taking orders and helping guests. Took some time to take my order but it was ready pretty quickly. Gave the guy my credit card and he said they only take cards for $10+ -- well, that would have been nice to know before I ordered. He could have also mentioned it after I ordered and he knew how much it would be. There weren't any signs saying this either. I told him I didn't have any cash and he seemed annoyed and informed me that they take a percentage (yes, I get that, but you need to inform people if this is your policy). Aside from that, the sandwich was ok. Not a ton of flavor which you would expect from a Mediterranean dish... the pita bread was nice but the gyro meat was a bit dry. Not sure I will be back. read more

Cafe Paprika - Gyro Sandwich - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

Best Greek salad, so fresh. Loved the mint tea, falafel and hummus. Personable service and have already recommended this to two friends. Would come back in a heartbeat! read more

Hmmm, how can I put this. Its a pretty small place to eat Morrocan/ Middle Eastern cuisine. My friends seems to like their dishes, but to be honest, Cafe Paprika can do much much better. I ordered the "Cafe Paprika Specialty" for dinner ~ Lamb Shank. Though it says it comes in a set either with the Soup or Salad and fresh warm pita breads I did not get any of the Starters as promised. :( ******************************** HOT HOT UPDATES as of June 11 2008: I went TODAY (June 11 2008) for a dinner feast with hubby and my parents. I was apprehensive at the very beginning due to my last trip to here. But boy am I wrong this time... indeed they provide the service up to par. The food today was awesome since I get like 3 other approvals from my parents and hubby. Indeed after the whole dinner we were stuffed. These are what we order: Balistic (Seafood)~ it came piping hot and crispy. This l like since I love to get my food fresh and hot. Lamb Shanks with Rice ~ My Dad's order Lamb Shanks with Coucous ~ Hubby's order Lamb with Green Peas & Carrots ~ My Mum's order I ordered the Kebab Entrees Combination which I choose, Shrimp, Lamb and Merquez. All main entrees were given salad and harrira (special kind of soup). Both hubby & dad had their fair share of coffee, while I had mine Morrocan Mint Tea. All in all, my parents and hubby liked the food. I think its better if you could go in a smaller group of four since they can entertain to your needs. read more

If you want to try authentic Moroccan food try Cafe paprika in Aurora Colorado, the staff is so nice food is made with love so tasty so delicious my favorite dish is the chicken bastilla. Make sure to try the delicious soup Harira, myself my wife and kids when we miss Moroccan food we only go to cafe paprika There's a reason why this place has been around for 19 years read more

Cafe Paprika - Moroccan Near Me - Aurora, Colorado

This place is always packed on the weekends so get here early or order to go. Must order item is Bastilla, a sweet and savory pastry that starts the party before any dinning event in Morocco! read more

I picked up some food to go from this place a few months back. I got a combo plate that had hummus, babaganoush, pitas and gyro meat (the details escape me now, it's been a while). I thought the hummus was a bit bland but the babaganoush was the best I've ever eaten. I couldn't get enough of it. Everything else in my combo was very good, but it was the babaganoush that knocked my socks off. I will definitely be going back for more! This place is beyond small and has been around forever. The owner is very sweet and loves to chat you up when you come in. Check the hours before stopping by, because they close after lunch and reopen for dinner. read more

This restaurant serves a hot dish of disappointment. You can expect mediocre food in small portions. The average dish costs around $10 on the lunch menu. Don't be fooled when you are offered soup and salad or even tea with your main dish. Your dish doesn't include sides and everything costs extra. The owner/operator will act like it's included. Once you have placed your order, expect 30 minutes of wait time before anything comes out of the kitchen. It's a one man show. The place is cheap and you can sense it in everything. Seek alternatives for your money. Aurora has plenty of good halal and Ethnic restaurants. read more