One of the best restaurants in Detroit and one of the best dining experiences I've ever had. This…read moreis thanks to the chef and owner Chef Omar, who is a fantastic human.
The restaurant is easy to miss, located on a main road. They do have a small free parking lot. The interior is small, intimate, casual, and unpretentious. At my second visit (my first was several years ago when it first opened) my friend and I came late in the afternoon on a Friday. I'm not sure if we came at a slow time (we were initially the first customers there) or that the Chef was training a new service, but we received VIP treatment. I've occasionally had chefs check in, I've never had service from the chef before! He discussed the menu, as well as his intention for the restaurant. I love Moroccan tea, and the tea service they provide is just lovely. He is certified in tea, and incredibly knowledgeable.
My friend and I started with the mudammas fava bean dip, served with pita chips. This was so fantastic I would return just for it. Creamy, just the right balance of flavor, topped with fresh veggies to add texture, I cannot say enough good things. I had the lamb tagine, and she had the kafta meatball batbout. The meatball is listed as a sandwich, it is in house made flatbread. Both dishes were amazing, so fresh and flavorful. The lamb shank was fall off the bone, the couscous was loaded with fresh vegetables.
I ended up stopping in for lunch again by myself. I had the harissa potatoes and the flava bean soup, and a slice of pie that was a special. Everything again was fantastic, but it's the potatoes that you will crave after having once. Crispy and brightly flavored, soft once you bit in. I was able to try one of the Chef's teas, and hear a bit more about the restaurant.
While the bread for the meatball batbout is made in house, the bread for the fish and chicken sandwiches he obtains locally. I like how engaged he, and the restaurant as a result, is with the community.
Chef Omar treats all of his customers as welcomed friends.
A quick note that the restaurant does not have any alcohol. They offer alcohol free wine and other beverages. Be aware of this, but do not let it deter you!