Actually, the 15eme use to have a large population of people from the Maghreb. This restaurant is very close to Porte de Versailles (Convention center) and many "international" folks will venture out to this restaurant for what we typically call "couscous", even though it's more than just couscous. And, it has more of a neighborhood feel, very welcoming.
It's across from a cute little park, the outside of the building is nothing special. As you entered, you're truly transformed into a very spacious restaurant, beautifully decorated, and very Moroccan. You actually feel like you're in Morocco!
The staff are incredible. Very amicable and just friendly. We started out with apéros of champagne, beer, and wine. Since Moroccan food tends to be heavy, with the exception of myself, all ordered only a "plat" (main dish). I ordered a Pastilla (pidgeon encased in a flaky phyllo with powdered sugar and cinnamon) for an entrée. It was delicious! The crust was extra crispy, but the pidgeon was nice and moist and very flavorful, and not dry as in most places.
Then onto our plats, three of us had the lamb with prunes, apricots and raisins. One, had the couscous of chicken and mergez sausages. And one other person had the lamb with fava beans. All, excellent, excellent delicious dishes. Very tasty, and it was accompanied with grilled banana chilies and lots of harissa (hot spicy sauce)--two types a wet, and a dry version. I've been to Morocco, and I have to say, this is as good as any you'd get in Morocco.
Two of us ordered dessert. I had the Phyllo with chantilly and creme anglais, it was really delicious. And, our friend got to select from a plate of various middle eastern desserts (see photo). Very delicious albeit extremely sweet which is typical of many middle eastern desserts.
When all was said and done, the maitre'd gave us a degustif of an alcoholic drink made with dates. It was very strong, but delicious.
The ambiance, the decor, the staff, and the food was all excellent. We all commented we would come back in a heart-beat. Also, I had alot left-over, and they didn't blink and eye when I asked for a doggie bag, not common in France. They truly are so accommodating!
For 5 of us the bill came to 220€. read more