25-27 Heddon Street,
Mayfair,
London,
W1B 4BH
0871 971 6457
The ViewLondon Review
This groundbreaking modern Moroccan restaurant is the brainchild of Momo himself, Mourad Mazouz, who also owns some of London’s fanciest venues including Sketch and China White.The VenueArguably the most stylish Moroccan restaurant in town, the restaurant combines Oriental mystique with contemporary chic. Intricately carved wooden frame work, sumptuous cushions and Oriental-style seating impart class, whilst the enormous chandelier, with lamps that look like lean lemons, adds glamour.
The AtmosphereThis restaurant attracts a good mix of Western and Middle Eastern clients and they aren’t the sort you find at Edgeware Road Middle Eastern restaurants. The crowd that frequents this place is inevitably clad in Chanel shades and Dior outfits, flaunting Bulgari bags. However, it's the managers and waiters who look like supermodels that steal the show. Their good looks don’t detract from impeccable service, though.
The FoodThis isn’t authentic Moroccan food, nor does it claim to be. What you get is modern innovations on a Moroccan theme that can appeal to a Western palate. The mezze platter is superb, but be prepared for items like dainty mozzarella samosas. Perhaps not typically Moroccan, but they taste good and there is enough on the menu that is sufficiently authentic. Unfortunately the main courses have gone down in quality since its newly opened heyday and the bread is cold and rubbery. But given a bit of time, Momo will hopefully dish out super couscous and tagines like before. Desserts are simply superb, be they Moroccan or Western deserts with an oriental twist. Everything is so light, so you can tuck away more than a few.
The DrinkThe cocktails are fantastic. Try especially the ultra refreshing house speciality Momo cocktail. The wine list is thoughtfully constructed to complement the cuisine and after supper, it’s worth hanging around downing cocktails and enjoying the hip music.
The Last wordTrue, the food has slipped slightly in quality. But then again, who goes to Momo just to eat? The lively ambiance, with guests generally turning up after 10pm, make this place fun, fun, fun.