Want to try Moroccan but not sure where to go? Or been before and didn’t get the feel or the taste for it? Mimouza in Shepherd’s Bush will give you the Moroccan experience the right way.

The Venue
Although being in Antipodean-filled Shepherd’s Bush, there is no question of what kind of culture you walk into while trotting down the steps of Mimouza; plants, thick colourful carpets, curtains, lanterns and all the rest gives you the sense that this is what the real Morocco is like. While it is a rather large basement restaurant it has got a feel of being small and homely. With dark wooden tables and chairs along the walls, in the middle of the restaurant they have set up a few Moroccan style booths; curtains, pillows, low tables. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff to seat you in one of them, as long as it is not booked they will be happy to help.

The Atmosphere,
With Moroccan music and the staff dressed in traditional Moroccan robes, the atmosphere is relaxed and comfortable. The staff lets you take your time ordering and are happy to recommend, help and explain if there is something you do not understand. The long wooden bar at the back of the restaurant and the occasional belly dancer makes it impossible not to believe it is all authentic. What adds to the good atmosphere is the wide range of clientele: there is no typical type, but many different ages and nationalities.

The Food
The food is amazing – just right served in lovely tagine terracotta pots. It is a simple, yet delicious menu where you can choose a tagine with lamb, koufta, poulet and plenty more options, including vegetarian ones. The tagines are served with preserved lemons, olives, potatoes and tender meat which all melt in your mouth along with the couscous. The tabouleh is just like it should be, with lots of lemon and parsley, couscous and tomatoes – a light and refreshing dish next to the little heavier tagine.

Like Indian food, when eating Moroccan it’s best to have a few dishes; one tagine per person plus couscous, bread and olives to share is recommended, but there are plenty more to choose from. Although there’s a set menu at around £20, if you pick a few a la carte dishes your bill is likely to reach that amount anyway.

The Drink
They do not serve alcohol, but for a few pounds, you can bring a bottle of wine – they have opener and wine glasses. If you like to go fully Moroccan and skip the alcohol, they have sweet Moroccan tea and your typical soft drinks.

The Last Word
All in all Mimouza is well worth a go, and that is considering everything; the lovely atmosphere, the kind staff, the food, and all else that comes with it. If you haven’t tried Moroccan before, make this your first.

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