There is a reason why this family owned and run restaurant is rated number 1 in all of Hull/Gatineau on another website (trip-advisor), its because its real, authentic, Moroccan home made cuisine. I usually go for the lunch buffet, which is a good deal for the price. Every option in the buffet is made with love, and unlike most restaurants, its not dependant on salt! So you are actually tasting real food and not being tricked by sodium and/or msg. The owner/chef and staff are friendly, and after returning just once they will remember you and always make you feel at home. This place is a gem, definitely in my top 5 in Ottawa/Gatineau.
Went there as a group of 4 on Friday Dec 18. Service: The service, from the servers to the kitchen was exceptional. The servers were very down to earth and friendly. They were genuinely happy to have us as diners - a rare instance nowadays.Food: We got the feast for 2. This is an totally reasonable price, given all the food that you get. The harira soup was beautiful. Lively and bursting with flavour. The salad was a pleasant start, hints of spices, a citrus, simple as it should be. Then come out the chicken and almond pastille. These are chicken and fixins wrapped in filo. Amazing: tender and flavourful chicken.Then come the tagines. We had the fish and lamb tagines. Both were wonderful. How often do you ask for something only to be disappointed with far less, and lower grade than you thought? Often, I know. Not here! A slow cooked Lamb shank complemented with figs, dates, perfect spices, couscous, etc. And the fresh was a gem: more of a citrus, and sour vibe fish w citrus, olives, tomato, tomato sauce, bubbling hot as it is delivered in the tagine.Everything else: They knew it was my birthday and gave me a massive piece of carrot cake, even though we didn't ask for it. They offered our friends (who did not order the feast) the desert bar and team for free, just because.I imagine that the place gets really busy during public service hours, but we went on a moderate night, so that's all I can speak for. That said, you are getting far superior food, a wonderful change from hipster pubs or garbage chains, servers who want you there, and a place to certainly bookmark for your return to in the future.Excellent work, Fatima and friends.
A Man With An Accent
+4.5
Fatima... I love your restaurant, your team, your couscous. Yes, it is true the place is not coming with cheesy 2$ fake supposed to be Moroccan decorum. Though it comes with a plenty of Moroccan love.
Come in late, with your friends, order Fatima's couscous royal and you'll be exactly in the heart of what Moroccan hospitality does best. The semolina is outstanding (couscous), the merguez (lamb sausage) is home made and truly kickass just like everything. Grab a Moroccan wine, take some time to relax and chill to the always charming mood of your hostess Fatima. Her heart is as big as her portions.
In short..... yalla.... have fun :)
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