Saharaween

No, this restaurant HASN'T closed - I was there last night!

North African restaurants in London always seem to be a big disappointment if you've come to know - and love - the cuisine through eating Moroccan home cooking. But this is the best one I've been to so far. It's 'pleasant' though, rather than somewhere you'd excitedly tell all your friends about.

The atmosphere is authentic enough - probably good for a romantic date, although we were in a rush and chose it because of its handy location. (The low chairs aren't very comfy though...) The service was friendly enough, and prompt.

Now the food: Saharaween sensibly tries to be different, rather than sticking with the traditional favourites that any Moroccan housewife can do much better. So I had 'tajine bejaoui' - two fishcakes in a stew - while my boyfriend had 'tagine duo' (chicken AND lamb stew, with dried fruit). The fishcakes were very good, but quickly became soggy in the soup. They would have been lovely just served with 'frites' and some harissa. My boyfriend liked the 'tender' meat, but thought his dish was a little bit bland.

Where it falls down is value for money. The 'duo' was well named, with only one piece of chicken and one of lamb! It was disppointing that it was served with pitta bread instead of Moroocan bread - and only 2 quarters of a pitta each. A bit stingy for what they were charging.

So, all in all not an unpleasant dining experience by any means, and there are far worse places to eat if you are going to a film/show in the Panton Street area.
Comment on this reader review

Scranhunter
7 Overall rating
Food 7 | Service 8 | Atmosphere 8 | Value for money 6
Wednesday, May 05, 2010

Just WOW
Comment on this reader review

Sam Worner
10 Overall rating
Food 10 | Service 10 | Atmosphere 10 | Value for money 10
Thursday, April 09, 2009