Guide to the best Moroccan restaurants in London

Based in Neal's Yard, The Barbary Next Door is an exotic escape specialising in Moroccan and Andalusian cuisine. This is an easy-going restaurant and wine bar with a distinctive horseshoe-shaped bar. On the menu, you'll find a variety of North African specialities, plus a wine list focusing on Moroccan, Spanish, and French bottles.

Some of South London's most popular North African food is available at Tagine in Balham. The rich interior is inspired by the Mediterranean, with red Persian-style carpets and genie lamps. A varied choice of tagines are on offer for typical Moroccan flavours, but diners can also sample mezze, grilled meat, and veggie-friendly stuffed aubergine. A special party menu is available for events.

Head to The Palomar for lively dining with influences from Southern Spain, North Africa, and the Levant. The space is centred around an open kitchen bar and has an energetic atmosphere. Dishes on the menu include harissa chicken and glazed octopus, plus a varied selection of drinks are on offer.

Vibrant restaurant Azou specialises in North African cuisine, with influences from Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Dishes like grilled meats and tagines are full of bold flavours and rich spices, with a global wine list to go with them. The restaurant has evocative decor with powerful aromas, traditional crafts, and a mixture of conventional and low seating.

Visit Le Rif in North London for authentic Moroccan cooking. This low-key and homey local restaurant avoids frills and clichés. Stews, couscous, and traditional tagines with meat, fish, or vegetables are all on the menu, as well as small bites like wraps. Familiar sandwiches and continental recipes are also offered if you're feeling less adventurous.

East London's Medina Moroccan Cuisine serves authentic food and is particularly popular for takeaways. Dining-in is also possible. You'll find generous portions of hearty traditional foodat this humble venue. There's a concise menu of classics such as tagines, soup, and couscous dishes. Moroccan tea and cakes are also on offer.

Vibrant restaurant Moorish Lounge brings Moroccan cuisine to South London. The place has a lively atmosphere, and large groups are welcome. You can also BYOB to enjoy inside, where it feels like a real Moroccan souk. Traditional and contemporary dishes are served here, and you can choose from a set menu or the à la carte options. There are plenty of plant-based options and mocktails for those not wanting to opt for alcohol.

This friendly family-run restaurant opened in 2023 and specialises in Moroccan and Middle Eastern food. Inside there's a buzzy atmosphere. The menu includes small plates as well as traditional favourites like couscous, tagines, and grilled meats. A variety of drinks are served, including Moroccan wines and cocktails inspired by the country.

Leila serves classic recipes from Lebanon and Morocco. The food here is comforting and full of bold flavours, with dishes like mezze, tagines, and grilled meat on the menu. The space is full of authentic ornaments and distinctive details that really bring it to life. At weekends you can visit the restaurant for bottomless brunch.

Located in Exmouth Market, Moro serves Moorish cuisine that gives diners a taste of North Africa and the Mediterranean. On the menu you'll see mezze and tapas to share plus grilled and roasted meat and fish recipes. Food is inspired by travels through Spain and Morocco and served in a bustling space with indoor and outdoor seats.

Clapham's Argan dishes up food from Morocco and Lebanon. The restaurant environment is spacious with a simple rustic look, plus there's an outside terrace. It has a cosy feel and there's frequent live entertainment too. The menu features mezze made for sharing as well as Moroccan tagines and grilled meat and fish dishes.

Visit Bab Mansour in Covent Garden, and you'll find a cosy and evocative space serving tasty Moroccan dishes. There are outdoor seats in addition to the warm and intimate interior. A variety of Moroccan and Middle Eastern specialities are available here, such as tagines, couscous, and charcoal-grilled meats. Light options such as soup and salad are also available.

Souk offers an authentic Moroccan experience. There are richly decorated interiors, low seating, music, and entertainment from belly dancers. Big groups are welcome here in the spacious main dining room or private dining spaces. Traditional starters and main courses are served here, and cocktails and shisha are also available.

In Leytonstone, you'll find Marrakech Delight, an atmospheric restaurant with hanging lamps and decorative tiles. Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes are the focus, all prepared with specially selected ingredients. Classic dishes on offer include mezze, tagines, and couscous. Fresh juices are also available to accompany your meal.

At L'Atelier, you can sample elegant Moroccan dishes with a distinctive Belgian twist. This family-run bistro serves light snacks as well as full meals and always has lots more going on. It has its own art gallery, a leafy garden, and a purpose-built kids' corner to keep little ones entertained. Try dishes like tagines, salads, and couscous, as well as a diverse selection of wines.

Brixton's Moroccan Café is set in a railway arch and has an informal feel with counter service. This compact eatery serves food all day, including soups, salads, sandwiches, grilled meat, and tagines packed with authentic flavours. Non-alcoholic drinks, including herbal tea, juices, and smoothies, are also available here.

Try Moroccan and Lebanese food at Dar Marrakech in Stratford. This atmospheric space has traditional decor and also features a heated garden and terrace where shisha is available. This restaurant serves up a variety of traditional dishes to satisfy every palette, including typical desserts from North Africa.

Experience bold flavours from Morocco in Chapel Market at Angel Tagine. The setting is warm and cosy, with decorative touches that aren't OTT. An outdoor area is also available for al fresco dining. The menu is all about traditional dishes, and all of the food served here is halal. Catering services and a special menu for parties and big groups is also available.

Shrigley's Moroccan Cuisine might be laid-back and low-key but it's well-known as a top choice for Moroccan cooking in London. It's a casual spot offering counter service. Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes are the speciality, with takeaways also available. Food is served all day and there are familiar options like jacket potatoes as well as Moroccan classics.

Try Moroccan and Lebanese cooking in an ornate setting with elaborate lamps, decorative tiles, and a peaceful ambience at Oasis. Visit the restaurant for an authentic feast or head to the lounge area for shisha and mocktails. Mezze, grills, and tagines are served, plus inventive pizzas with Morocco-inspired toppings.