Moroccan

This newly relocated Moroccan restaurant, run by Fez-wearing, Casablanca-born chef-owner Mohamed Ghaleb not only prepares most of the dishes himself in the itsy-bitsy open kitchen (barely big enough for two people) but also manages to chat with customers while he’s cooking. Somehow, they all seem to know the likable Ghaleb by name. Eats:What's on your menu.: You’re really here for the casual Moroccan fare, which is simply delicious. Zaalouk, a chilled salad of baked eggplant, tomatoes, garlic and parsley served with warm sesame-topped bread, is peppery and refreshing, while the juicy dajaj mequali—saffron-and-parsley-coated baked chicken served with preserved lemons and olives—is wonderfully briny. Order a pot of the refreshing mint tea, served in a beautiful silver kettle, to feel a little bit more refined while you chow down.

Google Maps Link: http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=Aziza,+sf&fb=1&split=1&gl=us&cid=0,0,8213457289968802272&ll=37.780416,-122.481658&spn=0.010345,0.019312&z=16&iwloc=A

All types flock here for delicious Moroccan food and creative drinks. With Moorish arches and booths for groups, the front dining room is the life of the party; try the room with white tablecloths in the back if you’re looking for a more romantic vibe.

Eats:What's on your menu.: <p>Talented chef Mourad Lahlou’s cooking warms up a rather nippy corner of the Richmond District. The chicken b’stilla, minced chicken heady with saffron underneath a crisp puff pastry, is fragrant with spices; hearty entrées include a braised lamb shank with a honey-kumquat sauce, a combo that balances sweet and savory.</p>