Momo Restaurant

Deservedly famous North African restaurant with excellent food and an opulent, sophisticated ambience. Momo's would make a fine choice for a romantic dinner with its dim lighting and gentle luxury. Of course this all comes at a price. You won't have much change out of a hundred quid should you take someone here for dinner. But if they're worth it...they're worth it.

Sister of the celebrated 404 in Paris' Marais district, this wonderfully atmospheric North African restaurant is stuffed with cushions and lamps, and staffed by all-dancing, tambourine-playing waiters. It's a funny old place that manages to be all things to all diners, who range from romantic couples to raucous office-party ravers. Service is very friendly and the dishes are as exciting as you dare to be, so after the meze (from 4) eschew the traditional and ordinary tajine and tuck into the splendid Moroccan speciality pastilla, a scrumptious nutmeg and pigeon pie. There's outside seating in this quiet backstreet in the warmer months.

A little crescent off Regents Street doesnt seem the obvious place for the little slice of Marrakech that is Momo. With its over the top interior design and big furniture the seats, for example, appear to be made of yak this is still one of the capitals in places. However, the reputation for glamour, celebs and trust fundsupported customers sadly detracts from what Momo deserves to be famous for: the really rather good food.

Things didnt start well with the justokay bread but thats easily overlooked in favour of the punchy and juicy spiced olives, an indicator of things to come. Like many destination places, there are some design flourishes, which are either witty or frou frou depending on your point of view: a seared tuna and quails egg amuse bouche, for example, comes on an edible pastry spoon Unlike many destination places though, Momo isnt artificially polite. If the menu promises heat, you get heat.

The Merguez Couscous is fine example. The couscous arrives dotted with cooked vegetables and you panic momentarily that they misheard your order. Then the Merguez arrive, a plate of dense meaty sausage, and the waiter throws it all together for you. The stock is mixed into the couscous, the chilli paste is added and the whole thing explodes in the mouth.

Traditional pastries provide a sweet finish but are overshadowed by the delicious hot, sweet mint tea.

A surprisingly good experience.

Enter a Moroccon souk of a restaurant with terrific North African cooking and interior with lots of exotic furnishings - coloured glass and gilt lanterns and lots of cushions and original furnishings. Terrific lunchtime atmosphere but romantic in the evening. Prior to your meal visit the sumptous bar area and dream of recreating the look at home. This is perfectly possible since only next door is the Tea Room where you can buy everything from babouches and kaftans to original North African antiques. What's cooking? Mezze - a mix of two vegetarian dishes, sliced lamb with figs, almonds, shrimps and vermicelli, tagines and couscous as well as a selection of authentic Moroccan pastries.Please note that Momo only takes bookings up to 2 weeks in advance. Should you request a booking further in advance to this, your booking confirmation may be delayed.