Moroccan food is one of the most under appreciated, exotic and delicious cuisines in LA. I traveled to Morocco a few years ago and was surprised and delighted by the variety, creative pairings and freshness of the foods. Luckily, I was able to try out several Moroccan restaurants right here in the city that are not only delectable, but also provide a glimpse into the atmosphere of an Arabic night.

5.BABOUCH MOROCCAN RESTAURANT

It's a bit of a trek to Babouch (it's located in San Pedro) but worth the drive. The restaurant in gorgeous, done up in warm silks and cloth - it has the kind of ornate decor we so often associate with Morroco, not to mention belly dancers on site!

This restaurant is unique in that they provide both a fixed price menu and an a la carte menu (many provide one or the other exclusively). They have a large selection of entrees to choose from, including lamb, couscous and rabbit. I recommend the lamb with honey and almonds. They also have a tarot reader that will give you a free reading during your dinner. Apparently I will be going on a long sea cruise!

THE DETAILS: Babouch Moroccan Restaurant
810 S Gaffey Street
San Pedro, ca 90731
310 831 0246
www.babouchrestaurant.com

4. MARRAKESH RESTAURANT

Tucked away in Studio City, this restaurant is lively, complete with belly dancers and music. All tables are low, and guests dine on ornate cushions. What fun! The menu is prix-fixed only, so be sure to bring some friends with you.

Marrakesh serves their couscous in a traditional tagine, a baking dish native to the country. Lamb kabobs, baklava, fish tagines, and yes, even rabbit (!) grace the menu. On an aesthetic note, the inside is beautifu l- all greens, golds and reds. 

THE DETAILS: Marrakesh Restaurant
13003 Ventura Boulvard
Studio City, CA 91604
818 788 6354
www.marrakeshrestaurant.com

3. TAGINE

The most upscale restaurant of the bunch, it is also the smallest, with a seating capacity of only 50 diners. It's Moroccan nouvelle cuisine, and exclusively offers a fixed price tasting menu. The portions are small and elegant, the flavors exquisite and balanced, all prepared by Chef Ben, a native of Kenitra, Morocco. I applaud the tenacity and bravery to move away from traditional Morrocan decor and cuisine and rather mix new ideas and methods  with old recipes... And, if star-sighting is your thing, Ryan Gosling own it!

THE DETAILS: Tagine
132 Robertson Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
www.taginecuisine.com

2. MOUN OF TUNIS

Serving Hollywood since 1977, this gem of a restaurant hides itself on Sunset Boulevard. The restaurant is large, and has several rooms that are for private parties, and puts a Tunisian spin on menu.

The owner is following in his father's footsteps as a restauranteur. Originally from Tunisia, he incorporates his country's cooking with traditional Moroccan fare. The portions are huge. I thought they would never stop bringing me plates heaped with delicious and aromatic food. By the end of my meal, every surface of my table was covered with plates. To die for! Their shrimp brochette and lemon chicken are a must. Overall, a near perfect dining experience.

THE DETAILS: Moun of Tunis
7445 1/2 Sunset Boulevard
Hollywood, CA 90046
323 874 3333
www.mounoftunisrestaurant.com

AND THE BEST MOROCCAN RESTAURANT IN LA IS...