Aziza

Describing Mourad Lahlou’s Moroccan restaurant Aziza is difficult to do in just a few words.  Mysterious, enchanting, mouthwatering cuisine, sustainable produce, innovative, creative.  I could go on, but it really is one of my favorites to have great food, drinks and a cool atmosphere in San Francisco.

Aziza combines a wonderful and innovative chef with an assortment of fresh ingredients, creating a spectacular dining experience.  I love the menu.  It is so simplistic, just a one word description followed by the ingredients in each dish.  There is a large range of starters and a solid list of entrees.  Aziza also offers the opportunity to have a five course meal for a fairly reasonable price ($68).   Because of Chef Lahlou’s goal of using sustainable and organic ingredients, the menu is constantly updated to offer the best of the local markets and farms.

Almost every dish was terrific, each standing out in its own way.  Some of my favorite dishes: the meatballs, served with jicama, grapes and herbs, the couscous, which is masterfully prepared and the lamb shank, which was so tender and juicy.   Leave some room for dessert because pastry chef Melissa Chou’s creations are ridiculously good as well.  The portions are appropriately sized; some of the starters are larger than others and the entrees will fill you up.

The cocktail menu is just as creative.  There is such an excellent variety of drinks with a great mix of the freshest ingredients.  The drink menu is just as simplistic with the name of the alcohol involved and ingredients that are mixed in.  Don’t think there is a loser on the entire menu and there is something for everyone. 

Couscous

Aziza’s decor is like everything else in the restaurant: very eclectic.  You can definitely feel the Mediterranean vibe with the design of the walls and lights. But it also has a 70's feel to it, with the plush chairs and booths and wild mix of colors.  There is a darkness to the restaurant that also gives it a sexy, romantic appeal.  It is what San Francisco is all about.  A place that you can go for a special occasion, business dinner or just a relaxed night out with the crew. 

Dessert

Aziza has received one star in the Michelin Guide each of the last two years, recognition that is well deserved.  Along with the wonderful food and drinks, it is just a very appealing environment to have a terrific dining experience.


Aziza is located at 5800 Geary Boulevard at 22nd Avenue.  They are open for dinner from Wednesday-Monday from 5:30-10:00.


Phone Number: (415) 752-2222


Prices:
Starters: $6-18
Entrees: $17-29
Five Course Tasting: $68
Drinks: $10 (Wine list also available)