Top 100 Restaurants 2006

Michael Bauer

April 4, 2006

AZIZA

Many Moroccan restaurants play into the cliche with low tables and amateurish belly dancing, but Aziza has a sophisticated approach: Diners can choose a Western-style table, often tucked back into a romantic cubbyhole, or one of the more traditional dining rooms. Chef-owner Mourad Lahlou modernizes his native Moroccan cuisine, giving even the long-cooked dishes a fresh perspective. Diners can order a la carte, although the five-course tasting menu is the best deal and shows off Lahlou's culinary talents.

Specialties:
Five-course tasting menu ($39); b'steeya; Mediterranean spreads; kumquat-braised lamb shank; couscous Aziza (with lamb, chicken, prawns); squab with mushrooms; pot de creme.