Fez — The restaurant offers home-style Moroccan dishes, slow cooking, and a warm room that feels like someone’s house rather than a stage. The mood is easy, the welcome is gentle, and nothing feels rushed.
Inside, you’ll find zellige tiles, carved wood, and soft lantern light. Tables sit close enough for a lively buzz, but there’s still room to relax. Staff greet guests with mint tea and set an unhurried pace. On some nights, a little gnawa or Andalusian music plays quietly in the background. It stays cozy, not showy.
The meal usually starts with small plates. Zaalouk (warm eggplant), taktouka (tomato and pepper), and carrot salad with cumin come with good bread for dipping. Harira soup is a comfort bowl—tomato, lentils, herbs—rich but clean.
Tagines are the heart of the kitchen. The classic lemon-olive chicken arrives tender, with a bright, briny sauce. Lamb with prunes leans sweet, topped with almonds and soft onions. The vegetable tagine stacks seasonal produce over a golden saffron base. If you spot pastilla, order it: thin, crisp pastry filled with spiced chicken or seafood, dusted with sugar and cinnamon for that sweet-savory bite.
Couscous is steamed fluffy and served with vegetables and your choice of meat. Ask for extra tfaya—caramelized onions and raisins—if you like a hint of sweetness. Portions are generous; sharing works well here.
What makes it work is patience. Sauces reduce, spices bloom, and meats fall from the bone without effort. Seasoning is balanced, leaving you satisfied rather than heavy. Service is kind and attentive; the team explains dishes, times courses well, and happily adjusts heat levels if you prefer mild.
Dessert stays simple: orange slices with cinnamon, a light milk pastilla, or fresh fruit, followed by hot mint tea. Prices feel fair for the care in the cooking and the calm of the dining room.
A few notes help the experience. Tagines need time, so order them first and enjoy salads or soup while the pot does its work. Reservations are wise on weekends and holidays. A casual, neat dress fits the room, and families or small groups feel comfortable.
Dar Hammad isn’t chasing trends. It focuses on honest Moroccan food, made slowly and served with warmth. Come for the tagines and couscous, stay for the tea and the calm, and leave already planning your next visit.
