Known for its elevated Moroccan cuisine with Californian influences, the restaurant was a staple in San Francisco’s food scene, but the city’s challenges post-pandemic have caused it to close its doors. 

Marrakech – Chef Mourad Lahlou, renowned for bringing Moroccan fine dining to San Francisco, will close his celebrated restaurant, Mourad, after a final service on Saturday, October 26. 

The news, shared in an Instagram post, comes with a heartfelt message from Lahlou: “It is with a heavy heart that I wanted to share with you the closure of Mourad restaurant.”

“This evening’s service will be our last. It has been 10 years since we opened our doors and started this wild journey in the heart of San Francisco, a place I called home for most of my life. This decision was not an easy one.”

Opening in 2015, Mourad quickly earned Michelin recognition, receiving a star in its debut year and holding the distinction until 2022. 

Known for its elevated Moroccan cuisine with Californian influences, the restaurant became a staple in the city’s vibrant food scene.

Yet, the challenges of recent years, from the pandemic’s impact on the industry to SoMa’s shifting business climate, tested the restaurant’s resilience. 

Lahlou reflected on these difficulties in his announcement, writing, “Despite all our efforts and determination, many challenges, including a bitter dispute with city officials over the last year… have forced us to close our doors and say goodbye for now.”

Lahlou also expressed in his statement admiration for his team’s dedication in navigating these challenges.

“We believed in our neighborhood and home and decided to dig deeper and not bail out,” he shared, acknowledging his team as “resourceful, determined, and uncompromising in our pursuit of excellence.”

A legacy of Moroccan culinary artistry 

Lahlou first made his mark with “Aziza,” his Richmond District restaurant opened in 1999, where he introduced San Francisco to Moroccan flavors crafted with California-sourced ingredients.

Aziza achieved Michelin recognition in 2010, bringing Moroccan cuisine to the forefront of San Francisco’s dining culture and establishing itself as a beloved neighborhood fixture.

A renovation in 2019 gave the space a modern refresh, cementing its place as a staple in the city’s culinary landscape.

Beyond Aziza and Mourad, Lahlou has expanded his reach to other ventures. 

In March 2024, he opened “Moro,” a counter-service restaurant in Napa’s Oxbow Public Market, where guests can enjoy Moroccan street food-inspired dishes reminiscent of the vibrant stalls of Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa market. 

Lahlou’s influence has also extended beyond California. 

Partnering with Chris Kajioka, a former chef at both Aziza and Mourad, Lahlou helped launch Miro Kaimuki in Oahu in 2020, followed by the recent opening of Leila in September 2024, further bringing his culinary vision to new audiences.

As the closing of Mourad brings sadness to its loyal guests, it also further sheds light on the challenges small businesses continue to face post-pandemic in San Francisco.