Located in the Richmond District, this Moroccan-inspired restaurant started modestly but each year chef-owner Mourad Lahlou adds more. He's creating some of the most exciting, innovative food in the Bay Area, using his heritage as a focal point. He's self-taught and passionate, and calls on both modern and ancient techniques. He offers an a la carte menu, but many opt for the tasting menu, which might include carrot rye bread pudding with horseradish or veal pot pie with Alubia beans and cardoon. Unusual hand-crafted cocktails rival the cuisine, and Melissa Chou's desserts are terrific, with innovative dishes such as beet sorbet with goat yogurt granite and pumpkin seeds.
