Dylan YoungI first had a taste of Moroccan cuisine recently during my trip to Morocco, and I can’t believe what I’ve been missing out all this time. This cuisine is a mix of different influences, such as Berber, Andalusi, Arab, and Mediterranean, so the flavors are always exciting!
When I returned to Toronto, I was still having Moroccan cuisine cravings. Though there aren’t that many Moroccan restaurants in the city, the ones that we have did hit the spot, and here they are!
Byblos
Address: 11 Duncan St
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—5 to 10 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—5 to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16476600909
What I like about Byblos is that it combines time-honored traditional cooking techniques with modern methods. You can also see this blend in the interior design, which is why I find the atmosphere here to be elegant and lively.
Now for the food, I recommend the Wagyu beef kofta (meatballs). The meatballs are perfectly juicy, and I love the spiciness and tanginess that come from the chilis and tomatillos.
Of course, I like to order rice with my order. The sweet jeweled rice looks simple, but it’s infused with saffron and barberries, so it smells and tastes good! I also really like the black truffle rice. It’s more on the savory side with a hint of earthiness.
To wash everything down, order a cocktail! I like the Sultan’s Nightcap. Somehow, the bitter and sweet flavors work really well together.
| Pro Tips: Planning a special event with your loved ones? You might want to book this restaurant as a venue. Give a gift card from Byblos to a friend who also loves Moroccan food! |
Diwan
Address: Aga Khan Museum, 77 Wynford Dr, North York
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Sunday—11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Contact Number: +14166464670
The Aga Khan Museum is one of my favorite museums in Toronto (it’s the only museum that’s dedicated to the history of Muslim civilizations all over the world). So, I’m pleased to discover that there’s a restaurant offering Moroccan food here.
If you can afford it, try the prix fixe menu. With just one payment, you can enjoy multiple courses! The last time I tried this, I loved eating the lamb samosa chaat for appetizers and the chicken tikka masala for the main course.
They also have an a la carte menu. I recommend trying the Diwan Lamb Burger. The patty is so juicy, and the aioli makes it taste even more savory and garlicky. It also has a sunny-side-up egg with a perfectly runny yolk!
| Pro Tip: If you want to host a special event here, you should send an inquiry via email (at [email protected]). |
The Sultan’s Tent and Cafe Moroc
Address: 49 Front St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—5:30 am to 9:30 pm
- Friday and Saturday—5:30 to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +14169610601
The Sultan’s Tent and Cafe Moroc has been around for over 30 years, so it’s not a surprise it’s a popular spot for anyone who’s craving Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Moroccan cuisine.
The interior is also absolutely beautiful! There are lanterns hung everywhere and jewel-toned pillows adorning the seats. All this creates a very romantic atmosphere, which is why I like to come here with my partner.
The Sultan’s Tent offers a three-course prix fixe dinner. The menu changes often, but I really like the Tarifa coconut shrimp with pomegranate aioli (creamy, sweet, and tangy at the same time) and the Casablanca filet mignon (tender and spicy).
Meanwhile, Cafe Moroc has an a la carte menu filled with tantalizing French-Moroccan fusion dishes. I recommend getting the Moroccan crab cakes (they’re sweet with strong spicy notes) and the Berber chicken (savory and tangy, with a kick of heat).
| Pro Tips: This restaurant has belly dancing performances. These performances happen at 7:45 pm (Sunday to Thursday), 6:45 pm, and 9:45 pm (Friday and Saturday). You can host your event here. If you already have a venue for your party, you can book their catering services. |
Nearby Toronto
Morocco’s Kitchen
Address: 3460 Platinum Dr Unit 24, Mississauga
Distance from TO: Around 35 minutes
Operating hours:
- Monday—5 to 9:30 pm
- Wednesday and Thursday—3 to 10:30 pm
- Friday—1 to 11 pm
- Saturday—1 pm to 12:30 am
- Sunday—1 to 10:30 pm
Contact Number: +19056070046
Technically, Morocco’s Kitchen isn’t in Toronto, but it’s just in the next city over, which is a 35-minute drive away. So, if you’re able, be sure to check it out when you can!
You shouldn’t miss out on the tagine dishes (these are dishes that are cooked in a clay pot called tagine). They have both chicken and lamb options, and whatever you choose, you’ll still be able to enjoy the tender meat and the rich and fragrant sauce!
For dessert, I recommend trying the sfenj (a fried pastry with a crispy exterior and chewy interior). My favorite is the Nutella sfenj because the chocolatey goodness makes it so addictive. It also has sliced bananas, which are perfect additions!
| Pro Tip: Sometimes, the restaurant hosts lunch specials with discounts and combo meals. Take advantage of them whenever you can! |
