We came here for New Years Eve based on the ambiance from the pictures and availability. We…read moreenjoyed the decorations especially in the downstairs seating. We booked our reservation online which stated they had a normal menu but when we arrived we were told we could only order the formula menu at 40Euro each (no sharing). The food was a disappointment considering the amount we paid. My friend ordered the vegetarian menu and they brought her fish for the appetizer and a big plate of couscous as the main dish with a side of really bad soup with vegetables that were not fresh. The soup was not eaten and the couscous was the same as what we had as a side dish, she just got a larger portion. The staff seemed fairly nice initially but we ordered a bottle of wine and they came back and said they didn't have it so they recommended another bottle (which of course was more expensive) we accepted and then for our seconde bottle we asked to see the menu again and when we went to order another bottle they said they did not have that bottle neither and continued to push the more expensive bottle. Unless we did not want to drink wine on NYE, we had no option since they were "out of" all the less expensive bottles. Since we all had a feeling that we were deceived into ordering the formula menu and the more expensive wine; none of us would return or recommend the place. Despite the impression the host left on us , we enjoyed the setting and each others company so it gets three stars. Also, it would have been nice if they offered the few patrons still there for the countdown at midnight a little something of appreciation.

This is a long overdue review of a fantastic meal I had when I was last in Paris. Located in the…read more9th arrondissement just under the the incredible Sacre Couer is the little gem, Wally Le Saharien. Head into the dining room through luxurious drapes, you'll be transported to another place (as if Paris wasn't fabulous enough). Low lighting, exotically and richly decorated, the ambiance is intimate and like a warm embrace on a cold winter night. You're likely to be greeted by one of the charming owners who make you feel as if you've been invited to friend's for dinner as opposed to eating out. And the food? Spicy, slow-cooked, delectable goodness. With a choice of prix-fixe (meat or vegetarian) or ala carte, there is certainly no lack of choice. The prix-fixe (non-veggie) dinner menu begins with a trio of starters: spicy soup, stuffed and grilled sardines and a savory pastilla of pigeon in puff pastry (that combines the flavors and textures of savory meat, crunchy pastry and sweet spices. I learned that the traditional dish in Morocco or other parts of Northern Africa is typically made with squab or pigeon meat, while in the US, you're likely to see chicken substituted instead. This was by far my most favorite thing that I ate). Next comes couscous with a méchouia (slow-cooked tart) of lamb dusted with an optional coating of sugar, which of course I had to have. When in Rome... but it turns out that the sugar brings out the savoriness and richness of the meat and while I don't typically like a sweet and savory combination in my food, in this case it truly took the meal to the next level. You'll also get Merguez, a cumin-laden spicy sausage from North Africa, which apparently factors importantly into any Moroccan meal (as do homemade pastries). The portion sizes were ample and there was much-too-much food for me to finish everything on my plate-- a fact that I was unbelievably disappointed by. Each course got better and better and by the end of the meal i was not only completely satiated but wishing i could start again. We skipped dessert but enjoyed a traditional sweet mint tea which was the perfect culmination to a perfect meal.

Few times have I ever had couscous except for the rare occasions where my mom would attempt to make…read moreit for us at home. And while she's a good cook and all, she's not exactly Moroccan or knows all that much about the authentic version of the dish which features a load of specific spices and ingredients. For this particular reason, I decided to go get the real deal while visiting my folks in Paris. I decided to go there for lunch and a quick search online revealed this place, which locals seemed to swear by. Good thing for me, it was only a few minutes away - I hoofed my way over along with three companions. We were starving but immediately found the place. As we walked in, we noticed the decor which featured all kinds of oriental items and some unique wood work. Nothing modern, but definitely a taste of the Middle East and very appropriate for the theme and setting. We were given menus and after a quick glance at the various dishes, we all decided to get some couscous except for one of my cousins who went for some grilled beef skewers instead. After placing our orders and waiting a few minutes while sipping on some oranginas and waters, our table slowly started to fill with various plates and dishes. First came a heaping bowl of the couscous grain, which was meant for us to share. Then came small bowls of both golden raisins and chickpeas, and some harissa spice. And finally the vegetables, the broth and our meat items. I personally decided to get the beef meatball and merguez (spicy lamb sausage) option. As the final items arrived, I started to construct my bowl of food. First the grain, then a few ladles of the broth and vegetables (carrots, turnip, zucchini) and then some of the raisins and chickpeas. Finally the protein and a bit of harissa to spice it up a bit and give it some heat. Everything was as good as I had anticipated and my tummy left the place in absolutely delight. It was exactly what I had wanted and it was great. The lamb sausage was spicy and very tasty as were the meatballs. The broth was flavorful and the vegetables as well. All of the various components worked great with one another creating a real symphony of flavors for my palate. And best of all, it was all very affordable at something like 14 euros if I remember correctly (don't quote me on it). All in all the place was clean, was great and the service was effective. We left satisfied and happy with our experience there.