Aziza — Restaurant Review | Condé Nast Traveler

cuisine

Moroccan

What were your first impressions when you arrived? This Moroccan-inspired restaurant has been a gem of the foggy Outer Richmond for some years. A recent refresh has brought new life to it, with vibrant tilework and soft lighting that channels a Marrakech riad at sunset.
What’s the crowd like? Aziza isn’t the kind of place you typically stumble upon, at least not in these parts. It’s a destination, one that’s trekking almost all the way to the ocean for. That’s evident by the eclectic demographic of people who’ve clearly journeyed from all parts of town.
What should we be drinking? A one-page wine list offers a curated selection of wines from around southern Europe: carricante from Italy, assyrtico from Santorini, syrah from France. Plus, a few California blends for good measure.
Main event: the food. Give us the lowdown—especially what not to miss. Start with the roasted prawns, bathed in spicy harissa and garlic (or really, anything with harissa—even the cashews). The basteeya—a traditional savory pastry filled with chicken confit and spiced almonds—is a must. The short ribs with shakshuka and pickled beans are enough to feed two, and well-worth the calories. This is a menu that’s almost impossible to go wrong with any choice.
What’s the real-real on why we’re coming here? The celebratory atmosphere has a way of making everyone feel like they’re on vacation, even without leaving the city.