Al Mounia

Al Mounia is one of the best-known traditional Moroccan restaurants in Casablanca, Morocco, set in a courtyard house at 95 Rue du Prince Moulay Abdallah in the downtown district. For many residents it is the address for family occasions and for introducing visitors to classic Moroccan cooking, and it has a long reputation for consistency in a city where tourist-oriented restaurants are common.

The kitchen concentrates on the dishes of Moroccan home and festive cooking. Signature dishes include pastilla, the layered pastry with a sweet and savoury filling, mrouzia, a slow-cooked lamb dish flavoured with honey, raisins, almonds and ras el hanout, couscous served in the traditional manner, and lamb tagine. Several dishes need long cooking, so the menu rewards patience and is best approached as a sharing meal. Prices are mid-to-upper range for Casablanca, at about MAD 220-400 per person (roughly $24-43).

The dining room reflects the house it occupies. A tiled courtyard with a garden feel is surrounded by smaller salons with traditional furnishings, and the mood is calm and refined. Noise is moderate, service is courteous and measured, and the atmosphere suits family groups, couples and business lunches. Dress is smart-casual. Alcohol availability is part of the offer and diners wanting wine should confirm the current list when reserving.

Reservations are recommended for dinner and weekends, and booking a few days ahead is sensible for larger groups or the courtyard tables. Lunch can sometimes be arranged at shorter notice. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner and hours should be verified before visiting. The downtown location is easy to reach by taxi or on foot from the central market area, and it is not far from the Marché Central and the Art Deco buildings of the city centre. First-time visitors to Moroccan food often use Al Mounia as a benchmark, since the dishes are served in a measured, traditional order and the staff can explain unfamiliar items on request.