34 – 36 Exmouth Market, London EC1R 4QE, Tel: 0207 833 8336 Email: info@moro.co.uk moro.co.uk

Moro lies at the heart of the lively pedestrianised street, Exmouth Market, in Islington. Known for its award-winning Moorish cuisine, the restaurant is popular not only with diners, but with those who come in to enjoy tapas, which are served throughout the day. It was an unusual route which led to the establishment of Moro in the spring of 1997: two cooks, Samantha and Sam Clark, shared a desire to discover the abundant flavours of the Southern Mediterranean. They married, bought a camper van and set off on a three month journey. They drove through Spain, Morocco and the Sahara, learning, observing and tasting along the way.

As they travelled, the two Sams experimented with local ingredients on their small gas hob, gleaning as much information as they could about different regional cooking, and the varying techniques used. Armed with stories, passion and ideas, they brought what they’d learnt back to Britain, and combined their new knowledge with their shared experience of working at London restaurants, the River Café and the Eagle, to create Moro.

The welcome is especially warm and friendly, making one feel they really are pleased to see you. Inside it is modern, light and airy. Comfortable chairs and fresh flowers on the tables. We began with a glass of delicious Tio Pepe en rama – an unfiltered sherry with lots of flavour. Starters were a Mussel and Prawn Salpicon salad, subtly dressed and full of flavour and a seared pigeon breasts with caramelised chick peas and cinnamon. Both delicious and really interesting – accompanied by a further glass of that lovely sherry. They have a huge wood fired grill in the kitchen, so many of their dishes are cooked on this. We chose Charcoal grilled lamb with slow cooked green beans, farika, almonds and seasoned yoghurt and Wood roasted mackerel with koshary, crispy onions, chopped fresh tomato and chilli. Fantastic lamb, tender and barbequed in flavour with a scrumptious bean and farika mixture. Moist, perfectly cooked mackerel and delicious accompaniments. Two glasses of Sami Ghosn’s Massaya Silver Selection were the perfect accompaniment. Gosh, that wine is fantastic! Good coffee. Superb, friendly, informed service.

Highly recommended.

Opening Times

• Lunch (Mon–Sat) 12.00–2.30
• Lunch (Sun) 12.30–2.45
• Dinner (Mon–Sat) 6.00–10.30
• Tapas served all day at the bar (Mon–Sat)