Ayoush

Moroccan Restaurant in Marylebone
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No longer at this address

Our records show that Ayoush is closed.

Address
58 James Street
Marylebone
London
W1U 1HG
Map
Cuisine
Moroccan
Region
Marylebone
Nearest Station
Bond Street
0.15 miles
Restaurant Facilities

Smoking Area

Children Welcome

Credit Cards Accepted

Music Played

Live Music Played

Private Area

Outdoor Area

Fantastically fun and buzzy Moroccan restaurant and bar. Newly refurbished to a high standard in summer 2013, the charming restaurant looks out to an al fresco dining area, where Ayoush's renowned shisha and Moroccan tea are expertly served.

Downstairs there are wonderfully decorated 'caves', perfect for group dining and private hire. This area has a smart, modern Moroccan look and an intimate Club/bar atmosphere including belly dancers and late night DJ at the weekends. One thing not to be missed are the unique cocktails made exclusively here - more a theatrical experience for all the senses than simply a drink.

The food is recognisably of the region (tagines, mezze, couscous, salads, grills, fish) with a seasonally changing menu that includes some interesting twists on Moroccan flavours. No matter what the weather in London, Ayoush promises a traditional North African warm welcome and friendly service, making it a favourite haunt of celebrities, Londoners and tourists alike.

It's a great place for lunch, a romantic dinner or cocktail, night out with friends or an after-work gathering with dancing lasting well into the evening.

Ayoush Picture Gallery

Downstairs "caves"
Downstairs "caves"
Ayoush Picture
Ayoush Picture
Ayoush Picture
Ayoush Picture
Ayoush Picture
Ayoush Picture

All In London Review

Feels like you have been transported to North Africa...

Review Image
You have to run the gauntlet of al fresco dining establishments along James Street to get here – but keep going as it is definitely worth it. Don’t be put off either by the small tables outside that are filled with Middle Eastern youngsters enjoying their shisha as they watch the world go by.

Once inside it feels like you have been transported to North Africa. I really liked the sweeps of shiny material on the ceiling making it feel like a Bedouin tent and the delicately carved vertical lights hanging against the large windows. It was an ideal place to catch the breeze on a warm evening and peer onto the bustle of life outside from the large windows. An interesting blend of the traditional and modern.

The clientele was diverse – there were families (some with younger children and others with grown kids), small groups and couples. Just about every age range and racial group was represented. And everyone looked happy and at ease. The staff took the time to explain the menu options good-naturedly and seemed to take care over ensuring that everyone had a good time.

We started with cocktails. My colleague’s Cosmopolitan Daisy (£7.50) was an interesting version – there was a hit of orange before the raspberry kicked in. I couldn’t discern the sweet liquid of rose in the mix. But I think my choice won – the Floral Kir Royal (£8.50) came with a plump cherry on the side – and the heavy sweetness of the cherries tinged with marinated edible flowers was memorable for the right reasons. We followed this with glasses of chilled New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc (£7).

We spent a while looking at the varied options for a starter (£3.95 to £5.50) before deciding – as apparently the majority do – to try the mezze selection which turned out to be excellent value for money at £11.50.

Presented on a square wooden block, and accompanied by a basket of flat bread, there were nine mounds of taste sensations – including smooth butternut hummus, cool labnah (yoghurt cheese) and cucumber and crispy cigar pastries (there is a vegetarian option but we opted for the chicken and raisin version which were delicious). I was a little disappointed with the Baba Gannough (aubergine, tahini – sesame seed paste, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil) which was somewhat bland. Our favourite was the zaalouk (aubergine and tomato salad with a light spice) and we both liked the moist and lightly spiced falafel.

My companion (who is of Middle Eastern origin) chose the popular lamb tagine (£14.50) – the waiter dramatically removed the lid and the bubbling stew released a waft of prunes, apricots and cinnamon. There were potatoes in the mix which meant that the side of couscous (£2 – so light and with a smooth texture) she had ordered wasn’t necessary, I don’t usually enjoy lamb but I admit that I helped her finish off her enormous portion. I think she was a little deterred by the unfamiliar blend of sweet and savoury but I would visit again just to taste this dish alone - the lamb was fall apart tender but firm.

I had selected the Samaka Harra – seabass fillets with chermoula sauce (£16.50). This arrived with light, fragrant rice, some salad and some hardly-chargrilled peppers. The fish was possibly a little overcooked but the skin was nicely crisped and while I enjoyed the hot sauce it was a little overpowering.

The green tea and mint drink was poured with a flourish from traditional silver teapots and I was surprised that I enjoyed the delicate flavour which was a perfect accompaniment to the much talked about baklava (£5.50). Legend has it that this dish has been exported to Egypt it’s so good. Presented with artistic plumes of dark brown, pistachio and cherry sauce they were sweet as expected but not overly so. The pastry was crisp but moist which was a pleasant surprise as in my previous experiences baklava had been too soft and soggy for my palate.

Downstairs has a really different vibe. Whereas upstairs it’s a busy restaurant, below feels like a dark, intimate and happening night club – but both with a strong Arabic heritage. It’s an authentically decorated North African bar and I really liked the candles on the each step of the stone stairs and the carved wooden lattice screens separating areas. There were busy mixologists at the cocktail bar against which a number of young people were seated.

The metal engraved tables and chairs are low and there are fabulous under-arch areas which would be perfect for a celebration with up to 12 friends. There was a young DJ playing the latest sounds here – a surprise and a nice contrast to the soft background Arabic music of the restaurant upstairs. Later in the evening an older chap played lap drums in time to the club sounds – and we were told on other occasions they have dancers for entertainment too. I would feel equally comfortable bringing my teen children, my fussy vegetarian friends and my business associates here on a fun night out here.

The warmth, friendliness of staff, ambience and North African décor created an experience that absolutely gets top marks from me. And whilst I enjoyed the fresh and healthy, well-cooked and beautifully presented food and felt it was good value for money, my companion was less enthused.

There is also a branch of Ayoush in Windsor.

Reviewed by KimT
Published on Aug 11, 2014


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