The Ruined Garden — Restaurant in Fez

This is a copy of the email we sent to the restaurant in mid-November. I have since emailed to see if they had a response, but no one acknowledged receipt or any feedback. So, unfortunately I need to post my feedback to the restaurant. Below is my email:

I would like to provide you with some comments on our recent dinner experience at The Ruined Garden on 13 November at 19h30. I would rather share the feedback with you rather than on social media because I think it is more polite. My wife Neda made the reservation a week or more in advance and we pre-ordered the Sephardic Chicken. The dish was tasty and well-prepared, however the entire experience was unpleasant from the time we arrived until we left. We live in Tanger and have a wide circle of friends both Moroccan and ex-pat and we've never had a bad experience like this one.

I have never written any reviews on any social media - I have never been motivated to do so. However, your restaurant needs help. I hope you will accept this constructive criticism to make your customer's dining experience worth the money.

Tables: We were sitting at a table originally that we changed because it was very dark and we were offered a table behind it. That table swayed and wobbled to the point we had to catch it before it fell to the ground. We finally moved to a nicer table that was well lit and did not fall down.

The servers were friendly, but spoke neither English nor French so we had to communicate through one of the managers, which is really unusual in the Moroccan hospitality business in 2024, having traveled all over Morocco ourselves. The servers themselves looked no different than the kids playing in the streets. There was no uniform and they were obviously untrained in any type of service. Again very strange given all of our favorite restaurants around Morocco are not tourist places. Once we were served our dish, the server left us to eat off of bread plates and did not bring dinner plates or a plate for the bones and eggshells - something obviously necessary to have with this dish. Needless to say, eating was very messy but we managed.

Cats: As I mentioned we live in Morocco and know that cats are always present and usually well-behaved. However, at The Ruined Garden, the cats seem to rule the restaurant, and not in a cute way. The cats sat eye-level with us and tried to jump on the table several times. We do not dislike cats, but do not want our meal to be about eating fast so the cats don't get our food. In addition, there was a Spanish couple at the next table who were afraid to sit down and eat because there was a cat sitting right over the husband's shoulder. Finally, two cats began a nasty fight and were rolling around the floor at our feet, scratching and biting each other. The Spanish couple got up immediately, left their dinner uneaten and left the restaurant. We followed shortly after. It was a very nasty experience.

On the way out, Muad, a manager I believe, asked how we enjoyed our time with you. I told him the truth and he was shocked. He asked us to come back inside for a free dessert, but for obvious reasons we didn't accept. I expect the Spanish couple who had a similar experience will likely never recommend your restaurant either. Although the restaurant comes with a strong reputation, but it appears you are simply doing the bare minimum with staff, equipment, and ambiance. The Ruined Garden we experienced is for ignorant tourists who do not know better. However, your restaurant needs help if you want repeat customers. You are losing money I expect, as well as your reputation. We could not, in good faith, recommend your restaurant to anyone, anywhere, including our friends in Tanger or those visiting from other places who ask for our...

If you want authentic Moroccan cuisine and ambience, this is NOT the place for you. The name of the restaurant is intriguing, indeed. The entrance is mysterious. The garden is pleasant enough especially in the evening but the dining area where we were ( no reservations) , the ceiling fan was out of order and it lacked lighting and ventilation.

So how did we end up here? Well, we joined a free walking tour and our guide highly recommended it. Alas, we fell for it.

We ordered lamb tagine with caramelized onions, prunes ( 2 pieces, with pits) and apricots ( there was only one piece). It lacked flavor and sauce. On the dry side. However, the meat was very tender.

To go with it, we ordered " Moroccan Salad" - in fact, merely chopped tomatoes, onions, cucumbers and some parsley (?). What's " Moroccan" about that? Very bland. We also have that combination in the Philippines.

We've been having bread at every meal so I asked for a portion of plain couscous to go with the tagine. I didn't bother asking for the price since , yeah, it's just like ordering a cup of rice.

Worst decision ever.

Lo and behold! That bowl of plain steamed couscous cost 80 dirhams ( approx 8 USD!) . We felt cheated. The lamb tagine ( meat and all) cost 150 dirhams and the couscous 80. That is abusive.

THIS RESTAURANT IS OVERPRICED

In terms of atmosphere, well it's a "garden " so the main dining area is outdoors amidst plants. The tablecloths were not ironed, napkins were of paper, our table was wobbly.

It is walking distance from our riad. It was already dark but we were told it's relatively safe in the medina .

We KNEW our way back, knew where to turn.. then a Moroccan guy told us not to go in the direction we were heading , shouting "there's nothing there!" Thank goodness I had read about this modus operandi online.

Obviously, he was trying to mislead us. We paid him no heed . We went our way.

Further down, another encounter with a man trying to mislead us again, saying " that's the wrong way! That's not going to the Medina!" We ignored him, walking at a faster pace , getting nervous.

Finally, we arrived at our riad safe and sound, relieved.

Oh the hazards of...

It’s almost like entering a secret garden literally once you wind through the dim alleyways and split roads (and also scammers who try to lead you elsewhere - follow your maps and signs on the walls). The entrance opens up to an open courtyard of tables with some sheltered nooks and crannies that also has some seatings within them for privacy so you never feel you are packed with people. Overgrown plants and lush greenery covered the concrete walls, and cheerful staff greets you warmly. On cold nights, a huge campfire pot will light up in the middle.

Complimentary bread will be served at the start (as with all Moroccan restaurants). You can try their tagines (typical Moroccan dish - stewed meat/veg in a earthenware pot) or go with more international options. Either way it’s quite good though we had a few options on the menu not being available when we were there. We had chicken and sardine and even though it was sweeter than what we would have liked, it’s still a decent introduction to Moroccan cuisine. Juices are fresh and teas were wonderful.

We were quite tickled when the cats here are daring enough to feed themselves with leftovers in lightning speed before the servers cleared the table. They are also quite game to butter up to patrons for hope of some food.

Best to have a reservation as it can get pretty packed.

My friend stayed in their raid before and...