Dar Naji — Restaurant in Hassan حسان

I'd been to Dar Naji Agdal a very long time ago (around 2013) and the food was decent, so when a friend was in Rabat for the evening I thought it would be a good idea to introduce her to Moroccan food at Dar Naji Bab El Had, as it is often highly recommended on social networks. Unfortunately the beef tajine with prunes wasn't available, so we both had goat tajine, which was good, if a little pricey at 120 dh for a small portion.

Turns out though it's just a tourist trap where Disney meets Morocco. The décor is a kitsch imagination of what a Moroccan home looks like (balgha on the walls!), but the showy tea pouring is impressive to watch, so points for entertainment value. No points for authenticity though.

Service seemed smooth for most people, and it's clear they are ideally set up for dealing with huge groups of tourists. We were completely forgotten about between courses, and it took a long time to grab a waiter, because they are either concentrating on serving or chatting amongst themselves at the entrance. No point in calling out to them, as they can't hear a thing.

The music is so loud that you have to shout to make the person sitting 20 cm away from you hear, and whilst crowd-pleasers, I'm not sure what Ciao Bella and On Va Danser have to do with traditional Moroccan music. Again, good show, zero points for authenticity.

I think the lowest point of the evening was when they used a pungent chemical product to clean the table between courses, made a half-hearted attempt wipe it off, and left it smelling us out.

There are so many better places to take guests (Le Petitbeur or Riad Kalaa are my favourites). I will never, ever go back to Dar Naji. Still, my guest enjoyed it, so the evening wasn't a...

Dar Naji stands as a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Rabat, offering an authentic experience that tantalizes the taste buds with its array of local dishes. A patron of many years, I've witnessed the restaurant's remarkable transformation, enhancing its charm and solidifying its status as a hub for those seeking a genuine Moroccan atmosphere. The menu boasts an array of delectable options, each dish more inviting than the last, prepared with care and served with a warmth that reflects the kind-hearted nature of the staff. Their attentiveness is a highlight, ensuring every visit is memorable.

However, no dining experience is without its areas for improvement. The attention to detail in the cleanliness of tables and glassware occasionally falls short of the otherwise high standards set by the establishment. A more thorough approach to this aspect could elevate the overall experience, aligning it with the impeccable service and cuisine that Dar Naji is known for.

Despite this, the restaurant remains a highly recommendable choice for both locals and travelers. Be prepared for a wait during peak dinner hours, as the allure of dining on the terrace under the Rabat sky draws in many, and for good reason. The ambiance, coupled with the savory delights, makes the wait worthwhile. In essence, Dar Naji is a culinary gem that, with a little polish in its presentation, could shine even brighter. For those willing to overlook the minor inconvenience of a quick pre-meal wipe-down, the restaurant promises an evening of delightful flavors and hospitable service that captures the essence of...

We were 4 of us, including a friend visiting from London, UK so we wanted to make him taste some good Moroccan traditional food. Food was tasteless, our British friend said his vegetable tagine was not as close to what we have had in Fes. Very average. I myself ordered a Mrouzia and got what looked more like a lamb prunes tagine. All of us were a bit shocked by it as Mrouzia doesn't look like this at all but I didn't wanna make a scene as we were in a rush. However I had to call the manager as I found a BIG LONG HAIR stuck inside the meat. I requested that they take that tagine off the bill - which they did - but the manager never apologised nor offered any compensation - like a free desert or free tea. He just nodded and acted as though I was the one annoying him. Such bad customer service, no shame whatsoever, no empathy for the customer who found a bloody long hair inside his food for God's sake how disgusting is that ??? Besides that all of us found the food very average and the waitress had brought us the wrong plates at the beginning and we had to tell her what we had ordered all over again. In the end the waiter who came to clean up the table before having tea didn't clean it well enough, leaving breadcrumbs here and there, with places on the tables which were still sticky. Won't be back any soon...