My partner and I arrived at Restaurant Baraka around 6.30pm. It was well signposted on the main route, at the place shown on Google Maps. We were quickly made very welcome by our host Nourddine, who later told us that he and his familiy started running the restaurant about a year ago in the central area of their riad as a way of supplementing his income from making cedar furniture, Much of the seating in the homely restaurant space was apparently made by him.

Nourddine knows a little English, but my partner's ability to converse in French meant our encounter with him could go further than the bare necessities of ordering a meal.

We both chose a starter made of aubergines and tomatoes. While this was being prepared we enjoyed the fresh bread and generous bowl of olives. It wasn't long before the starter arrived, warm and served in small tagines by one of the sons. It was truly delicious, reminding us how tasty aubergine can be when expertly prepared.

For the main course we had chosen vegetables with couscous. There was more than enough to satisfy our appetites, and once again the food was very good.

To round off, Nourddine brought a pot of tea and three glasses, then sat and chatted amiably with us. Including the bottle of sparkling water the bill only came to 200 dirhams (cash, naturally).

We wholeheartedly recommend Restaurant Baraka as an excellent place to eat in the medina in Meknes, and hope it thrives.