Restaurante Aladwaq — Restaurant in Valencia

Nestled in the vibrant streets of Valencia, Aladwaq is a culinary gem that beckons food lovers with its exquisite Moroccan cuisine. A feast for both the eyes and taste buds, Aladwaq delivers a remarkable dining experience that transports guests to the bustling souks of Marrakech. From the moment you step inside, the warm ambiance and fragrant aromas set the stage for a memorable gastronomic adventure.

One dish that stands out at Aladwaq is their succulent Tayin Chicken. Served in a traditional clay pot, the tender chicken is simmered with an assortment of aromatic spices, resulting in a dish that is rich in flavor and reminiscent of authentic Moroccan home cooking. The chicken practically falls off the bone, and every bite is a symphony of spices that dances on the palate. The accompanying fragrant couscous is the perfect complement, absorbing the flavorful sauce and adding a delightful texture to the dish.

The Mutabbal, a classic Middle Eastern eggplant dip, is a must-try appetizer at Aladwaq. Prepared with smoky charred eggplant, tahini, garlic, and a touch of lemon juice, it is a heavenly combination of creamy and tangy flavors. The Mutabbal is served with freshly baked pita bread, which is soft and pillowy, ideal for scooping up every luscious mouthful. This appetizer is a delightful introduction to the vibrant flavors that await you throughout the meal.

Another standout dish is the Tfaya, a traditional Moroccan caramelized onion and raisin topping that accompanies various dishes. The sweet and savory medley of flavors adds a unique depth to the already sumptuous offerings at Aladwaq. The caramelized onions are cooked to perfection, achieving a delicate balance between sweetness and earthiness. With each bite, the Tfaya imparts a burst of sweetness that harmonizes beautifully with the savory elements of the main courses.

Aladwaq also boasts an impressive array of traditional Moroccan desserts. The Pastilla, a delicate phyllo pastry filled with almonds, cinnamon, and powdered sugar, is a delightful finale to a remarkable meal. The contrast between the crispy layers of pastry and the sweet, nutty filling is simply heavenly. The desserts are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and are a testament to the culinary prowess of the chefs.

The service at Aladwaq is great, with attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu. The presentation of each dish is visually stunning, showcasing the vibrant colors and textures of Moroccan cuisine. The restaurant's cozy and intimate setting creates a welcoming atmosphere that enhances the overall...

I'm not in the business of writing negative reviews as I generally don't think it's fair to stick the boot into small businesses who are trying their best. However, I'd argue that this business isn't even trying, much less trying their best.

The experience was poor from the beginning. The place was empty - which we weren't too fussed about since we'd read good reviews - but then, to add to it, the service was painfully slow. No alcohol is sold on the premises which, again, we weren't too fussed about since it was a Sunday evening.

The real issues were with the food. There was no falafel so we asked for a recommendation to go with our other starter. When they both arrived, they were identical in flavour, with one in pastry and the other in breadcrumbs. To add to that astounding variation, both were served with the same uninspired white dip. Mmm, delicious.

Next up was the chicken and vegetable cous cous, which tasted as advertised, but without the promised chicken or vegetables. It reminded me of Heinz chicken soup that had been watered down with rain water. But then again, I feel that's overly harsh to both Heinz and rain water.

Anyway, the waitress was relatively pleasant until we paid (nice guys - not looking for a freebie) and told her the food was pretty bland. Her response being 'you guys must have coronavirus because everyone else loves it'.

Incorrect. Avoid...

Kind of ironic, they don't serve alcohol but the waitress was drunk. The service was terrible. The waitress was drunk, not professional and unpleasant. When we wanted to pay, we asked to split the bill but she said no, you need to pay all together, my friend got angry and she said ok. Many people left the place because nobody took care of them. We should have done the same in first place. I don't like to leave bad reviews but the service was unacceptable. The food was ok but I didn't like much the couscous, too sweet, no meat, just cheap merguez and falafel. Lot of onions on top. I expected some peace of beef besides two ridiculous merguez....