We stumbled across Al-Farid during a tour of St Albans - it was the flowers in the window and decor that caught our eye so we returned for dinner.

It was really important that there were plenty of Gluten-Free options for our friend - often the GF party can feel left out, but not here! So many options.

We instantly felt part of the family, with beaming smiles from staff and we were personally taken care of by Azi who pre-empted everything, from drinks, to more serving spoons and side plates...Azi thought of everything and then let us enjoy the experience.

The menu has really good options, with an easy layout and reasonable prices. Portions were just right, not too small or overwhelmingly big either. I'd recommend the 'Kissed by Rose' cocktail with gin, rose water and grenadine which was a sparkling delight garnished with rose petals. I've never enjoyed a cocktail so much, I feel so much passion and thought has gone into delighting customers with flavour and presentation.

OK, so the most important thing here, THE FOOD, oh my goodness. I have enjoyed cuisine like this in central London Mayfair etc. and nothing compares. You are getting real authentic Moroccan food, lovingly prepared. When the food arrived beautifully presented, we stopped talking and just Mmmmm'ed for about 5 minutes. I had the Al Bahr Tagine which had a generous portion of sweet succulent king prawns, baby squid and cubed squash which was so tasty served with rice or cous cous. I tried some of the lamb tagine, which you could tell would have taken many hours to marinate and then slow cook, meat does not just fall of the bone like that. So good, I'm jealous that I don't live in St Albans because this would definitely become a favourite haunt, well, we're already talking about returning...it was worth the late train ride home!

Azi pointed out the chef as he left, and we literally applauded - I'm sure I heard someone whisper "will you marry me" hahaha

I cannot recommend this place enough, I just hope I can get a booking when I do decide to return. I think it's a fairly new business from what I gathered but if they've got things so right already, I can only imagine what these two business women have planned for the future

5***** from us Azi and Mo - we wish you all the best in your venture.