Cafe Paprika — Restaurant in Aurora

My friend and I decided to try this place as a suggestion from a coworker. We walked in and it is very small. Maybe 8 tables. The decor was amazing though. Such great paintings. It really engulfs you in a different part of the world. We waited for a good 10 minutes before we were actually sat but we looked past it. It took even longer to get water and to ask what we wanted to order. The guy was pleasant but clearly busy and the only waiter. We finally ordered , excited to try new things. First we got the Bastilla which is a circular pastry with both sweet and savory flavors. It was so good. It reminded us of baklava but savory and no sauce. I also got Harrira soup which has lentils and chik peas and tons of spices. I'm not a huge soup fan but when in Rome. I liked it but probably would not order again. I do still suggest trying it. I then got the Moroccan mint tea. He pours it out of a beautiful pot raising it into the air. Again, not a mint fan but I actually really liked it and would absolutely have it again. It's only $2 and he refills it as often as you can drink it. Lastly our entrees. I ordered the Lamb Shank which comes with couscous (or saffron basmati rice) ,a rich sauce and the typical vegetables and raisins. The best lamb and couscous I have ever had. It fell off the bone and was so juicy. The sauce just added more depth. My friend ordered the kebab combination. He was out of kefta so she couldn't try that but she got chicken and merguez with saffron basmati rice and vegetables. The rice was room temp but flavorful. The chicken was cooked and seasoned perfectly. The merguez sausage was quite small but packed with flavor! I would absolutely recommend everything we had. We want to go back to try more things. The size of the place is interesting but has a homey feel. The time we waited to be sat and to order was off putting but everything else made up for it by far! The waiter is the owner and I'm certain he probably cooks everything too. I have no idea what authentic moroccan is but this has to be it! It was so amazing. It felt like a 4 course meal without the price. It wasnt cheap but for the quality put before you, completely worth the time and money. We spent just over 2 hours here and enjoyed it. If you're in a rush ,try it another day but do try it. You wont regret it! Highly recommend and will spread the word. Hes been in business for 26 years...

The most memorable aspect of this restaurant is the owner, Chakib (sorry if I am spelling that incorrectly!) We always feel incredibly welcome upon walking through the door. Part of this is also because of the atmosphere, which could not be better. It's easy to feel comfortable inside, even if you are trying Moroccan food for the first ime.

We usually start each meal with the appetizer sampler, which comes with humus, baba ganoush, and some of the best falafel I have ever had. It never disappoints. I vividly remember the first time eating here and being reluctant to try the Cafe Paprika Burger, which was divine. It is not a traditional burger which really helped make it memorable. As tempted as I am to order that each time, I love trying new things and I'm glad I have. The dish I got the other day was the kabob combo and loved it, too. My girlfriend usually gets the lamb tajine with couscous and that is probably the best dish I have had so far. The meat is so incredibly tender and the couscous is cooked to perfection.

We usually end each meal with tea and baklava. I'll admit that the baklava was probably the best I have ever had on the first day we had gone, but even still it is really good. It comes with an irresistibly tasty fruit sauce that I simply cannot get enough of.

Overall, I absolutely love this restaurant. The thing that keeps me coming back every time is the way the meat is prepared. It has always been cooked to absolute perfection. We look forward to...

Cafe Paprika is a staple in the Aurora and just as delicious as I remember it being. I recently moved back to Aurora and after almost 4 years Chakib still remembered me!

Cafe Paprika has been here for over 30 years now and Chakib still runs it with the same care and love that he always has. The food is amazing, full of flavor and the portions are massive. I'm 1/2 Libyan and this is closest I can get to dishes that I grew up with. They've recently reopened after only doing take out for the last 2 years due to staffing issues. Chakib is the only person working the dining area and a single chef working the kitchen. Please be patient with service as the food is well worth the wait. His card reader was down unfortunately which he informed me before sitting down, so please call to see if you need to bring cash to eat. There is a 7-11 next door with an ATM as well.

Everything on the menu is phenomenal but I got the combination appetizer with baba ganoush, hummus and falafel, a kefta tajine and bastilla and baklava to go. The portions are more than enough for several meals (I'm sharing my food with my roommates when I get home) I'm excited to bring back my family as I'm sure my Baba would love to have some familiar cooking in good...