MoMo's Kebab — Restaurant in Cleveland Heights

I recently had lunch at MoMo's Kebab - a Moroccan restaurant - in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. MoMo's Kebab is on the east side of Lee Road - just south of Cedar Lee Road.

There is limited free on-street parking on Lee Road. Immediately behind the row of restaurants and retail businesses on the east side of Lee Road is abundant free off-street parking. There are street level free parking spots and a four level parking structure - the Cedar Lee Parking Garage - with free parking during Covid-19. You can access these off-street parking spaces from both - east bound Cedar Road and north bound Lee Road. The entrance and exit to the Cedar Lee Parking Structure is on the west side of the parking structure. The fourth level of the parking does not have a ceiling. There is a stairway located at the northwest corner of the parking structure. There is a second stairway and an elevator located at the southwest corner of the parking structure. NOTE: in early June, 2022, the only elevator - located at the southwest corner of the parking structure - is OUT-OF-ORDER. There are no signs posted calling out that the elevator is out-of-order.

At MoMo's Kebab, I was greeted by the owner/chef. He is a true gentleman who loves to share Moroccan culture through his cooking. His name is Mohammed - nickname MoMo. He is a former college professor. If you order the hot mint green tea, Maghrebi Mint Tea, he pours the first glasses of hot tea with panache. His pour is not just for show. If you ask him he will explain the reasons.

When you step into the restaurant the decor is Moroccan - see attached pictures. The two tables by the windows have a couch along each wall with pillows. MoMo prepares each meal to order cooked over a charcoal grill in his kitchen. The meals at MoMo's Kebab are authentically prepared.

I enjoyed the beef platter which is served with a small Mediterrian salad, rice, vegetables, and a small side dish of harissa - a Moroccan hot sauce. Plus, you receive an order of Kesra - a whole wheat brown bread made with a touch of wheat germ. The meal is very good. I especially enjoyed the flavor of the grilled vegetables, rice and harissa. The Kesra is tasty too. I used it to "mop up" the salad dressing after I finished my salad and the flavorful juices remaining on my grilled beef platter. No butter is served with bread - no need for butter - since the cooking juices are a flavorful "dip" for the bread.

The day I had lunch a MoMo's Kebab, the grilled vegetables served on my grilled beef platter are a grilled tomato, slices of grilled green peppers all resting on a thin slice of grilled eggplant. All taste exceptional with a nice depth of flavor.

Since my meal is on a hot June day, the chilled cucumber, tomato, and pitted olives incorporated into the small Mediterrian salad are very tasty and refreshing.

The Maghrebi Mint Tea is made from green tea, mint leaves and sugar. The mint and sugar are flavors that stand out when enjoying your tea.

I called the brown bread Keshra. Depending what region og Morocco you are in it is, also, known as Khobz dyal Zraa. So I might have used the incorrect name.

After I finished my lunch, I had a nice conversation with MoMo an interesting individual. I mentioned I would enjoy a grilled vegetable platter. MoMo said he prepares a grilled vegetable platter - in fact, the grilled vegetable platter will be listed in the next edition of the menu.

I am already looking forward to my next meal at...

Nestled on Lee Road, MoMo's Kabab is more than just a restaurant; it's a culinary sanctuary where flavors dance, laughter echoes, and hearts connect. Join us, Dr. Howard and Ibojka Friedman, as we recount our delightful experience. Discovering MoMo's Kabab was serendipitous, a stroke of fate that led us to its welcoming doors several moons ago. Since then, this humble establishment has transcended its role as a mere eatery to become an integral part of our lives—a cherished haven where every visit feels like coming home. What sets MoMo's apart is not just the cuisine, but the warm embrace of Mohamed and Khadija. Their genuine hospitality transforms strangers into friends and friends into family. Our anniversary and birthday celebrations there were not just about milestones; they were about celebrating love, laughter, and the bonds forged over sumptuous Moroccan fare. The menu? Mere words cannot do justice. Mohamed's culinary prowess transports taste buds to the bustling markets of Marrakech, infusing each dish with authenticity and love. From the fragrant tagines to the tantalizing couscous, every bite tells a story—a tale of tradition, passed down through generations. And Khadija's desserts? They are a symphony of sweetness, each bite a crescendo of flavors that linger long after the last spoonful. Her mastery of pastry elevates the dining experience, leaving patrons eagerly anticipating the next indulgence. But let us not forget the crown jewel of Moroccan hospitality—the mint and green tea. Served with reverence and poured with precision, each sip is a journey through the verdant valleys of Morocco, refreshing both body and soul. In a world where stars are finite, MoMo's Kabab shines bright with the brilliance of five. Yet, in our hearts, their worth transcends numerical constraints. For MoMo's is not just a restaurant; it's a sanctuary where love, laughter, and the flavors of Morocco intertwine to create an experience that lingers long after the plates are cleared. To Mohamed and Khadija, we extend our deepest gratitude. You have not just fed us; you have nourished our souls. Until we meet again, may your flames burn bright and your spices dance with joy. With heartfelt appreciation, Dr. Howard and...

I went to Morocco many years ago while I was a student traveling through Europe & Northern Africa & I tried all the traditional fare. I didn't have a chance to eat Moroccan food again until my girlfriend introduced me to MoMo's a few years ago just before the Covid pandemic. At that time, I ordered the lamb tagine with couscous & it was delicious & authentic. Everything was cooked fresh & to order in his restaurant & Chef Momo personally poured the Moroccan Mint tea for us at our table. It is a show NOT to be missed! This has been the first time I returned to Momo's as I live in Hawai'i & ordered take out due to continued Covid concerns on my part & got their chicken platter & Mediterranean salad. Chef MoMo prides himself on freshness & everything was fresh from the crispness of the salad greens, the crustiness of the whole wheat Khobz (traditional Moroccan brown bread) to the tenderness of the meat to the rich, buttery cookies. The large meat chunks obscured the grilled eggplant, peppers & tomatoes underneath & basmati rice pilaf cooked to perfection. the portions are very generous & you can get two meals out of it easily. To my surprise, he remembered me & we spent some time talking about Covid's effect on local family restaurants in Cleveland. He also included Moroccan tea cookies for my girlfriend as she has continued to order from his restaurant during the pandemic. When I return to Cleveland again in 2 months, we will return to MoMo's Moroccan restaurant again. Cleveland is so fortunate to have a culinary treasure like Chef MoMo, his wife as the baker & his sous chef who assists him in the kitchen as well. Save your train ticket to Marrakesh. Forget the quick bite in Rick's Cafe in Casablanca. Rocking the Casbah in Algiers? Enjoy true Moroccan cuisine blending Berber, Arabic, African, & European influences over a cup of divine mint tea poured for you by Chef Momo with decorative tea cookies baked daily by his wife. You will be transported to the Kingdom of Morocco by this...