Barbès — Restaurant in Hoboken

Barbès in Hoboken, NJ, is a gem that brings the flavors of Morocco and the charm of a Parisian neighborhood right to your table. After a trip to Morocco, where I fell in love with the vibrant cuisine, I was eager to find a local spot that could transport me back to those flavors—and Barbès delivered beautifully.

The Food: The Chicken Pastilla was a standout, perfectly balancing savory and sweet with its tender chicken filling wrapped in flaky phyllo dough and topped with powdered sugar. Their Tagine dishes are also exceptional; the Lamb Shank Tagine, with its fall-off-the-bone meat and richly spiced sauce, is a must-try. Whether you opt for vegetable, chicken, fish, or lamb, each tagine carries the authenticity of Morocco’s culinary tradition.

The Atmosphere: Barbès is intimate and cozy, with a mix of North African and French brasserie vibes. On a weekday afternoon, it was serene and quiet—perfect for an early dinner. On a bustling Friday evening, the atmosphere transformed, with every table filled and live music creating a lively and energetic ambiance. The shift to dance music later in the night only added to the fun.

The Experience: The staff was attentive and friendly, checking in often and ensuring a seamless dining experience. It’s clear this is a spot that values its patrons. However, parking in Hoboken can be tricky, so plan ahead with a garage or ride-share option to make your visit stress-free.

Barbès has quickly become a favorite for its authentic Moroccan flavors and unique vibe. Whether you’re reminiscing about a past trip or just seeking a culinary adventure, it’s a place worth savoring. Just don’t forget to make...

This is the second time I dine here and I got back to give the place a second chance to surprise me! Tuesday night, 7:30pm, me and my girl friend go there for dinner. We order one appetizer (delicious) and two entrees. I asked if the spicy sauce can be on the side or completely removed, if not I'd order something else. The waiter noted that down and said "absolutely no problem". At 8:45 the waiter comes out saying that there is a delay in the kitchen and our meal would be out soon - no big deal we were having a good time. At 9:20 the entrees got out brought by someone that was not the waiter, her is perfect and very good. Mine is floating in harissa sauce. At that point I ate most of the couscous that wasn't soaked (and that was good) but couldn't have the whole meal because of the spiciness. The waiter then came and asked how everything was and I said that probably something went wrong in the kitchen and that his note got lost, we went back in to check and few minutes after came out apologizing of the mistake. No big deal again we were having a good time. Just before leaving (10:30pm) he came out once more asking (and here I am quoting) "do you have a dessert for your netflix show tonight? or can i pack some baklawa for you?" I thought that was very nice so we said yes! the doggy bag came out and few minutes after the check.... They charged us for the whole meal (which is fine even if they made a mistake on my order) AND for the baklawa to go!!! I let the reader draw conclusions but I'm sure I won't give the place a...

I feel compelled to leave this review because of the deeply upsetting experience I had at this restaurant. The food was not just bad—it was honestly inedible. I ordered mussels, and they were clearly spoiled. They had an overpowering, rancid fishiness that was not just off-putting but completely abnormal. I really tried to push through it because I hate sending food back and didn’t want to make a scene. But the taste was so unbearable, I couldn’t ignore it.

When I finally mentioned it to the waitress, her response was shockingly dismissive. She arrogantly told me, ‘this is how mussels taste.’ I suggested that she try them for herself, but she just ignored me and made me feel like I was being unreasonable for speaking up. As someone who grew up next to the beach, I’ve eaten seafood my whole life, and I know what fresh mussels should taste like. This was anything but that.

It’s been a long time since this happened, but it still hurts when I think about it. I left a generous tip because I didn’t want to be that person, but the truth is, she did a terrible job, and I shouldn’t have had to tolerate such poor service and food.

I cannot recommend this place to anyone. If you’re looking for quality food and decent customer service, do yourself a favor and go somewhere else. No one should have to endure an experience that makes them feel disrespected and emotionally...