Aicha Moroccan Cuisine — Restaurant in San Francisco

Deeply Disappointed - Overpriced, Poor Quality, and Questionable Hygiene

We visited this restaurant during lunch hours and found it completely empty, which should have been our first warning sign. Still, we decided to give it a chance, especially since it had surprisingly high ratings online, which, in hindsight, we find very questionable.

We ordered the chicken bastilla, lamb tagine with prunes and almonds, the mixed meat kebab platter, and the beef sirloin kebab maghdour. Our total came to over $100, which was shockingly expensive for the small portion sizes we received.

The wait time was unusually long, despite the restaurant being empty. When the food finally arrived, the problems began:

The chicken bastilla was dry and tasted off, with a filling that did not seem fresh. The sirloin maghdour was downright spoiled. With the first bite, I got an immediate taste of rotten meat, which made me gag. My family tried it as well and confirmed that many pieces had the same foul odor—clear signs the meat had gone bad. The lamb tagine was tolerable but far from memorable, lacking the depth and richness typically associated with Moroccan cuisine. When the mixed meat kebab platter arrived, we were stunned by the minute quantity. The kebabs were dry, flavorless, and again, one of the sirloin kebab pieces had the same rotten taste as the maghdour. We couldn’t finish the meal, which is rare for us.

This was easily one of the most disappointing dining experiences we've had, both in terms of quality and value. We left feeling completely unsatisfied and frankly concerned about food safety. To add to the issues, the restroom was unclean, and we observed that only one person was managing everything-from taking orders and cooking to fixing the restroom commode-which raises serious questions about hygiene and sanitation.

We were left confused about the high online ratings, as our experience was nowhere near what those reviews suggest. Perhaps they were inflated or outdated, but we genuinely hope others don’t fall into the same trap we did.

Not recommended. Save your money and...

Step into Aicha Moroccan Cuisine and get ready to be teleported straight to Marrakesh without dealing with airport security! This gem of a spot serves up dishes so authentic, you might start speaking Arabic by the end of your meal. From the moment you walk in, the aromas of cumin, coriander, and saffron hit you like a bustling Moroccan market. The tagines are so tender and flavorful, you'll forgive them for hogging the table space, and the couscous? It's like fluffy clouds of grainy joy that'll make you forget all about your carb-counting vows.

Aicha's not just a meal; it’s a full-on feast for the senses. The vibrant decor, with its rich colors and intricate patterns, sets the perfect backdrop for a culinary adventure. Plus, the staff treats you better than a long-lost cousin. So, grab a seat, order a steaming pot of mint tea, and enjoy a slice of Morocco right in your backyard. Trust me, Aicha Moroccan Cuisine is the closest thing to a magic carpet ride you’ll find this side of...

Despite living right near Polk Street, I hadn't checked out Aicha until just recently and I'm surprised I missed such a delicious place. We started with some delightful hot tea that warmed us up after the cold winter night outside. We moved on to the most popular appetizer the Bastilla and while the Yelp recommendations mentioned the Vegetarian Bastilla, our waiter suggested the Chicken Bastilla. It was a delicious crepe-like dish stuffed with meat and spices and a great way to start the meal. For the entree we shared a Kefta Tagine and the lamb was on point. My only recommendation is to double down and get another tagine because the food is so delicious you'll want seconds. Everything was served quickly and the wait staff was incredibly kind. Add to that the great price and this is going to become one of my standard eats...